RYPIC Ilocos Norte: Weaving Science, Culture, and Opportunity for Every Filipino
VINTAR, ILOCOS NORTE — A new milestone in the country’s textile industry unfolds with the pre-launch of the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center–Ilocos Norte (RYPIC Ilocos Norte). Envisioned as a hub for innovation, craftsmanship, and livelihood generation, the center strengthens the textile ecosystem by uniting fiber farmers, weavers, designers, and technology-driven enterprises across the region.
RYPIC Ilocos Norte’s core strength lies in its ability to convert locally sourced fibers such as abaca, banana, pineapple, bamboo, and cotton into high-quality, spinnable materials. Equipped with state-of-the-art processing technology and a specialized testing laboratory, the center ensures that every yarn produced meets strict quality standards, supporting both traditional artisans and modern textile innovators.
The center plays a vital role in reinforcing the Philippine textile sector by supplying affordable and reliable Filipino-made yarns to fashion designers, apparel makers, social enterprises, and MSMEs. With an annual capacity of up to 40 tons of natural fiber–blended yarns, RYPIC reduces reliance on imported raw materials while enhancing local productivity and competitiveness.
The Ilocos Region, home to 860 active weavers and nearly 2,000 across Luzon, stands as a cultural stronghold of Philippine weaving traditions. By providing consistent access to quality yarns, RYPIC helps preserve and elevate this heritage, allowing artisans to expand their markets and innovate their designs.
The center also opens livelihood opportunities for farmers and rural workers involved in fiber cultivation and processing. It supports national goals such as Republic Act No. 9242 (Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law) and resonates with the Tatak Pinoy vision of strengthening local industries, innovation, and Filipino creativity.
The benefits of RYPIC Ilocos Norte extend beyond textile production. It uplifts communities, safeguards cultural identity, promotes sustainable natural fibers, and positions the Philippines as a regional leader in textile innovation rooted in local expertise. (Dave Masirag)
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The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) honored the Provincial Government of Cagayan as one of the pilot LGUs in Region Dos for the SARAI CeNTRO project.
Personally accepted by Board Member Atty. Engelbert ‘Jojo’ Caronan representing Governor Edgar ‘Manong Egay’ Aglipay ang Hub together with PPDO staff particularly KMDR Division under the leadership of Ann Margaret G. Guya, Planning Officer IV, Engr. Joseph C. Banzuela, Economic Researcher and Mark Eric M. Cacacho, Computer Programmer this Wednesday Nov 19, 2025 at Centennial Arena, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
Project SARAI (Smarter Approaches to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an Industry in the philippines is an action-research program, funded by DOST-PCAARRD, that focuses on how to mitigate or mitigate the risks caused by climate change by providing agriculture stakeholders with resources. Garden umbrellas that suit their specific location.
It aims to use science and technology such as satellite remote sensing, GIS, crop modeling, and weather prediction to provide farmers with location-appropriate crop umbrellas and decision-making tools.
Meanwhile, the Centralized National Hub for Regional Operations, (CeNTRO) will turn UPLB into a central hub or central stop that will contact regional hubs in all DOST regions. The said hub will monitor climate and farm conditions using weather stations, analyze data, and deliver localized advice for farmers.
Such a project will serve as a great help to the farmers in the province which is the administration of Gov. Edgar ‘Manong Egay’ Aglipay as one of the solutions to farmers’ problems and to boost their production despite the changing new era.
Through this project, the skills of the farmers will be further developed for the better development of the Province of Cagayan. (Aida B. Cabauatan)
The Department of Science and Technology–National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) officially kicked off the 2025 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) on November 24, 2025 at the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) in Cubao, Quezon City, marking the final leg of this year’s nationwide celebration. With the theme “Building Smart and Sustainable Communities,” the opening program underscored DOST’s commitment to using science and technology as transformative tools for more resilient and inclusive urban environments in Metro Manila.
In partnership with TIP–Quezon City, the ceremony gathered government officials, academic leaders, private sector partners, and community representatives. TIP President Mr. Angelo Q. Lahoz welcomed the delegates, emphasizing that the theme aligns strongly with the university’s research directions and advocacy toward sustainability. He highlighted how TIP continues to create innovations that directly contribute to smarter cities and improved community living conditions.
DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang followed with an introduction of the Department’s ILAW Framework for Smart and Sustainable Communities, which stands for Inclusive economies, Learning governance, Adaptive and regenerative planet, and Well-being of people and communities. He described the framework as a strategic guide for local development in the region.
DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. delivered the keynote address, urging stakeholders to ensure that technological progress benefits all sectors of society. “Development needs to be highly contextualized, and ergonomically designed to fit the needs of the people with varied local realities. When solutions are designed this way, they are considered ‘smart’,” he said. He added that “development should not be exclusive but inclusive, and development should not be extractive but sustainable,” emphasizing that progress must empower citizens—particularly the poor and vulnerable—by providing opportunities, choices, and the ability “to be and to do.”
The ceremony also witnessed a series of launches and partnership agreements that showcased DOST-NCR’s ongoing initiatives. Among these were the turnover of TIP ADAPT tools for MSMEs, the turnover of Smart STI Plans for Pasig City and Caloocan City, the formal adoption of GeoRisk PH for NCR local government units through a partnership between DOST-NCR and PHIVOLCS, the launch of the DOST-NCR CITIES360 Program, and a collaboration with Sentinel and BEST Inc. promoting circular economy initiatives in Metro Manila.
A highlight of the program was “Lakbay Disenyo: From Threads to Treads,” a sustainable footwear showcase organized by the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. and the DOST–Philippine Textile Research Institute, demonstrating locally developed innovations in the footwear and textile industries.
An exhibit area is also open to the public at TIP–Cubao, featuring locally developed technologies, community success stories, and science-based solutions supporting the vision of smarter, more sustainable, and future-ready communities across the National Capital Region. (Nelson Santos)
The City Government of Laoag, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), has strengthened its commitment to sustainable, science-driven waste management with the establishment of a Pyrolysis Facility at the Sanitary Landfill in Brgy. Balatong.
Representatives from DOST and partner institutions conducted a project visit to the facility today, witnessing firsthand how the innovative technology transforms plastic waste into usable resources that benefit both the environment and the community. The visit highlighted the facility’s operations and its potential to elevate environmental, economic, and social outcomes for the people of Laoag City.
Developed by DOST, the pyrolysis technology converts plastic waste into fuel and other by-products. For residents, this innovation means cleaner surroundings, reduced landfill waste, minimized pollution, and improved public health. The process also lowers greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to ongoing efforts in climate action. Additionally, the energy and by-products generated can support local operations, opening opportunities for sustainable development and possible employment.
The initiative reflects the core principles of the circular economy—where waste is not discarded but transformed into valuable resources that can be reintegrated into the community. During the visit, stakeholders discussed optimizing the facility for energy efficiency, exploring renewable energy integration, and replicating the technology in other municipalities. These discussions underscored how scientific innovation can deliver practical solutions for both people and the environment.
DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang emphasized that the facility is more than a technological system—it is a community empowerment tool. By leveraging science-driven solutions, Laoag City ensures that residents benefit directly from cleaner surroundings, reduced environmental risks, and an improved quality of life. The facility also encourages broader public participation in sustainable practices by demonstrating that waste can be a resource rather than a burden.
DOST’s technical support—ranging from technology transfer and operational guidance to capacity-building—has been instrumental in enabling the city to adopt this innovative waste management system. The project visit reinforced the value of national-local collaboration in advancing scientific innovation to improve public services, safeguard the environment, and promote circular economy principles. (Dave Masirag/ Nelson Santos)
VINTAR, ILOCOS NORTE — A new milestone in the country’s textile industry unfolds with the pre-launch of the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center–Ilocos Norte (RYPIC Ilocos Norte). Envisioned as a hub for innovation, craftsmanship, and livelihood generation, the center strengthens the textile ecosystem by uniting fiber farmers, weavers, designers, and technology-driven enterprises across the region.
RYPIC Ilocos Norte’s core strength lies in its ability to convert locally sourced fibers such as abaca, banana, pineapple, bamboo, and cotton into high-quality, spinnable materials. Equipped with state-of-the-art processing technology and a specialized testing laboratory, the center ensures that every yarn produced meets strict quality standards, supporting both traditional artisans and modern textile innovators.
The center plays a vital role in reinforcing the Philippine textile sector by supplying affordable and reliable Filipino-made yarns to fashion designers, apparel makers, social enterprises, and MSMEs. With an annual capacity of up to 40 tons of natural fiber–blended yarns, RYPIC reduces reliance on imported raw materials while enhancing local productivity and competitiveness.
The Ilocos Region, home to 860 active weavers and nearly 2,000 across Luzon, stands as a cultural stronghold of Philippine weaving traditions. By providing consistent access to quality yarns, RYPIC helps preserve and elevate this heritage, allowing artisans to expand their markets and innovate their designs.
The center also opens livelihood opportunities for farmers and rural workers involved in fiber cultivation and processing. It supports national goals such as Republic Act No. 9242 (Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law) and resonates with the Tatak Pinoy vision of strengthening local industries, innovation, and Filipino creativity.
The benefits of RYPIC Ilocos Norte extend beyond textile production. It uplifts communities, safeguards cultural identity, promotes sustainable natural fibers, and positions the Philippines as a regional leader in textile innovation rooted in local expertise.(Dave Masirag)
The Cavite Career Caravan held at Mana Town Center in Kawit on November 19, transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of opportunities for jobseekers. A total of 62 applicants participated in the activity, with 20 successfully hired on the spot.
Twenty companies from a wide range of industries opened their doors to Caviteños, offering more than 8,000 job vacancies. The selection felt like a neatly arranged buffet of career paths, each one ready for exploration by eager applicants.
Adding to the event’s strength were several national agencies and provincial government office that set up assistance booths, including the Office of the Provincial Legal Officer (OPLO), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), PhilHealth, TESDA, Pag-IBIG Fund, Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Their presence ensured that jobseekers had access to essential government services, document processing guidance, and employment-related support all in one stop.
The Cavite Career Caravan continues to sustain its mission of connecting Caviteños to employment while bringing government services closer to the people. The Kawit leg once again showcased how unified efforts can open doors, spark hope, and create smoother pathways toward brighter careers. — OPIO
In line with the nationwide observance of Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) Week, more than 400 Barangay Kontra Droga (BKD) advisers and senior high school student leaders from across Cavite convened at the Tanza Convention Center on November 19, for the Youth’s Choice: A Drug-Free Life Engagement Program. The regional gathering aimed to strengthen youth involvement in drug prevention initiatives and promote a unified stand for a safer, drug-free CALABARZON.
The event was spearheaded by DILG IV-A, in partnership with DepEd IV-A, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), with the support of various provincial offices and youth organizations across the region.
A key feature of the program was the Drug-Free Life lecture delivered by PDEA 4A, which provided participants with critical insights on the impacts of drug abuse, current drug trends, and the vital role of informed advocacy in prevention efforts. This was followed by the presentation of programs and services by the National Youth Commission and the Cavite Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CPADAC), offering youth leaders a deeper understanding of available platforms and partnerships that support their engagement in community-based anti-drug initiatives.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the recognition of winners of the regional digital poster making and short film making contests, showcasing the creativity, talent, and strong anti-drug commitment of CALABARZON youth. The winning entries reflected powerful visual narratives underscoring the importance of choosing a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
The program also marked a significant milestone for the Department of the Interior and Local Government with the unveiling and conferment of the Drug-Free Workplace status to DILG IV-A and all its provincial offices. The recognition underscores the agency’s steadfast commitment to integrity, professionalism, and fostering a safe and accountable working environment.
Bringing together aspiring youth advocates and key government partners, the Youth’s Choice: A Drug-Free Life Engagement Program reaffirmed the crucial role of the youth sector in shaping resilient, well-informed communities. The gathering served not only as a celebration of DAPC Week but also as a renewed call to action empowering young leaders to champion a future anchored on awareness, responsibility, and a collective commitment to a drug-free CALABARZON. — OPIO
Sa plenary deliberations ng General Appropriations Bill (GAB), matagumpay na na-secure ni Senadora Loren Legarda, Pangalawang Tagapangulo ng Senate Committee on Finance, ang committee endorsement para sa 2026 na badyet ng mga pangunahing institusyong pangkultura ng bansa.
Sa kanyang sponsorship speech, iginiit ni Legarda, “Karangalan ko pong i-sponsor ang panukalang badyet para sa taong 2026 ng ating mga pangunahing ahensyang pangkultura. Hindi luho ang kultura—ito ang kaluluwa ng ating sambayanan.”
Bilang Tagapangulo ng Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts at pangunahing may-akda ng National Cultural Heritage Act, binigyang-diin ni Legarda ang tungkulin ng mga ahensyang pangkultura sa pangangalaga ng pambansang pagkakakilanlan at kasaysayan. Kabilang sa mga pondong iniharap ang suporta para sa pagpapanatili ng mga wika, edukasyon, at imprastrukturang pang-sining na mahalaga sa pambansang kaunlaran.
Inirekomenda ni Legarda ang pag-apruba ng badyet para sa National Commission for Culture and the Arts Proper, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Library of the Philippines, National Archives of the Philippines, Commission on the Filipino Language, at Cultural Center of the Philippines. Dahil sa kanyang pamumuno, walang pagtutol na naitala sa plenaryo para sa mga ahensyang pangkultura.
Sa deliberasyon, agad na naisumite ang badyet ng Commission on the Filipino Language. Ayon kay Legarda, “Mr. President, I’m disappointed that nobody is interested to ask me about languages because there are 135 languages in the Philippines. But if nobody wants to ask me, then I can probably just deliver a privilege speech someday, one day soon. Because it’s very interesting to talk about 135 Philippine languages.”
Sumang-ayon si Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Aniya, “Well, the way I take it, Your Honor, is that you handled it perfectly during the hearing of the committee. That’s why they no longer need to understand anything. Because you were able to explain it well during that time.”
Nagpahayag din ng buong suporta si Senador Robinhood Padilla: “Ang kultura po at ang ating wika, ‘yan po ang ugat ng ating pagka-Pilipino. Kaya’t ako po, kasama po ang lupon ng mga ka-Musliman at mga katutubo. Kami po’y napapasalamat sa inyo, Senadora Loren Legarda, at sa inyo pong hawak na ahensya, sapagkat kayo po ang tagapagtanggol nila. At kayo po ang tumatayong heroine. Kaya maraming salamat po. Muli, ako po’y nakasuporta sa inyo. Mabuhay po kayo.”
Sa pagtatapos ng kanyang sponsorship, muling iginiit ni Legarda: “Ang pamumuhunan sa kultura ay pamumuhunan sa pambansang identidad, pagkamalikhain, at kinabukasan ng ating mga kababayan.”
TIKLO ang isang lalaki matapos mahulihan umano ng shabu sa ikinasang buy bust operation ng pulisya kamakailan sa Magallanes, Cavite.
Isinagawa ang buy-bust operation dakong alas-7:45 ng gabi nitong Nobyembre 21, na nagresulta sa pagkakadakip sa suspek na kinilalang si alyas Yunhwan, na residente ng Magallanes.
Sa pagkakadakip sa suspek ay nakuha sa kanyang pag-iingat ang dalawang piraso ng heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets na naglalaman ng hinihinalang shabu na tumitimbang ng humigit-kumulang 0.15 gramo na may Standard Drug Price na P1,020.00; isang pirasong P500.00 (buy-bust money) at isang cellphone.
Ang matagumpay na operasyon ay isinagawa ng Municipal Drug Enforcement Team ng Magallanes Municipal Police Station gamit ang Alternative Recording Device.
PATUNG-patong na kaso ang kinaharap ng suspek na nagpaputok ng baril matapos maaresto ng mga tauhan ng Bacoor Component City Police Station sa isinagawang hot pursuit operation kamakailan sa Trece Martires City, Cavite.
Ang suspek na si alyas Jesson ay sinampahan ng mga kasong Malicious Mischief, Illegal Discharge of Firearm, at Alarm and Scandal sa Bacoor City Prosecutor’s Office.
Isinampa naman ang kasong paglabag sa RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition) sa Trece Martires City Prosecutor’s Office.
Nabatid na nitong Nobyembre 20 dakong alas-4:52 ng madaling araw ay iniulat sa pulisya ang insidente ng pagpapaputok na pagkaraan ng ilang oras ay nadakip ang suspek bandang alas-7:30 ng gabi ng naturang petsa.
Katuwang ng Intel Operatives ng Bacoor CCPS sa operasyon ang mga tauhan ng Regional Intelligence Division, at Trece Martires CPS.
ISANG Regional Level Most Wanted Person ang naaresto sa matagumpay na operasyon ng pulisya kamakailan sa Tanza, Cavite.
Ang akusadong si alyas Feliza, residente ng Tanza, ay naaresto dakong alas-9:45 ng gabi nitong Nobyembre 20.
Inaresto ang akusado sa bisa ng warrant of arrest para sa kasong paglabag sa Presidential Decree 532 (Anti-Piracy and Highway Robbery Law of 1974), na inisyu ng Regional Trial Court, National Capital Judicial Region, Pasig City, na may service of sentence.
Isinagawa ang operasyon ng warrant personnel ng Tanza Municipal Police Station gamit ang Alternative Recording Device katuwang ang Cavite MARPSTA.
LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS- Nasungkit ng Lalawigan ng Bulacan ang prestihiyosong 2024 Health Champion-Gold Award na may P500,000 perang gantimpala sa ginanap na 11th Central Luzon Excellence Awards for Health (CLExAH) sa Royce Hotel, Clark, Pampanga kahapon.
Sa kanyang mensahe ng pagtanggap, hindi mapigilan ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando na magbalik-tanaw sa pandemyang COVID-19 at kung paano bumangon ang lalawigan sa mga pagsubok na dala nito.
“Sumiklab ang diwa ng bayanihan. We fought as one, we healed as one. Fast forward to 2025, tangan ang mahahalagang aral ng pandemya, patuloy na nangunguna ang Bulacan sa makabagong reporma sa kalusugan para sa kapakanan ng bawat mamamayan,” anang gobernador.
Masayang ibinahagi ng People’s Governor na kinikilala ang Bulacan bilang aktibong universal healthcare integration site, at patuloy na pinapabuti ang Bulacan Medical Center at siyam na district hospitals na pinangangasiwaan nito na may makabagong teknolohiya at mga pasilidad.
“Kaisa po tayo ng pamahalaang nasyunal sa pagsulong ng kalusugan para sa lahat. Ito ang sentro ng ating misyon, ang diwa ng ating tungkulin, at ang pangarap natin para sa bawat pamilyang Bulakenyo,” dagdag niya.
Ibinahagi rin ni Fernando ang saya sa iba pang lokal na pamahalaan sa Bulacan na kinilala rin sa kaparehong programa, kabilang ang Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte na nakasungkit rin ng ginto, Bayan ng Plaridel na nakakuha ng silver, at ang Bayan ng Santa Maria na tumanggap ng bronze award, na nagpapatunay sa kolektibong pangako ng kahusayan sa rehiyon.
Gayundin, kabilang sa iba pang lokal na pamahalaan na nagpamalas ng kakaibang lakas sa rehiyon, at nakakuha ng nangungunang pwesto sa 11th CLExAH ang Angat at Guiguinto sa Top 4; Hagonoy, Bulakan, at Doña Remedios Trinidad sa Top 5; Lungsod ng Baliwag sa Top 7; Obando, Norzagaray, at Balagtas sa Top 8; Bustos sa Top 9; at Marilao sa Top 10.
Pinararangalan ng CLExAH ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa kanilang matatag na pangako sa pagtataguyod at pagprotekta sa kalusugan ng mga mamamayan ng Gitnang Luzon, at kanilang natatanging pagganap tungo sa pagkamit ng mga hangarin ng Universal Health Care.
Nanawagan si Senadora Loren Legarda para sa ganap na institusyonalisasyon ng Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Agenda sa lahat ng sektor ng pamahalaan sa kanyang keynote address sa 7th International Forum on Law and Religion in the Philippines na ginanap sa University of the Philippines BGC Campus sa Lungsod ng Taguig noong Nobyembre 21.
Hinimok ni Legarda ang pagsasabuhay ng mga prinsipyo ng WPS sa pagpaplano at pagbubudget ng pamahalaan na may malinaw na pananagutan.
“The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda must not be treated as a single policy compartment. It must influence every sector and serve as a lens for how we allocate resources,” pahayag ni Legarda.
“The national budget is the most visible expression of what we value. It must carry the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda across all institutions.”
Ang forum, na nagmarka ng ika-25 taon ng UN Security Council Resolution 1325, ay inorganisa ng UP Law Center, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, at International Center for Law and Religion Studies ng Brigham Young University.
Bilang four-term senator at matagal nang tagapagtaguyod ng WPS, tinalakay ni Legarda ang pag-unlad ng balangkas ng WPS sa Pilipinas mula batas tungo sa pagpapatupad. Kabilang sa kanyang binanggit ang pag-akda niya ng mahahalagang batas tulad ng Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, Magna Carta of Women, at Expanded Maternity Leave Law bilang pundasyon ng WPS architecture ng bansa.
“We have worked to ensure that the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda guides national development and is not treated as a separate concern. It is now embedded in legislation, national planning, governance structures, and regional partnerships,” ani Legarda.
Ipinunto rin niya ang mga paraan ng integrasyon ng WPS sa climate governance, karapatan ng mga katutubo, at interfaith dialogue, kalakip ang pagbanggit sa partikular na batas bilang precedent sa pagpapalawak ng papel ng kababaihan sa paggawa ng polisiya.
“When I championed the Climate Change Act of 2009, I ensured that women were represented in its decision-making. Addressing climate risks is essential to any comprehensive Women, Peace, and Security approach,” wika niya.
Isa sa mga pangunahing punto ng kanyang talumpati ang panawagan para sa gender-responsive budgeting, alinsunod sa 5% GAD requirement sa lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan sa ilalim ng Magna Carta of Women.
“These investments broaden opportunities for women to lead and improve outcomes across sectors. But families cannot live on promises. These laws must reach the barangays where mothers line up for vaccines, where girls walk long distances to school, and where women rebuild their homes after every typhoon,” diin niya.
Binanggit din ni Legarda ang mga bagong tagumpay kabilang ang paglulunsad ng kauna-unahang WPS Center of Excellence sa Timog-Silangang Asya at ang pag-angat ng Pilipinas bilang ika-20 sa mundo at unang bansa sa Asya para sa gender equality sa 2025 Global Gender Gap Report.
“Let us continue to push, insist, and ensure that the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda is non-negotiable,” pagtatapos niya.
Dinaluhan ng humigit-kumulang 200 kalahok ang forum na muling nagpatibay sa pamumuno ng Pilipinas sa pagsusulong ng gender equality, peacebuilding, at inclusive governance sa rehiyon.