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LIPA CITY, Batangas – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) CALABARZON reported the September 2025 inflation in the region during an online press conference on 15 October 2025. Regional Director Charito C. Armonia announced that the region’s inflation rate in September 2025 remained at 2.4 percent. This figure is 0.6 percentage point higher than the 1.8 percent posted in August 2024. Additionally, the average inflation from January to September 2025 was recorded at 2.1 percent.
A faster increase in prices for Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages commodity group─averaging at 2.9 percent─contributed to the acceleration in the overall inflation rate (IR) with 41.0 percent share. It was followed by Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels (2.3 percent IR and 19.1 percent share) and Restaurants and Accommodation Services (2.5 percent IR and 12.7 percent share).
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 1.3 percent (from 1.2 percent); Oils and fats at 18.6 percent (from 18.3 percent); Vegetables, tubers, cooking bananas, etc. at 22.7 percent (from 10.5 percent); and Ready-made food and other food products n.e.c. at 2.4 percent (from 2.3 percent).
On the other hand, Food groups that incurred lower increase in prices include Corn at 10.5 percent inflation (from 10.6 percent); Meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals at 7.7 percent inflation (from 9.4 percent); Fish and other seafood at 7.1 percent inflation (from 8.6 percent); and Milk, other dairy products and eggs at 1.3 percent inflation (from 2.5 percent).
Meanwhile, Sugar, confectionery and desserts recorded a 0.1 percent inflation from previous month’s negative inflation. Food groups like Rice showed a decrease in prices at -13.6 percent inflation (from -13.3 percent) and Fruits and nuts at -2.2 percent inflation (from 5.2 percent).
Compared to August 2025, inflation rate in September 2025 increased in Rizal (from 2.8 percent to 2.9 percent). Meanwhile, overall price increase slowed down in the areas of Batangas (from 1.0 pecent to 0.9 percent), Laguna (from 2.2 percent to 2.1 percent), Quezon (from 2.3 percent to 2.1 percent), and Lucena City (from 1.0 percent to 0.6 percent). Moreover, the province of Cavite maintained its inflation rate at 3.0 percent.
The purchasing power of peso (PPP) in the region was recorded at 77 centavos in September 2025, compared to its value in 2018 (base year).
Porac, Pampanga — In a moment filled with pride and emotion, 25-year-old Kenneth Calma, a production employee at Mekeni Food Corporation, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Pampanga State University last August 12. But behind the medal and the applause is a story of grit, sacrifice, and unwavering love for family.
For Kenneth, earning a college diploma was not just a personal dream— it was also the dream of his entire family. Born and raised in Balubad, Porac, he is the son of Rosito and Reyna Calma, a barangay tanod and a devoted housewife. Growing up in a household with eight siblings, life was never easy. But it was always filled with hope.
Kenneth’s siblings worked tirelessly to support the family. Linuel and Genesis served as house boys for Mekeni’s Executive Officers, Lito and Adrian Garcia. Merwin worked in the warehouse, while Jennica and Jivon joined the packaging crew. His brother Rosito, with the help of the Garcia family, graduated with a degree in Accountancy from Holy Angel University and became the family’s breadwinner, until illness struck. While his twin brother, Kevin, was not able to finish his studies.
At a young age, Kenneth knew that the card he was dealt with was not easy. Yet, he never let that stop him. While still in Grade 12, he began working as an on-call worker at Mekeni, doing everything from sweeping warehouse floors to carrying goods and cleaning homes. He was determined to help, to contribute, and to dream.
In 2020, Kenneth became a regular employee at Mekeni, working as a checker in the packaging section. Then he resigned in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but he continued part-time work in the warehouse while enrolling at Don Honorio Ventura State University (now Pampanga State University) to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. In 2023, he reapplied and returned to Mekeni as a production worker.
His days were long and his nights even longer. Kenneth worked from 6 PM to 2:30 AM, often extending his shift just to earn a little more for tuition. After a few hours of sleep, he would go to school from 7 AM to 4 PM. The exhaustion was real, he often fell asleep in class, but his teachers understood. He was excelling, despite the odds.
There were moments of doubt, even depression. Kenneth admitted that he initially kept his studies a secret from his supervisor, afraid of losing the job he loved. But he held on, driven by a promise to himself and to his mother, who always dreamed of having a teacher in the family.
With tears in his eyes, Kenneth shared, “Wala po lahat ng ito kung wala yung nanay ko at pamilya ko. Lahat ng ginagawa ko ay para sa kanila. Gusto ko baguhin yung cycle ng buhay namin para mabago ang buhay namin.”
And he did. With years of hard work, sleepless nights, and relentless determination, Kenneth graduated Magna Cum Laude. His achievement is not just his—it belongs to his family, his community, and to Mekeni, which stood by him through it all.
Mekeni played a vital role in Kenneth’s journey—not just as an employer, but as a support system. From the production floor to the executive offices, Kenneth and his siblings found opportunities, mentorship, and encouragement. The company’s culture of compassion and community upliftment was instrumental in helping him pursue his education.
“Sobrang thankful po ako. Kung wala ang Mekeni, baka hindi po ako nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Malaking impact po iyon sa buhay ko at tinatanawan ko ng malaking utang na loob ang Mekeni,” he said.
Pruds Garcia, President of Mekeni, shared his thoughts on Kenneth’s achievement, “Kenneth’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the value of community. At Mekeni, we believe in giving people not just jobs, but opportunities to grow and transform their lives. We are proud to have been part of Kenneth’s journey.”
He added, “Ang tagumpay ni Kenneth ay tagumpay ng bawat Mekeni employee na nangangarap. We celebrate not just his academic success, but the courage it took to pursue it.”
To those who feel like the “last card” who dreams of changing the fate of their family, Kenneth offers this message:
“Kung gusto mo talaga yung isang bagay, paghihirapan mo ‘yon. Habang bata ka, kailangan mag-aral ka. Hindi habang buhay malakas tayo.”
So, if you are reading this and carrying the weight of your dreams and your family’s hopes—keep going. Like Kenneth, you too can turn the tables. You too can rise.
Laboratory Analysts from the DOST Northern Mindanao Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory (RSTL) – Shelf-life Evaluation Laboratory successfully participated in the Training on Nutrition Labelling and Refresher Course on Laboratory Internal and External Quality Control Programs held on September 30 to October 1, 2025, at the DOST-FNRI Training Hall, Bicutan, Taguig City. The training was hosted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).
The activity provided participants with updated knowledge on nutrition labeling 1 “L” only standards and quality control protocols, both of which are critical in ensuring reliable laboratory results and accurate food product information. For the attending analysts, the training strengthened their technical skills in validating laboratory processes, aligning methods with international standards, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The undertaking will directly improve the laboratory’s capacity to support food industries in Northern Mindanao, particularly in generating trustworthy nutrition labels for various food products.
By equipping the analysts with refreshed skills and new perspectives, the training fosters greater confidence, accuracy, and efficiency in laboratory operations. Ultimately, this contributes to the DOST’s mission of promoting food safety, consumer protection, compliance with regulations, and competitiveness of local products in both national and global markets.
The first-ever Mi Ultimo Amor Bridal Expo successfully took place on October 11–12, 2025, at Dakak Golf and Beach Resort, marking a historic milestone for the region’s wedding and fashion industry. This landmark event brought together an exceptional gathering of renowned local and international fashion designers, exhibitors, and creative professionals, all united to celebrate the artistry and culture of Filipino weddings.
The two-day bridal exposition showcased a spectacular array of wedding gowns, event styling concepts, catering services, and other essentials for modern Filipino weddings. Among the most anticipated highlights were the fashion shows featuring couture masterpieces by acclaimed designers like Dexter Alazas, Philip Rodriguez, Bezza, Hanz Coquilla, Jerald Almadin, Puey Quiñones, Dodjie Batu, and Frederic Velasco, each piece embodying the elegance, craftsmanship, and rich cultural heritage of the southern Philippines.
Exhibitors like Enhance Visa, Cebu’s Original Lechon Belly, Tazzino Coffee + Chill, Tablea Chocolate, Kakanin Delights, Sorpresa by Kenjo, Ford, Art Calligraphy by Jay M, Mona Accessories, Nikaela’s Crafts, Dipolog Perfume Bar, Reycon’s Piña Cloth and Industry, Oasis Sauna, Paris Talent and Events Agency, The Spa at the Villa, and Rayna and Son also participated, showcasing a diverse range of wedding-related products and services. From bridal gowns and photography to floral arrangements and wedding venues. The event served as a platform for local and regional businesses to connect with future brides and grooms, as well as to establish collaborations within the growing wedding industry in the south.
The success of the bridal expo was also supported by generous sponsors like Nestlé, BDO, Ford, Starlite Ferries, Sanitary Care Products Asia, Inc., Blush Spa & Aesthetics, Angel A de Fleur, Larawan Studio, Rommel Tan Concept, Glorious Fantasyland Theme Park, and Isla Mystica.
Beyond being a bridal expo, Mi Ultimo Amor was a celebration of love, heritage, artistry, culture, and the enduring spirit of collaboration among creative professionals in the region. It reaffirmed Dakak Golf and Beach Resort’s commitment to supporting local industries and promoting Dapitan City, the Shrine City of the Philippines as a center for tourism, fashion, and events.
As the curtains closed on this momentous occasion, participants and guests alike expressed optimism that Mi Ultimo Amor Bridal Expo will continue to flourish in the years to come, paving the way for more grand showcases that unite creativity, community, and the timeless beauty of love.
Local Government Units (LGUs) across Davao Region are looking for opportunities to transform urban mobility, traffic management, and city planning using advanced AI-driven platforms.
Traffic congestion and road safety continue to challenge many cities in the country, while traditional urban planning tools are often costly, complex, and slow, limiting their practical use for local governments and planners.
To address this, DOST Balik Scientist Dr. Syrus Borja Gomari, Founder and CEO of MobilityVision+, developed SEERMO, an AI-driven platform that helps cities collect and analyze mobility data efficiently, supporting evidence-based decisions for reshaping transport systems and urban environments.
In a forum conducted during the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week in Davao City, Dr. Gomari explained that the platform is designed to help LGUs collect and analyze urban mobility data efficiently. It helps LGUs collect and analyze data up to ten times faster, enabling more practical and cost-effective planning decisions.
“We developed MobilityVision+ to be user-friendly and adaptable, providing decision-makers and planners with faster access to relevant data for urban mobility and transport planning,” he said.
MobilityVision+ focuses on measuring mobility by people rather than vehicles, offering insights into accessibility, safety, and transport needs. SEERMO enables accelerated data collection and analysis, allowing LGUs to generate actionable information that can inform policies and infrastructure planning.
Mr. Timothy Joshua Vargas, Co-Founder of MobilityVision+, noted that the platform can be customized to the realities of Philippine cities, helping local governments assess transport patterns and mobility challenges.
LGU representatives across Davao highlighted challenges in planning road networks that accommodate both growing populations and public transport systems and emphasized the importance of data-driven insights for long-term city planning.
Highlighting the Davao Region’s unique urban landscape, Dr. Gomari noted, “The major cities– Digos, Davao, Panabo, and Tagum are clustered along the coast yet retain their
distinct roles. With proper planning, each City can serve as a strategic hub for growth, contributing to a more people-centric and sustainable regional development.”
DOST Davao Regional Director, Dr. Anthony Sales underscored the importance of equipping LGUs with these innovative tools.
“By translating Science and Innovation into actionable policies and programs, local governments can reduce congestion, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for their communities,” he said.
This initiative is part of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) of Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which supports local governments in leveraging science and technology for inclusive and sustainable urban development. It is aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph.(By Vener Zygmond O. Rebuelta, DOST-XI)
CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank, marked its 28th anniversary with the launch of the new version of its mobile banking app, konek2CARD. The event was held in Brgy. Santisimo Rosario, San Pablo City, Laguna on September 1, 2025.
“It was right here in this barangay, where the digital community of CARD MRI began. That is why it holds a special place in our hearts,” CARD Bank President and CEO Ms. Marivic Austria reflected on how konek2CARD began in 2017.
She added, “This upgraded version of konek2CARD, with faster and improved features, is a symbol of the digital innovation we continuously develop for our clients. It is our way of making products and services more inclusive to everyone we serve.”
Aside from the Google Play Store, the new version of konek2CARD is now available on the Apple App Store and Huawei App Gallery, making the upgrade more accessible to all CARD MRI clients.
New features of konek2CARD
One of the key highlights of the new konek2CARD is its enhanced security feature, which utilizes biometrics. Users can now activate fingerprint or facial recognition on their devices, making the login process faster and more secure. The app also offers great convenience by allowing users to instantly view their account balance and savings right upon logging in.
In terms of the app’s interface, it now uses an icon-based format. Additionally, users can now save account numbers from interbank transfers, minimizing errors and streamlining repeat transactions.
Currently, the new version of konek2CARD is only available at CARD Bank branches in San Pablo City. However, by September 22, 2025, the institution aims to roll it out across all CARD Bank branches. In the coming months, this version will also be introduced to CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank under CARD MRI.
The double celebration also welcomed the konek2CARD’s new celebrity ambassador, Mr. JC Santos, who warmly extended his greetings to the institution on its milestone.
The celebration also recognized the presence of CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, along with some of the Executive and Management Committee Members, staff, and clients of CARD MRI.
The Future of CARD Bank
Looking ahead, CARD Bank aims to transition into a commercial bank next year.
“As a microfinance-oriented rural bank, we face certain limitations in the services we offer. By becoming a commercial bank, we will be able to broaden our financial services and meet the growing demands of our clients,” Dr. Alip stated.
With the upcoming transition, CARD Bank also aims to reach the families and relatives of its clients who are working overseas. In addition, while some commercial banks focus on offering investment products to large companies, CARD Bank seeks to make these opportunities accessible to its clients.
As of July 31, 2025, CARD Bank has served 4.4 million clients, with more than 1.6 million registered users of konek2CARD. For more information, visit its official website at https://cardbankph.com/.
Timbog ang lalaking nagpaputok ng baril dahil sa maagap na pagresponde ng pulisya kamakailan sa Bacoor City, Cavite.
Ang suspek na si alyas Arth ay naaresto ng mga tauhan ng Bacoor Component City Police Station dakong alas-5:00 ng hapon nitong Oktubre 19.
Una rito, ang suspek at mga kasama nito ay nag-iinuman na umano’y nagdulot ng kaguluhan at ingay sa publiko.
Kasunod nito ay nagpaputok ng baril si Arth subalit mabilis na rumesponde ang mga awtoridad.
Nabatid na tinangka pa umanong tumakas ni Arth gayunman ay naaresto rin.
Sa pagkakaaresto kay Arth ay nakumpiska sa kanya ang isang kalibre 9mm CZ P-09 pistol, isang magazine para sa 9mm, labing-isang bala ng 9mm, at dalawang basyo ng bala at naharap sa kasong paglabag sa Republic Act 10591 o Illegal Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
Bukod kay Arth ay arestado rin ang lima nitong kasama na kinasuhan ng alarms and scandal.
NAARESTO ng mga tauhan Magallanes Municipal Police Station ang wanted na may kasong estafa kamakailan sa Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.
Ang akusadong si alyas Mac, na residente ng Tarlac City, ay naaresto dakong alas-7:30 ng gabi nitong Oktubre 21.
Ang pagkakaaresto ay sa bisa ng warrant of arrest na inilabas ng Municipal Trial Court, Branch 2 sa Tarlac City para sa kasong swindling (estafa) na may itinakdang piyansa sa halagang P18,000.00.
Isinagawa ang matagumpay na operasyon ng kapulisan ng Magallanes katuwang ang Lubang MPS gamit ang Alternative Recording Device.
ARESTADO ang babaing wanted sa matagumpay na operasyong isinagawa ng warrant personnel ng Dasmariñas City Component Police Station kamakailan sa Calamba City, Laguna.
Ang akusadong si alyas Karen, residente ng Dasmariñas City, Cavite, at nakalista bilang Regional Level Most Wanted Person, ay nadakip dakong alas-5:00 ng hapon nitong Oktubre 21.
Inihain kay Karen ang warrant of arrest na inilabas nitong Oktubre 1 ng Regional Trial Court, Branch 12.
May itinakdang piyansa sa halagang P120,000.00 para sa isang kaso subalit walang piyansa ang isa.
Isinagawa ng kapulisan ang operasyon gamit ang Body Worn Camera at Alternative Recording Device.
Suportado ni Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano ang panawagan
ng Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) na
dagdagan ang pondo para sa Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance
Program (IDSAP) upang matulungan ang mga pamilyang nasiraan ng bahay
dahil sa mga sunod-sunod na kalamidad.
Sa Senate briefing ng ahensya para sa panukalang 2026 budget nitong
October 15, sinabi ng DHSUD na humingi ito ng P4 bilyon para sa
programa pero P412 milyon lang ang inaprubahan sa National Expenditure
Program.
Sa ilalim ng IDSAP, tumatanggap ng P10,000 ang mga pamilyang bahagyang
nasira ang tahanan at P30,000 naman kung totally damaged.
Ayon kay Cayetano, nananatiling pinakamahinang bahagi ng disaster
response ng Pilipinas ang rehabilitasyon.
Giit niya, kailangang palaging may kasunod na maayos na rehabilitasyon
ang relief efforts.
“Medyo magaling na tayo sa relief but medyo mabagal talaga tayo sa
rehabilitation,” sabi niya. “In fact, ‘pag may nangyaring bagong
kalamidad, nakakalimutan na natin y’ung dati.”
Bilang pang-matagalanag solusyon, muling nanawagan si Cayetano na
magtatag ng Emergency Response Department na tututok lamang sa
disaster response at rehabilitasyon para masigurong may pananagutan at
tuloy-tuloy ang pagtugon ng gobyerno sa mga sakuna.
“Kailangan po ng isang departamento na walang ibang ginagawa kundi
relief at rehab,” ani Cayetano. “Ang kalamidad po ba, ang sunog, ang
bagyo, ang lindol, eto po ba ay tumitigil? Hindi. Pero ang mga
departamento, hilong-hilo na rin sa kaka-multitasking.”
Kasabay nito, hinikayat din ng senador ang pamahalaan na tiyakin ang
transparency at efficiency sa paggamit ng pondo ng IDSAP at iba pang
disaster-related programs upang siguraduhing napupunta ito sa mga
tunay na biktima ng kalamidad.
“We need a department na may isang natuturo, may isang pong
accountable, at isa pong nakatutok talaga d’yan,” dagdag niya.
Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – Sa kabila ng pananalasa ng Bagyong Opong na tumama sa probinsya, matagumpay na naisagawa ng CARD Bank ang Lakbay Aral sa Oriental Mindoro na dinaluhan ng mga miyembro ng media at kinatawan ng iba’t ibang kumpanya sa ilalim ng CARD MRI.
Sa isang press briefing, ipinaliwanag ni Mr. Jeffrey Tandingan, Head ng CARD MRI Publishing House ang misyon at mga kumpanyang kabilang sa CARD MRI. Isa-isa niya itong ipinakilala bilang bahagi ng mas malawak na layunin ng organisasyon na palawakin ang kaalaman tungkol sa kanilang mga programa at serbisyo.
Ayon kay Ms. Myrtle Angel, Area Manager ng CARD Inc., patuloy ang kanilang adbokasiya na bigyan ng puhunan at pagsasanay ang mga kababaihan, partikular ang mga nanay, upang sila ay ma-empower at makapagsimula ng negosyo.
Dagdag pa niya, lingguhan ang pagpupulong ng mga miyembro upang maghulog ng bayad at tumanggap ng gabay sa tamang paghawak ng pera. Binigyang-diin naman ni Mr. Rhey Mark Mapalad, Provincial Manager ng CARD MBA, ang kahalagahan ng insurance.
Sa halagang ₱20, may benepisyo nang natatanggap ang mga miyembro, at maaari pang i-upgrade para sa mas malawak na proteksyon. Ibinahagi rin ni Ms. Mary Grace Manga, Branch Head ng CARD Bank Calapan Branch, na bukas ang CARD Bank sa lahat basta may kakayahang magbayad at handang matuto sa pagnenegosyo.
Aniya, prayoridad nila ang mga PWD, senior citizens, at buntis upang mas mabilis na maasikaso sa kanilang transaksyon, kabilang na ang paggamit ng Konek2CARD. Nagpasalamat naman si Katrin Silaan, isang miyembro mula sa Iraya Mangyan Tribe, sa CARD Bank dahil nakapagsimula siya ng sari-sari store at nakapagpundar mula sa paglala ng mga basket.
Sa tulong ng CARD Bank, nakahanap sila ng merkado at dumami ang kanilang mga customer. Samantala, ibinahagi ni Marianne Agutaya, may-ari ng MOREDAN Coffee at halos isang dekada nang miyembro ng CARD Bank, ang kanyang tagumpay sa negosyo sa tulong ng kanilang suporta. Hinihikayat niya ang mga maliliit na negosyante, lalo na ang mga nagsisimula pa lamang, na lumapit sa pinakamalapit na CARD Bank upang matulungan sa kanilang puhunan at paglago ng negosyo.
Sa kabuuan, ang matagumpay na Lakbay Aral ay nagpatibay ng layunin ng CARD Bank na patuloy na magsilbing katuwang ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino tungo sa kaunlaran at mas maunlad na kinabukasan.
Noong Oktubre 16 sa Frankfurt, Germany, binigyang-diin ni Senadora Loren Legarda ang matatag na diwa ng pagkakakilanlang Pilipino at ang kahalagahan ng pagtutulungan.
Ibinahagi niya ito sa paglulunsad ng Impressions of an Archipelago: Spanish Travellers and Writings on the Philippines, bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Pilipinas bilang Guest of Honour sa ika-77 Frankfurt Book Fair.
Sinimulan ni Legarda sa pagbabalik-tanaw sa Pilipinas bago ang panahon ng kolonisasyon, isang bansang kilala na sa kalakalan, pamamahala, at mayaman na mga wika.
“Long before the first chroniclers set ink to paper, the Philippines was already a nation of thought and discernment,” ani Legarda.
Ang aklat, na inilathala sa wikang Espanyol at Aleman, at kasalukuyang isinasalin sa Ingles, ay binubuo ng dalawampung sanaysay mula sa mga iskolar sa Germany, Switzerland, Great Britain, Spain, at Pilipinas. Tinutuklas nito kung paano inilarawan at pinagmamasdan ng mga manlalakbay na Espanyol mula ika-16 na siglo hanggang sa kasalukuyan ang kapuluan.
Kabilang dito ang tatlong antolohiya: Die Philippinen in frühen spanischen Berichten und Schriften 1521–1794; Galería de viajeros y de una viajera a las Islas Filipinas (bersyong Espanyol); at Galerie der spanischen Reisenden auf die Philippinen (bersyong Aleman).
Ang unang tomo ay nagtatampok ng mga ulat mula 1521 hanggang 1794, mga kronika ng hari, tala ng mga misyonerong Heswita, at ang tanyag na Boxer Codex. Ang ikalawa, sa wikang Espanyol, ay nagtitipon ng mga akdang paglalakbay mula ika-19 hanggang ika-21 siglo mula sa mga opisyal ng kolonyal na pamahalaan hanggang sa mga makata at mamamahayag, marami sa kanila ay unang nailathala dito. Ang ikatlo, sa wikang Aleman, ay isang multilingguwal na galeriya ng mga manlalakbay, Espanyol, Kubano, at Pilipino, na ang mga obserbasyon ay sumasaklaw mula sa huling yugto ng pamahalaang Espanyol hanggang sa panahon ng malayang Republika ng Pilipinas. Sama-sama, ang mga koleksiyong ito ay bumubuo ng isang malawak na talaan ng kung paano nakita at naalala ang Pilipinas sa iba’t ibang panahon.
Ang proyekto ay sinuportahan ni Legarda, na kasalukuyang namumuno sa Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts, sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Studies Program na kanyang inilunsad noong 2017 at sinuportahan sa Ruhr University Bochum noong 2019.
Muling binubuksan ng programang ito ang mga siglong ugnayang kultural sa pamamagitan ng mga muling natuklasang tala ng paglalakbay at makukulay na pampanitikang pagninilay.
“For generations, others have written about us; today, we write with them, beside them, and in our own voice,” saad ng senadora.
Kasalukuyang nasa 33 institusyong akademiko sa buong mundo ang programang ito, na nagtataguyod ng pananaliksik hinggil sa kasaysayan, wika, ekolohiya, at alaala ng Pilipinas.
“Each partnership reminds us that knowledge, pursued together, is the finest form of diplomacy,” dagdag niya.
Bilang pagtatapos, pinagtibay ng four-term senator ang katatagan at katapatan ng kuwentong Pilipino.
“As we share this work with the world here at the Frankfurter Buchmesse, we stand proud of the Filipino story as an enduring part of humanity’s larger journey,” wika ni Legarda.