Globe and FPIP mark a major milestone through a contract signing that will expand high-speed, reliable fiber connectivity for global and local manufacturers within the industrial park located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. Globe Telecom has formalized its partnership with First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), Inc. through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), bringing faster, more secure, and reliable fiber internet to the park’s locators and employees. Through this collaboration, Globe will provide enterprise-grade connectivity to FPIP’s 150+ locators and over 80,000 employees, enabling seamless operations, real-time collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. FPIP is home to global and industry-leading businesses such as consumer electronics manufacturers. “This partnership strengthens Globe’s commitment to delivering world-class, fiber-fast connectivity to businesses across the Philippines,” said Michelle Y. Ora, VP, Strategic Partnerships and Program. “We are proud to empower FPIP locators with seamless, secure, and high-speed digital tools that enable innovation, enhance productivity, and position them to compete confidently in the global market.” FPIP’s shared dark fiber facility, established in 2023, allows Globe to deploy services quickly and cost-effectively, maximize existing infrastructure, and provide locators with more options for their internet needs. “We are excited to work with Globe. As one of the leading internet service providers in the Philippines, we are confident that they can elevate the experience of our locators by providing high quality and secure internet connection, which is a must in today’s fast-paced and data-driven environment,” said Jason de las Alas, FPIP’s Assistant Vice President for Park and Utilities Group. “We understand our locators have diverse needs, which is why we continue to enhance the digital infrastructure in FPIP. We want to ensure we can support the changing and increasing demand for robust digital services.” Established in 1996, FPIP is a PEZA-registered special economic zone developed by Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings (FPH) and Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corporation. Spanning nearly 600 hectares, the industrial park is home to over 150 leading global and local manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and medical devices. The contract signing ceremony was attended by representatives from both Globe and FPIP formalizing a collaboration that strengthens FPIP’s digital backbone and supports the park’s continued expansion into a future powered by seamless, world-class connectivity.          

  BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU) capped its 57th Commencement Exercises by conferring academic degrees to 1,092 graduates from its 11 campuses, with the ceremony held at the Alangilan Campus on December 16. Anchored on the theme, “Propelling Transformation and Accelerating Reforms for National Development,” the ceremony honored the achievements and aspirations of graduating Red Spartans who now embark on their professional journeys guided by the core values of integrity, excellence, and patriotism. University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo highlighted BatStateU’s distinction as the country’s only National Engineering University and the first State University and College (SUC) with ABET-accredited engineering and computing programs, affirming the institution’s adherence to globally recognized standards of quality and relevance. He paid tribute to the parents, calling them the true graduates of the day. “Kayo po ang sentro ng araw na ito habang magsisipagtagpos ang ating mga anak,” he declared, drawing heartfelt applause from the audience. Acknowledging the State’s support in the graduates’ education, he called on them to pay this privilege forward by serving the nation with patriotism and purpose. He likewise expressed gratitude to BatStateU faculty members and administrators who have chosen to serve in public education, nurturing future professionals and nation-builders. Delivering the keynote address, Ms. Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, President of Aboitiz Foundation Inc., offered a reflective and values-driven message centered on integrity, responsibility, accountability, and compassion as foundations of meaningful success. Describing graduation as a moment of transition—from the structured world of the classroom to a more complex and uncertain reality—she drew inspiration from Batangueño values such as bayanihan, industriousness, and quiet resilience, noting that these are the very qualities the nation needs today. She challenged the graduates to live with integrity, reminding them that reputation is shaped not only by achievements but by the consistency between beliefs, words, and actions—especially when recognition is absent and shortcuts are tempting. On responsibility, she encouraged the graduates to reflect on the broader impact of their work beyond personal success, stressing that excellence without responsibility may bring achievement but not respect. She also underscored accountability as the courage to own mistakes and speak up when it matters, even in uncomfortable situations. Her message concluded with a call to purposeful citizenship, urging graduates to live with integrity, pursue their dreams responsibly, remain accountable, and act with compassion—qualities essential to building a stronger nation. The graduates now join BatStateU’s growing community of alumni who are engineers, scientists, educators, public servants, and changemakers, poised to lead innovations, transform lives, and build the nation.    

University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo led another Kapihan with the President, a regular dialogue session that brings together university leaders and stakeholders to discuss key academic and student-related concerns, on December 15. The session gathered the campus chancellor, vice chancellor for academic affairs, college deans, student leaders, and research office representatives, providing a collaborative platform for open communication on key academic and student-related concerns. Discussions centered on first-semester assessment matters and students’ learning challenges, alongside broader conversations on teaching and learning excellence, student welfare, and the effective use of campus facilities to support academic performance. Participants raised general concerns on examination structures, including the scope and weighting of major exams, workload balance, feedback mechanisms, and learning environments across various programs—highlighting the need to align assessment practices with the nature of each discipline. The dialogue also underscored the importance of accessible study spaces, functional facilities, adequate learning resources, and sustained faculty–student consultation in supporting academic performance and well-being. Dr. Ronquillo reaffirmed the University’s commitment to teaching excellence as a cornerstone of BatStateU’s mandate as the Philippines’ National Engineering University, emphasizing that assessment policies and academic practices must always be anchored on meaningful learning. While acknowledging the expanded support systems and opportunities now available, he encouraged students to remain focused, responsible, and mindful of their roles in maximizing these resources. The President assured attendees that concerns raised—academic, infrastructural, or welfare-related—are being addressed progressively through dialogue, data, and shared responsibility. Ongoing initiatives in teaching and assessment innovation, including AI-assisted academic advising and performance monitoring, were also highlighted as part of the University’s continuous improvement efforts. Through Kapihan with the President, BatStateU The NEU continues to strengthen a culture of transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration—ensuring that the voices of the Red Spartan community remain central in shaping a responsive and enabling learning environment.          

SAN PABLO CITY, Philippines — Nakikitang higit pang lalago ang pilgrimage tourism ng San Pablo City matapos idaos ng Laguna Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Trade Office (LTCATO) ang province-wide Pilgrimage Tourism Training and Workshop noong November 24–26, 2025. Kinatawan si San Pablo ng City Tourism Officer Maria Donnalyn Briñas, na aktibong lumahok sa mga session na naglayong paunlarin ang pilgrimage routes at visitor experience—isang malaking tulong sa heritage at faith-based tourism initiatives ng lungsod. Mga natanggap na parangal: *Best Presenter Award para kay Maria Donnalyn Briñas *Best Group at Best Presentation para sa 4th District *Best Title para sa 2nd District: “Journey of Faith: Discover a Soulful Pilgrimage Experience” Kahalagahan ng training: *Pinatatag ang collaboration sa pagitan ng mga LGU sa Laguna *Nagbibigay ng mas malawak na visibility sa pilgrimage destinations *Nagpapayabong sa heritage preservation at faith-based tourism *Nagpapalalim sa karanasan ng mga pilgrims na bumibisita sa sacred at historic sites ng San Pablo Mas pinatibay na ugnayan, mas pinalawak na oportunidad—isang malaking hakbang para sa masiglang pilgrimage tourism ng lungsod. Source: Office of the City Tourism Officer – San Pablo    

San Pablo City, Philippines — Naglabas ng opisyal na pahayag ang mga nagtatag ng San Pablo City Coco Festival na sina Raquel Tan, Sylvia Inciong, Willy Tan, at Rolly Inciong, bilang suporta sa desisyon ng Pamahalaang Lungsod, DepEd San Pablo, at Simbahang Katoliko na italaga ang buong linggo ng Enero 15 para sa mga gawaing espiritwal, pangsining, at pangkultura na mas akma sa kapistahan ng patron ng San Pablo, si San Pablo, Ang Unang Ermitanyo. Fiesta muna bago ang Coco Festival Binanggit ng founders na ang tunay na tradisyon ng San Pablo ay ang kapistahan ng patron na may higit 400 taong kasaysayan, at hindi ang Coco Festival na inilunsad lamang noong 1996 bilang dagdag na selebrasyong pangkultura at pang-agrikultura. Hindi raw kailanman intensyon ng Coco Festival na palitan ang espiritwal na diwa ng Enero 15. Coco Festival ay suporta sa fiesta, hindi kapalit nito Nilinaw nila na: *Ang street dancing, beer plaza, at coco trade fair ay hindi tradisyon kundi bahagi lamang na lumago sa paglipas ng panahon. *Ang sentro ng pagdiriwang ay dapat manatili kay San Pablo, Ang Unang Ermitanyo. *Ang relihiyosong kabuluhan ng fiesta ang dapat laging manguna. Paglipat ng Coco Festival sa buwan ng Mayo Tugma sa mungkahi ng Simbahang Katoliko, sinang-ayunan ng founders na ilipat ang Coco Festival sa linggo ng Mayo 7, ang Foundation Day ng Lungsod. Dito raw mas magiging makabuluhan at malaya ang pagdiriwang nang hindi nakakasagasa sa kabanalan ng Enero 15. Plano ring gawing mas makulay at mas angkop ang festival sa pamamagitan ng: *paglinang ng local talents at sining *pampamilyang kasiyahan *pagtutok sa likhang San Pableño *pagdiriwang ng Pista ng Pitong Lawa *Paninindigan ng founders Buong suporta nilang sinabi: Kung may kokontra, dapat kami iyon. Pero nakita namin ang kagandahan ng mga pagbabago.” Nagpahayag din sila ng pakikiisa sa LGU, Simbahang Katoliko, DepEd, at mga mamamayan sa pagbabalik sa tunay na diwa ng pananampalataya at kaayusan ng fiesta. Source: CIO San Pablo  

LAGUNA, Philippines — Ibinahagi ni Board Member Angelica Jones Alarva ang matagumpay na Medical Assistance at Burial Assistance Pay Out para sa ikatlong distrito ng Laguna noong November 22, 2025. Ayon kay Alarva, umabot sa 2,000 benepisyaryo ang nabigyan ng tulong sa ilalim ng programang GOByernong may SOLusyon ni Gov. Sol Aragones.Ginanap ang payout sa Central School, San Pablo City, mula 8 AM hanggang 12 NN. Katuwang dito si BM Angelica Jones Alarva bilang Vice Chairperson on Health, na patuloy na nagsusulong ng mas abot-kayang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga pamilya. Ayon kay BM Angelica, mahalaga ang bawat programang nagbibigay-lingap sa “Bawat Kalusugan ng Bawat Pamilya.” (Source: Angelica Jones Alarva)    

By Danny Estacio   LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Philippines – House Deputy Speaker David C. Suarez led the groundbreaking rites of the Hall of Justice-Lucena City, Thursday morning, Nov. 20, in Barangay Mayao Parada, here. The event was graced by Supreme Court (SC) justice Midas Marquez, SC associate justice Raul Villanueva, Court of Appeals (CA) court administrator, CA associate justice Robert Marcon, regional and municipal trial court judges in Lucena City and Quezon, members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)- Quezon chapter, and Public Attorney’s Office. Suarez, who initiated the Justice Hall, is to be constructed on a portion of a three-hectare lot donated by former Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez. Lucena now has a justice hall, which is to be built to serve the people by providing a necessary and appropriate space for the work of the judicial branch. Suarez said it took almost six years for the project to be realized. The construction is a milestone in judicial history in this city. Suarez also announced that the Supreme Court has allotted P800 million.      

By Danny Estacio LUCENA CITY, Quezon- City Mayor Mark Don Victor Alcala bared accomplishment for first 100 days on his second term on Monday, Nov. 17. Alcala reported it before the city council regular session headed by presiding officer Vice-Mayor Roderick Alcala, his father. Thirteen members of city council were all present and witnessed by barangay officials, city employees, non-government organization and bussiness sector. Alcala focused his report on the vibrant local economy that continues to have more partnerships with businesses for commercial and industrial development which is a great help to support programs of the city residents. These programs and initiatives consist of Lucena VIP Ka, People’s Day, Electronic Business Permitting and Licensing System (eBPLS), renovation of the Lucena City Public Market and construction of the Lucena Public Market Central Terminal, the city’s much-improved Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation, the Journey of Hope program (Soup Kitchen and Mental Health Support and Counseling), and the strengthening of Quality Tertiary Education for Dalubhasaan Lungsod Lucena’s (DLL) students this college is run by the  city government. Alcala also boasted of the city’s continued increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within three years (2022-2024) and the recognition of Lucena as a 2 Billion Peso City. The said city budget was accumulated from the 60 percent of national share and 40 percent of  local taxes. Young Alcala speech lasted for 30 minutes of his First 100 days report for 2025.