English News
The economy of CALABARZON accelerated by 5.6 percent in 2024 compared to the 5.2 percent growth in 2023. The main contributor to CALABARZON’s economic growth was Manufacturing, which contributed 1.5 percentage points.
The top three fastest growing industries were: Financial and insurance activities with 13.0 percent; Human health and social work activities with 12.8 percent, and Public administration and defense; compulsory social security with 11.7 percent. Conversely, Agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) declined by 0.7 percent, the only industry which recorded a contraction in 2024.
CALABARZON was the only region in the country that was predominantly industrial. Among the major economic sectors of the region, Industry had the largest share with 49.0 percent. This was followed by Services with 46.8 percent share and AFF with 4.2 percent share.
Of the 5.7 percent growth of Philippines’ GDP in 2024, CALABARZON contributed 0.8 percentage point, the second highest among the 18 regions. Moreover, the region remained second in terms of share, accounting for 14.7 percent of the national GDP.
CALABARZON’s Government final consumption expenditure records highest growth in 2024
Among the major expenditure items, Government final consumption expenditure recorded the highest growth of 6.5 percent in 2024. It was followed by Household final consumption expenditure at 5.2 percent and Exports of goods and services to the rest of the world at
3.8 percent. On the other hand, Gross capital formation declined by 2.1 percent.
The per capita HFCE of the region was estimated at PhP 159,767, which grew by 4.0 percent from PhP 153,645 in 2023. It was higher by 11.9 percent than the national level, which was estimated at PhP 142,837.
Camp BGen Vicente Lim- The Police Regional Office CALABARZON arrested several high value drug personalities and confiscated a significant amount of illegal drugs, in a series of intensified anti-illegal drug operations conducted across the CALABARZON region from April 23 to 24, 2025.
In Cavite, alias “GARY” and “JAB”, both residents of Dasmariñas City, were arrested on the evening of April 23 at Brgy Datu Esmael, upon the confiscation of approximately 53 grams of shabu valued at P360,000.00 Cavite Police Drug Enrocement Unit togther with the members of Dasmariñas Component City Police Station.
On the afternoon of the same date, Drug Enrocement Team of the Lucena Component City Police Station, together with the Quezon Police Drug Enforcement Teams, Intellligence Unit, and Maritime police arrestedf alias “ALAN” during a drug bust operation in Brgy Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City. He was confiscated with roughly 80 gramss of shabu valued at P544,000.00.and drug bust money.
In Antipolo City, alias “BOS”, a resident of said place was also arrested by the members of Antipolo Drug Enforcement Team on April 23 around 8:35 in the evening at Brgy. Dela Paz Antipolo City, Rizal. Confiscated from his possession were 7-heat sealed sachets of shabu weighing more or less 25 grams valued at Php 170,000.00, other drug paraphernalia and drug bust money. Also, on April 24 in the morning, at Barangay Mambugan, Antipolo City, alias “ZETTE”, was arrested in possession of more or less 35 grams of shabu valued at P238,000.00.
Meanwhile, 3 Street Value Individuals were arrested on the evening of April 23 at Brgy San Jose, Rodriguez, Rizal. The suspects were identified as alias “ACON”, “PONG”, and “CHELSEA” who were arrested by the Rodriquez Drug Enforcement Team in a buy-bust operation. Confiscated from their possession were 9 heat-sealed plastic sachets of shabu with an estimated weight of 25 grams valued at Php 170,000.00.
PBGEN PAUL KENNETH T. LUCAS, Regional Director of PRO CALABARZON, lauded the operatives for their diligence, coordination, and dedication to rid the streets of CALABARZON of the scourge of illegal drugs.
“This series of successful drug busts reflects our commitment to cleanse our communities of illegal drugs and dismantle the networks that threaten the safety and well-being of our kababayan,” said PBGEN Lucas.
The Regional Director also reaffirmed PRO CALABARZON’s stance on illegal drugs, emphasizing that under his leadership, the region will continue to pursue drug peddlers with utmost resolve. “We remain relentless in our campaign against illegal drugs. We will not stop until we have fulfilled the promise to the people kung saan dito Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang gusto ng pulis, ligtas ang lahat,” he added.
All arrested suspects are now in police custody and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.(RPIO4A)
Camp BGen Pantaleon Garcia, City of Imus, Cavite — In a resolute demonstration of law enforcement’s commitment to upholding justice, the Rosario Municipal Police Station, successfully arrested a Regional Level Most Wanted Person during a warrant-based police operation at around 7:15 PM of April 21, 2025, in Barangay San Juan 1, General Trias City, Cavite.
PLTCOL ARDIE O BAGAMAN, Officer-in-Charge of Rosario MPS, identified the arrested suspect as alias ALONICA, a resident of Barangay Wawa 1, Rosario, Cavite.
The arrest was conducted by the Warrant Section of Rosario MPS by virtue of a warrant of arrest for Violation of Section 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), with Criminal Case No. 1308-2022, issued by the 4th Judicial Region, RTC Branch 88, Cavite City, dated February 21, 2025. The warrant was served with no bail recommended (Service of Sentence).
The police team utilized Alternative Recording Devices (ARDs) during the operation in strict compliance with established PNP operational guidelines and human rights protocols. The suspect was informed of her constitutional rights in a language and manner she fully understood.
This latest success underscores the Philippine National Police’s intensified efforts to pursue fugitives and deliver justice. The Cavite PPO remains steadfast in its mandate to maintain peace and order across the province.
PCOL DWIGHT E. ALEGRE, Acting Provincial Director of Cavite PPO, called on the public for continued support. “Patuloy na pinaiigting ng ating mga kapulisan ang kanilang pagtugis sa mga taong nagtatago sa batas. Nararapat lamang na makamit ng mga biktima ang nararapat na hustisya. Kaya’t kami ay patuloy na humihingi ng tulong at suporta mula sa ating komunidad sapagkat sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang gusto ng pulis ligtas ka!”
Camp BGen Pantaleon Garcia, City of Imus, Cavite — In line with the Acting Provincial Director’s flagship program “Patrulyang Magilas”, which intensifies police presence through Fixed Visibility Posts (FVPs), Mobile Patrol Unit (MPU) personnel from GMA Cavite swiftly responded and intercepted a suspected drunk driver involved in multiple road crashes, culminating along Molino-Paliparan Road, Brgy. Paliparan 3, Dasmariñas City, Cavite at around 11:30 PM on April 20, 2025.
PLTCOL Regino L. Oñate, Officer-In-Charge of Dasmariñas City Police Station, reported that the incident involved two vehicles: Vehicle 1: Toyota Rush, driven by alias Felix, a resident of Brgy. Salawag, Dasmariñas City. Vehicle 2: Isuzu D-Max, driven by alias Lin, a Chinese national residing in Brgy. San Gabriel, GMA Cavite.
According to the initial investigation, Vehicle 1 was traveling towards Bacoor when it was rear-ended by Vehicle 2. Following the impact, Vehicle 2 attempted to flee by making a U-turn and turning right toward Paliparan, but due to a blown front left tire, the vehicle veered off and crashed into the concrete center island.
It was further discovered that Vehicle 2 had been previously involved in another road crash in GMA, Cavite. Alert MPU personnel stationed in the area—Pat Rodney Vasquez Aduca and Pat Eldrin James Simera Agrimano under the supervision of PCpt Marlon Sotomayor, Chief MPU initiated pursuit in line with the “Patrulyang Magilas” directive, which ensures that all patrol assets remain on the ground, strategically positioned in crime-prone and high-traffic areas to respond quickly to incidents.
The pursuit ended with the successful interception of the suspect vehicle in Dasmariñas. Authorities believe the driver of Vehicle 2 was under the influence of liquor, in violation of RA 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013). Both vehicles and the concrete center island owned by the City Government of Dasmariñas sustained unestimated damages.
This swift and decisive action highlights the effectiveness of “Patrulyang Magilas”, the Cavite Police Provincial Office’s strategic operational plan to increase police visibility and public safety through well-placed Fixed Visibility Posts and proactive patrol deployment.
The Cavite PPO urges the public to remain cooperative and vigilant. The PNP remains committed to ensuring a safe, secure, and orderly community for every Caviteño through strong police visibility, prompt response, and community partnership.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) vowed to ensure the safety and integrity of the May 12 midterm elections through the strengthening of the country’s digital infrastructure for elections.
“Sa digital bayanihan sisiguraduhin ng DICT na ligtas ang halalan, at ang boto ng bawat Pilipino ay mananatiling sagrado,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a Malacañang press briefing on Monday.
Castro said the DICT and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Advisory Council (CAC) had a meeting last week, which tackled the conduct of safe and credible elections amid the increasing threats in the digital space.
“Ang CAC na binubuo ng iba’t ibang sektor ay regular na nagpupulong para talakayin ang mga isyung may kinalaman sa halalan. Pinag-usapan din ang digital at automated election systems at mga rekomendasyon para sa COMELEC,” Castro said.
The key part of the initiative Digital Bayanihan is the collaboration with various technology giants, including TikTok, Google, and Meta which now implement a ban on paid political advertisements on their platforms, Castro said.
The DICT said Google has implemented the ban since the start of the official campaign period to support the goal of a clean and fair election.
Castro cited the agencies’ initiative to establish “Configuration Hubs” for a much more streamlined elections process. These agencies will also develop online tools such as precinct results finder, registration status verifier, and website for real time monitoring of election results and access to election data, she added.
“Kasama rin dito ang cybersecurity initiatives tulad ng vulnerability testing, security protocols, at paggamit ng Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure o PNPKI digital certificates para sa mga guro na magsisilbing electoral board members,” Castro said. | PND
Baguio City — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02 further strengthened its efforts in promoting science-based solutions for nutrition and technology transfer through commercialization through the formal signing of three Technology Licensing Agreements (TLAs) during the Ceremonial TLA Signing at the 2025 North Luzon Innovation and Technology Transfer Summit, held at the Newtown Plaza Convention Center.
The event was organized under the TECHGROW platform of the DOST to accelerate the transfer and commercialization of government-developed technologies to local industry players.
Representing Region 02, JBM Food Products, led by its owner Mr. Jose B. Morante, officially entered into a licensing agreement with the DOST–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) for three nutrition technologies, namely: Iodine-Rich Drinking Water, Brown Rice Nutty Fruity Bar, and Iron-Fortified Rice. These technologies underwent Fairness Opinion Board evaluation through DOST-02.
Signing on behalf of DOST-FNRI was Mr. Jaypy S. de Juan, Senior Science Research Specialist. The partnership aims to bring these science-based products to market through local production—addressing nutritional gaps and contributing to food security in the region.
Alongside Region 02, other participating regions also signed licensing agreements during the summit. Region 1 licensed Iron-Fortified Rice to Bantog Samahan Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative, while Region 3 licensed Hybrid Rice Varieties (Mestiso 125, 126, 127, and 128) to Tao Foods Company Inc., with Central Luzon State University–Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (CLSU-PhilSCAT) as the licensor.
These agreements underscore the importance of technology transfer and commercialization in fostering inclusive development and enhancing the value of government-funded research and development (R&D).
The DOST’s TECHGROW initiative continues to support local enterprises in transforming research outputs into tangible products and services, driving innovation-led progress across the regions.
Following the TLA signing, the event was succeeded by “Kapihan sa Baguio,” where DOST Region 02 Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera highlighted JBM Food Products as one of the region’s successful beneficiaries of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). She proudly shared how the firm has remained actively engaged with DOST, receiving various forms of support and interventions that contributed to its growth and its readiness to commercialize government-developed technologies.
Tagalog News
Ang Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) kamakailan ay nagpakita ng mga pangunahing natuklasan mula sa pinakabagong pag-aaral nito sa pakikilahok ng kababaihan sa pulitika sa lead-up para sa Mayo 12, 2025 pambansa at lokal na halalan.
Inilunsad ng CWR ang “Women’s Political Participation Survey Results” sa isang press conference sa Kamuning Bakery Cafe.
Ang Kuro Pulso ng Kababaihan ay isang taunang press conference na pana-panahong isinasagawa ng CWR.
Sinabi ni Bren Yasay, Research Coordinator ng CWR, na noong 1937 nang makuha ng mga kababaihan ang karapatang bumoto o karapatang bumoto at ang bilang ng mga kababaihang botante mula noon ay mataas.
Ang mga respondente ay mula sa mga lungsod at lalawigan ng Cavite, Bulacan, Lagunapondsnets, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Iloilo City, Davao City, National Capital Region, Rizal, at Cordillera Administrative Region.
Ang bilang ng mga babaeng botante ay bahagyang mas mataas din, na may 82.43% noong 2016 at 76.16% noong 2019, kumpara sa mga rate ng pagboto ng mga lalaki na 81.43% at 75.62%. Sa ika-19 na Kongreso, ang mga kababaihan ay binubuo ng pito sa 24 na senador (29%) at 85 sa 311 Kinatawan (27.3%).
Ayon kay Angela Panagsagan, Research Program Assistant ng CWR, napilitan din ang mga kababaihan kaya ayaw nilang matanggal sa listahan ng mga botante.
Idinagdag pa ni Panagsagan na tila nagiging normal na ang paggamit ng kababaihan bilang pinagkukunan ng libangan sa panahon ng kampanya, ngunit dapat itaguyod ang dignidad at disente, lalo na para sa mga kababaihan.
Ayon kay Cham Perez, Executive Director ng CWR at Babae, Bantayan ang Eleksyon (BaBaE) Network Secretariat, mas mainam na maunawaan ang pattern ng survey dahil limitado ang mga oportunidad o pagpipilian para sa kababaihan sa harap ng political dynasties.
Sinabi ni Perez na mahigit kalahati ng mga botante ang aktibo sa kanilang paglahok sa halalan. Gayunpaman, masaya pa rin sila dahil nakikita nila na may pag-asa pa rin.
Idinagdag pa ni Perez na ang kawalan ng katiyakan sa ekonomiya ay nag-aambag sa kahinaan ng kababaihan, na binabanggit na ang mga batas ay dapat ipatupad, lalo na ng mga halal na opisyal, kabilang ang pagsasama ng pagkakapantay-pantay ng kasarian at karapatan ng kababaihan sa kurikulum ng paaralan.
“Bilang isang institusyon, ang CWR ay hindi nag-eendorso ng anumang mga kandidato o partidong pampulitika sa halalan,” sabi ni Perez.
TULOY ang Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office sa pagbibigay ng serbisyo ng kanilang police bus na tinatawag na ‘Manong Pulis Bus’ ngayong summer season.
Ito ay ang pagdadala o paghahatid sa mga residente at bisita ng Laoag City sa mga bayan ng Pagudpud at Badoc simula ng alas-8:00 ng umaga papunta at pabalik o vice versa.
Sa pahayag ng INPPO, sinisikap nilang maipalapit ang serbisyo publiko sa komunidad.
Layunin din ng programa na makatipid ang publiko o mapagaan ang gastusin sa transportasyon.
Higit sa lahat ay ang mithiin ng INPPO na matiyak ang ligtas at ligtas na paglalakbay o pagbibiyahe.
Batay sa pinakahuling tally ng Police Community Affairs and Development Office ay nasa 116 pasaheo ang nakinabang sa libreng sakay ng ‘Manong Pulis Bus’ simula nitong Abril 19 hanggang Abril 20.
Sa kabila na nagtapos na ang Semana Santa ay inihayag nitong Abril 21 ni INPPO chief Col. Frederick Obar na ang ‘Manong Pulis Bus’ ay mananatili o ipagpapatuloy pa rin ngayong panahon ng bakasyon.
Ayon sa opisyal, mananatiling matatag ang kanilang misyon at adhikain sa paghahatid ng tunay na serbisyo publiko sa pamamagitan ng community-oriented policing.
Binigyang diin pa ng hepe ng INPPO na nakatuon at tuloy sila sa pagpapatupad ng batas at mga operasyon na may kaugnayan sa kaligtasan at seguridad ng publiko.
Pinuri naman ni Col. Obar ang 23 police station ng lalawigan gayundin mga grupong boluntaryo sa ipinamalas na malasakit at trabaho sa katatapos na Holy Week. RUBEN LACSA
By Divine Paguntalan/IBC
Sa layuning mas palakasin ang plano at direksyon ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas, nilagdaan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. noong Abril 10 ang Republic Act No. 12145, na nagtatatag sa Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).
Ito ay nagsisilbing reorganisasyon ng National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
Sa ilalim ng bagong ahensya ay magkakaroon nang mas malawak na mandato bilang pangunahing ahensyang tagapayo at tagapagsubaybay sa progreso ng mga proyekto para sa ekonomiya ng buong bansa.
Kasama sa mandato ng DEPDev ang tiyakin na ang pambansa at panrehiyong plano ay magkakaugnay at tuluy-tuloy ang implementasyon sa kabila ng pagpapalit ng liderator o administrasyon sa pamamagitan ng pagbuo ng isang long-term infrastructure master plan.
Layunin ng DEPDev na iwasang maantala o makansela ang mga mahahalagang proyekto at agad na matugunan ang tunay na pangangailangan ng mga mamamayang Pilipino.
“The new law gives that mandate to DEPDev, serving as a link between the outgoing administration and the incoming administration,” saad ni NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
“In other words, once a long-term infrastructure master plan is adopted by the Cabinet through DEPDev, it will not be easy for any Cabinet member, like a Secretary of Public Works or Secretary of Transportation, to just ignore the presence of such masterplan and not unless the Cabinet and the President convene to approve the masterplan,” dagdag niya.
Palalakasin ng DEPDev ang kakayahan ng mga kinauukulang ahensya sa pambansa at lokal na pamahalaan na bumuo ng mga polisiya na magbibigay ng pantay-pantay na oportunidad para sa lahat ng nasasakupan.
Binigyang-diin ni Balisacan na makatutulong ang DEPDev sa pagtiyak ng “future-ready, well-coordinated, and institutionally robust system” para sa pamamahala sa ekonomiya ng bansa. – VC
TINATAYANG mahigit sa P360K halaga ng hinihinalang shabu ang nasabat matapos naaresto ang tatong tulak na nasa listahan ng High Value Individual (HVI) sa isinagawang buy bust operation sa Dasmarinas City, Cavite.
Kinilala ang mga naaresto sa mga alyas Garry, Jabar, at Jalil.
Sa ulat, bandang alas-10:20 ng gabi ay nagsagawa ng buy bust operation ang mga operatiba ng Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), Cavite Police Provincial Office (PPO) at Dasmarinas Component City Police Station (CPS) sa Brgy. Datu Esmael, Dasmariñas City, na nagresulta sa pagkakaaresto sa mga suspek.
Narekober sa kanila ang humigit kumulang sa 53 gramo ng hinihinalang shabu na may Standard Drug Price value na Php 360,400.00, buy bust money at isang andorid cellphone. (Gene Adsuara)
NABULABOG ang mga mananahi ng patahian ng tela sa nakitang gumagapang sa kisame ang malaking sawa sa Naic, Cavite.
Ayon sa mananahi na si Marissa Quinto, bigla na lang siyang napasigaw at nagtakbuhan silang palabas dahil sa takot pagkakita sa sawa na gumagapang sa kisame bandang alas-11:40 ng umaga sa Pasinaya Home Central Brgy Sabang, Naic.
Agad siyang humingi ng tulong sa kanyang kapatid na si Jerico Grabol upang mahuli ang sawa.
Mabilis na kumilos si Grabol upang mahuli ang sawa at matagumpay itong nagawa.
Ayon sa 40-anyos na si Grabol, maaaring nabulabog ang sawa matapos na maglinis at magputol ng damo sa likurang bahagi ng kanyang shop. Madalas daw kasi itong nangyayari sa tuwing magtatabas ng damo sa kanilang lugar.
“Pangatlong pagkakataon na ang ganitong pangyayari. Pangatlong beses na akong nakakahuli ng sawa. Medyo magubat kasi ang likurang bahagi ng aming subdibisyon,” paliwanag ni Grabol.
Ang sawa ay may sukat na 9 na talampakan at naisurender na sa barangay. (Gene Adsuara)
PATAY ang babaing driver ng tricycle habang sugatan ang walo nitong pasahero, kabilang ang 9 buwang sanggol at 10-anyos na batang babae, dahil sa umano’y pagmamaneho na nakainom sa Carmona City, Cavite.
Pawang isinugod sa Pagamutang Bayan ng Carmona sina Kristela Ramos Y Laca, 49, driver ng pulang tricycle; Rachelle Ann Villare y Loyola, 33; Kyla Garlan, 21; Jeffrey Espina y Loyola, 43; Jane Mate, 44; pawang ng Brgy Langkiwa Biñan, Laguna; isang 9 buwang babaeng sanggol at 10 anyos na batang babae subalit idineklarang dead on arrival si Kristeta habang sa Carmona Medical Center isinugod sina Margie Loyola, 61; at Jaime Garcia III, ng 21 ng Brgy Langkiwa, Biñan.
Sa ulat, galing sa outing sa Paligawan Matanda River sa Barangay Lantic, Carmona City ang mga biktima at papauwi na sakay ng tricycle na minamaneho ni Kristeta.
Habang binabagtas ang kahabaan ng Davilan Road patungo sa direksiyon ng Sugar road at pagsapit sa pababang kurbadang bahagi ng kalsada ay umano’y nawalan ng kontrol ang manibela at tumaob ang tricycle bandang alas-5:35 ng hapon na nagresulta sa pagkakaaksidente.
Sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, nakainom umano ang nagmamaneho ng traysikel. (Gene Adsuara)
