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.

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.