DAVAO CITY (July 27,2024) – The country’s No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), recently celebrated another milestone, the Honda Riders Convention- a grand gathering, this time for Mindanao Riders. To celebrate its long-standing commitment to providing Filipinos with the joy of mobility, the day was filled with adrenaline-pumping activities, treats and perks, and a full day of entertainment. It was also an opportunity for the management to get up close and personal with Honda’s loyal customers in the South and express their heartfelt thanks for their unwavering loyalty and trust. Everyone’s presence today strengthens the very essence of our shared passion – the joy of riding a Honda… For generations, Honda has strived to be more than just a motorcycle manufacturer; we are partners to achieve your freedom and adventure.” said HPI President Sayaka Arai. One of the largest conventions with around 1,400 Honda motorcycle enthusiasts from multiple parts of Mindanao signifies a new level of excitement as participants were treated to a full day of exciting activities. One of the highlights was the motor show, which is a parade of various HPI models. Winner X and several Big Bikes were also provided for participants to enjoy a test ride of these most coveted products. Up for grabs were irresistible offers from trade partners, games, raffle prizes, and exciting booth games. Riders who came from different parts of Mindanao were also treated to a massage to soothe their tired body and muscles. Moreover, the event concluded with a grand raffle of two (2) PCX160 ABS models, which is considered one of Honda’s most in-demand scooter models. Much to the audience’s delight, the live performance of Silent Sanctuary filled the auditorium with songs and lighthearted cheer to celebrate this momentous occasion. This another momentous occasion truly reflects HPI passion to pursue growth and continuously come up with more events that define the Honda legacy. A symbol of brotherhood, it’s also a catalyst to bring everyone together in the spirit of adventure together with the country’s ultimate choice, the Honda motorcycle.

Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte – The Police Regional Office 8 marked a significant milestone with the ceremonial blessing of the PRO8 Command Center and the inaugural launch of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) Secretariat Satellite Hub.  The event was graced by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP),General Rommel Francisco Marbil, held at the PRO8 Grounds, Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte,on July 30, 2024. The ceremony commenced with a ribbon-cutting and marker unveiling, led by the Chief PNP and assisted by PRO 8 Director BGen.Reynaldo Pawid.  Following this, Rev.Father Maj.Rhey Dollesin,regional pastoral officer, officiated the blessing of the new facilities. In his message, Marbil emphasized the commitment to professionalism and service towards the public. “Let us wear our uniform with pride and honor. As committed police officers, we safeguard communities and uphold the values of integrity and courage. Together, we embody the essence of public service and strive to improve as public servants,” he said. Notably, the establishment of the PTCFOR Secretariat Satellite Hub represents a significant development for firearm regulation in the Philippines.  As the first PTCFOR satellite office in the country, this hub will streamline the processing of applications for the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence for all licensed firearm holders in Region 8 and nearby regions.  This new facility is expected to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of firearm permits, contributing to improved public safety. Simultaneously with the PTCFOR Hub launch, the PRO8 Command Center was officially blessed and inaugurated.  It was constructed under the Trust Receipt Fund CY 2023 with a budget of Php5,127,290.00 through the Office of the Directorate for Comptrollership, Camp Crame Quezon City dated August 15, 2023. This state-of-the-art facility will be the central coordination hub for all regional police operations, enhancing public safety and security, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters. It ensures seamless communication and collaboration among various units and agencies, coordinating swift rescue and relief efforts during emergencies. Moreover, the Command Center includes a War Room designed for strategic planning and operational deployment, featuring a short-throw projector for clear and concise displays.  Additionally, the Central Operations Area, managed by regional tactical and technical personnel, boasts a large LED wall that provides real-time feeds, maps, and data from body cameras, CCTV, and drones. This area also includes a TV monitor dedicated to vehicle tracking, all of which support proactive responses and efficient resource deployment. Pawid, expressed his gratitude to the Chief PNP for the support in establishing the projects, he stated, “The establishment of both the PTCFOR Secretariat Satellite Hub and the PRO8 Command Center marks a new chapter in PRO8’s advancement of public safety and operational efficiency. These new facilities will play a crucial role in enhancing law enforcement and emergency response capabilities across the region.”

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, is set to resume direct flights between Iloilo and Hong Kong in October, offering a faster and more affordable way for travelers from the City of Love to visit one of Asia’s popular shopping and foodie paradise. Starting October 27, CEB will operate flights from Iloilo to Hong Kong four times weekly — every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hong Kong to Iloilo flights will also operate four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. “With the resumption of flights to Hong Kong, CEB will be the only airline to operate international flights from Iloilo. We hope this will also make air travel even more affordable and accessible for a wider range of passengers in the Visayas region,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer.   Previously, passengers from Iloilo had to book connecting flights from Manila and spend up to 12 hours traveling to reach Hong Kong with layovers. With CEB’s direct international flights from Iloilo, passengers don’t need to pay more for an additional stop or wait at another airport during their layover. From Iloilo, passengers may now reach Hong Kong in less than three (3) hours and save up to nine (9) hours in travel time. Passengers from Iloilo may also save up to 20% on round-trip air fare compared to booking connecting flights to Hong Kong. To make the route resumption more exciting, from July 26 to 31, 2024, CEB passengers may book flights from Iloilo to Hong Kong for as low as PHP 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period will run from October 27, 2024 to March 29, 2025.   With CEB’s international flights from Iloilo made much more convenient and affordable, more Filipino travelers may now indulge in local delicacies from the Temple Street Night Market or embark on a magical adventure at Hong Kong Disneyland. CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Passengers may use their existing Travel Funds to book flights and avail of other add-ons. CEB also offers other payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets.  

SOUTH COTABATO — Hope and relief filled the air in SOCCSKSARGEN Region as the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano brought much-needed assistance across the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato from July 16 to 26, 2024. Benefitting at least 10,000 individuals, the Cayetano team provided aid to farmers, fisherfolk, persons with disabilities (PWD), women’s groups, solo parents, and youth in the municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan, Malungon, Maitum, Kiamba, and Glan in Sarangani, and in Surallah, South Cotabato. One of the beneficiaries, Richel Nacion Buday from Alabel, shared her heartfelt gratitude. “Malaking tulong ito sa amin na galing kila Senador Pia at Alan Peter Cayetano. Barangay official ang husband ko. Malaking tulong ang natanggap namin pambili ng gamit ng mga bata [para sa darating na pasukan],” Buday said during the distribution event at Alabel Municipal Gymnasium on July 16, 2024. A teary-eyed Connie Odron from South Cotabato, who has been a health worker for eight years, also expressed her appreciation. “Minsan medyo pagod lang, pero kailangan magsikap para sa pang-araw araw… Gagamitin ko ito pang bayad ng check-up at pang gamot,” Odron shared during the event held at Surallah Municipal Gym on July 23, 2024. More Sarangans – almost 1,600 – will be given vital assistance on Monday, July 29, in the municipality of Maasim. All these events were made possible in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (DSWD AICS) Program, with the help of DSWD 12 Regional Director Loreto Cabaya. Former You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP) Partylist (now LUNAS) Representative Carol Lopez, together with local leaders Malapatan Mayor Salway “Jun” Sumbo Jr., Malungon Councilor Zusima Del Rosario, Kiamba Mayor George Falgui, and Surallah Mayor Pedro “Cano” Matinong also played key roles in this initiative, ensuring that timely aid reached those in need.   Numbering in the thousands in this aid distribution, solo parents are among the target beneficiaries of Senator Pia Cayetano and Rep. Carol Lopez, who played significant roles in the signing into law of the Solo Parents Act in 2000. The law now benefits at least 15 million individuals, most of whom are women. With their combined efforts, Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have not only delivered essential support but also rekindled hope and resilience within the SOCCSKSARGEN communities.      

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City,Samar – The personnel of Samar Police Provincial Office, led by Colonel Antonietto Eric Mendoza, provincial director, celebrated the 29th Police Community Relations Month thru the “Pamilya ng Pulis (PNP) Family Day” held in the Covered Court of Barangay Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar, on July 26. The event was aligned with the theme “Ligtas Ka Sa Bagong Pilipinas” which focused on strengthening family bonds, enhancing support networks, and promoting the well-being of PNP personnel and their families. The one-day event featured variety of activities designed to engage and support the PNP personnel and their dependents. Also, there were government agencies from across the Province of Samar that set up booths and provided range of services, including National ID processing, birth certificate applications, livelihood and skills training registration, medical services, National Police Clearance issuance, pet vaccinations, free haircuts, and unlimited snacks. Participating units included the Provincial Legal Office of Samar PPO, Provincial Administrative and Resource Management Unit, Samar Provincial Medical and Dental Team, Highway Patrol Group – Western Samar, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – Western Samar, among others. Further, among the highlights of the event was kid’s enjoyment with the visit of McDo Mascot, clown and magic show, parlor games, unlimited snacks (ice cream, hotdogs, cotton candy, and kwek-kwek) for the children of Samar PPO personnel. The entire day imbibed a festive atmosphere to the attendees especially to the children.   Afterwards, the stakeholders, service providers, partner agencies and personnel shared a sumptuous lunch. Mendoza, underscored the importance of family support to PNP personnel stating, “Family is not an important thing, it is everything.” As husbands and wives, we should maintain peace and love in every home because for the personnel of Samar PPO, their families and dependents are the reason why they strive to excel in their work,” he added. The event concluded successfully at 2:30 PM of the same date leaving a positive impact on the families and the broader community involved.        

CAMP KANGLEON, Leyte – The Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) 8 led by officer-in-charge Maj. Analiza Armeza, recently concluded a series of seminar-workshops aimed at equipping personnel of the Police Regional Office 8 with essential skills for compliant and effective public communication across all social media platforms. According to Armeza, the seminar-workshop underscores PRO 8’s dedication to fostering proactive and informed public communication within PRO 8. “We are committed to ensuring that our personnel are equipped with the necessary skills to communicate transparently and effectively with the communities we serve,” she said. The series of workshops commenced on June 18, in Ormoc City, followed by sessions held on June 20 in Maasin City, Southern Leyte, and June 25 in Catbalogan, Samar. Additional sessions were conducted on July 2 in Borongan City, July 5 in Catarman, Northern Samar, July 9 in Naval, Biliran, and July 11 in Burauen, Leyte. Accordingly, the workshops were attended by Public Information Officers (PIOs), Chiefs of Police, Station Commanders, Writers, and Social Media Handlers from City and Provincial Police Offices, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8. The RPIO 8 initiative brought together 456 participants, with 50 from the Ormoc City Police Office, Tacloban City Police Office, and RMFB 8; 42 from the Southern Leyte PPO; 60 from Samar PPO; 102 from Eastern Samar PPO; 57 from Northern Samar PPO; 28 from Biliran PPO; and 117 from the Leyte PPO. Meanwhile, the comprehensive sessions featured lectures on crucial topics including Introduction to Communication, Press Release Writing, Media Relations, Crisis Communication, Photojournalism, and Social Media Management. These covered key aspects necessary for effective public communication and engagement. Furthermore, esteemed guest speakers enriched the seminar-workshop with their expertise, including Reyan L. Arinto, Regional Head, Philippine Information Agency – Eastern Visayas; Dr. Ulderico Alviola, Chair, Development Communication Department – Visayas State University, Baybay City; Lyna Gayas, Division Information Officer, Department of Education – Southern Leyte; Marie Tonette Grace Marticio, Correspondent, Manila Bulletin; Mr. Ronald Reyes, Correspondent, Sunstar Philippines and Manila Standard; and Mr. Roel Amazona, Correspondent/Reporter, Leyte Samar Daily Express and RMN Tacloban. Brig.Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, regional director, expresses appreciation to all participants and resource speakers for their active engagement and contributions to the success of the seminar-workshops. He emphasized that good communication skills are fundamental to police officers in maintaining public safety, building community trust, and effectively carrying out their responsibilities. “The seminar-workshop provided invaluable knowledge and practical skills crucial for effectively engaging with the public and disseminating information responsibly. By employing effective communication strategies, we enhance our professional capabilities and positively impact community relations and public safety,” he added.

SAN CARLOS CITY, Negros Occidental — In their continued commitment to bring aid to more residents of Negros Occidental, the teams of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano revisited the province on July 13, 2024 to reach out to 600 Negrenses in need of assistance in San Carlos City. In collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Cayetanos provided aid to health workers, sports coaches, and traffic enforcers of San Carlos City under the department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. This initiative recognized their critical roles in maintaining public health, sports development, and road safety in their community. One of the beneficiaries, Barangay Health Worker (BHW) Ana Liza Navilla, said the timely assistance she received from the senators will help meet her family’s needs, especially for her children’s school supplies as the school year is about to start. “Malaking tulong po sa amin ito. Magagamit ko po ito para makabili ng school supplies ng mga anak ko dahil malapit na ang pasukan,” she said. The disbursement of assistance was successful through the help of San Carlos City Mayor Renato “Rene” Gustilo, who also expressed his gratitude to the senators for their support of San Carlos City beneficiaries. “Taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyo sa inyong mga programa at sa tulong na ibinibigay ninyo sa amin,” he said. In May and June, the Cayetanos’ teams were busy visiting marginalized communities in the Negros Region, assisting thousands of residents. These initiatives are part of the Cayetanos’ ongoing efforts to support communities in need across the country. They closely collaborate with government agencies and local units to ensure that Filipinos in need receive the necessary assistance. 

CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, – In a significant development, the San Isidro Municipal Police Station conducted an intensive investigation confirming the recovery of shabu from an abandoned hut in Barangay San Roque, San Isidro, Northern Samar. As background, two farmers handed over two plastic bags of suspected shabu to the San Isidro MPS, leading to the discovery of a substantial quantity of suspected drugs in the abandoned hut on July 14, 2024. According to the Chemistry Report released by the Samar Forensic Unit on July 16, 2024, the recovered substance tested positive as methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, weighing 8.138 kilograms with a value of P50,080,000.00. Further investigation revealed that the abandoned hut belongs to a certain “Jaime” and his family, who relocated to the mountainous part of the barangay. It was also discovered that the son of the hut’s owner, a 17-year-old student, and his friend had found a box containing the substance near the national road in April 2024. They mistook it for potassium alum or “tawas” and stored it in their former residence, now the abandoned hut. The substances remained hidden in a sack of charcoal even after the family moved to a new house. Upon inspection, it was found that some bags had been exposed to elements due to the hut’s dilapidated condition. Lt. Millen Charles Vincent Reyes, chief of police, recommends extending the investigation to further shed light on the case. He stated, “Given the magnitude of this drug haul and its implications, an extended investigation will provide clarity on the network behind this operation and prevent such incidents in the future.” San Isidro MPS also urges a coordinated effort involving the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO), other governmental agencies, and stakeholders to assist in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the abandoned shabu. “The San Isidro MPS, together with the local government, remains committed to eradicating the presence of dangerous drugs in the community. Our collective efforts will significantly contribute to dismantling illegal drug networks, ensuring the safety and welfare of our community,” he emphasized.