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The Provincial Government of Cavite successfully conducted a medical and dental mission at Villa Apolonia, Brgy. Ibayo Silangan, Naic on February 6, providing free health services to a total of 627 beneficiaries.
Residents availed various essential health services including medical consultations, dental check-ups and tooth extractions, diagnostic procedures such as blood sugar testing, ECG, and X-ray, as well as free prescribed medicines. These services aimed to promote early detection, prevention, and proper management of common health concerns within the community.
The activity was made possible through the collaborative efforts of medical and dental professionals from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, with the help of barangay personnel, who ensured the smooth and orderly delivery of services throughout the mission.
The medical and dental mission reflects the provincial government’s continued commitment to bringing accessible and quality healthcare closer to communities, especially in barangays, reinforcing its dedication to the welfare and well-being of Caviteños. — OPIO
The Provincial Government of Cavite Employees and Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PGCECC) held its Yearend Evaluation and Planning for 2026 on January 30 at the New Provincial Government Center in Trece Martires City, gathering cooperative officers, committee members, and management to set the course for another year of growth and service.
Chairperson Sheryl H. Loyola delivered the opening remarks setting the tone for a forward-looking agenda, while cooperative officers, and management prepared to map out plans for the year ahead.
Highlights included committee evaluation of past year accomplishments and the presentation of 2026 plans, and awarding of laptops, printers, and bond papers to PGCECC’s small brother cooperatives, equipping them to strengthen operations and achieve sustainable growth. The program also honored Director Stella Angcaya, marking 20 years of service, and Ms. Darianne Borja, 10 years, with Plaques of Recognition and cash incentive for their dedicated service.
Vice Chairperson Anne Minette M. Dastas delivered Words of Challenge, inspiring officers to uphold unity and excellence. The event concluded with closing remarks from General Manager Angelina C. Bergonio, emphasizing strategic direction and shared responsibility as the cooperative moves confidently into 2026. — R. Dones (CPIO)
Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has strengthened its peacebuilding efforts in Mindanao through the delivery of science- and technology-based interventions in six previously acknowledged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive development in former conflict-affected areas.
Led by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., the program was formalized through the ceremonial turnover of technologies and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement for the project titled “Empowering the Six Previously Acknowledged MILF Camps in Mindanao through the Provision of Science and Technology Interventions.” Activities were held at Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur, and Camp Bilal in Tangcal, Lanao del Norte.
The initiative is implemented in partnership with Member of Parliament Basit “Jannati Mimbatas” Abbas, MILF Chairman of Camp Bushra and representative of the Joint Task Forces on Camps Transformation, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), headed by Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., who was represented during the event by Presidential Assistant David B. Diciano.
MP Abbas shared that beneficiaries expressed happiness upon learning about the initiative and warmly welcomed the support. He described the program as distinct from other government interventions because of its strong grassroots reach and the personal presence of DOST leadership, which helped strengthen trust and partnership within the communities.
The activity was attended by DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, Undersecretary for Special Concerns Dr. Teodoro M. Gatchalian, and DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director and Project Leader Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, reflecting the Department’s unified support for peace-oriented development.
The initiative covers Camp Bushra, Camp Bilal, Camp Badre, Camp Omar, Camp Abubakar, and Camp Rajahmuda. Interventions were developed in close coordination with local leaders and community members to ensure cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and responsiveness to local priorities.
Key interventions focused on health, water, education, and livelihoods. These include the installation of six solar-powered Level II water systems serving more than 300 households, the deployment of SAFEWATRS water treatment technologies, and the conduct of food safety training, Halal compliance orientation, and basic nutrition activities.
In education, six STARBOOKS Learning Hubs equipped with Starlink connectivity were established, benefiting over 600 learners and educators. Meanwhile, science-based livelihood technologies—such as food processing, dressmaking, weaving, abaca production, and aquaculture initiatives—directly supported more than 300 community members and strengthened local economic self-reliance.
All technologies and facilities were designed with disaster risk reduction and climate resilience considerations, utilizing solar-powered and energy-efficient systems.
Capacity-building activities were conducted from July to October 2025, covering food processing, aquaculture, livestock production, vegetable farming, and enterprise development. Follow-through mentoring and enterprise strengthening activities are scheduled for 2026 to ensure long-term sustainability.
According to Secretary Solidum, “Science is for peace and development,” emphasizing that science provides communities with the tools needed to build sustainable and productive lives.
The initiative is implemented in close coordination with OPAPRU, the Government of the Philippines Peace Implementing Panel, the Joint Task Force for Camps Transformation, local government units, and community leaders.
Through this program, DOST reaffirms its commitment to advancing peace through science and technology—building stronger, more resilient communities and contributing to a peaceful and progressive Mindanao. (Nelson Santos)
The Department of Economy, Planning and Development Regional Office 1 (DEPDEv RO1) held a levelling and alignment meeting with the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office 1 (DOST RO1) on February 2, 2026 at the DOST-Multi-Purpose Hall, City of San Fernando, La Union. The activity aimed to review accomplishments, harmonize efforts and ensure that the policy directions of the Regional Research, Development and Innovation Committee-1 (RRDIC-1) remain consistent with the updated national and regional Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) thrusts and priorities as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan, National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document (NIASD), and the Regional Development Plan (RDP) .
DOST RO1 Director Teresita A. Tabaog, Chairperson of the RRDIC-1 emphasized the importance of the meeting as a platform to reinforce coordination, promote strategic RDI program/project implementation, enhance the regional innovation ecosystem, and strengthen results-oriented initiatives across member agencies and relevant stakeholders.
Key agenda items included the presentation of the RRDIC-1 2022-2025 Accomplishments, which highlighted major milestones, innovative initiatives, and collaborative undertakings that advanced RDI in the region. The Committee also discussed the RRDIC-1 2026 Work Program and Policy Agenda, outlining priority programs, proposed policy actions and strategies to accelerate innovation, enhance technology adoption and foster evidence-based planning and decision- making in Region 1. The meeting further opened discussions on the Filipinnovation Awards and Innovation Grants that the Committee can help advance, including possible future endorsement and support for promising innovators and innovation-ready solutions in the region.
The meeting further served as an avenue for both offices to establish a shared commitment of ttheir roles and responsibilities following the 2025 RDC-1 reorganization, ensuring smoother coordination in the implementation of RRDIC-1 activities.
The RRDIC-1 reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a dynamic, coordinated, and future ready RDI environment that supports the vision of a Resilient, All inclusive, Competitive, and Healthy (REACH) Region 1.
CITY OF MALOLOS — In line with the commemoration of the 99th Birth Anniversary of Gat Blas F. Ople, the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) through the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PPESO) conducted the 2026 OPLE Day Job Fair (Local and Overseas Employment) on February 3, 2026 at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city today.
A total of 2,500 jobseekers registered online for the job fair, which offered a wide range of employment opportunities through 31 local employers and nine international recruitment agencies licensed by the DMW, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical recruitment standards for overseas employment.
Among the first hires-on-the-spot, Eugene Santos expressed his gratitude after being hired by NCT Transnational Corp. as a Promo Assistant.
“Ito po ang unang beses kong sumali sa isang job fair, at labis akong nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataong ito. Excited na akong simulan ang aking trabaho bilang Promo Assistant at mapaunlad ang aking propesyonal na kakayahan. Tunay na nagbukas ng maraming oportunidad para sa akin ang job fair na ito,” he said.
The job fair also featured a One-Stop Shop Government Services, which enabled aspiring applicants to process essential documentary requirements for employment and business transactions in one venue, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, PAG-IBIG Fund, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In his message, Governor Daniel R. Fernando paid tribute to Gat Blas F. Ople and acknowledged his significant role in advancing labor and overseas employment policies in the country.
“Ang job fair natin ngayon ay alay natin sa alaala na Ka Blas. Patuloy din po tayo sa paghikayat sa pagpasok ng iba’t ibang kumpanya, proyekto, negosyo at pamumuhunan sa Bulacan. Ito ay upang matiyak natin na masigla ang lokal na ekonomiya at may nakalaang trabaho para sa bawat Bulakenyo,” the governor said.
The OPLE Day Job Fair 2026 forms part of the PGB’s continuing initiatives to strengthen employment facilitation, uphold workers’ welfare, and advance inclusive and sustainable development, in keeping with the principles and legacy of Gat Blas F. Ople.
The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office IV-A (PSA RSSO IV-A) successfully conducted a Fun Walk on 02 February 2026 from the PSA RSSO IV-A Office to Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa as part of the celebration of the 36th Civil Registration Month (CRM).
The activity is part of the nationwide observance of Civil Registration Month every February, pursuant to Proclamation No. 682, to promote awareness on the importance of registering vital events such as births, marriages, and deaths.
The Fun Walk was participated in by officials and employees of PSA RSSO IV-A, promoting physical wellness while simultaneously advocating the importance of an efficient and inclusive Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) system. The activity also served as a visibility campaign to engage the community and strengthen public awareness on civil registration.
This year’s theme, “Navigating the Future Together: Advancing CRVS in Shaping the Global and Regional Data Ecosystem,” highlights the role of civil registration in ensuring legal identity and supporting evidence-based governance.
PSA RSSO IV-A will continue to implement various information and advocacy activities throughout February in support of the Civil Registration Month celebration and remains committed to strengthening civil registration services and ensuring the accurate and complete recording of vital events.
Pinangunahan ni Senadora Loren Legarda, Tagapangulo ng Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts, ang pagbubukas ng Pebrero bilang National Arts Month 2026 na may panawagan na palakasin ang suporta para sa mga Pilipinong artista, artisan, at mga komunidad ng malikhaing patuloy na nagpapanatili ng lokal na kultura at nagtutulak ng inobasyon sa buong bansa.
Ang pagdiriwang ngayong taon na may temang “Ani ng Sining: Katotohanan at Giting” ay sumasalamin kung paano hinaharap ng mga alagad ng sining at kultura ang mga kontemporaryong hamon nang may tapang at integridad, at kung paanong ang sining ay humuhubog sa mga pamayanan, pamahalaan, at mga lipunang nagsusulong ng sustenabilidad.
“Every February, we celebrate the soul of our nation through the arts. This year’s theme reminds us that truth and courage are lived through the creativity of our people. The arts continue to guide us toward justice, cultural strength, and progress,” ani Legarda.
Ipinunto rin ni Legarda ang dalawang mahahalagang panukalang batas na kanyang isinulat at inisponsoran na kamakailan ay nakapasa sa Ikatlo at Pinal na Pagbasa sa Senado—ang Aklan Piña Conservation and Innovation Center Act (Senate Bill No. 1425) at ang Schools of Living Traditions Act (Senate Bill No. 1507).
“Through SBN 1425, we will establish the Aklan Piña Conservation and Innovation Center in Kalibo to expand the planting of Red Spanish pineapple, build facilities for research and innovation, and strengthen cooperation among weavers, farmers, and educational institutions,” ani Legarda.
Dagdag pa niya, “SBN 1507 institutionalizes our Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) as community based, intergenerational cultural education mechanisms. SLTs are sanctuaries of wisdom where cultural masters transmit knowledge to younger generations, ensuring that oral traditions, crafts, and rituals continue to inspire our future.”
Matagal nang nakatuon si Legarda sa mga polisiya hinggil sa kultura at pamana, kabilang ang mga pangunahing batas gaya ng National Cultural Heritage Act, National Museum of the Philippines Act, Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, Cultural Mapping Act, at National Music Competitions for Young—lahat ay idinisenyo upang gawing tagapagtaguyod ng trabaho, inobasyon, at inklusibong kaunlaran ang sektor ng kultura.
Itinatag din niya ang National Arts and Crafts Fair (NACF) noong 2016, na patuloy na nagbibigay ng pambansang eksposyur at oportunidad sa merkado para sa mga lokal na artisan. Ang edisyon ng 2025, na ginanap sa Megatrade Halls ng SM Megamall, ay nagtipon ng mahigit 300 kalahok mula sa Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao, na nagpakita kung paanong ang pamana at kultura ay nakapagpapanatili ng kabuhayan habang pinangangalagaan ang tradisyon.
Binalikan din ni Legarda ang kanyang bisyon na dalhin ang kahusayan sa panitikang Pilipino at dangal ng kultura sa pandaigdigang entablado, batay sa kanyang pamumuno sa Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 kung saan ang Pilipinas ay naging Guest of Honour.
“When the Philippines stood as Guest of Honour in Frankfurter Buchmesse last year, we showed the world that our imagination and literary excellence articulate the Filipino identity and situate our stories at the heart of the global stage,” ani Legarda.
“My vision is to continue opening doors for Filipino ingenuity to flourish and be celebrated at home and across continents,” dagdag pa ni Legarda.
Higit pa sa mga indibidwal na panukala, patuloy na isinusulong ni Legarda na maisama ang kultura sa edukasyon, lokal na kaunlaran, pangangalaga sa kapaligiran, at pagpaplano sa ekonomiya—pinoprotektahan ang mga katutubong tradisyon habang lumilikha ng mas maraming espasyo para sa sining at gawaing pangkultura na sumusuporta sa mga pamayanan.
Ang National Arts Month 2026 ay nagiging parehong pagdiriwang at panawagan: upang parangalan ang malikhaing Pilipino, upang ipagtanggol ang katotohanan at tapang, at upang matiyak na ang kultura ay patuloy na humuhubog sa makatarungan at sustenableng lipunan.
“Every work of art and every piece of culture is part of the larger story of who we are as a people. When we stand beside the artists and cultural workers who keep that story alive, we also keep our future more imaginative, more just, and more humane,” pahayag ni Legarda.
Noong Miyerkules, Pebrero 4, pinangunahan ni Legarda ang pagdinig ng Committee on Culture and the Arts hinggil sa mga panukalang batas sa kultura, kabilang ang Department of Culture Act, NCCA Board Composition Expansion, Philippine Music Industry Act, Filipino Music Promotion and Usage Act, Philippine Rondalla Training Program Act, Philippine Culinary Heritage Act, at Waling-waling Orchids as Second National Flower of the Philippines.
Binigyang-diin ng Malacañang nitong Lunes ang pagkilala ng Pilipinas mula sa World Health Organization (WHO) para sa pagsusulong at pangangalaga ng mga karapatan at kapakanan ng mga bata.
Ayon kay Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, ang Pilipinas ay kinilala ng WHO bilang miyembro ng Council of Champions to End Violence Against Children dahil sa pagsisikap ng bansa na tugunan at pigilan ang karahasan laban sa mga bata.
“Ang naturang pagkilala ay tugon ng WHO sa magandang track record ng Department of Health (DOH) – sa pangunguna ni Secretary Ted Herbosa – dahil sa mga programa at serbisyo ng Pilipinas para matuldukan ang pang-aabuso sa mga kabataan,” sinabi ni Castro sa isang Palace press briefing.
Sa ilalim ng direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., patuloy na pinalalakas ng DOH ang mga hakbangin nito bilang suporta sa Sustainable Development Goal 16.2, na naglalayong wakasan ang lahat ng uri ng karahasan laban sa mga bata.
Ang mga pagsisikap na ito ay nakatuon sa pagtatapos ng pang-aabuso, pagsasamantala, trafficking, at lahat ng anyo ng pisikal at mental na karahasan, pinsala, at pagmamaltrato—lalo na ang sekswal na pang-aabuso, ayon sa Palace Press Officer.
“Mahigpit ang mandato ng Pangulo – pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga kabataan at kababaihan upang masiguro ang kanilang nutrisyon, kalusugan, at kaligtasan,” binigyang diin ni Castro. | PND
NAGING matagumpay ang ikinasang magkasanib na pwersang operasyon ng pulisya na nagresulta sa pagkakadakip sa isang motornaper kamakailan sa Tanauan City, Batangas.
Kinilala ang suspek na si alyas Mark naninirahan sa Balete, Batangas.
Naaresto ang suspek dakong alas-10:00 ng gabi nitong Pebrero 10 sa Barangay Mabini, Tanauan City, Batangas
Ang pagkakaaresto ay bunsod ng matagumpay na operasyon ng magkasanib na mga tauhan ng Kawit Municipal Police Station, Tanauan Component City Police Station, at Batangas Police Intelligence Unit.
Nauna rito ay nagsagawa ng validation at manhunt operation ang mga operatiba kasunod ng impormasyon na ang nakaw na motorsiklo mula sa insidente ng robbery nitong Enero 27 sa Wheeltek Motor Sales Corporation, Barangay Bisita Balsahan, Kawit.
Narekober naman sa operasyon ang isang Suzuki Smash at color mint green, na nauugnay sa naiulat na pagnanakaw.
Nabatid na isang residente ay naroroon sa panahon ng dokumentasyon.
ISANG City Level Most Wanted Person ang nahuli kamakailan ng mga awtoridad sa General Trias City, Cavite.
Ang akusadong si alyas Lyndon, residente ng General Trias City, ay naaresto sa Barangay Tapia, ng naturang lungsod dakong alas-3:30 ng hapon nitong Pebrero 10.
Inaresto ang akusado sa bisa ng warrant of arrest dahil sa krimeng paglabag sa Sec. 22(a) kaugnay ng sec.22(d) at sec.28(e) ng RA 11191 o kilala bilang Social Security Act of 2018 na inisyu ng Presiding Judge ng Regional Trial Court, Fourth Judicial Region, Branch 16, Cavite City, Cavite na may petsang Pebrero 10, 2026 na may halagang P72,000 na inirekomendang piyansa.
Isinagawa ang matagumpay na operasyon ng mga operatiba ng General Trias City Component City Police Station gamit ang Alternative Recording Device.
TIMBOG sa kapulisan ang isang wanted na may kasong droga kamakailan sa Bacoor City, Cavite.
Kinilala ang akusado na si alyas Jun, residente ng Bacoor City, at itinuturing na City Level Most Wanted Person.
Ang pagkakatimbog sa akusado ay bunsod ng isinagawang “Manhunt Charlie” operation ng Warrant Section ng Bacoor Component City Police Station (CCPS) dakong alas-2:55 ng hapon nitong Pebrero 10.
Nabatid na ang akusado ay dinakip sa bisa ng warrant of arrest para sa paglabag sa Section 11, Article 2 ng RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), na walang inirekomendang piyansa.
Matapos ang nauna niyang pahayag hinggil sa patuloy na hamon sa kalagayang piskal ng bansa, muling iginiit ni Senadora Loren Legarda sa kanyang talumpati sa Senado ngayong araw, ang panawagan para sa mas luntian at matatag na estratehiya sa paglago, kasabay ng babala na humihina ang makina ng ekonomiya matapos iulat ng Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) na 3 porsyento lamang ang paglago ng gross domestic product (GDP) sa ika-apat na quarter at 63.2 porsyento ang debt-to-GDP ratio—pinakamataas sa loob ng dalawang dekada.
“The figures speak loudly: three percent growth and a debt ratio breaching the 60 percent threshold. This is a flashing yellow light on our national dashboard,” ani Legarda, na binigyang-diin na pumalya na ang lumang modelo ng paglago na nakasandal sa imprastruktura.
Itinuro niya na sa kabila ng mga proyektong naantala at bumabang kalidad, patuloy pa rin ang pangungutang na naglilihis ng kita mula sa kalusugan, edukasyon, at serbisyong panlipunan.
“Sa halip na ayusin ang mga prayoridad at tapalan ang mga tagas sa paggastos, patuloy pa rin tayong nagdadagdag sa ating utang,” dagdag pa niya.
Binigyang-diin ni Legarda na mayroon nang batayang batas ang Pilipinas para sa mas matatag na ekonomiya, kabilang ang Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Climate Change Act, at ang People’s Survival Fund. Binanggit niya na ang hindi wastong pamamahala ng basura ay nagdudulot ng P45–51 bilyon na lugi kada taon, habang ang maling pagtatapon sa paligid ng Manila Bay ay nagreresulta ng P4 bilyon na pagkawala sa turismo, pangisdaan, at kalusugan ng publiko.
“Environmental and climate-responsive governance is a fiscal imperative,” diin ni Legarda. Ipinunto niya ang Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) law na nagsisiguro na ang mga kagubatan, bahura, at yamang tubig ay nabibigyang-halaga sa pagpaplano ng ekonomiya. Binanggit din niya ang ecosystem-based approaches sa flood control, gaya ng pagpapanumbalik ng mga ilog, wetlands, at bakawan upang mabawasan ang korapsyon sa procurement at pangmatagalang gastos.
Bukod sa ekosistema, nanawagan si Legarda ng mas matibay na pamumuhunan sa human capital, binanggit ang Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, UniFAST Act, at ARAL Program Act bilang kritikal sa pagbuo ng kompetitibong lakas-paggawa.
“Unless we invest in human growth, our progress will remain uneven and fragile,” aniya. Binigyang-diin ni Legarda na dapat sabay na umuusad ang reporma sa edukasyon at pagpaplano sa ekonomiya, gaya ng binanggit sa ulat ng EDCOM II.
Tinukoy din niya ang Philippine Innovation Act, Creative Industries Development Act, at Green Jobs Act bilang mahahalagang kasangkapan upang lumipat sa kaalaman-based at sustenableng ekonomiya.
“By offering fiscal incentives and tax deductions to enterprises that generate “green jobs” —employment that restores or preserves our environment—we strategically future-proof the Filipino workforce,” paliwanag ni Legarda, na binanggit ang pagtataya ng International Labour Organization na ang pagtupad sa Paris Agreement ay maaaring lumikha ng netong 18–24 milyong trabaho sa buong mundo pagsapit ng 2030.
Binigyang-diin din niya ang Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at Barangay Livelihood and Skills Training Act bilang mahalaga sa pagpapalakas ng mga green startups at sa paglipat ng mga ideya mula sa pananaliksik tungo sa aktuwal na paggamit. Iginiit niyang ang katatagan ay hindi lamang nakabatay sa imprastruktura kundi nakaugat din sa tao, kaya’t kailangan ang pamumuhunan sa upskilling, reskilling, at matibay na social protection systems.
Ayon kay Legarda, nakahanda na ang bansa sa balangkas para sa katatagan, at ang kinakailangan na lamang ay ang matibay na pasya upang kumilos nang tiyak.
“We must choose: Do we double down on ‘old school’ expansion that scars our environment and leaves our growth anemic, or do we fully activate the greener, more resilient blueprint that we have already spent decades codifying into law,” ani Legarda. “What is now being asked of us is the political will and collective courage to implement them—and to implement them correctly this time around.”
Sa pagtatapos, naglatag si Legarda ng bisyon para sa matatag na ekonomiya.
“Economic growth, environmental stewardship, and human development are not competing priorities. Together, they form a stronger, more coherent, and more future-ready development strategy. Let us maximize the tools that already exist within our laws, our institutions, and most importantly, within our people,” aniya.