NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines — A new chapter in agricultural progress unfolded on the as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) formally turned over farm tractors and a rice harvester worth ₱7.3 million to six Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) associations in the province of Negros Oriental, during a ceremony held in front of the Macias Sports Center in Dumaguete City on July 10. The beneficiaries are from Bayawan City, Sibulan, Tanjay City, Jimalalud, and Canlaon City. DAR Undersecretary Rowena Niña Taduran led the distribution alongside Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” L. Sagarbarria, whose presence underscored the Provincial Government’s steadfast commitment to empowering farmers through modernization and sustainable livelihood opportunities. Also in attendance was second district representative Congresswoman Ma. Isabel “Maisa” L. Sagarbarria and DAR–NIR Regional Director Lucrecia Taberna. The newly provided farm machinery is expected to boost productivity, reduce labor costs, and uplift the lives of agrarian reform beneficiaries, reaffirming the shared vision of national and local leaders for a more prosperous and resilient agricultural sector in Negros Oriental.

NAGA CITY, Cebu, Philippines — Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) officially broke ground on the Naga Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, an investment that aims to help strengthen grid reliability and support the growing energy needs of the Visayas. The project will build a 60-megawatt standalone BESS within the Naga Power Plant Complex in Barangay Colon, Naga City, Cebu. The facility is expected to provide contingency and regulating reserve services that will support the grid’s ability to respond to fluctuations in electricity supply and demand. A BESS is a type of energy storage that uses a set of batteries to store surplus electricity which is released when needed to augment supply or improve the quality of the electricity in the power system. “The Department of Energy commends AboitizPower for their continued confidence in the Philippine energy future. Your investment demonstrates the innovation and sustainability that can go beyond what we have been dreaming of,” said Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan. “While we continuously convince and invite investment in renewable energy technologies, we need this technological support to create a reliable and efficient system.” Built by the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) in the 1980s, the Naga Power Plant Complex was acquired by AboitizPower in 2018 through the government’s privatization program. The BESS project marks the site’s transformation from thermal power generation to energy storage. In response to the Visayas’ evolving energy ecosystem, the site’s legacy coal and diesel-fired units were decommissioned and demolished, demonstrating AboitizPower’s strategy of growing and diversifying its asset portfolio in support of the Philippines’ energy transition. “Before we can attract more investments, we must also ensure that we have the infrastructure to support them,” said Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro. “Projects like this 60-megawatt battery energy storage system give us greater confidence that Cebu can continue to grow while maintaining a stable and reliable power supply.” “Naga BESS represents transformation in action. It reflects our efforts to strengthen the energy system by investing in people, infrastructure, and technology to enhance flexibility, resilience, and reliability of the grid,” added AboitizPower Transition Business Group President Celso C. Caballero III. As more variable renewable energy capacity enters the power grid, energy storage plays an increasingly important role in maintaining grid stability. BESS, in particular, serves as fast-acting, short-term duration assets capable of rapid response to demand fluctuations, providing vital support to system operations. The Naga BESS project is part of AboitizPower’s broader strategy of a balanced energy mix portfolio, in support of the Philippine Energy Plan. It is expected to begin commercial operations by 2027.                      

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has officially launched the Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Facilitation Center at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) Terminal 2, making essential travel and government services more accessible for OFWs before departure and upon arrival. The facility is a joint initiative of CEB, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and MCIA operator Aboitiz InfraCapital Cebu Airport Corporation (ACAC). Designed as a one-stop service center, it enables OFWs to conveniently process their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) and access other travel-related services directly at the airport. “We recognize the invaluable contributions of overseas Filipino workers to our nation and remain committed to supporting their journey every step of the way,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “The opening of this facility reflects our ongoing efforts to provide more accessible and responsive services that address the unique needs of OFWs and their families.” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the initiative aligns with the agency’s efforts to bring government services closer to migrant workers and make them easier to access. “Our responsibility begins not only when an OFW encounters a problem, but also before departure, giving our OFWs the assistance they need and remaining active until their return. Today, right here in Cebu, we show that the DMW is deeply committed to bringing that government presence closer to our people,” said DMW Sec. Hans Leo Cacdac. The OFW Facilitation Center is the latest in CEB’s initiatives aimed at supporting overseas Filipinos, including its OFW balikbayan program, Juan Flight Closer to Home, which encourages skilled Filipinos working overseas to return to the Philippines and pursue career opportunities in the country’s growing aviation industry. CEB currently operates flights to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.    

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — The Catubig River, one of the major river networks in Northern Samar, flows through the communities of the Catubig Valley. For generations, it has served as a vital source of water and livelihood for residents on both banks. Yet despite the benefits it provides, the river has also posed a significant challenge to connectivity. Residents have long relied on small boats to transport passengers and goods across the river. A means of travel that becomes difficult and dangerous during the monsoon season and periods of flooding. Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, the Local Government of Catubig, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar led by Governor Harris Ongchuan, with Cong. Edwin Ongchuan, key provincial and local officials, military and police officers, proudly held the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the construction of a 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 in Catubig, Northern Samar, recently. The project is funded under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program, a flagship peace and development initiative of the government. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) serves as the lead oversight and coordinating body for the PAMANA program, functioning as the central peace framework that manages the convergence of government projects in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities. This project includes a 𝘁𝘄𝗼-𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲, 𝟮.𝟰𝟴-𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝟭𝟱𝟭-𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 that will connect poblacion Catubig to Brgy. Calingnan, thereby linking 27 geographically isolated and conflict-vulnerable barangays in the municipality. Once completed, the infrastructure project will provide a safer, faster, and more efficient route for the movement of people, goods, and services to communities that have long faced transportation challenges. It is also expected to boost local economic growth while improving access to essential government services, education, healthcare, peace and security development to the beneficiary communities. This PAMANA project for the Local Government of Catubig underscores the vital role of quality infrastructure in advancing the development agenda of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar – building communities where essential services are more accessible, peace and prosperity coexist, and quality of life continues to improve.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines -‘ Inside a small tribal hub in Barangay Binugao, Toril District, sewing and handloom machines hum steadily as the women of the Binugao Bagobo-Tagabawa Women’s Association (BIBATAWA) work side by side. Scattered across their tables are colorful fabrics, beads, and threads. For them, these are not just materials, but expressions of identity, heritage, and a culture that continues to endure. For Mervin To-Ong, the creative director of BIBATAWA, every finished garment reflects the pride and resilience of his people. He carries a deep sense of responsibility, not only to preserve tradition, but to ensure it continues to grow in a changing world. “Gusto namo nga tangkilikon sa kadaghanan ang originally-made products nga gihagoan gayud pag-ayo sa tribu,” Mervin shared. (We want people to appreciate our products, which are made with a lot of effort and care by our tribe.) Their handwoven textiles, rooted in the rich history of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe, have begun to reach wider audiences. But their journey has not been easy. In the early days, sustaining their craft meant overcoming financial challenges, often relying on Mervin’s own savings to keep production going. “Pamilyado naman halos manghahabi namo, naa silay ginasuportahan. ” Mervin explained. (Most of our weavers already have families to support). “Dili lang sila basta nagatahi or weave, mga ginikanan sila, mga breadwinner nga naay responsibilidad nga ginakarga.” (They are parents, breadwinners, and providers who carry the weight of their families’ daily needs). A turning point came through collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), which introduced technology transfers and alternative dyeing methods under the Grassroots Innovation for Inclusive Development (GRIND) program. With this, BIBATAWA began exploring new techniques while staying rooted in their traditions. By 2023, handloom machines were introduced, enabling the weaving of tropical fabrics such as cotton, pineapple, and abaca into more diverse and contemporary designs. Yet even with these innovations, the community remained intentional in preserving the essence of their identity. “Although these handloom machines are an innovation, we make sure our traditional designs are still present in the fabrics we weave,” Mervin explained. “We collaborated with our IP leaders on how to do it properly.” Support also came through skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), strengthening the capabilities of the weavers. Alongside this, their neighbor in Barangay Binugao, AboitizPower’s Therma South, Inc. (TSI), donated P230,000 and continues to work with the community as a partner in both development and cultural preservation. As a baseload power provider in Mindanao, TSI helps provide the island’s electricity needs that power homes and local enterprises. This role connects directly to how communities like Binugao grow, where access to power supports livelihoods such as weaving, sewing, and other small industries that sustain families. Beyond energy, TSI has supported BIBATAWA by providing tools and materials that allow the community to strengthen and expand their craft. In November 2023, the company provided sewing machines, fabrics, beads, and other tools, followed by the inauguration and turnover of a Handloom Weaving Innovation Center in September 2025. “We wanted to promote the textiles woven here in Davao City, and with this support, we can make it happen,” Mervin emphasized. “Therma South is proud to support the Indigenous Peoples of Barangay Binugao just like BIBATAWA. By helping them grow their livelihood, we believe we are contributing to Davao’s overall progress,” said AboitizPower Transition Business Group AVP for Corporate Services Atty. Alona Suzell Ruyeras-Borromeo. Through their work, BIBATAWA has helped elevate the recognition of Davao’s handwoven textiles. Their efforts contributed to a city resolution officially designating their weaving hub as the first of its kind in the Philippines, a milestone shaped by both tradition and collective support. “This is a huge milestone for us. It’s a proud moment for our community,” Mervin said. “Our traditional textile is now on the map, and we are proud to promote ‘Matanab’, a Bagobo-Tagabawa dialect that means Karangal-rangal.” Recognition followed, including awards from the first Philippine Handloom Weaving Festival in Ilocos Norte and honors at Pasidungog: Garbo sa Dabaw 2026. Yet for the community, these are not endpoints, but markers of a continuing journey. “Each piece we create brings us closer to a brighter future for the Binugao Bagobo-Tagabawa community,” Mervin said. In every thread they weave, the past and the future come together, shaped by culture, strengthened by community, and supported by partnerships that help carry both forward.      

  NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — A significant step in upholding good infrastructure governance, Governor Harris Ongchuan committed to establishing the Local Infrastructure Learning Hub (LIL Hub) in Northern Samar, signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and partner agencies involved in infrastructure development in the province. The MOA formalizes the commitment of the Provincial Government and partner agencies to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to LGUs on infrastructure audit and related activities, assist and provide pool of trainers or resource persons in delivering capacity development interventions to improve local infrastructure governance, and collaborate in the development of infrastructure audit plans to ensure the sustainability of the LIL Hub. It strengthens mutual cooperation among partner-implementers for disaster preparedness and infrastructure audit. ”We have seen how typhoons get stronger each year, so it is vital that we build quality, safer roads, bridges and government facilities for our constituents. This MOA ensures that the quality of our infrastructures are looked into,” Governor Ongchuan said. He also commended the DILG for the initiative, expressing the Provincial Government’s full support and cooperation to its goal. The governor’s commitment encompasses the PGNS departments involved in infra-building: the Provincial Engineering Office, the PDRRMO and the Provincial Health Office. Spearheading the agreement-signing, DILG Provincial Director Geraldine Maquelabit stressed how vital high-quality local infrastructure delivery is. ”The LIL Hub is a response to the challenging times, a commitment to protect lives. For good governance is also about safe buildings and infrastructures – the biggest legacy that government leaves to the next generation,” she emphasized. Also signing the cooperation on June 4, 2026 at the Provincial Capitol were DPWH First Engineering District head, Engr. Alvin Ignacio, DPWH 2 District Engineer, Atty. Eric Sabong, DepEd Northern Samar Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rey Bulawan, BFP Northern Samar OIC Provincial Fire Marshal Darwin Orsolino, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers Northern Samar Chapter Officer, Engr. Felix Licas and the representative of UEP. Also present were DILG OIC Cluster Head Eduardo Diaz Jr. and members of the DILG PDMU Team, OIC Provincial Engineer Noel Berbon and Provincial Legal Officer, Atty. Adah Gwynne Tobes. The learning hub, a catalyst for innovative and collaborative ingfrastructure governance, aims to build an enduring framework to elevate development standards, guarantee public accountability and ensure future public works deliver a safer, more resilient infrastructure landscape for Northern Samar.

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines – The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Gamay Northern Samar, in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), successfully released a Philippine Tarsier into its natural habitat at the Butay Wetland after it was safely turned over to authorities, on May 26. The sighting and release of this endangered species is a remarkable indication that the municipality of Gamay continues to provide a suitable environment for wildlife and biodiversity. It serves as evidence that tarsiers still thrive in our locality and highlights the importance of protecting our forests, wetlands, and natural ecosystems. Let’s protect nature and our biodiversity, Northerners! Post via Municipal Government of Gamay Northern Samar

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)