LEGARDA, KINILALANG IKA-83 LEE KUAN YEW EXCHANGE FELLOW, IKALIMANG PILIPINO MULA 1991
Kinilala si Senador Loren Legarda bilang ika-83 Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow, at naging ikalimang Pilipino na tumanggap ng prestihiyosong pagkilalang ito mula nang itatag ang Fellowship noong 1991. Ang Fellowship ay isang pribado, non-political at non-profit na organisasyon na nagbibigay-pugay sa unang Prime Minister ng Singapore, na si Ginoong Lee Kuan Yew.
Inaanyayahan ng Fellowship ang mga natatanging indibidwal mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo na ang mga gawa ay nagsusulong ng pambansang kaunlaran at pandaigdigang pagkakaisa. Layunin nitong lumikha ng makabuluhang talakayan, pagbabahagi ng kaalaman, at pagpapalalim ng ugnayang internasyonal sa pagitan ng Singapore at iba pang mga bansa.
Bilang bahagi ng Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship, bumisita si Legarda sa Singapore at nakipagpulong sa mga matataas na opisyal ng pamahalaan, kabilang sina Deputy Prime Minister at Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong; Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan; at Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Trade Relations Grace Fu. Nagbigay rin siya ng public lecture sa ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, sa ilalim ng Philippine Studies Programme at Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme.
“Lubos kong ikinararangal ang mapabilang sa hanay ng mga lider na nag-ambag sa pambansang kaunlaran at pandaigdigang pagkakaisa,” pahayag Legarda. “Ang Fellowship na ito ay pagkakataon upang magpalitan ng kaalaman ukol sa pamahalaan, pagpapanatili ng kalikasan, at katatagan. Bitbit ko ang mga kwento ng sambayanang Pilipino, at sabik akong matuto mula sa bisyon ng Singapore habang ibinabahagi rin ang ating karanasan sa aksyon sa klima at katatagan ng kultura.”
Bilang four-term na Senador, kinikilala si Legarda bilang isa sa mga pangunahing tagapagtaguyod ng kapaligiran, aksyon sa klima, kultura, at katatagan sa Pilipinas. Sa ilalim ng Fellowship, inaasahan siyang makibahagi sa mga talakayan ukol sa climate resilience, sustainable development, edukasyon, at rehiyonal na kooperasyon, na mag-aambag sa layunin ng ASEAN para sa isang mas inklusibo at matatag na kinabukasan, habang pinapalalim ang ugnayan ng Pilipinas at Singapore.
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The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office II (DOST RO2), in collaboration with the Provincial Science and Technology Office–Quirino (PSTO-Quirino) and the Commission on Audit (COA), conducted a monitoring visit to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) supported under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) in Quirino Province.
The visit focused on equipment tagging and validation to ensure proper use of the technologies provided, while also assessing their initial impact on business operations. A total of five (5) MSMEs were monitored, with around ₱3 million in assistance granted through SETUP.
SETUP is a flagship program of DOST that helps MSMEs enhance competitiveness through technology upgrades, expert consultations, and other S&T interventions. By offering these resources, the program supports local businesses in improving productivity, building resilience, and achieving sustainability.
During the visit, Mr. Raffy Malazzab, a COA Audit Team Member, noted the positive outcomes of the program. One notable success story came from Mr. John Albert Mandac, owner of OCM Furniture Shop, who reported a 20% increase in sales after acquiring DOST-supported equipment, citing significant improvements in speed and efficiency.
“Simula po nang magamit namin ang mga assisted-technologies mula sa DOST, tumaas po ng 20% ang aming sales dahil sa mas mabilis at maayos na proseso ng aming mga produkto.”, Mr. Mandac said.
This monitoring visit underscores DOST’s ongoing commitment to helping MSMEs thrive through innovation, ensuring that the businesses in Quirino continue to grow and become more competitive in the market.
On September 12, 2025, the Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office IV-A celebrated the PSA’s 12th Anniversary at the PSA RSSO IV-A Office in Fiesta World Mall, Marauoy, Lipa City, Batangas.
The celebration highlighted the agency’s twelve years of delivering the PSA’s core purpose and contributions to data-driven governance and nation-building.
The program, which began with a thanksgiving mass, was formally opened with an inspirational message from the agency’s Regional Director, Ms. Charito C. Armonia.
In her address, she underscored the important role of statistics in nation-building and commended the dedication of PSA personnel in upholding integrity, service excellence, and adaptability in public service.
During the opening ceremony of the statistical exhibit which features the CALABARZON’s data on civil registration and vital statistics, economic performance, statistical results, agriculture, among others, a short discussion about the PSA was done by Mr. Marco Paolo Aclan, Administrative Officer III, followed by interactive games to the CRS and National ID clients, which added a fun and engaging element to the event while promoting positive connections between the agency and its stakeholders.
Likewise, various team games designed to promote camaraderie, unity, and teamwork among PSA RSSO IV-A personnel were conducted fostering both relaxation and bonding beyond work responsibilities.
Ultimately, the 12th Anniversary Celebration of the PSA RSSO IV-A was a resounding success, embodying the agency’s mission of providing statistics, civil registration and identification services for a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive development.
QUEZON CITY – Demonstrating consistent excellence, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Regional Statistical Services Office (RSSO) IV-A bagged the 1st place in the Best in Statistical Planning and Coordination (SPC) category at the 2024 PSA Awards held on 10 September 2025, marking its fifth consecutive triumph in the category.
The SPC category highlights the activities of field offices related to the coordination of Regional and Provincial Statistics Committees, formulation of the Regional Statistical Development Program (RSDP), and conduct of activities in celebration of the National Statistics Month.
It also covers local advocacy efforts on the adoption of statistical standards and classification systems, as well as the dissemination of Core Regional Indicators vital to achieving overall local development goals.
RSSO IV-A also garnered 2nd place in Best in Statistical Framework and Indicators System (SFIS) category, recognizing its outstanding performance in the coordination and dissemination of regional and provincial product accounts.
In addition, RSSO IV-A secured the 5th place overall in the ranking of the Top Regional Statistical Services Offices.
These achievements highlight the unwavering dedication and teamwork of RSSO IV-A in advancing the PSA’s mission of providing relevant and reliable statistics for sustainable development.
As part of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary celebration, the Office of the Provincial Human Resource Management Officer facilitated the Supervisory Development Course (SDC) Track 3 for Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC) employees on September 9 to 12, 2025, at the New Provincial Government Center in Trece Martires City. The course aligned with the Week 2 theme, Linggo ng Paglinang ng Yamang Tao, and was designed to further enhance the leadership and supervisory competencies of government employees.
On the first day, Director Rowena M. Cunanan, Director II, CSC Field Office – Batangas served as the subject matter expert and discussed the module “Making a Difference through Leadership.” Her lecture highlighted the vital role of leadership in fostering growth, promoting teamwork, and achieving organizational excellence.
For the succeeding sessions, from Day 2 to Day 4, Director Jeffrey Cruz, Director II, CSC Field Office – Cavite facilitated the module “Making Powerful Winning Presentations.” The module focused on developing effective communication and presentation skills, enabling participants to convey their ideas with clarity, confidence, and impact.
A total of 50 PGC employees completed the training and had the opportunity to apply their learnings through individual and group presentations, demonstrating their improved leadership and communication capabilities.
Through initiatives such as the SDC Track 3, the Provincial Government of Cavite continues to invest in the professional growth of its workforce, ensuring that employees are well-prepared to take on greater responsibilities in public service.— OPIO
In commemoration of the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, the Office of the Provincial Human Resource Management Officer (OPHRMO) spearheaded a coastal clean-up activity on September 16, 2025 along the shoreline of Barangay Julugan 8, Tanza, Cavite as one of the activities for the Provincial Government of Cavite’s (PGC) employees’ month celebration.
The activity kicked off with a short briefing from OPHRMO staff together with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office – Tanza, highlighting the importance of preserving marine resources and the role of collective action in addressing environmental concerns.
PGC employees, along with other volunteers – River Rangers and Tropang Environmentalist, actively participated in the clean-up drive. Together, they collected bags of plastic waste, discarded materials, and other debris that pollute the coastline.
The activity not only reinforced the Provincial Government’s commitment to environmental protection but also promoted civic responsibility among government workers and community members. The OPHRMO emphasized that this activity reflects the values of public service—service not only to people but also to the environment. — OPIO
Manila, Philippines – The National Library of the Philippines (NLP), proudly celebrates the 35th Library and Information Services Month (LISM) this November with the theme “LACE UP: Libraries – A Hub for Cultural Exploration and Unity through Partnership.”
This year’s celebration underscores the evolving role of libraries as dynamic cultural hubs that foster diversity, promote unity, and build meaningful partnerships. The objectives of LISM 2025 are to:
- Encourage cultural diversity by showcasing the richness of Filipino heritage and global traditions
- Serve as cultural hubs that connect communities through inclusive programming
- Establish partnerships across sectors to strengthen library services and outreach
Month-long Highlights Include:
- Virtual Press Conference to kick off the celebration
- Opening and Closing Ceremonies featuring cultural showcases
- Exhibition/Bazaar spotlighting local books and cuisine
- Book Theatre Concert blending literature and performance
- Layb Chikahan – informal dialogues with library advocates
- Webinar/Seminar Series on inclusive library practices
- Book Picnic – outreach events in open community spaces
- Book Launching of “Impact Stories” from libraries nationwide
Featured Contests:
- LibraryFeud: Librarian’s Game Show – a fun knowledge battle
- Lola Basyang Chamber Storytelling – celebrating Filipino folklore
- Bring Me (SocMed Posting) – interactive social media challenge
- Pinoy Book Character Contest – showcasing literary-inspired costumes
LISM 2025 invites all Filipinos to lace up and journey through the cultural corridors of libraries—where stories unite, partnerships thrive, and diversity is celebrated.
For full details and event updates, visit the official microsite:
Inaasahang magkakaroon ng isang digital revolution ang Pilipinas sa
pagsasabatas ng E-Governance Law (Republic Act No. 12254), isang
panukalang isinulong ni Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano
bilang susi tungo sa mas mahusay na serbisyong publiko.
Sa isang pahayag, sinabi ni Cayetano na layunin ng bagong batas na
hindi lang makahabol ang bansa kundi manguna sa e-governance sa
digital age.
“Only God knows the limitation on e-governance. Halos unlimited ang
opportunities. Think of it and it can be done. Gusto niyo ng
e-payments, transactions na walang pila, na gamitin ay isang app lang,
facial recognition — magagawa po ito sa bagong batas,” wika ni
Cayetano nitong September 11, 2025.
Pinirmahan bilang batas ang E-Governance Act nitong September 5, 2025.
Inaasahang itong pahusayin ang pamahalaan sa pag-streamline ng mga
serbisyo at pagtaguyod ng transparency sa pamamagitan ng Information
and Communications Technology.
Titiyakin rin nito na makikinabang ang mga mamamayan at negosyo sa
digital transformation.
Si Cayetano ang naging sponsor at awtor ng panukala sa 19th Congress
bilang tagapangulo ng Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
Kasabay ng Konektadong Pinoy Law na kanya ring inakda at inisponsor,
giniit ng Minority Leader na dapat tiyakin ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na
imprastraktura upang masiguro ang pagpapatupad ng E-Governance Law.
“Hindi ito parang isang bill na kapag ginawa natin ay solved na lahat
kasi right after this. Some of our people may say, ‘Uy maganda ‘yang
E-governance Law, pero wala naman signal o mahal naman internet sa
amin.’ We shouldn’t take this law by itself. Kung hindi ibi-build
y’ung infrastructure sa digital age, hindi mo makukuha ang benefits ng
digital age,” wika ng senador.
“E-Governance is not per se the solution to all of our problems. But
it is a tool that, if used effectively and assigned properly to
various agencies, can address many of our challenges today,” dagdag
niya.
Noong Agosto 26, 2025, kinatawan ni Engr. Ruel Vincent C. Banal ang DOST-10 sa isang coordination meeting na inorganisa ng OWWA hinggil sa pagtatatag ng Seafarers Hub sa Cagayan de Oro City.
Ang Seafarers’ Hub ay isang pisikal na one-stop center kung saan makakakuha ng serbisyo ang mga sea-based OFWs at kanilang pamilya habang naghihintay ng deployment, training, o mga dokumento. Hango ito sa unang hub sa Maynila, at magiging bukas 24/7.
Magkakaroon ito ng mga pahingahan, libreng Wi-Fi, charging stations, pagkain at inumin, legal na tulong, at mga pangunahing serbisyong pangkalusugan gaya ng check-up.
Magsisilbi rin itong venue para sa mga training at skills programs na naglalayong protektahan ang karapatan ng mga seafarer at suportahan ang kanilang pag-unlad.
Ang hub, na nakatakdang itayo sa mismong lungsod ng Cagayan de Oro, ay magpapalawak ng mga benepisyong ito para sa mga seafarer sa Northern Mindanao.
Bilang suporta sa inisyatibong ito, binigyang-diin ng DOST ang kanilang programang nakalaan para sa mga OFW. Ang IFWD PH Program ay isa sa mga reintegration pathways para sa mga seafarer at kanilang pamilya, na nagbibigay ng pagsasanay, konsultasyon, at pondo para sa inobasyon upang makatulong sa pagtatayo ng pangmatagalang kabuhayan.
Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon nang mga returning OFWs sa Northern Mindanao na natulungan sa ilalim ng programang ito.
Ang Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI), isang geopolitical think tank, ay tumalakay sa Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at ang Global Governance Initiative: Ang Dilemma ng Pilipinas, na nagsasabing dapat nang ibalik ng bansa ang isang independiyenteng patakarang panlabas.
Sa ginanap na media forum, sinabi ni ACPSSI President Herman “Ka Mentong” Tiu Laurel na sila ay nasa Cebu para sa anti-digmaan at Kongress ng Mamamayan sa nakaraang ilang linggo sa Davao para sa isa pang Kongress ng Mamamayan.
“Sa kabila ng mga isyu tungkol sa mga pinaghihinalaang anomalya sa gobyerno, ang ACPSSI ay may obligasyong ipagpatuloy ang kanyang misyon na ipakalat at tumutok sa mga kaganapang geopolitikal na may epekto sa Pilipinas,” sabi ni Laurel.
“Sa unang linggo ng Setyembre 2025, nalampasan ng kasaysayan ng tao ang isang kritikal na yugto na nagbabago ng kanyang kapalaran sa susunod na isang daang taon: sumali ang India sa Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin,” dagdag pa niya.
Ang batayan ng SCO Summit 2025 ay ang lahat ng mga bansa, kahit malaki o maliit, ay pantay-pantay ang lahat,” sabi ni Laurel. Ilang araw matapos ang SCO Tianjin Summit, ang BRICS ay ngayon nag suplay ng humigit-kumulang 40% ng langis, gas, at nababagong enerhiya sa mundo.
Ang tagumpay ng SCO at BRICS sa ilalim ng pangangalaga ng Tsina. Binanggit ni Laurel ang ulat ng Politico na may petsang Sept. 5, 2025 na nagsasabing inuuna ng Pentagon ang seguridad ng bayan kaysa sa banta ng Tsina.
Binanggit din niya ang krisis sa Pilipinas noong Setyembre 2025 at ang unipolar na mundo ng US kung saan ang GDP bawat tao ay nahuhuli sa orihinal na ASEAN 5 na Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, at Indonesia; humaharap sa banta ng seguridad na mga payo sa paglalakbay mula sa South Korea, U.S., Australia, China, Japan, na nagresulta sa pinakamahina na sektor ng turismo sa ASEAN; humaharap sa muling sumiksik na mga insurgency; lumalaking banta ng tensyon sa seguridad na dulot ng estratehiyang ipinataw ng US; at isang sumasabog na sosyal na bulkan.
Sa isang opisyal na pahayag mula sa Senado na petsado noong Nobyembre 10, 2015, sinabi ni Laurel, “ang Senado: Ang EDCA ay isang ipinagbabawal na kasunduan kung saan sa pagboto 15-1-3, inampon ng mga Senador binanggit ang resolusyon ni Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago na nagpapahayag ng matinding sentimento ng Senado na, sa kawalan ng kanilang pagsang-ayon, ang Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) ay isang kasunduan na ipinagbabawal sa ilalim ng Konstitusyon.” Gayunpaman, 10 taon pagkatapos, sinabi ni Laurel, naging priyoridad ng Marcos ang pagsugpo sa patakarang panlabas.
TATLO katao ang natiklo sa matagumpay na buy bust operation na isinagawa ng pulisya na nagresulta sa pagkakakumpiska ng nasa P1.7 milyong halaga ng hinihinalang shabu kamakailan sa Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Ang mga suspek ay kinilala sa mga alyas Owen, Sop, at Jen, pawang residente ng Dasmariñas City at mga High-Value Individuals.
Pinangunahan ng Cavite Police Drug Enforcement Unit, katuwang ang Dasmariñas City Police Station, ang operasyon na isinagawa dakong alas-3:00 ng madaling araw sa Barangay Datu Esmael, Dasmariñas City, nitong Setyembre 17.
Sa nasabing operasyon ay nakumpiska ang dalawang knot-tied transparent plastic ice bags at two heat-sealed sachets ng hinihinalang shabu na nasa umano’y 250 gramo at marked buy-bust money mula sa mga suspel na naharap sa kasong paglabag sa Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
NABAWI ang ninakaw na sasakyan bunsod ng maagap na pagresponde ng kapulisan at nagresulta pa sa pagkakaaresto sa suspek kamakailan sa Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Ang suspek ay kinilalang si alyas Edgar, residente ng Don Mariono Marcos, Jaen, Nueva Ecija.
Nauna rito ay lumapit at humingi ng tulong sa mga nagpapatrolyang pulis ang biktima na si alyas Aris dahil ninakaw ang kanyang sasakyan habang siya ay nasa loob ng isang establisyimento.
Mabilis na kumilos ang mga tauhan ng Cavite Mobile Patrol Unit at PHPT-Cavite Mobile 406 kaya naaresto ang suspek dakong alas-9:00 ng umaga nitong Setyembre 15 sa kahabaan ng Congressional Road, Dasmariñas City, at nabawi ang ninakaw na sasakyan.
HINDI nakaporma ang isang lalaki sa pagresponde ng pulisya matapos mahulihan ng baril na walang kaukulang dokumento kamakailan sa Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Ang suspek na si alyas Sherwin, residente ng Barangay Paliparan 2 Dasmariñas City, ay naaresto dakong alas-12:00 ng tanghali sa naturang barangay nitong Setyembre 15.
Nabatid na isang tawag sa telepono mula sa concerned ang nag-ulat hinggil sa isang hindi kilalang lalaki na gumagala sa nabanggit na lugar at umano’y may dalang hindi pa tukoy na kalibre ng baril.
Dahil dito ay kaagad na kumilos ang mga tauhan ng Dasmariñas Component City Police Station na nag-ugat sa pagkakaaresto sa suspek at nakuha sa kanyang pag-iingat ang isang .45 na kalibre ng baril na walang kaukulang dokumento.