LUCENA CITY, Philippines — Globe, in partnership with GCash, is redefining connectivity as an essential utility for Filipino communities by enabling seamless digital payments in public markets. Through a joint initiative piloted at Lucena Public Market and supported by the local government, Globe AT HOME and GCash installed free public Wi‑Fi reinforced by GFiber Prepaid solutions, delivering fast, stable, and reliable internet access that empowers vendors and their customers, or suki, to complete cashless transactions with ease. This collaboration directly addresses the connectivity challenges that often disrupt cashless transactions, ensuring smoother, more dependable GCash payments. With fast and stable internet access, vendors and their suki can not only complete purchases seamlessly but also tap into the wider suite of GCash services, including insurance, send money, buy load, pay bills, credit, and other financial tools. By reducing payment friction and expanding access to these digital features, Globe AT HOME is helping modernize everyday commerce in public markets, where every peso counts and connectivity is essential. “The palengke or wet market is the heartbeat of Filipino communities, where every peso counts and speed of transactions is essential. By providing fast and stable internet access through GFiber Prepaid, Globe AT HOME is empowering both vendors and their suki to thrive in the digital economy, without the burden of monthly bills or lock‑in periods. This initiative makes digital payments more accessible and dependable, ensuring that a quick trip to the palengke is seamless, efficient, and fully connected,” said Abigail Cardino, Vice President Globe Broadband Business. “Digitalizing our local markets through GCash is about more than just replacing cash with a screen; it’s about giving our market vendors and micro-entrepreneurs the digital footprint they need to thrive. By integrating these hubs into the digital economy, we are not just modernizing transactions—we are opening doors to credit, insurance, and a more secure financial future for the backbone of our local communities,” shared Cleo Celeste Santos, Vice President and Head of Public Sector of G-Xchange, Inc. The initiative brings together Globe AT HOME, palengke vendors, their suki, and the Lucena LGU in a shared effort to modernize commerce. Vendors benefit from more reliable digital transactions that reduce delays and improve business operations, while their suki enjoy hassle‑free cashless payments that make their market experience faster and more convenient. At the same time, the Lucena LGU supports the program as part of its broader city digitalization agenda, reinforcing the role of connectivity in inclusive community development. Together, these stakeholders are helping transform the traditional palengke into a hub of digital and financial inclusion. “Hindi na namin kailangang mag‑load para mag‑transact sa GCash. Malakas ang [Wi-Fi] signal [ng GFiber Prepaid], kaya hindi na na kailangan pang maghanap ng signal o lumabas ng palengke para makagamit ng GCash,” shared Thelma Bathan, a local vendor at the Lucena Public Market. Globe AT HOME deployed GFiber Prepaid to provide stable public Wi‑Fi access within the palengke, ensuring uninterrupted digital experience and frictionless transactions. This initiative is part of Globe’s larger mission to position connectivity as a true utility, empowering communities, enabling financial inclusion, and building a more resilient digital economy for all Filipinos.

By Danny Estacio   LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – House deputy speaker Rep. David C. Suarez announced on Monday that he filed a House Bill in Congress in aid of legislation to provide a clearer explanation for why oil prices are rising rapidly, even though there is supposedly an adequate fuel supply in the country. Suarez posted on FB said that if the country has sufficient stock, consumers should also have immediate protection against sudden price increases. The Quezon 2nd district lawmaker acknowledged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier statement that the country has sufficient fuel inventory, including more than 50 days’ supply of diesel and gasoline, more than 60 days for kerosene, and almost a month for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). However, Suarez said that the public still questions why global market movements are immediately reflected in prices even though the country has reserves. Of this, he filed House Resolution No. 852 to investigate the recent and expected fuel price hikes and to determine whether the government is adequately protecting consumers. He also asked the Department of Energy to submit a detailed report to Congress on the movement of oil prices, fuel inventories, and the basis for price adjustments in the country. Suarez insisted that transparency is important to ensure that ordinary Filipinos are not overly affected by the fluctuating oil prices in the global market.

LUCENA CITY, Quezon- Itinanghal na Top 1 Best Performing Barangay ang Barangay 8 sa Lucena City nitong nakalipas na Pebrero. Nakakuha ito ng average na 8.6 ayon kay Barangay Chairman Saymon Dy. Bukod pa dito binigyan din ng pagkilala sa paghahatid at pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa tao tuwing araw ng Sabado at Linggo. Ayon kay Dy simula noong Hunyo 2025 hanggang Pebrero 2026 ay nakapagbigay ang barangay ng 248 na serbisyo na may 701 na kliyente sa barangay sa araw ng Sabado at Linggo. Nagpaabot ng pasasalamat si Dy sa Lucena DILG sa palaging gabay at suporta, ganon din kay Mayor Mark Alcala at Vice Mayor Dondon Alcala sa walang sawang pagtulong at pag-alalay sa aming Barangay. Ang nasabing parangal ay isang patunay na kahit kailan ay hinding hindi na muli mahuhuli at mapag-iwanan ang Barangay 8, pagtiyiyak ni Dy.    

By Danny Estacio   LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Saludo Hotline was formally launched at the Quezon Convention Center, this city, on Thursday morning, Feb.19. The Saludo hotline, which will recognize the good deeds of each police officer and other units. According to Julieta Rañeses, Napolcom regional director, it is appropriate to recognize police officers who perform their duties with full skill. She mentioned that in Quezon police under the leadership of Police Col. Romulo Albacea only 36 police officers, based on the record, have been linked to bad work. Provincial administrator Manuel Butardo represents Quezon gov. Angelina Tan, who reads the message of support of the provincial government. Rañeses, hoped that the program of the commission would have a positive outcome, that the majority of police officers would do good things for the community. Police officers assigned to various police stations who performed good deeds were given recognition. The Saludo Hotline provides the public with a dedicated platform to submit commendations, positive reports, and testimonials for police personnel who exemplify professionalism, integrity, and dedication to public service. This initiative reinforces police accountability, enhances public confidence, and promotes a culture of excellence in law enforcement across the CALABARZON region.        

By Danny Estacio LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – The Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development region 4A awarded the Gawad Husay sa Pagpaplano (GHP) – Hall of Fame to Gumaca town under the leadership of Mayor Webster Letargo at Quezon Convention Center, this city. Letargo received the awards for five consecutive years. Gumaca town is the first town in Quezon to be awarded a Hall of Fame in Gawad Husay sa Pagpaplano. Letargo on his FB post said, “We are very proud of this recognition because the town of Gumaca is the only Hall of Fame Awardee, and this is the result of continuous planning, clear development direction, and proper use of data to ensure the safe, orderly, and long-term development of our town”. Letargo added that ‘this award is not just for the government, but for every Gumaqueño. Let us continue to plan correctly—because true development begins with a clear plan and concern for the people. With Letargo was Jefferson Uy, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC), who continues to guide and lead the formulation of programs focused on sustainable and inclusive development. Letargo added that he recognized the tremendous contributions of the former MPDC officer Geminina Fernando.

By Danny Estacio   LUCENA CITY, Quezon – House Deputy Speaker Rep. David C. Suarez announced here on Friday that he will file his legislative bill, entitled Ginhawa Kit, this coming week. Suarez, a representative of Quezon’s second district, said in an interview with the local-based media that the Ginhawa Kit bill is a pocket legislation comprising three important measures, aimed at alleviating the challenges people face every day. The KIT stands for Kuryente (electricity), Internet, and Trabaho (job). The said bill is one of his priority bills for the 20th Congress. He said that hopefully the citizens will benefit from this, especially those in need. He is expecting that the bill will get support from fellow legislators in the House of Representatives and even in the Senate. Suarez emphasized that the Ginhawa Kit bill is totally different from AICS (Aid to Individuals in Crisis Situation). The Quezon solon added that the main purpose of the bill is to alleviate the situation of the people who are going through the hardships of a miserable life. He reported also that House Bill 5105, a bill converting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Candelaria extension office into a regular district office and House Bill 5102, a bill supporting the conversion of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU)-Lucena, and Tiaong extension campuses into regular campuses were already passed by the respective committees.

      SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna, Philippines — Isang panibagong karangalan ang nakamit ng siyudad ng San Pablo, matapos makamit ng City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) ang parangal na iginawad ng Office of the Civil Defense-CALABARZON, sa ginanap na Thanksgiving and Recognition Ceremony, kamakailan. Ang parangal na “Mahusay na Pamumuno” ay tinanggap ng CDRRMO sa ilalim ng liderato ni Chief Arvin P. Carandang. Ang pagkilalang “Patunay ng Serbisyo “ ay simbolo ng kanilang walang pagod na paghahanda at mabilis na pagtugon sa mga sakuna upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng bawat San Pableño. Ang parangal na “Suporta ng Pamunuan” ay kumikilala sa walang-humpay na sumuporta sa mga programa ng CDRRMO mula sa ama ng siyudad na Mayor Najie Gapangada. “Layunin” Ang tagumpay na ito ay naglalayong mas patatagin pa ang komunidad tungo sa pagiging mas handa at ligtas sa anumang hamon ng panahon. Mabuhay ang ating mga bayani sa sakuna! Isang pagpupugay sa inyong katapatan sa serbisyo. Source: SPCUpdates

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna, Philippines — Graduating students of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management of Lyceum de San Pablo have launched an innovative academic project that puts the city’s heritage, culture, and everyday life into focus. Titled “San Pablo Unveiled: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Hidden Gems,” the coffee table book is a student-produced publication that presents San Pablo beyond its well-known Seven Lakes. Developed as a culminating project of the graduating batch, the book traces the city’s narrative from the Japanese and American periods to the present day. Organized into sections on history, culture, religion, gastronomy, ecotourism, and dark tourism, the publication highlights the stories behind San Pablo’s distinct identity. Each chapter reflects the city’s traditions, local flavors, natural wonders, and the continuing efforts of both community and local government to preserve these for future generations. The graduating class is represented by Jayra May Presencia, Editor-in-Chief of the publication, under the guidance of their instructor John Lester Malabanan. This project stands as both a scholarly achievement and a creative contribution to local tourism storytelling—inviting readers to rediscover San Pablo City through the eyes of its future tourism professionals. Congratulations to the BS Tourism Management graduating batch of Lyceum de San Pablo for this commendable and forward-looking work. (San Pablo Tourism Office)

PALAWAN, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) MIMAROPA (MIndoro (Occidental & Oriental), MArinduque, ROmblon, and Palawan) Regional Office, in close coordination with the 584th Aircraft Control and Warning Group, has successfully recaptured the remaining escapees following an intensive and sustained manhunt operation. The successful recapture of Princess Dorothy Dela Cruz y Alcala, of Bagong Silang, Puerto Princesa City and Paul Alexis Cacho Camias ,of Barangay San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City was made possible through the combined efforts of PDEA operatives, CDPPCO, PD- PALAWAN PPO, NICA, WESCOM, Phil Airforce, and other law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly to track down and apprehend the fugitives. The operation demonstrated strong inter-agency cooperation, effective intelligence sharing, and swift operational response. PDEA MIMAROPA extends its sincere gratitude to the other law enforcement units, local government units, media partners and the communities for their unwavering support and assistance throughout the operation. The Agency also commends the public for their vigilance and cooperation, particularly those who provided valuable information that contributed significantly to the successful outcome of the manhunt. PDEA MIMAROPA reiterates its commitment to strengthening security measures and continuously enhancing operational protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Agency also encourages the public to remain alert and continue supporting law enforcement efforts by promptly reporting any suspicious activities to authorities. It can be recalled that on January 13, four prisoners escaped from the PDEA Palawan Provincial Office detention facility. Through the immediate and coordinated efforts of PDEA MIMAROPA personnel, Puerto Princesa City Police Office, and other law enforcement partners, two of the escapees have been successfully recaptured on that day identified as Jonathan Palanca, of Bagong Sikat, Puerto Princesa City and  Harold Sanchez Desoro, of Sicsican, Puerto Princesa City.