The Provincial Government of Cavite’s Sportsfest 2025 ignited the Provincial Gymnasium in Trece Martires City with electrifying volleyball matches, showcasing the athletic prowess and camaraderie of PGC employees. Commencing on February 25, 2025, the tournament culminated in thrilling victories and commendable performances across both men’s and women’s divisions.

Demonstrating exceptional teamwork and strategic play, the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) emerged as the champions in the men’s division.

Their journey to the top was marked by resilience and skill, setting a high standard for future competitions.

The Office of the Provincial Governor (OPG) secured the first runner-up position, followed closely by the Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (OSP) as second runner-up, and the Treasurer’s Office clinching the third runner-up spot.

In the women’s division, the Office of the Provincial Human Resource Management Officer (OPHRMO) showcased unparalleled determination and coordination, earning them the championship title.

The OSP team displayed commendable effort, finishing as first runner-up, while OPHO and OPG secured the second and third runner-up positions, respectively.

Individual brilliance shone through as well, with Mr. Gabriel Hernandez of OPHO being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the men’s division for his pivotal role in leading his team to victory.

In the women’s division, Ms. Ditas Matira of OPHRMO earned the MVP accolade, a testament to her exceptional performance and leadership on the court.

The PGC Sportsfest 2025 not only highlighted the athletic talents of its employees but also fostered a spirit of unity and sportsmanship, reinforcing the values that drive the Provincial Government of Cavite forward. —R. Dones (CPIO)

The Department of Science and Technology – Cavite conducted the 2nd Saliklakbay Solutions Mapping and Immersion to identify additional possible grassroots innovations (GIs) last May 16, 2025 in the municipalities of Maragondon and Magallanes, Cavite. The first activity was conducted last May 7, 2025 in Indang, Cavite. Representatives from the pentahelix partners continued to support this initiative in bringing science and technology to the communities in Cavite.

The team once again conducted interviews to the grassroots innovators of additional potential GIs in Maragondon: Ms. Rowena A. Nuesca of Habing Maragondon; Mr. Jaypee S. Igos of DTI Shared Service Facility (SSF) for bamboo; and Mr. Jerson Angat, a “sapatis” maker. Moreover, the team interviewed grassroots innovators from the Taste, Indulge, Know, Magallanes Entrepreneurship (TIKME FOOD Producers Association) from Magallanes: Ms. Amilyn H. Hierco, sweetened buko with “kayumanis” maker; Ms. Marinell C. George, “bignay” cider maker; and Ms. Delia J. Balogna, “tilbok” maker.

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Camp General Pantaleon Garcia, Imus City, Cavite – The Cavite Police Provincial Office, under the leadership of Acting Provincial Director PCOL Dwight E Alegre, actively participated in the PNP-Wide Annual Inspection of Disaster Response Equipment held today, May 21, 2025, via the Zoom platform. The activity was spearheaded by PLTCOL Willy B Salazar, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration (DPDA), Cavite PPO.

This annual inspection marks the official kickoff of the Philippine National Police’s preparedness measures for the upcoming rainy season and the potential impacts of the La Niña phenomenon. The initiative is aligned with the overarching mantra of the Chief PNP and Chairperson of the PNP Critical Incident Management Committee — to ensure the safety and welfare of both police personnel and the communities they serve.

The activity was designed to assess the operational readiness, condition, and completeness of disaster response equipment across all units. It emphasizes the importance of proactive disaster response planning to prevent the loss of lives and minimize damage to property during natural calamities.

“As we anticipate the challenges posed by the rainy season and La Niña, we reaffirm our commitment to operational readiness and community safety,” said PCOL Alegre. “Our participation in this nationwide inspection reflects Cavite PPO’s dedication to timely, efficient, and coordinated disaster response.”

The Cavite PPO continues to uphold its mandate to protect the public and maintain peace and order, especially in times of crisis and disaster.

The Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1), in partnership with the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and in coordination with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (PDRRMO) in Region 1 hosted the Specialized Seminar on Radiation Safety and Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Response on May 20, 2025, at the DOST-La Union Provincial Science and Technology Center in Sevilla, City of San Fernando, La Union. The seminar gathered key stakeholders, including PDRRMOs, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers (LDRRMOs), Provincial and Municipal Health Office-La Union representative, and members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 1 (RDRRMC 1), aiming to strengthen their capacities through essential knowledge on radiation hazards and emergency response strategies aligned with Republic Act 10121’s decentralized DRRM framework.

In her opening message, DOST Region 1 Director Teresita A. Tabaog, represented by Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Services Racquel M. Espiritu, underscored the significance of the initiative. “As we continue to strengthen our disaster preparedness programs, this initiative plays a vital role in supporting our national goals for a safe and secure nuclear energy program, while ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities.”

DOST-La Union Provincial Director Jonathan M. Viernes, represented by Engr. Bernadine P. Suniega, Supervising Science Research Specialist, welcomed the participants by highlighting the importance of their role: “Your presence shows your commitment to a safer and more prepared La Union. Sana ay maging makabuluhan, kapaki-pakinabang, at higit sa lahat, makapagbigay ng bagong kaalaman ang seminar na ito para sa ating lahat.”

Experts from the Radiological Impact Assessment Section (RIAS) of DOST-PNRI’s Nuclear Regulatory Division led the technical sessions. Ms. Jeana Lee P. Sablay, Section Head of RIAS, provided an overview of nuclear energy, safety and security arrangements, and the various applications of radiation technology in the Philippines, including its use in medicine, agriculture, industry, and research. She also highlighted that a single uranium pellet can power an average household for about six months and noted how radiation has increased agricultural yields by up to 30% through DOST-PNRI’s Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter. Additionally, she discussed the network of radiation monitoring stations nationwide, which helps ensure public safety through real-time detection and assessment of radiological conditions.

Meanwhile, Mr. Christopher O. Mendoza, Senior Science Research Specialist, discussed the National Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN), the official framework for managing radiation-related emergencies in the country. He detailed the types of radiological emergencies, the preparedness and response objectives, and the national coordination mechanisms under RADPLAN, which was tested during major international incidents such as the 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Michael John C. Maquiling, Supervising Science Research Specialist and DRRM Focal of DOST Region 1, expressed gratitude to all participants who joined the seminar on-site, via Zoom, and through Facebook Live, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration, particularly in the potential adoption of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) technologies by local government units across the region. The seminar concluded as a meaningful step toward building a safer and more prepared Region 1, reinforcing DOST Region 1’s commitment to science-based governance and disaster resilience as the country progresses in its peaceful pursuit of nuclear energy. (Christian Dominic I. Casimiro )

DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite (PIA) — The initial rollout of the ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na’ initiative in Dasmariñas City, Cavite has received public support as members of the vulnerable sectors welcome the government’s efforts to ensure rice accessibility and food security.

Vilma Menezes was one of the first senior citizens who waited outside the covered court at Barangay Salitran III.

Her breakfast in hand, Vilma did not mind waiting for an hour outside of the covered court. In fact, she was the first to stand up when the caretaker opened the gates that divided her and the other residents from the big sacks of rice to be sold on Friday, May 16.

Vilma was one of the many residents who availed of the P20 Rice Program, purchasing 10 kilos of rice—enough to feed her family of five when combined with the rice her bedridden husband also bought.

“I left my husband at home to buy rice. I am very thankful to the organizers. I hope that there will be more [P20 rice programs] where we can buy [affordable] rice.”

Dubbed ‘Benteng Bigas Meron Na’, the P20 rice program is part of the Marcos Jr. administration’s bid to make rice more affordable especially to the vulnerable sector, including senior citizens, Persons With Disability (PWD), and pregnant mothers.

Jennifer Ibayan, City Agriculturist, said they were prepared to cater to the senior citizens who needed more assistance.

“Barangay Salitran 3 is just a sample where a lot of residents wanted to avail the P20 rice. We are expecting to make stops at other barangays in the coming weeks, if we have rice to sell.”

Raul Valles, barangay captain of Barangay Salitran III, said there are more than 2,500 residents who are part of the vulnerable sector in their community: of which 2,000 are senior citizens, more than 100 solo parents, and more than 400 PWDs.

Valles, over the microphone, announced that they will prioritize their residents and will cater other barangays once they are sure that his kabarangays have bought rice for their families.

“There are already more than 2,000 senior citizens in our barangay alone. I think we would not be able to cater to everyone if we will also cater to those from other barangays,” Valles admitted.

Barangay Salitran III has prepared for the expected influx of residents who will buy the P20 rice, barangay peacekeepers to keep the lines organized. Barangay Health Workers and emergency medical personnel were also on standby in case senior citizens needed their assistance.

“Our lupong tagapamayapa, our medics, BHWs, and tanod are on standby outside to assist in managing the traffic flow around this place.”

According to the City Agriculturist Office, Barangay Salitran 3 was  the first among the many barangays in the city to host the P20 Rice Program. (PB/PIA4A)

By PCO

Usually described as a kind person or “mabait,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he prefers to be a respected leader but is also ready to be fierce or “mabagsik.”

In the maiden episode of the BBM Podcast on Monday, the President responded to a question that he is “too kind” by saying, “Anong gagawin ko? Maging masamang tao? Siguro dapat nga talaga maging mas mabagsik talaga.”

“I want to be respected, but maybe fear is better,” President Marcos.

The President expressed frustration at the delay in major national projects and widespread illegal activities and corruption.

President Marcos suggested he needed to be stricter to push through bureaucratic delays on long-term projects.

“Maraming nagsasabi sa akin niyan. Eh anong gagawin ko? Maging masamang tao? Hindi ko na mababago ‘yung ugali ko,” the Chief Executive said.

“Pero alam mo siguro, dapat nga talaga maging mas mabagsik talaga dahil wala eh, eh kailangan talagang maging mas efficient ang ano, mas mabilis ang pagdating,” President Marcos acknowledged.

“Kasama na siguro ‘yan sa leksyon namin dito sa naging eleksyon nung nakaraan,” President added.

The President said he has fired several appointed officials based on validated reports of corruption without announcing their dismissal.

“Marami na. Marami na talagang- Pero hindi na namin pinag-uusapan kasi gulo na naman eh. Basta umalis ka na, kung hindi kakasuhan ka namin. Ikukulong kita. Umalis ka na lang,” said the President.