By Danny Estacio   LIMA, Batangas – Binigyang-pugay ng Global Technical Center of Excellence (GTCOE), isang training facility na inilunsad ng Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) at JERA Co., Inc. (JERA), ang ikalawang batch ng mga nagtapos sa Basic Operations and Maintenance Program, na binubuo ng 17 technical professionals, kabilang ang batch valedictorian na si Nathalie Abdon. Ang programa na may adhikaing tulungang  punan ang agwat sa pagitan ng teorya sa aklat at ng aktuwal na kalagayan sa industriya, sa pamamagitan ng paghahanda sa mga inhinyero mula sa “steady-state” na akademikong modelo patungo sa “non-linear” at mataas na responsibilidad na kapaligiran ng operasyon ng power plant. “Sa paaralan, malinaw at maayos ang mga kundisyong nilulutas namin, ngunit sa planta, hindi linear ang sistema,” paliwanag ni Abdon. “Natutunan ko na kailangan kong lumipat mula sa pag-aaral para lamang makaunawa tungo sa pag-aaral na may pananagutan. Ang mga desisyon sa totoong mundo ay may tunay na epekto, at ang pagbabagong ito ang nagpatibay sa aking pagiging mas sinadya at responsable.” Sa valedictory message, binigyang-diin ni Abdon ang kahalagahan ng katatagan at ng representasyon sa sektor ng enerhiya. Siya ang unang babaeng inhinyero sa kanilang pamilya. “Sa paglalakbay na ito, napagtanto ko na ang tunay na koneksyon ay maaaring mabuo sa kabila ng pagkakaiba,” dagdag pa niya. “Ang pagkakaroon ng ibang pananaw na nagpapahalaga sa pagkalinga, malasakit, katumpakan, at layunin sa bawat teknikal na hamon na aking haharapin. Mula sa paglutas ng mga equation, ang aking paglalakbay ay ngayo’y bahagi na ng progresibong pag-unlad para sa isang mas matatag na Pilipinas.” Para kay Abdon, ang pagsali sa Therma Luzon, Inc. ng AboitizPower ay katuparan ng kanyang panghabambuhay na kuryosidad. Lumaki sa Quezon, madalas niyang tinitingnan ang mataas na chimney ng kalapit na planta, na napagkakamalan niyang parola. Si Abdon at ang kanyang mga kasamahan ay sinanay batay sa Limang Haligi ng GTCOE: Kaligtasan, Husay Teknikal, Kakayahang Umangkop, Pakikipagtulungan, at Komunikasyon. Tinitiyak ng kurikulum na ang mga nagtapos ay may aktuwal na karanasan sa control room at paggamit ng mga high-capacity na kagamitan. Kahit sa panahon ng Artificial Intelligence (AI), hindi nalilimutan ni Abdon ang mga pangunahing prinsipyo ng kanyang propesyon. “Bagaman kayang i-optimize ng AI ang mga sistema, dapat itong gabayan ng matibay na mga engineering principles gaya ng thermodynamics at physics,” saad niya. “Tungkulin naming itaguyod ang kaligtasan at integridad ng operasyon sa bawat desisyon.” Ayon naman kay GTCOE Director Engr. Mayshelle Rosario, ang mga prinsipyong ito ang nagtutulak sa misyon ng training facility, at sinabing ang kahusayan ng tao ang siyang tunay na nagtutulak sa pagkakaroon ng business excellence. Si Hideaki Oana, Chief Technical Officer ng JERA Philippines, ay nagbahagi ng parehong pananaw, at pinuri ang mga nagtapos bilang mga lider na kayang gawing konkretong solusyon ang teknolohiya.            

By Anna Diana Mole   LAGUNA, Philippines — In the quiet town of Paete in Laguna, the sound of chisels striking wood echoes like a prayer; it is steady, deliberate, and filled with meaning. Here, where artistry is both heritage and identity, faith is not only spoken in churches but also carved into life through skilled hands and generations of devotion. As the solemn observance of Holy Week begins, Paete once again transforms into a living gallery of sacred art. Detailed carved images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints emerge from pieces of wood, each piece carrying the weight of tradition and the depth of Catholicism. Recognized as the “Carving Capital of the Philippines,” Paete’s legacy dates back to colonial times, when early artisans began crafting religious icons for churches and communities across the country. Over time, wood carving became more than an economic activity as it evolved into a cultural and spiritual identity deeply rooted in the town’s daily life. For wood carver Arnel Fadul who has been carving for almost half of his life, Holy Week is more than just a season, it is a blessing that sustains both their faith and their livelihood. “During Holy Week, we don’t run out of work, especially with religious items we carved. With so many sacred images being brought out in processions here, our tradition is truly unique—that’s why people should visit the town of Paete.” Behind every religious image Fadul carved is a story of his long hours, patient hands, and unwavering devotion. Each curve of the wood, each delicate detail, reflects not only artistic mastery but a deep reverence for faith passed down through generations. And as the town prepares for Lenten processions that will fill the streets with solemn beauty, another quiet miracle unfolds as people from all walks of life arrive, drawn to Paete’s living tradition. “It’s a big help for us because more people support our products, especially during Holy Week, now that Paete is widely known as a center of wood carving,” Fadul said.   Despite the rise of factory-made religious items, Paete’s artisans remain committed to preserving their meticulous craft which inspired Fadul to involve younger generations. From simply watching him at work, his child learned the art of carving, picking up the patience, skill, and devotion that each piece demands. “I have a child who knows how to carve. I didn’t formally teach them, and they learned just by watching us. It makes me happy, it’s a blessing for our family and for Paete because it’s a good thing that wood carving here in our town will never fade because there’ll be the next generation who knows how to carve,” Fadul said. This organic passing of knowledge, from parent to child, is what keeps Paete’s identity intact as the world rapidly shifts toward modernity; the persistence of such traditions offers a grounding sense of continuity. And so, as candles are lit and prayers rise this Holy Week, Paete offers something more than devotion—it offers a glimpse of a community where faith is tangible, where tradition is alive, and where every piece of carved wood carries the faith of their town. (AM/PIA CALABARZON)    

By Danny Estacio   SAN NARCISO, Quezon, Philippines  – The combined engineering forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)- Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), and the Aviation Engineer Group of the United States Air Force conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of one unit, two-classroom school building at Villa Reyes Elementary School on April 1, in this town. The Philippine Army-564th Engineer Construction Battalion, and the United States Indo-Pacific Command-356th Aviation Engineer Group of the United States Air Force are responsible for undertaking the project part of the Engineer Civil Action Program (ENCAP) and was attended by the contingents from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, led by the Battalion Commanders of the 564th Engineer Construction Battalion and the 85th Infantry Battalion, United States Counterparts, representatives from the local government unit (LGU) of San Narciso, and the local police.   The project reflects the enduring commitment, strengthened unity, and close cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, as both nations work side by side in advancing community development. Exercise Balikatan stands as a powerful testament to the resilient and steadfast alliance between the two countries. The construction of a 7-meter by 18-meter classroom building, complete with a comfort room, is scheduled to be completed by May 15, 2026. Once completed, the additional classrooms are expected to benefit approximately 573 students for School Year 2026–2027. This initiative will provide a safer, more conducive, and adaptable learning environment while addressing the growing demand for classroom space. With only 11 existing classrooms, the addition of two new ones will help ease congestion and overcrowding, thereby enhancing the quality of education and supporting a more effective teaching and learning process. Ultimately, this development will serve both present and future generations of students within the community. The Humanitarian Civic Assistance conducted under Exercise Balikatan continues to enhance access to education and essential services for local communities, while strengthening community resilience and deepening bilateral ties. The AFP and U.S. Forces emphasize that, beyond enhancing protective capabilities and combat mobility, joint activities such as ENCAP also promote meaningful community engagement through sustainable and people-centered development initiatives. Army Lt. Gen. Cerilo C. Balaoro Jr., commander of the Southern Luzon Command, emphasized the value of collaborative efforts in advancing education and community development. He said that initiatives under Exercise Balikatan not only enhance military interoperability but also deliver tangible and lasting benefits to local communities. Balaoro expressed appreciation to partner units, local government stakeholders, and community members for their continued cooperation, noting that these projects reflect the shared commitment of the Philippines and the United States to building resilient, peaceful, and progressive communities.      

By Danny Estacio   CITY OF STO. TOMAS, Batangas, Philippines – The City School Division Office (SDO) of the Department of Education got the lowest percentage of struggling readers, which brought local learning to the top on a national level, said here on Monday, March 30. This was the result of the recently concluded Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA) conducted at the beginning of SY 2025-2026, where the City of Sto. Tomas Schools Division posted the lowest percentage of struggling readers at 23.43%, leading the country in literacy, as announced by  City Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan Marasigan said that it is the outcome of the power of the partnership among the local government, educators, and stakeholders to exemplify reading habits to young learners. Marasigan added that collaborative efforts between the local government units and the education sector had been manifested as the city was recognized by the Department of Education’s Second Commission on Education with the lowest number of struggling readers. The fresh achievement highlights the many sacrifices of our teachers who give extra time to bring meaningful change to students’ learning behavior, said Marasigan. The recognition has proven the important role of each sector of society in shaping the education system in the country, he added. Marasigan said that the city has institutionalized ties with the city’s SDO through the local school board, expanding the membership and strengthening its core to take urgent action to address the learning crisis. LGU, in partnership with SDO has scaled up health and nutrition for our young learners by implementing feeding programs and executing the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, which enables learners struggling in reading, mathematics, and science to attain essential learning competencies. Marasigan administration’s securing proper education for young citizens has been one of his many priorities, ensuring that no one is denied equitable access to learning opportunities and formulating policies that would guarantee quality education for young Tomasinos. Dr. Neil Angeles, head of the City School Division Office, is thankful to the local government for providing essential materials most helpful in bringing back the love of reading for school children. Angeles added that aside from mentorship and guided reading sessions, easily accessible reference and reading materials, and available digital learning tools provided by the city government are crucial in meeting the ideal educational outcome. Parents’ active involvement in making home reading a habit for their children helps accelerate literacy development, and family support indeed makes a difference, said Angeles. Marasigan expressed gratitude to the effort of the City School Division Office for bringing local learning to the top of the educational arena on a national level.    

QUEZON, Philippines – The Ceremonial Signing of the Deed of Donation with Acceptance for a lot for the Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) was successfully held at the Visitor’s Lounge, Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim, Calamba City, Laguna. The momentous event was graced by PBGen Hansel Marantan, Acting Regional Director of PRO CALABARZON, together with the generous donor, Mrs. Merian H. Reyes, whose invaluable contribution made this milestone possible, alongside PCol Romulo Albacea, Provincial Director of Quezon PPO, and other distinguished guests and police personnel. The donated lot will serve as the future site of a new QPPO building, aimed at enhancing operational capability and strengthening police service delivery in the province of Quezon. Marantan emphasized the importance of community partnership, while Alvacea expressed gratitude to the donor, recognizing the contribution as a vital step toward a more capable and service-oriented police force. The ceremonial signing reflects unity, cooperation, and QPPO’s continued commitment to infrastructure development and effective public service.

By Danny Estacio   GUMACA, Quezon, Philippines – The municipal government here will tighten the enforcement of laws against smoking and vape use in public places. According to Gumaca Mayor Webster Letargo, violations of existing ordinances are worsening where smoking and vaping are widespread in markets, parks, and even on public transport. Letargo added that, as a result, the police and local authorities were instructed to strictly enforce Executive Order No. 26 and Republic Act No. 11900 to curb violations. The local chief executive emphasized that secondhand smoke and vaping are dangerous to health, especially for young people who are exposed to them in public places. Among the targets of the operation will be violators inside jeepneys, tricycles, markets, parks, and other public places, in accordance with the town’s existing smoke-free ordinance. Under local ordinances such as Municipal Ordinance No. 13-2011, which prohibits smoking in public places and vehicles, while Public Order No. 22-2011 imposes fines and counseling for minors and their parents, which can reach ₱2,500, and imprisonment for habitual offenders. Letargo said that establishments under Public Order No. 152-2014 are also required to post information regarding the protection of youth and the strict implementation of the “No Smoking” policy. “The local government hopes that with the more intensified implementation of the laws, clean air will be restored, youth will be protected, and the health of the people of Gumaca will be preserved,” Letargo said.

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.