CARD MRI expands holistic care with CARD Care Clinics in Marawi and Cotabato

The Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC), through the Office of the Provincial Public Employment Service Manager led by Ms. Rizalie Pinpin-Enero, conducted a Local Recruitment Activity with Star Appliance Center, Inc. (SM Appliance Center) on February 13, at the New Provincial Government Center in Trece Martires City.

Out of 27 applicants who applied for 70 available vacancies, two were hired on the spot, while seven were endorsed for examination at the company’s warehouse in Kawit, Cavite. Other applicants received guidance and next steps to continue their employment process.

The activity reflects PGC’s continuing commitment to connect Caviteños with accessible and meaningful employment opportunities through strong public-private partnerships.— R. Dones (CPIO)

LIPA CITY, Batangas – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) CALABARZON reported the January 2026 inflation in the region during an online press conference on 13 February 2026. Statistical Operations and Coordination Division Officer-in-Charge Charity O. Bautista announced that the region’s inflation rate in January 2026 increased at 2.3 percent, from 2.1 percent in December 2025. This figure is 0.8 percentage point lower than the 3.1 percent posted in January 2025. 

A faster increase in prices for the Restaurants and Accommodation Services commodity group─averaging 4.6 percent─contributed to the acceleration in the overall inflation rate (IR). This was followed by Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels at 4.1 percent and Personal Care, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services at 3.0 percent.

Compared to previous month’s inflation, Food groups in CALABARZON that incurred increments in IR include Flour, bread and other bakery products, pasta products, and other cereals at 2.9 percent inflation (from 2.4 percent); Fish and other seafood at 7.0 percent inflation (from 6.4 percent); Fruits and nuts at 3.0 percent inflation (from 0.1 percent); Sugar, confectionery and desserts retained at 1.1 percent (from 1.0 percent); and Ready-made food and other food products n.e.c. at 2.3 percent (from 1.7 percent).

On the other hand, Food groups that recorded lower increase in prices include Corn at 5.2 percent inflation (from 14.0 percent); Meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals at 1.7 percent inflation (from 4.2 percent); and Oils and fats at 13.8 percent inflation (from 17.1 percent).

Meanwhile, Milk, other dairy products and eggs showed an increase in prices at 0.5 percent from a decrease in prices in the previous month inflation of -0.1 percent. Rice showed a slower decrease in prices at -8.1 percent inflation (from -10.1 percent). Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas and pulses showed a decrease in prices at -0.9 percent (from an increase in prices recorded at 8.2 percent).

Compared to December 2025, inflation rate in January 2026 increased in the areas of Laguna (from 2.0 percent to 3.3 percent), and Rizal (from 2.2 percent to 2.4 percent). Meanwhile, overall price increase slowed down in Batangas (from 1.1 percent to 0.8  percent), Cavite (from 2.6 percent to 2.4 percent), Quezon (from 2.5 percent to 1.3 percent), and Lucena City (from 1.6 percent to 0.2 percent).

The purchasing power of peso (PPP) in the region was recorded at 76 centavos in January 2026, compared to its value in 2018 (base year).

CARD MRI Property Management, Inc. (CMPMI) led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the CARD Care Clinic Inc. (CCCI) facilities in Marawi City and Cotabato City on January 12–13, 2026. The project represents a major step toward expanding access to primary healthcare for underserved communities in Mindanao, reflecting CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institution’s (CARD MRI) commitment to holistic community development.

The initiative aims to support the holistic well-being of CARD MRI clients and local communities by complementing the organization’s Islamic financing services with accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive healthcare. The clinics will offer essential primary healthcare services, including medical consultations, diagnostic services such as X-rays, preventive care, and more.

CMPMI President Maida Decano emphasized the broader significance of the project during her message. “This groundbreaking ceremony is more than just the opening of a primary care facility. It embodies CARD MRI’s mission to address poverty holistically—not only by supporting financial empowerment but also by ensuring communities have access to health and well-being,” she said.

Dr. Michelle Anne Dy-Menil, President of CCCI, under the holding company CARD Care Networks Inc. (CCNI), highlighted how the clinics will directly benefit local residents. “Many families still travel long distances just to access even basic healthcare services. With these clinics, we are bringing primary healthcare closer to the people, providing timely consultations, preventive care, and support that respects the community’s culture and needs. It’s about building healthier families, who in turn can focus on learning, earning, and improving their quality of life,” she shared.

The establishment of the clinics was made possible through the support of The Nippon Foundation, a partner organization of CARD MRI, which aims to provide accessible, quality healthcare and support sustainable community development, both in Christian and Muslim communities of Marawi and Cotabato.

The groundbreaking ceremonies were attended by CMPMI President Maida Decano, CARD MRI Resource Mobilization and International Group Director Jean Pauline Landicho, CCCI President Dr. Michelle Anne Dy-Menil, and other CARD MRI heads, officers, staff, clients, and community members. Media partners covered the Cotabato event, including Anne Acosta of Mindanao Expose Cotabato, Carolyn Abas of Radyo Natin FM Cotabato, Shella Cumbao of TM FM Radio Cotabato, and Sam Sali of XFM 102.1 Cotabato.

The CARD Care Clinics will be located along Narciso Marcos Highway, Barangay Biaba Damag, Marawi City, and Rosales Street, Rosary Heights 6, Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City. The project reinforces CARD MRI’s long-term commitment to supporting communities through integrated financial and health services, bringing hope, care, and opportunity closer to those who need it most.

CMPMI, CCCI, and CCNI are member-institutions of CARD MRI, a group of development-oriented institutions established in December 1986 with a common goal of eradicating poverty in the Philippines. (Edrian B. Banania, Junior Writer)

BINMALEY, Pangasinan — The country’s first ASIN (Salt) Research and Development Center was formally launched on February 17, 2026 at the Pangasinan State University (PSU) Binmaley Campus, marking one of the key highlights of the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in the Ilocos Region.

The establishment of the ASIN Center cements PSU’s recognition as a national hub for salt research and development, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

PSU President Dr. Elbert M. Galas underscored that the initiative is firmly grounded in a strong legal and policy framework, particularly Republic Act No. 8172 or the ASIN Law, which mandates the iodization of salt to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders and safeguard public health. He emphasized that salt is not only a public health imperative but also an economic resource with vast potential for local industries.

DOST Ilocos Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog recalled the region’s efforts to revitalize the salt industry through consultations and strategic implementation of DOST programs. Through the ONEAsin Program of DOST Ilocos, salt producers in Pangasinan were strengthened, paving the way for the province to host the first ASIN R&D Center in the Philippines.

Representing the Office of the Executive Director of the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), Engr. Niñaliza H. Escorial described the center as a strategic step toward revitalizing and strengthening the Philippine salt industry.

Binmaley Municipal Mayor Hon. Pedro Merrera III, represented by Municipal Administrator Atty. Franco Francisco, expressed appreciation to DOST and highlighted that PSU serves as the showcase of the project, which is expected to open more opportunities for the municipality and the region. He also noted its potential contribution to clean and potable water solutions.

Pangasinan Governor Hon. Ramon Guico III, represented by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Mr. Nestor P. Batalla, emphasized that salt holds a special place in the province’s identity, noting that Pangasinan literally means place where salt is made. The provincial government affirmed its full support for the initiative and its role as a member of the ASIN Center Steering Committee.

DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang highlighted the importance of accelerating technology transfer to ensure scalability and enhance local livelihoods.

Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Dr. Dexter R. Buted explained that the agency relies on locally sourced salt, including supply from Pangasinan, particularly for agricultural-grade salt needed in coconut fertilization projects. He stressed the need for stronger integration, synergy, and convergence among agencies to revive the salt industry, which also supports the coconut sector as one of the country’s leading agricultural exports.

DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development Usec. Leah J. Buendia said the initiative goes beyond boosting salt production and focuses on empowering communities. She aligned the project with DOST’s three-horizon strategy, which seeks to expand salt farms, meet growing demand, drive economic growth, and safeguard the environment. PSU is expected to lead in disseminating salt technologies to stakeholders.

Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, represented by Hon. Gilbert Estrella, conveyed full support for the project and recognized the renewed appreciation for the potential of the salt industry.

In his keynote message, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized that revitalizing the Philippine salt industry remains a national priority. He cited the challenge that the country imports around 93 percent of its salt requirements while producing only about 7 percent locally. He stressed the need to scale up production, encourage technology adopters, and develop new technologies for salt processing, including innovations that integrate salt production with potable water solutions.

The ASIN R&D Center will serve as a modern hub for salt science and technology, supporting research and development, technology deployment, and innovation-driven solutions to strengthen local salt industries and empower salt-making communities.

The inauguration also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DOST and PSU, further solidifying their partnership in advancing salt research and development in the Philippines.

With strong collaboration among national agencies, the provincial government, and the academe, the launch of the ASIN R&D Center positions Pangasinan at the forefront of efforts to revitalize the salt industry, promote food security, and drive sustainable economic growth.(Nelson Santos)

On February 11, the Provincial Government of Cavite successfully conducted a Medical and Dental Mission in Brgy. Anuling Cerca II, Mendez, Cavite.

A total of 455 patients benefited from the activity, which offered comprehensive healthcare services from medical and dental consultations to diagnostic support such as Random Blood Sugar testing, ECG, and X-ray services to detect and monitor their health conditions.

To ensure continued care after the check-ups, free prescribed medicines were also provided to patients, making the mission a meaningful step towards a healthier and more resilient family in the community. (CPIO)

Malacañang has expressed support for the conduct of consultation on the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposal to adopt a trimester system for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the shift to a trimester system is still a proposal as the DepEd is presenting its advantages.

“Mas maganda naman talaga na pinag-uusapan lahat ito ng mga stakeholders, ng mga interested parties, lahat, para ma-reach iyong pinakamagandang programa para sa ating mga kabataan,” Castro said during a Palace press briefing on Monday.

“Ito ay proposal pa lamang at inilalahad nila ang maaaring advantage ng pagkakaroon ng trimester na isinusulong ng DepEd. Nandoon pa lang sa stage ng pagpo-propose. So, mas mainam na mas maagarang pang pag-aaral ang gawin kung dapat itong i-implement,” she said.

Citing findings by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), Education Secretary Sonny Angara has said that having a trimester system would allow longer and more flexible instructional periods, reduce teacher workload, and promote higher-quality instruction.

Under the proposed trimester system, the school year will be divided into three academic terms, which will provide teachers with longer uninterrupted teaching periods and better lesson pacing. | PND