DOST ILOCOS REGION BACKS P6.4M TECH UPGRADES FOR INCLUSIVE REGIONAL GROWTH OF MSMEs
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union –The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) awarded financial assistance to the 2nd batch of 2026 beneficiaries of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) during a ceremony at the DOST Ilocos Region Innovation Hub on March 19, 2026. Known collectively as “Batch SIBOL” (Siyensya at Inobasyon para sa Bagong Oportunidad at Lunti-lunting Pagyabong), six cooperators received support and are set to “sprout,” embarking on a journey toward greater competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability.
Three firms from Ilocos Sur (Torres Ricemill, Melody’s Food Products, and Niks Printing Shop) collectively received ₱4,610,000.00 in financial assistance. Heisabelle Wood Works of La Union was granted ₱257,600.00, while HN Chicken Dealer and Obet Mushroom Farm in Pangasinan received a combined ₱1,549,800.00, further expanding support for MSMEs across the region.
Ms. Racquel M. Espiritu, Supervising Assistant Regional Director for SETUP, emphasized that the initiative supports long-term enterprise growth beyond financial aid. “This program is about giving our MSMEs the chance to sprout, grow, and flourish – bringing jobs, products, and services that uplift families and communities across the nation,” she stated.
Furthermore, Ms. Mary Ann B. Ofiana, Project Technical Assistant I, led the Gender Sensitivity Training, where she emphasized integrating gender perspectives and promoting equal opportunities in the workplace. This was followed by Ms. Katrina F. Ronquillo, SETUP RPMO Head, who outlined the beneficiaries’ duties as stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement, discussed required reports, and answered participants’ questions.
Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog congratulated the beneficiaries and emphasized the role of MSMEs in economic growth and inclusive development. “I hope that you will not be content with just receiving that fund and improving your current processes but do better in coming up with more creative things and more innovative things. And while you do those, you will be mirroring some of the best practices that other MSMEs can learn from,” she said.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Katrina F. Ronquillo, who thanked the Batch SIBOL beneficiaries for their trust and collaboration. “Your trust inspires us to do more, to serve better, and to continue bringing programs that truly make a difference,” she remarked. The ceremony highlighted the DOST Ilocos Region’s commitment to empowering MSMEs to grow, innovate, and achieve sustainable success, bringing ‘Agham na Ramdam’ closer to communities across the region.(Eldrick John Viluan and Katherine Grace Balanag)
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With its constant effort to bridge the gap with healthcare services, the Provincial Government of Cavite rolled down to Barangay Puting Kahoy in Silang, bringing the medical and dental mission program accessible to the constituents, on April 8, 2026.
A total of 378 Silangueños were catered, including 262 patients received medical consultations and 56 patients availed dental extractions. More so, the residents underwent diagnostic procedures, such as fasting blood sugar test and electrocardiogram exam, to help the medical professionals for further diagnosis.
The residents, then, received free prescribed medicines and vitamin supplements.
Hon. Aidel Paul Belamide, 5th District Board Member, graced the activity, displaying his unwavering support in uplifting the overall well-being of their constituents. — OPIO
Deva, Romania – The Philippines has been honored with 2 Gold Medals and the Medicine Award at the International Exhibition of Inventiveness and Innovation – INVENTCOR 2026.
The event recognized BauerTek Farmaceutical Technologies with its highest honors:
2 Gold Medals (Jamperine & ProNitro Life)- for outstanding pharmaceutical innovation and technical excellence.
Medicine Award (BauerTek Farmaceutical Technologies, Inv. Richard Nixon Gomez, CNP & Inv. Rigel Gomez, CNP) – a prestigious Special Distinction honoring their significant contributions to the global healthcare industry.
INVENTCOR 2026 featured over 500 inventions and projects from more than 40 countries.
This recognition celebrates the work of BauerTek and the groundbreaking inventions of father-and-son duo Richard Nixon Gomez and Rigel Gomez. Their award-winning innovations are:
Jamperine – most powerful anti-diabetic food supplement
PNL Ultra Energy – weight loss, increased endurance, enhanced performance, anti-inflammatory
These milestones highlight BauerTek’s work to make healthcare better through innovation.
Bringing vital government services directly to Filipinos abroad, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) successfully concluded a high-impact, two-day caravan for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Malaysia on April 11-12, 2026.
Held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, the event— themed “Alagang OWWA Serbisyong May Puso: Health, Wellness, and Membership Caravan”—served as a one-stop shop for over 2,000 Filipinos seeking to update their government records and access essential benefits.
The caravan officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Her Excellency Maria Angela A. Ponce, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia. Joining her were Labor Attaché Jocelyn B. Ortega, OWWA Deputy Administrator Susana S. Bahia-Catapang, and Welfare Officer Rosanna G. Siray, all of whom underscored the government’s commitment to making public services accessible to the global Filipino community.
A key highlight of the event was the overwhelming demand for National ID services. Building on the success of the 2024 mission, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) team—composed of Chief Administrative Officer Wilma A. Villafuerte, Registration Officer III Juliedin B. Nohay, and Computer Maintenance Technologist II Arnel B.
Bulambao—processed registrations, updates, and ePhilID printing for more than 250 OFWs.
Despite extending their hours to accommodate the high volume of applicants, the PSA team noted a significant “clamor” for the National ID, with hundreds of attendees still hoping for future registration opportunities. The mission was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the PSA, LTO, PRC, DTI, Pag-IBIG Fund, SSS, PhilHealth, DSWD, Landbank, PAO, and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO).
The PSA remains dedicated to bridging the distance for Filipinos worldwide, ensuring that every citizen—regardless of location—can secure their National ID and access essential civil registration services.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) SOCCSKSARGEN, through its Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) in Cotabato, successfully conducted a ceremonial signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) for various Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) initiatives on March 27, 2026, at Titanium Pharma Function Hall in Barangay Sudapin, Kidapawan City.
The event marked a significant milestone in advancing inclusive, community-centered, and innovation-driven development across Cotabato Province. It was graced by Vice Governor Rochella Marie Taliño-Taray, who expressed strong support for DOST’s continuing efforts to enhance education, livelihood, community development, and enterprise productivity.
Under the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program, DOST formalized partnerships with key institutions to strengthen science education and community development. A major project, “Transforming STEM Education in Public Schools of Kidapawan through AI-Driven Robotics and Digital Fabrication,” was signed with DepEd Region XII Schools Division Office of Kidapawan City. Another initiative, “Transforming Science Beyond the Classroom Through PSC Exhibit-Based Lessons and Lab in a Box,” was implemented in collaboration with the Philippine Foundation for Science and Technology and the University of Southern Mindanao. These initiatives aim to enhance teacher capabilities and provide learners with interactive, technology-enabled learning experiences.
DOST also partnered with the Rotary Club of Mt. Apo as implementing partner and disbursing entity for seven community-based projects benefiting underserved sectors. These include initiatives supporting coffee enterprise development for smallholder farmers, livelihood and reintegration programs for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), cultural preservation and women’s livelihood for the Obo Manuvu community, restoration of a madrasa with ICT resources, and the establishment of digital hubs for youth in selected barangays. Collectively, these projects aim to promote inclusive growth, sustainability, and social reintegration.
Under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), MOAs were signed to support local enterprises in improving productivity and competitiveness. One project focuses on deploying robust ICT systems to enhance online tutorial delivery, while another introduces energy-efficient technologies in natural rubber manufacturing, including the integration of solar photovoltaic systems. These interventions are designed to boost operational efficiency and promote sustainable industrial practices.
Meanwhile, under the Innovations for Filipinos Working Distantly from the Philippines (IFWDPH) Program, two beneficiaries formalized their participation through projects on fabric care innovation and safe water provision. These initiatives highlight DOST’s commitment to supporting returning and transitioning overseas Filipino workers through sustainable, innovation-driven livelihood opportunities.
The event was further enriched by messages of support from former DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña and University of Southern Mindanao President Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel. Also present were key stakeholders, including Rotary Club of Mt. Apo President Atty. Jonah Mineses and Schools Division Superintendent Miguel Fillalan Jr., along with representatives from partner institutions who joined virtually.
Through these partnerships, DOST SOCCSKSARGEN reaffirms its commitment to making STI accessible and impactful across communities, schools, industries, and marginalized sectors. The MOA signing symbolizes a shared dedication to implementing meaningful initiatives that will foster resilience, empowerment, and long-term development in Cotabato Province.
Years of sustained policy support and development initiatives championed by Loren Legarda for Antique have coincided with measurable improvements in the province’s poverty indicators.
Senator Loren Legarda hailed Antique’s progress in reducing poverty, describing it as clear evidence that sustainability, local enterprise, and community-based livelihoods can drive effective and lasting recovery. Having previously served as Congresswoman of the Lone District of Antique and continuing to champion the province’s development from the Senate, Legarda has been the driving force behind the policy direction, legislative priorities, and program investments that the province’s long-term development gains reflect as steady and sustained investments in people and local industries. From being among the country’s poorest provinces decades ago, Antique is now emerging as a potential development model for inclusive, livelihood-centered, and resilient growth.
Official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority show that poverty incidence among families in Antique dropped from 18.2 percent in 2021, at the height of pandemic-related economic disruption, to 13.8 percent in 2023, equivalent to roughly 20,800 poor families, signaling substantial progress in restoring incomes and stabilizing communities. This brings the province close to its pre-pandemic level of 12.9 percent in 2018 and places Antique 38th out of 84 provinces in terms of highest poverty incidence, within the national median. Legarda credited the gains to deliberate, ground-up strategies she has long advocated, ones that prioritize local livelihoods, cultural development, and sustainable resource use over externally driven growth models.
Senator Loren Legarda strongly supported the modernization of the University of Antique by establishing Maritime Virtual and Augmented Reality laboratory, DOST TechnoHub, and industrial centers like the UA Bamboo Center and Brick Making facilities.
From 2017 to the present, Antique has continuously benefited from Legarda’s sustained advocacy and direct mobilization of government support, including DOLE’s Kabuhayan, TUPAD and Government Internship Program, CHED scholarships, DSWD’s AICS and Sustainable Livelihood Program, DOST’s Community Empowerment thr ough Science and Technology, DTI’s Shared Service Facilities, BFAR-distributed fiberglass boats and fishing equipment, DOH Medical Assistance, upgrades to Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH), Culasi District Hospital, and the Justice Calixto O. Zaldivar Memorial Hospital, and establishing Libertad’s first polyclinic in seven decades.
Beyond supporting diverse MSMEs, ranging from food and fish processing to bamboo and pottery production, Senator Legarda has strategically transformed Antiqueños’ traditional crafts into competitive commerce. Through Schools of Living Traditions and the National Arts and Crafts Fair, she has empowered Ati and Iraynon communities, ensuring that heritage industries like patadyong and nito weaving evolve into sustainable, global-scale enterprises that strengthen household incomes.
The Province of Antique has recorded marked improvement in poverty reduction since the height of the pandemic, reflecting steady recovery and the strengthening of locally rooted livelihood strategies that Legarda has consistently supported and advanced. Viewed over a longer-term horizon, reports based on PSA historical poverty tables show an even more significant structural shift. Poverty incidence among families in Antique stood at 51.6 percent in 2006, declined to 44.3 percent in 2009, further to 30.9 percent in 2012, and to 26.0 percent in 2015. From a situation where more than half of families were living below the poverty line in the mid-2000s, the province has steadily reduced poverty levels over the past two decades. This trajectory tracks closely with Legarda’s sustained legislative engagement and direct investment in Antique’s communities.
Earlier national rankings likewise reflected the depth of the challenge. Antique was ranked the 14th poorest province in 1997 and 15th poorest in 2003. The province has moved from being counted among the poorest provinces in the country to ranking within the national median today. This transformation was aided by Legarda’s sustained efforts through legislation, livelihood funding, and an unwavering focus on inclusive growth. While temporary setbacks occurred, including during the pandemic, the broader trend reflected in PSA data points to sustained and measurable progress.
Across Western Visayas, similar recovery patterns have been observed as economic activity resumed and targeted interventions reached vulnerable sectors. However, Antique’s trajectory highlights the role of localized, sustainability-oriented development in cushioning shocks and accelerating recovery. This is an approach Legarda has championed long before it became mainstream development practice.
“The pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of economies that are overly dependent on external flows,” Legarda said. “In Antique, recovery was anchored on what communities already knew how to do and what the land could sustainably provide.”
Rather than imposing uniform industrial models, the development framework Legarda shaped for Antique built upon bamboo, weaving, cotton, bariw, fisheries, agriculture, and clay-based enterprises. Her direct advocacy secured investments in processing facilities, training, and market linkages that allowed traditional skills to evolve into competitive micro and small enterprises. This approach reflects practical circular economy principles: local resources processed by local labor for local and expanding markets, reducing exposure to external volatility.
“When you develop what a municipality already possesses, value chains form organically,” Legarda noted. “Economic activity reinforces stewardship and grounds livelihood in domestic sources.”
Micro, small, and medium enterprises remain central to this model. Nationally, MSMEs account for more than 99 percent of businesses and generate over 60 percent of employment. In Antique, they anchor household income and community stability. This is a foundation Legarda helped lay through landmark legislation. On May 23, 2008, the Magna Carta for MSMEs was enacted into law, with Legarda serving as one of its co-authors, giving small enterprises across the country, including in Antique, a stronger legal framework for growth and protection.
Continued support through credit access, skills training, product development, and technology upgrading remains critical to sustaining poverty reduction.
While challenges remain, Antique’s post-pandemic recovery underscores how integrating livelihoods with sustainability and domestic resource bases can produce durable gains. As the province narrows the gap toward its pre-pandemic levels, its multi-decade decline in poverty incidence is inseparable from Legarda’s vision and sustained investment in the province, a growth model rooted in local strengths and long-term resilience.
Nagsagawa ng fieldwork ang Sangay ng Leksikograpiya at Korpus ng Pilipinas ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino sa Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat noong 19–23 Marso 2026 upang makapangalap ng pasalitang korpus at makabuo ng glosaryo ng wikang Manobo Dulangan.
Layunin nitong makalikom ng datos para sa dokumentasyon ng wika at makalikha ng sangguniang magagamit sa pagtuturo ng wika at kultura ng komunidad.
Bahagi ito ng proyekto ng pagbuo ng Pambansang Korpus ng mga Wika ng Pilipinas.
Naging katuwang sa fieldwork si Dr. Radji Macatabon ng University of Southern Mindanao, sa pamumuno ni Dr. Jonald L. Pimentel.
Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim, Laguna — Iniulat ng Police Regional Office CALABARZON sa pamumuno ng Acting Regional Director na si PBGen Hansel M. Marantan, na umabot sa 23,176 ang naitalang paglabag mula Abril 8 hanggang Abril 14, 2026, sa unang linggo ng implementasyon ng Safer Cities Initiative sa buong rehiyon ng CALABARZON.
Ang pinaigting na kampanyang ito ay naglalayong itaguyod ang kaligtasan ng publiko, disiplina, at mahigpit na pagsunod sa mga umiiral na lokal na ordinansa. Kabilang sa mga naitalang paglabag ang 5,883 na indibidwal na nahuli sa pag-inom at paninigarilyo sa pampublikong lugar, 2,838 na gumagala sa lansangan nang walang suot na pang-itaas, 437 sa paggamit ng videoke lampas sa itinakdang oras, 8,098 na menor de edad na lumabag sa curfew, at 4,980 na lumabag sa iba pang pinapatupad na ordinansa.
Sa kabuuang bilang ng mga lumabag, 17,098 ang binigyan muna ng babala at pinalaya, alinsunod sa direktiba ni SILG Jonvic Remulla, habang 6,062 ang pinagmulta, at 12 ang pormal na sinampahan ng kaso dahil sa mas mabibigat na paglabag. Binigyang-diin ni PBGen Marantan na ang mga bilang na ito ay sumasalamin hindi lamang sa mas pinaigting na pagpapatupad ng batas kundi pati na rin sa pangangailangan na higit pang palakasin ang kamalayan at pagsunod ng publiko sa mga umiiral na regulasyon.
Iginiit ni RD Marantan na mahalaga ang buong kooperasyon ng mamamayan upang makamit ang mas ligtas at maayos na mga pamayanan. Hinikayat niya ang lahat ng residente sa bawat lungsod at munisipalidad ng CALABARZON na patuloy na sundin at igalang ang mga umiiral na batas at ordinansa. Binigyang-diin niya na ang simpleng pagsunod—tulad ng pagrespeto sa curfew, pag-iwas sa mga ipinagbabawal na gawain sa pampublikong lugar, at pagsunod sa pamantayan ng komunidad—ay may malaking ambag sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan at pagkakaroon ng krimen.
“Ang disiplina sa sarili at sa loob ng bawat tahanan ay mahalaga upang maitaguyod ang mas ligtas at tahimik na pamayanan. Ang Safer Cities initiative ng PNP ay nakabatay sa pagiging makatarungan, pantay pagpapatupad ng batas, at paggalang sa karapatang pantao, na may layuning makalikha ng isang ligtas na kapaligiran para sa lahat.”
Sa huli, hinikayat niya ang publiko na patuloy na makiisa at makipagtulungan sa mga awtoridad, at binigyang-diin na ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan at kaligtasan ay makakamit lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa, pagiging mapagmatyag, at kolektibong pagsunod sa batas. (RPIO4A)
Nanawagan ang mga tagapagtaguyod para sa suporta sa taunang ASP (Autism Society Philippines) Angels Walk for Autism 2026 na may temang: “Aumbitious Aarangkada Aangat”, na inaasahang makapaghimok ng higit sa 40,000 kalahok sa buong bansa, kasabay ng agarang pagpasa ng National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Bill.
Pinangunahan ng ASP sa pakikipagsosyo sa SM Cares, binigyang-diin ng inisyatiba ang lumalaking pambansang panawagan na lumampas sa kamalayan patungo sa konkretong pagsasama.
Ang mga tagapagtaguyod ay nagtutulak para sa mas matibay na mga polisiya na nagsisiguro ng akses sa mga serbisyo, magkakaugnay na suporta, at panghabambuhay na mga oportunidad para sa mga Pilipino na nasa autism spectrum.
Sa isang press conference sa B Hotel, Lungsod Quezon sinabi ni Mona Magno-Veluz, Pambansang Tagapagsalita ng ASP, na noon ay mahirap magsama-sama, dagdag pa niya, na si Pangulong Fidel V. Ramos noong 1998 ang nag-isip sa dahilan at kamalayan tungkol sa Autism sa Pilipinas.
Ang ASP ay nasa talakayan mula pa noong ika-17 Kongreso tungkol sa kanilang mga alalahanin at ngayon ay masaya sila na ito ay naipasa na sa ika-20 Kongreso.
“Hindi kami humihiling ng gusali. Hindi kami humihiling ng pera. Humihiling kami ng serbisyo na magsisilbing aming lifeline,” sabi ni Magno-Veluz.
“Ang mga taong nasa Autism Spectrum ay tumatanda. Bukod sa kalusugan at edukasyon, kailangan din nila ng suporta tulad ng panlipunang proteksyon mga protokol kasama ang pulis,” dagdag pa niya.
“Ang autism ay isang kapansanan na kailangan suportahan. 1% ng populasyon ay nasa Sektor ng Autism. At hindi lamang 1 milyon ang apektado ng Sektor ng Autism,” sabi ni Magno-Veluz.
Binigyang-diin niya na marami ring lokal na yunit ng pamahalaan ang tumutulong at sumusuporta sa adbokasiya sa Sektor ng Autismo tulad ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng mga gusali at pasilidad upang mapaglingkuran sila.
Sinabi ni Veluz na ang Bill na naaprubahan sa Senado ay naglalaan ng isang “Plano”.
“Maganda na gumawa ng IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations),” dagdag pa niya.
“Palagi kaming umaasa na ito ay lalago nang malaki at gumana nang mas mabuti sa mga hula. Maganda na nasa radar ni Kalihim ng Kalusugan Ted Herbosa ito,” sabi ni Veluz.
“Kung hindi natin mabilisang maisagawa ang akreditasyon, kahit papaano ay mabibigyan ng interbensyon ang mga batang may Autism Spectrum kahit walang diagnosis,” dagdag niya. Binigyang-diin ni Veluz ang Autism Inclusive Education Learning Law, na naipasa noong 2016, ngunit ang IRR ay nilikha lamang noong 2024.
“Dapat ay may Roadmap upang maitutok natin ang target at magagampanan natin ang pagsubaybay,” sabi niya.
Sinabi ni Engr. Junias Eusebio, Pangalawang Pangulo para sa Mall Operations ng SM Supermalls, “talagang isang karangalan na tumayo dito kasama ang aming mga kaibigan sa Autism Sector.”
“Sa katunayan, ang aming SM Cares Foundation ay nabuo dahil sa dahilan na ito,” sabi ni Engr. Eusebio.
“Ngayong taon, muli naming iniimbitahan ang lahat na sumali sa 40,000-katang Angels Walk sa Abril 26,” dagdag niya. Sinabi ni Michelle Marquez Dee, ASP Goodwill Ambassador, “laging isang karangalan na narito at sumali sa Angels Walk.”
Ipinahayag ni Dee ang kanyang pasasalamat sa ASP sa pagpili sa kanya bilang Goodwill Ambassador, na para sa kanya, ay isang panghabambuhay na adbokasiya.
Pinangunahan din niya ang adbokasiya sa Autism Spectrum sa Miss Universe Pageant noong 2022. “Noong nakaraang taon, mayroon kaming 40,000 kalahok sa Angels Walk.”
“Mayroon pang higit na puwang para sa pag-unlad,” sabi ni Dee. “Ang autism ay isang bagay na dumarating sa buhay hindi lamang minsan,” sabi ni Dee.
Nakararanas si Dee ng pambubully at rasismo sa Estados Unidos. Siya ay may dalawang kapatid na nasa Autism Spectrum. “Nilalayon naming magkaroon ng higit na suporta sa sektor ng Autism isang milyon kasama ang mga pamilya,” sabi niya.
“Ang stigma dito ay tinitingnan natin ito bilang isang problema. Nagsisimula na kaming makita ang mga hakbang na gumagalaw sa tamang direksyon. Papalapit na tayo sa sistemang Amerikano na para sa maagang pagtuklas ng Autism Spectrum,” dagdag niya.
Binanggit ni Dee ang pagtanggap ng kanyang ama-amain sa kanyang dalawang kapatid – nakababatang kapatid na lalaki at nakatatandang kapatid na lalaki na may Autism Spectrum. Inaasahan niyang malampasan ang 40,000 kalahok sa Angels Walk noong nakaraang taon.
Masaya si Dee na kasama sa Panukalang Batas ang edukasyon at kalusugan, “Sana ipasa na natin ang Autism Bill.” Ipinahayag niya ang pag-asa na ang Autism Spectrum ay hindi lamang matutugunan ng pribadong sektor, kundi pati na rin ng pamahalaan sa pambansang saklaw.
Si Pia Cabanero, Tagapagtaguyod /Tao na nasa Autism Spectrum, isang alumni ng Ateneo De Manila University, ay nagsabi na ang pagiging isang Autistic na tao ay isang pakikibaka, na alam na hindi ito madali.
“Hindi ko alam kung maliin akong mauunawaan ng mga tao dahil sa sinasabi ko,” sabi ni Cabanero. “Sa lipunang hindi itinayo para sa amin, kaya namin nitong pamahalaan at mamuhay dito,” dagdag niya. Inamin ni Cabanero na naging masigasig siya sa mga tao sa Autism Spectrum.
“Kaya naman natin maging ating sarili upang mabuhay hanggang pagtanda. Sa Angels Walk, umaasa kaming makita ang epekto at maranasan ang pinakamagandang bagay sa ating buhay,” sabi ni Cabanero.
Inamin niya na siya ay binu-bully noong high school, kung kailan natukoy sa kanya ang diagnosis na “Autism”.
Sinabi ni Dang Koe, ASP Chair Emerita, na “Ako po ang Pambansang Mascot ng Angels Walk na may temang Aumbitious Aarangkada Aangat.”
Binigyang-diin ni Koe na nagsimula ang ASP noong 1989 na may lamang 11 ina at ngayon ay lumago na ito na may 114 na sangay sa buong bansa.
Binigyang-diin niya na gaganapin ang Angels Walk sa SM Mall of Asia Arena sa Abril 26, 2026 na may sabay-sabay na paglahok ng 12 lungsod.
Inaasahan ng The Angels Walk ang mahigit 40,000 kalahok sa buong bansa. “Hindi na ito tungkol sa kamalayan, kundi pagtanggap kung kaya’t magbibigay tayo ng ASP Awards para sa Pamumuno,” sabi ni Koe.
Itinampok sa briefing kung paano nananawagan ang komunidad ng autism at ang mga kaalyado nito para sa sistematikong pagsasama sa pamamagitan ng polisiya, pakikipag-partner, at suporta para sa mga Pilipinong nasa spectrum.
Hinikayat nito ang publiko na ‘Isabuhay ang Sinabi. Sumali sa ASP Angels Walk para sa Autism 2026’ sa Abril 26, 2026 sa 12 lungsod.
NAHULI ang isang Regional Level Most Wanted Person (MWP) matapos ang ikinasang police operation kamakailan sa Trece Martires City, Cavite.
Ang akusadong si alyas Jerry, residente ng Trece Martires City, ay naaresto dakong ala-1:00 ng madaling araw nitong Abril 14.
Isinagawa ang pag-aresto sa bisa ng warrant of arrest para sa mga kasong paglabag sa Article 151 ng Revised Penal Code (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority), at mga probisyon ng Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) kaugnay ng compulsory registration ng motor vehicles.
Inisyu at nilagdaan ang warrant ng Municipal Trial Court in Cities, Fourth Judicial Region, Maragondon, Ternate, at Magallanes, Cavite, na walang inirekomendang piyansa.
Ang operasyon ay ikinasa ng warrant personnel ng Trece Martires Component City Police Station at naitala gamit ang Alternative Recording Device sa kawalan ng Body Worn Camera.
ARESTADO ang isang Municipal Most Wanted Person sa matagumpay na operasyon ng kapulisan kamakailan sa Rosario, Cavite.
Inaresto ang akusadong si alyas Rupert, residente ng Rosario, sa bisa ng warrant of arrest para sa kasong Theft (Article 308 ng Revised Penal Code.)
Ang warrant ay inilabas ng Regional Trial Court, Fourth Judicial Region, Branch 130, Trece Martires City, Cavite, na may petsang March 30, 2026, at may inirekomendang piyansa na P120,000.00.
Maayos na naitala gamit ang Alternative Recording Device ang operasyong isinagawa ng mga tauhan ng Rosario Municipal Police Station dakong alas-12:40 ng hatinggabi nitong Abril 14.
Inatasan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) na magbigay ng abot-kayang pabahay para sa mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) sa pamamagitan ng mababang interes na loan packages sa ilalim ng Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
Sa isang press briefing sa Malacañang, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na ayon kay DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, naging posible ang abot-kayang pabahay para sa OFWs dahil malinaw ang direktiba ng Pangulong Marcos.
“Gawing mas abot-kaya, mas mabilis, at mas accessible ang pabahay para sa bawat Pilipino at kabilang dito ang ating mga bagong bayani na OFWs,” dagdag ni Castro.
Sinabi ni Castro na sa tulong ng DHSUD at Pag-IBIG Fund, bibigyan ng exemption ang OFWs mula sa salary cap at isasama sila bilang mga prayoridad na benepisyaryo ng programa.
“Patuloy ang pamahalaan sa pagpapalakas at pagpapalawak ng 4PH Program sa buong bansa upang gawing realidad ang pangarap ng marami nating kababayan…ang magkaroon ng sariling bahay na uuwian,” wika ni Castro.
Sa ilalim ng Expanded 4PH, maaaring makakuha ang mga kwalipikadong benepisyaryo ng socialized housing na may subsidized interest rate na kasingbaba ng 3% kada taon sa loob ng hanggang 10 taon—pinakamababa sa merkado ngayon.
Mahigit 10,000 pamilya na ang nakinabang sa naturang interest rate. Ipinahayag ng mga OFW ang kanilang pasasalamat dahil sa wakas, matapos ang mahabang panahon ng pagsasakripisyo sa ibang bansa, magkakaroon na sila ng sariling tahanan na ligtas, maayos, at may dignidad.
Patuloy ang pamahalaan sa pagpapalawak ng 4PH Program upang matiyak na walang maiiwan sa layunin ng pagkakaroon ng disenteng tirahan para sa bawat Pilipino. | PND