As part of the post Provincial Women’s Month celebration, an activity dubbed as Serbisyong Pangkalusugan para sa Kababaihan was successfully conducted through the initiative of the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (OPSWDO) in partnership with the Provincial Council for Women (PCW). The medical caravan were held on May 6 in Maragondon; May 7 in Naic; May 8 in Ternate; May 23 in Tagaytay City; and May 24 in the City of General Trias.

Thousands of women from various sectors across the province benefited from the free medical services, which included blood chemistry, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and eye check-up. These services were rendered by Health Bridge Medical Services, Inc.

The activity aimed to promote the importance of women’s health and well-being, providing accessible medical care and encouraging preventive health practices among women, especially those in far-flung areas.

This initiative is a testament to the continued efforts of the Provincial Government of Cavite through the OPSWDO, and the PCW, to recognize and support the vital role of women in society by ensuring that their health needs are addressed.

Through programs like these, women are empowered to take charge of their health and are reminded of their significance as pillars of strong families and communities.— OPIO

In a dazzling celebration of faith and Filipino heritage, the Provincial Government of Cavite (PGC) staged the Santacruzan 2025 on May 26 at the New Capitol Building in Trece Martires City. Spearheaded by the Workplace Organization Committee, the event was part of the Monthly Theme celebration, aiming to foster unity, cultural appreciation, and spiritual reflection among PGC employees.

The iconic Filipino religious-cultural tradition came to life as various PGC participate with representatives dressed in glamorous gowns, embodying the grace and elegance of the “Reynas” they portrayed. The event featured a grand parade of Reynas, each symbolizing virtues and biblical characters, such as Reyna Elena, Reyna Delos Flores, Reyna Emperatriz, and Reyna De Las Virgenes, among others. They gracefully walked through the aisles of the Provincial Capitol and offered flowers to the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a solemn act symbolizing devotion and reverence.

Another highlight of the event was the Bara Alta turnover ceremony, a cherished tradition signifying the passing of leadership and commitment. Ms. Emily Rivera of the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO), who served as Hermana Mayor 2025, formally handed over the responsibilities to Ms. Imelda Dimaranan of the Cavite Municipal Hospital (CMH), the designated Hermana Mayor 2026. The turnover signified the continuation of dedication to faith-based and cultural activities within the workplace.

The program was graced by inspiring messages from Mr. Ferdinand A. Belamide, OPGSO Head and WOC Chairperson, Atty. Rodolfo D. Uy III, Provincial Administrator, Board Member Chelsea Jilian G. Sarno, SK Federation President and the Reyna Elena 2025, and Ms. Michelle F. Alcid, Quality Management Representative and Pasada Hermana 2018. They commend the efforts of all participants and organizers. They emphasized the importance of keeping cultural and religious traditions alive within government institutions, as a way to not only uplift the spirit of public service but also to strengthen camaraderie and unity among employees.

The celebration concluded with a spirit of joy and reflection, as the PGC community came together to honor both cultural identity and shared values. Santacruzan 2025 was a beautiful reminder of how traditions can thrive even in professional spaces, inspiring devotion, pride, and a deeper connection to Filipino roots. — OPIO

Camp BGen. Pantaleon Garcia, Imus City, Cavite – In line with the nationwide observance of National Flag Day, the Cavite Police Provincial Office conducted a Simultaneous Flag Raising Ceremony on May 28, 2025, at 8:00 AM in front of the Administration Building, Camp BGen. Pantaleon Garcia, Imus City.

All personnel from the Provincial Headquarters gathered to honor the Philippine national flag, which was first unfurled on May 28, 1898, following the Filipino victory at the historic Battle of Alapan in Cavite. The ceremony emphasized the enduring significance of the flag as a symbol of freedom, courage, and unity.

The event also marked the beginning of the Flag Days period, observed annually from May 28 to June 12 (Independence Day). During this time, Filipinos are encouraged to proudly display the national flag in homes, offices, and public places as an expression of patriotism.

Through this simple yet meaningful ceremony, the Cavite PPO reaffirms its dedication to upholding the ideals represented by the Philippine flag and to inspiring pride and respect for our national identity.

Senator Loren Legarda delivered the keynote address at the DFA Ocean Talk: The 2015 Manila Call to Action, Charting Philippine Ocean-Climate Policy Towards the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila.

Organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) with the invaluable support of Legarda, the event was held in partnership with the Embassy of France to the Philippines and to Micronesia, the Intramuros Administration, and Liter of Light.

A decade after launching the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change alongside then-President Benigno Aquino III and French President François Hollande, Legarda returned to lead its reaffirmation—reasserting the Philippines’ commitment to ocean and climate leadership ahead of UNOC3 in Nice, France, from 9 to 13 June 2025.     

“The Manila Call to Action is no longer just a call but a commitment, built on decades of science, law, diplomacy, and the lived realities of our people,” said Legarda.

“The Philippines will continue to lead, not from a place of power, but from a place of purpose. Because we know that the ocean is not just a resource, it is our history, our heritage, our home.”

Legarda underscored alarming projections, including potential losses of up to 90% of global coral reefs by 2050, the displacement of up to 13 million Filipinos due to sea-level rise under a high-emissions scenario, and a 50% decline in fish biomass in Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, all of which threaten food security, livelihoods, and biodiversity.

The four-term senator called for protecting the ocean not merely as a resource, but as a rights-based imperative. The Philippines has made significant strides, including ratifying the Paris Agreement with ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs), supporting the Global Ocean Alliance and the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, and championing the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea’s Advisory Opinion.

Most recently, the 100 Days for the Ocean campaign, launched in partnership with the DFA and the Climate Change Commission, mobilized public awareness and political momentum around ocean protection and climate action.

Legarda has championed the country’s landmark environmental laws, such as the Climate Change Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, People’s Survival Fund Act, and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act. 

In a bid to develop more appropriate solutions tailor fitted to stakeholder needs, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 02, in partnership with academic institutions and innovation stakeholders, officially launched Hack4Resilience 2025: AI and Big Data for Disaster Risk Reduction Management  May 21, 2025 at Mango Suites Hotel, Cauayan City, Isabela.

The initiative gathers researchers and local leaders to co-create innovative, data-driven solutions for disaster resilience in one of the country’s most hazard-prone regions.

Organized by DOST Region 02 through the DOST-ISU Smart City (DISC) TBI, Hack4Resilience opens a region-wide hackathon focused on harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data to strengthen local disaster preparedness and response.

It promotes homegrown science and technology as essential tools in addressing regional challenges.

In his keynote address, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. emphasized the role of science and community engagement in building disaster-resilient societies.

“We need systems that reach the farthest, most disadvantaged communities—early warnings via basic phones, AI-powered forecasts for farmers, multilingual chatbots, and barangay-level dashboards that enable swift action,” he said.

“Fall in love with the problem, not your solutions, identify stakeholder needs,” he further added.

From numerous applicants, 10 teams were selected to pitch technologies addressing flood monitoring, emergency communication, evacuation analytics, and localized disaster information systems.

Each team presented before a panel of evaluators from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 02 , Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Region 02 and Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI). Projects will be assessed based on scientific rigor, community relevance, sustainability, and scalability.

The winning team will be given 50,000 pesos cash prize and earn an incubation opportunity through Startup THRiVE, DOST’s Technology Business Incubator hosted at ISU–Cauayan.

2nd and 3rd place will be given 30,000 pesos and 20,000 pesos, respectively.

Also present at the launch were DOST Undersecretary Engr. Sancho Mabborang, RD Virginia G. Bilgera, Dr. Nancy Bantog (DOST-CAR), DICT RD Dr. Pinky Jimenez, OCD Mr. Ronald L. Villa, ISU President Dr. Boyet Batang, CSU VP Dr. Junel B. Guzman, JCI National Executive VP Atty. Patrick Maglinao, and ISU-BIRD-C Director Dr. Betchie C. Aguinaldo.

The program offers technical mentorship, business development support, and access to funding to help bring the solution from prototype to implementation.

Hack4Resilience 2025 is not just a competition but part of a broader push toward technological sovereignty and science-based governance. Moreover, the selected innovations will be supported through LGU partnerships, incubation, and policy integration, ensuring real-world application and long-term impact.

Region 02 continues to position itself as a leader in community-centered, data-driven disaster innovation, showcasing how local expertise and digital tools can transform risk into resilience.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Isabela State University (ISU), and the City Government of Cauayan officially launched the 3rd International Smart City Exposition and Networking Engagement (iSCENE 2025) May 22, at the Isabela Convention Center (ICON), Cauayan City, Isabela setting in motion a dynamic three-day convergence of leaders, thinkers, and innovators dedicated to reshaping local governance through science and technology.

Anchored on the theme, “Innovation in Action: Empowering Smart and Sustainable Communities Through Government-Academe-Industry Collaboration”, iSCENE 2025 has grown into one of the country’s most significant platforms for showcasing transformative digital solutions tailored to Philippine communities.

The event opened by welcoming remarks from Mayor Caesar S. Dy Jr., who reaffirmed Cauayan City’s role as a model for people-first smart governance.

DOST Undersecretary Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang emphasized the importance of localizing science, technology, and innovation. “This is what iSCENE is all about: a space for dialogue, learning, and action, where we forge solutions that are not only innovative but practical, tangible, and impactful,” he stated.

Delivering the keynote address through a video message, DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum Jr. highlighted the strategic role of iSCENE in nation-building and resilience:

“We are no longer just preparing for disasters—we are building systems that adapt, learn, and evolve. That’s the essence of iSCENE: a space where communities co-design their futures through data, collaboration, and science-based innovation.”

A ceremonial MOA signing was also conducted that marked strengthened commitments among DOST R02, ISU, CHED R02, PCCI North Luzon, and LGUs—including a notable partnership with LGU Narra, Palawan and DOST-MIMAROPA for the Smart Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP).

Moreover, message of support was delivered by leaders from DILG, DICT, CHED, DHSUD, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Amazon Web Services, and other national and regional institutions.

The iSCENE 2025 will feature diverse activities, including: Hack4Resilience – A disaster tech hackathon utilizing AI and Big Data; MOCCOV Olympics – A mobile smart response challenge; RoboFusion – Robotics workshops and competitions; GridLock Games – The launch of locally developed eSports titles; Kathabi Fashion Show – Showcasing innovations in Philippine textiles; Technology Exhibits & Reverse Pitching – Highlighting scalable solutions in water, agriculture, health, and climate tech; Speaker Series – Capacity-building with ASEAN thought leaders and Smart and Sustainable Communities Awards – Honoring LGU-led innovation.

What began as a localized initiative in Cauayan City has now evolved into a national platform. iSCENE has catalyzed regional expos, accelerated LGU modernization, and inspired collaborative innovation across the country.

iSCENE event is not just about cities becoming smarter—it’s about making communities becoming stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient.

As iSCENE 2025 unfolds, one message echoes across all sessions: Innovation is no longer optional—it is imperative. And in Region 02, innovation is already in action.

Also present at the opening ceremonies were RD Virginia G. Bilgera, DOST CAR RD Dr. Nancy Bantog, DICT RD Dr. Pinky Jimenez, OCD Mr. Ronald L. Villa, ISU President Dr. Boyet Batang, DEPDev RD Dioniso C. Ledres, Jr, Area Vice President for North Luzon of PCCI, Atty. Maria Amalia Tiglao- Cayanan, Strategic Growth Leader, APJ Amazon Web Services (AWS), Mr. Samerr Puranik and DHSUD R02 OIC-RD Grave A. De Vera, Regional Line Agencies, Media, among others.