NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — Government officials, communities, and public servants gathered in Barangay Bangkerohan, Catarman, Northern Samar, in support of the global call to care for and protect the environment, on May 29, 2026, Barangay Bangkerohan was strategically selected as the site for the activity due to its vulnerability to flooding, where the planted trees are expected to help reduce soil erosion and mitigate flooding risks. Vice Governor Clarence Dato, together with Board Members Vicvic Singzon and Lope Dorado Jr., led provincial government officials, department heads, employees, and residents of Barangay Bangkerohan in planting around 150 fruit-bearing tree seedlings provided by Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Catarman. Joining the Provincial Government in the Tree-Nurturing Activity were the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine News Agency, Barangay Officials of Bangkerohan, and other uniformed personnel. Spearheaded by the Provincial Government under the administration of Governor Harris Ongchuan and implemented through the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Tree-Nurturing Activity forms part of the Ibabao Festival celebration in line with the 61st Founding Anniversary of the Province of Northern Samar. Let us continue working together to protect and preserve our environment by planting and nurturing trees for future generations.            

By Rey Anthony Chiu   TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines (PIA) — The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has established a white copra processing facility for a Bohol cooperative, capable of processing 5,000 coconut nuts a day, offering farmers P10 more per kilo over the prevailing regular copra price. PCA Bohol Provincial Manager Jovencio Felisilda said the facility, operated by the Aguipo Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Aguipo CFMPC), is part of PCA’s value-adding program for coconut products in strategic areas of the province. White copra is a higher-quality type of dried coconut meat, characterized by a cleaner white to light cream color compared to regular copra, which is often brownish or darkened from smoke exposure. Producing it requires controlled drying and cleanliness to prevent smoke contamination, dirt, and uneven drying. At the Aguipo CFMPC facility, steam technology is used to dry coconut kernels at 60–70 degrees Celsius for 24–48 hours, achieving a moisture content of about 6–7%. “The resulting product is more suitable for food-grade applications such as high-quality cooking oil and desiccated coconut,” said Felisilda. He said white copra generally commands a higher price in the market, and PCA sees it as a way to improve farmer income in Bohol, one of the country’s top coconut-producing provinces. Traditional copra processing methods — including open smoke drying and open sun drying — have been linked to inconsistent moisture levels, improper storage, and the development of harmful molds. Improperly dried copra can produce mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, which are associated with liver damage and other health risks. White copra processing is part of PCA’s efforts to improve coconut product standards and increase export value. (RAHC/PIA Bohol)                  

    DANAO CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Leading fixed broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG) – through its corporate and large enterprise unit, the Converge Global Business – and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Danao City recently formalized an alliance to fortify the city’s digital framework and optimize civic service delivery. Through this agreement, Danao City will integrate high-capacity Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) from Converge as its primary backbone. This mission-critical connectivity supports the city’s digital transformation roadmap, ensuring seamless operational performance across all government departments. “Back in 2023, we envisioned and launched our drive to build an empowered and well-connected Danao, investing decisively in digital infrastructure to turn that vision into reality,” said Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III. “Today, we have connected 27 of our 42 barangays with reliable internet access. We are now pushing forward to achieve 100% connectivity within the year.” This agreement underscores a mutual commitment to deploying future-ready solutions within the public sector. The implementation of enterprise-grade fiber infrastructure is designed to facilitate faster communication, secure data management, and a more agile response to the needs of the community. “This collaboration with Danao City reflects our continued commitment to enabling digital transformation in the public sector through reliable and scalable connectivity solutions,” said Shion Canen, AVP & Head for Enterprise Sales, VisMin at Converge Global Business. “We remain focused on supporting local government units in building stronger digital foundations for more efficient public service.” This collaboration accelerates the evolution of Danao City into a premier Smart City. By leveraging the robust network of Converge, the LGU is establishing the necessary environment for advanced, integrated technologies that will redefine the digital experience for every Danaoanon. Jaive Joseph B. Roble, City ICT Officer of Danao, added, “This collaboration with Converge allows us to strengthen our digital infrastructure and improve the efficiency of our operations. Reliable connectivity is essential as we continue to modernize our systems and enhance service delivery to our constituents.” This milestone represents a shared investment in a digital-first ecosystem for Danao City. Moving beyond basic connectivity, the cooperation serves as a catalyst for sustainable technological growth, ensuring the city remains resilient and competitive in an increasingly digital world.

By PCO   The successful hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Cebu was a powerful demonstration of Filipino hospitality, bayanihan, and whole-of-nation cooperation. The ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council, Office of the Director-General for Operations (ASEAN NOC-ODGO), as the implementing arm of the National Organizing Council under the Office of the President, extends its deepest gratitude to all who helped deliver a Summit worthy of the Filipino people and the ASEAN community. Under the leadership and guidance of the Office of the President, the preparations and implementation of the Summit were carried out through close coordination across government and partner sectors. ASEAN NOC-ODGO likewise thanks all national government agencies, ASEAN NOC Committees, security and protocol teams, healthcare and emergency responders, media and communications personnel, technical teams, transport and logistics groups, and volunteers whose dedication ensured the smooth and seamless conduct of all meetings and activities. Guided by the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the Summit became a meaningful reflection of unity and shared purpose among government and private institutions, local communities, and the Filipino people, with ASEAN NOC Director-General for Operations Hellen B. De La Vega emphasizing that the successful hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings was made possible through their shared commitment, close coordination, and collective spirit of service. “We are deeply grateful to every agency, partner, worker, volunteer, and especially the people of Cebu, whose dedication and support allowed us to showcase the best of the Filipino spirit to ASEAN and the world,” De La Vega said. The Tri-City area of Cebu and the Cebu Organizing Council have played an instrumental role in the successful hosting of the Leaders’ Summit, providing strong support from the earliest stages of preparation. The proactive coordination, readiness, and commitment shown by the Provincial Government of Cebu, the City Government of Cebu, the City Government of Lapu-Lapu, the City Government of Mandaue, and the Municipality of Cordova reflected Cebu’s capacity to host engagements of this scale and significance, proving that Cebu is ready not only to welcome Southeast Asia, but to open its doors to the world. Our heartfelt appreciation likewise goes to Megaworld Corporation and The Mactan Newtown, as well as all hotel establishments, venue partners, accommodation providers, tourism stakeholders, and mobility partners whose support, professionalism, and warm hospitality allowed ASEAN Leaders, delegates, and guests to experience the Filipino brand of welcome throughout the Summit. To our private sector partners, MSMEs, cultural performers, media organizations, production and technical teams, service providers, and all workers behind the scenes, your dedication and spirit of cooperation became part of the foundation of this successful undertaking. Your service has not gone unnoticed, and your contributions helped ensure that the Philippines delivered a Summit marked by excellence, warmth, and professionalism. ASEAN NOC Director-General De La Vega also expressed special gratitude to the people of Cebu for their support throughout the Summit. “Most especially, we thank the people of Cebu, particularly the residents of Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and Cordova, for your patience, discipline, understanding, and wholehearted support throughout the Summit. Your generosity allowed ASEAN and the world to experience the best of the Filipino spirit,” De La Vega said. As the Philippines continues its ASEAN Chairmanship journey throughout 2026, we move forward with renewed determination and gratitude, inspired by the same spirit of solidarity and cooperation that made this Summit a success.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines invites students and parents to attend the 11th EducationUSA University Fair in Quezon City on May 22 and in Davao City on May 23, marking the first time the University Fair will be held in Mindanao. “This year’s University Fair features several American colleges and universities that are visiting the Philippines for the first time and eager to meet with Filipino students,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing. “We are also thrilled to bring it to Mindanao for the first time, opening access for more Filipinos to experience American excellence in education and strengthen ties that make both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” The Quezon City University Fair will be held at the Quezon City Hall Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (M.I.C.E.) Center, with separate sessions for undergraduate programs in the morning and graduate programs in the afternoon. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the following U.S. higher education institutions and organizations will participate in the undergraduate session: College of Central Florida Lewis University Manhattan University Middle Tennessee State University Saint Louis University South Dakota State University Southern Utah University SUNY Stony Brook The University of Akron Trine University University of Rochester University of San Francisco British Council (IELTS) College Board (SAT) Pearson From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the following institutions and organizations will participate in the graduate session: Arizona State University Avila University City University of Seattle Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Lewis University Manhattan University Middle Tennessee State University Saint Louis University South Dakota State University Southern Utah University SUNY Stony Brook The University of Akron University of Rochester British Council (IELTS) In Davao City, the University Fair will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Social Hall, in partnership with the Davao City local government.  Participating U.S. institutions and organizations include the following: College of Central Florida Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Lewis University Manhattan University Middle Tennessee State University Rice University Saint Louis University The University of Akron Trine University British Council (IELTS) College Board (SAT) Pearson Admission to the University Fair is free and open to all students, parents, and educators interested in study abroad opportunities in the United States.  Participants are encouraged to pre-register online: https://educationusaph.eo.page/fair2026. EducationUSA is the U.S. government’s official source of information on U.S. higher education, offering free advising services to students across the Philippines through its offices at the U.S. Embassy in Manila and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation or Fulbright Philippines in Mandaluyong.  With almost 4,000 accredited U.S. colleges and universities, students have access to a wide array of programs, top-notch research opportunities, and flexible academic pathways. For more information about the EducationUSA University Fair in Quezon City and Davao, visit the EdUSA Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/educationusa

By Zowanna Rose Lopez   CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines (PIA) — One woman learned the trade surrounded by shells, and another learned it in a classroom. Together, they represent something Cebu has quietly been building for decades — a community of craftswomen who refuse to let their heritage disappear, and who are now carrying it to an international stage. As the Philippines hosts ASEAN 2026, two Cebu-based enterprises are among those who stepped into the spotlight: Ver and Ver Handicraft Trading, a family-run shell-craft export business in Lapu-Lapu City, and Hinabalon sa Cebu, a social enterprise anchored in the handloom weaving traditions of Argao. Different crafts, different origins — but a shared determination to show the world what Cebu makes. DTI Cebu Provincial Director Marivic Aguilar said that is precisely the point. “Our Cebu-made products show to our guests and delegates the talents that we have in Cebu, the products that we can manufacture. This is just a slice of what we have in Cebu — but I think this is a good slice, a profile of what we have,” she said. Doris Dano and her husband Bayano, did not build Ver and Ver Handicraft Trading from scratch. She inherited it from a woman who simply could not stop making things. “It’s a family business. My mother-in-law — she really loved shells. That passion, that desire to design, that’s where it all began,” Dano said. What started as one woman’s creative obsession has grown, over 23 years, into a multi-country export operation. Ver and Ver now supplies buyers in the United States, Australia, Poland, Turkey, and Fiji, while also serving local markets — supplying resorts in Lapu-Lapu City such as Solea and BE Resort, and reaching buyers as far as Boracay. The company does not limit itself to a single source. Shells are procured from suppliers across the Philippines and, depending on buyer specifications, from abroad. “We don’t just source from Lapu-Lapu. We also have suppliers from around the Philippines,” Dano said. The Department of Trade and Industry has been central to the enterprise’s growth — connecting it with international buyers, guiding design development, and facilitating participation in trade expos, including Manila FAME, which draws buyers from across Asia and beyond. “They were one of the ones who promoted us, who pushed for us, who helped us develop our designs,” Dano said. “Dako kaayo ilang tabang namo.” (Their help was enormous.) Revenue, she estimates, can reach into the millions of pesos. But sustaining that growth requires navigating constant pressures: rising raw material costs, particularly for abaca fiber, which has spiked sharply in price; and the growing difficulty of finding skilled young designers willing to learn the craft. “Our older designers — they’re gone now. The new generation they don’t want to learn anymore. That is one of our biggest challenges,” she said. Despite the headwinds, she presses on — and uses her modest online presence to encourage other small business owners facing similar walls. “Don’t stop, don’t mind what others say, just do your thing, keep going. That’s all,” Dano said. She credited DTI for helping Ver and Ver gain visibility as a member of the One Town One Product program. “Nagpasalamat mi sa DTI, kay tungod nila naila.” (We are grateful to DTI, because through them, we became known. They helped us greatly. Because of them, we were recognized and were able to be part of this business. They promoted us, connected us with buyers, pushed for us, helped us develop our designs, and guided us along the way.) A final exam that became a movement About 60 kilometers south of Cebu City, in the historic town of Argao, another enterprise took root — born not from a family workshop, but from a graduate school examination. “This was a final exam product. It became a community extension project later on,” said Dr. Jocylyn Concepcion, a professor at Cebu Technological University-Argao Campus and project director of Hinabalon sa Cebu. That 2014 classroom assignment has since grown into a registered social enterprise run by CTU-Argao’s College of Education, centered on the habdunan — a traditional handloom weaving machine — and on a skill that, a decade ago, was quietly dying out in Argao. “The cultural heritage of handloom weaving in Argao was dying. We tried to revive it by introducing it to the community and to the people of Cebu,” Concepcion said. DTI stepped in with concrete support, establishing a Shared Service Facility for Handloom Weaving at the university — providing equipment and infrastructure the enterprise could not have otherwise afforded. The partnership has held for a decade. Hinabalon sa Cebu has since expanded its offerings beyond raw fabric. Its products now pair handweaving with hand painting — itself a craft Concepcion describes as equally at risk of disappearing. “Hand painting is no longer a popular skill in Cebu. By weaving the two techniques together,” she said, the enterprise is preserving not one endangered tradition, but two. Concepcion captured the weight of that responsibility plainly. “Even a university like us — an educational institution — we can also play a role in providing socioeconomic livelihood to the last and the least of our people,” she said. Cebu on the ASEAN stage This year, both enterprises are part of a broader push to bring Cebu’s craftsmanship before an international audience as the Philippines hosts ASEAN 2026 and positions its micro, small, and medium enterprises for regional visibility. Hinabalon sa Cebu has been invited to participate in the Partners Pavilion of ASEAN 2026 — an opportunity Concepcion frames as cultural diplomacy as much as commerce. “We would like to tell the world, the ASEAN countries, that the weaving community is also found in other ASEAN communities. Our products are at par with the products you see in the other ASEAN countries,” she said. She hopes the exposure unlocks export markets in Thailand and Vietnam, while also giving the enterprise a chance to learn from weaving communities across the region. “We will also learn from

Camiguin, Philippines – The island province of Camiguin takes center stage this weekend as it hosts the inaugural 5150 Camiguin, bringing together more than 300 athletes from 15 countries in a celebration of triathlon, tourism, and Filipino hospitality. Set against one of the Philippines’ most iconic island backdrops, the Olympic-distance race marks another milestone in the continued expansion of IRONMAN-branded events across the country. Known as the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin offers a distinctive race experience where volcanoes meet the sea, combining natural beauty with a technically engaging course. Athletes will begin with a 1.5km swim at the historic Sunken Cemetery, followed by a 40km bike along the island’s scenic circumferential road, and a 10km run that finishes inside the Camiguin Sports Complex in a festive, community-driven atmosphere. Strong International and Local Field The race has attracted participants from 15 countries, underscoring the Philippines’ growing reputation as a premier destination for triathlon in Asia. The international field is complemented by a competitive lineup of Filipino athletes, including standouts in the Philippine Sports Commission-supported Filipino Elite category. Leading the charge are top local names such as Bea Quiambao and John Edsille Hamlan, alongside emerging talents identified through the Filipino Elite program. The category continues to serve as a platform to elevate homegrown athletes and discover the next generation of triathlon stars in the country. Expanding the Islands of the Philippines Campaign 5150 Camiguin is part of the broader “Islands of the Philippines” campaign, a multi-race initiative designed to showcase the country’s diverse island destinations through sport. The campaign invites athletes to race across multiple locations, combining endurance competition with immersive travel experiences unique to each island. From Guimaras to Camiguin and beyond, the series highlights the Philippines as a multi-stop racing destination where each event offers a distinct course, culture, and community. A Growing Sports Tourism Destination With the support of the local government and stakeholders, Camiguin continues to position itself as an emerging hub for sports tourism. The staging of 5150 Camiguin reflects the province’s commitment to hosting world-class events while promoting its natural attractions, including White Island, Katibawasan Falls, and its rich cultural heritage. The event not only delivers a high-quality race experience but also contributes to the local economy by drawing athletes, supporters, and visitors to the island. As the race unfolds, 5150 Camiguin reinforces the Philippines’ standing in the global triathlon scene, where island racing meets international standards, and where every finish line is powered by community and culture. For more information about the event, https://www.ironman.com/races/5150-camiguin.            

By Maria Jenifer C. Tilos DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment in Negros Island Region (DOLE-NIR) has strengthened its monitoring of nearly 6,000 profiled child laborers in the region, prioritizing them for government interventions. The Regional Council Against Child Labor (RCACL-NIR) convened to reinforce interagency efforts and institutional mechanisms aimed at eradicating child labor in the country by 2028. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that the number of working children aged 5 to 17 was estimated at 861,000 in 2024, continuing a downtrend from 1.09 million in 2023 and 1.48 million in 2022. Labor and Employment Officer II Florabelle May Libawan of DOLE-NIR reported that DOLE profiled 5,749 child laborers in the region in 2025—60%, or 3,475, from Negros Oriental; 35%, or 2,020, from Negros Occidental; and 5%, or 254, from Siquijor. Child labor was most prevalent in Negros Oriental, where the municipalities of Bindoy, Mabinay, Manjuyod, Ayungon and Tanjay City recorded the highest concentrations. Libawan noted that the agriculture sector has consistently employed the highest share of working children, given the region’s extensive sugarcane plantations. Of the 5,749 profiled child laborers, 77%, or 4,428, were engaged in farming; 368 in fishing; 236 in domestic work; 186 in forestry; 142 in construction; 71 in quarrying; 47 in manufacturing; and 27 in transportation, among others. “A large number of child laborers are exposed to various hazardous conditions. The most common is exposure to physical injury because they are engaging in hazardous activities using tools that are inappropriate for their age,” said Libawan. DOLE’s Technical Support and Services Division Chief Nole Torres said child labor remains a pressing challenge deeply rooted in poverty, noting that NIR has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. Under DOLE’s Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP), 208 parents or guardians of child laborers in Negros Oriental and Siquijor received direct government assistance to help ensure their children could attend school and complete their education. Through livelihood assistance awarded to parents, DOLE aims to boost family income and keep children from returning to hazardous work. In 2025, DOLE’s Project Angel Tree provided food, clothing, hygiene kits and educational materials—sourced from donors referred to as “angels”—to 311 children in Negros Oriental and Siquijor. Torres stressed that addressing child labor demands convergence, coordination and sustained collaboration, calling for the institutionalization of a unified approach to ensure that “all children deserve to learn, to grow and to dream free from exploitation.” Under Republic Act No. 9231, child labor refers to any work performed by a child under 18 that subjects the child to exploitation or is harmful to his or her health, safety or physical, mental and psychological development. (JCT/PIA-NIR Negros Oriental)

By Harvy T. Bangayan and Gadjel M. Herodias   PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here strengthened the capacity of campus journalists on responsible and ethical storytelling amid the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The activity gathered student writers to enhance their media literacy and adapt to the evolving digital landscape, held during the Journalism Seminar-Workshop at Josefina H. Cerilles State College (JHCSC)-Pagadian Extension. One of the participants, TJ Pahayac, noted the growing dependence of students on AI tools. Dako kaayo nga reminder for us na we should not be replaced by AI since halos kita tanan na ang mogamit, especially students who engaged in AI tools the most,” he said. (This is a big reminder for us that we should not allow ourselves to be replaced by AI since almost all of us are already using it, especially students who are the most engaged with AI tools.) Guided by the theme “Strengthening Campus Journalists for Ethical and Impactful Storytelling,” PIA highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with accountability, particularly in the use of AI tools in journalism. PIA Government Information Center Coordinator Clennkei C. Peñalosa emphasized that while AI is becoming more present in media and communication, journalists must remain grounded in truth and responsibility. AI should not replace you,” Peñalosa said. She stressed that authenticity and human judgment remain essential in producing credible and meaningful stories. She explained that AI may be used as a support tool for research and information gathering, but should not be relied upon to fully generate journalistic content, as this may compromise accuracy and ethical standards. Among the topics discussed by the PIA were developmental news writing, photo captioning, and mobile journalism. The seminar underscores the government’s commitment to empowering young communicators with the right knowledge and values to navigate modern journalism, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for truth rather than a substitute for it. J.H. Cerilles State College is an official member of PIA’s Information Volunteers (iVolts) Network, which aims to strengthen the dissemination of government information within academic institutions and communities. This network is composed of students and advisers who serve as citizen reporters, helping ensure that essential information on government programs, opportunities, and services reaches students and the wider community. (JPA/CCP/HTB/GMH/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur with reports from JHCSC)