𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗡’𝗦 𝟰𝟰𝟳𝗧𝗛 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗔𝗬. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, representative of Director Dr. Regalado Trota Jose, receives the certificate of appreciation and a miniature of the Barasoain Church from Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro as tokens of gratitude for gracing the 447th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Bulacan as the guest of honor, held at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, City of Malolos, Bulacan earlier today. Also in the photo are (from left) Board Member Casey Tyronne E. Howard, City of San Jose Del Monte Chief of Staff Juan Miguel P. San Pedro, Board Members Efren C. Bartolome, Jr., Renato DL. De Guzman, Jr., Paombong Mayor Engr. Mark Ian P. Marcos, Balagtas Mayor Adrian J. Santiago, Bulacan 6th District Congressman Salvador A. Pleyto, Marilao Mayor Atty. Jemina M. Sy, Board Members Josef Andrew T. Mendoza, Michael A. Aquino, Fortunato SJ. Angeles, and Richard A. Roque.
𝗕𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗡’𝗦 𝟰𝟰𝟳𝗧𝗛 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗔𝗬. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, representative of Director Dr. Regalado Trota Jose, receives the certificate of appreciation and a miniature of the Barasoain Church from Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro as tokens of gratitude for gracing the 447th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Bulacan as the guest of honor, held at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, City of Malolos, Bulacan earlier today. Also in the photo are (from left) Board Member Casey Tyronne E. Howard, City of San Jose Del Monte Chief of Staff Juan Miguel P. San Pedro, Board Members Efren C. Bartolome, Jr., Renato DL. De Guzman, Jr., Paombong Mayor Engr. Mark Ian P. Marcos, Balagtas Mayor Adrian J. Santiago, Bulacan 6th District Congressman Salvador A. Pleyto, Marilao Mayor Atty. Jemina M. Sy, Board Members Josef Andrew T. Mendoza, Michael A. Aquino, Fortunato SJ. Angeles, and Richard A. Roque.
CITY OF MALOLOS – “For a long time, Bulacan has not only been a silent witness to history, it has itself been one of its writers.”
This was the message of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Dr. Regalado Trota Jose, delivered by Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, during the commemoration of the 447th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Bulacan held today, August 15, at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in this city.
The NHCP executive also recognized the unparalleled contributions of the Bulakenyos not only to history but also in shaping the future of the country.
“Tunay pong napakatayog ng pamantayan na iniwan sa atin ng mga nauna sa atin. Tayo ay nagagalak dahil ang hamong ito ay masigasig na tinutugunan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan,” Arevalo added.
Likewise, Governor Daniel R. Fernando said that history is not just the past, it is a guide to the present, and a light to the future.
“Dapat ipagtuloy ng mga susunod na henerasyon ang pag-alaala sa anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng Lalawigan ng Bulacan. Magtulung-tulong tayo upang hindi masayang ang lahat ng ipinaglaban ng ating mga ninuno,” the governor said.
After the commemorative program, the People’s Governor together with Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro and other local officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing of the Bulacan Capitol Hostel beside The Pavilion.
The commemoration of the Founding Anniversary of the Province of Bulacan marks the start of Singkaban Festival 2025 with a theme “Sining at Kalinangan ng Bulacan, Pamanang Babalik-balikan”.
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The signed MOU was presented to President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr during the Philippines-India Business Forum held recently at Taj Mahal Westend Hotel, Bangalore, India.
The signed MOU was presented to President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr during the Philippines-India Business Forum held recently at Taj Mahal Westend Hotel, Bangalore, India.
[Quezon City, Philippines] – [17 August 2025] – In a historic move toward sustainable development and modern waste management, ATD Waste-To-Energy Corporation in consortium with Global Heavy Equipment and Construction Corporation alongside India’s Uttamenergy Limited will build a ₱4-Billion Waste-To-Energy (WTE) facility in the country. This WTE plant, which is a pioneering facility and the first of its kind in the Philippines, is designed to convert solid waste into clean, renewable energy.
“This project represents a significant leap forward in the country’s environmental strategy, addressing two of the most pressing national concerns: waste management and energy generation,” said Amando T. Diaz, President and CEO of ATD Waste-To-Energy Corporation. “This facility is more than just a power plant. It is a transformative a solution that aligns with our goals of environmental protection, energy security, and sustainable urban development.”
Envisioned as the most advanced waste-to-energy facility in the Philippines, the planned project will be constructed at a four-hectare site in Capas, Tarlac that is part of the New Clark City masterplanned by BCDA. “This four-billion peso project delivers direct national value and reinforces our transition to clean energy, supports modern waste management for cities, and brings high-impact foreign capital into one of the Philippines’ most strategic growth areas,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang said in a statement last Thursday.
Utilizing advanced, globally proven technology, the plant will safely convert non-recyclable waste into electricity, significantly reducing landfill dependence while contributing to the national power grid.
Key Benefits to the Country:
• Reduced Landfill Waste: The plant will divert 600 tons a day of municipal solid waste from overcrowded landfills, extending their lifespan and minimizing environmental impact.
• Clean, Renewable Energy: Capable of generating up to 12MW capacity of electricity, the facility will help power thousands of homes and businesses using a low-emission, renewable process.
• Job Creation & Economic Growth: The plant is expected to create hundreds of jobs during both construction and operation phases, stimulating local economies.
• Environmental Protection: Equipped with state-of-the-art air pollution control systems, the facility ensures compliance with international environmental standards, making it one of the cleanest energy generation methods available.
• Proven Technology: Waste-to-energy technology is already being successfully used in highly industrialized nations such as Japan, Sweden, Germany, China and Singapore — demonstrating its safety, reliability, and long-term sustainability.
Amando T. Diaz, President and CEO of ATD Waste-To-Energy Corporation inks deal with Uttamenergy’s Managing Director Balram Adhalka for the building of a ₱4-Billion waste-to-energy plant in New Clark City, Philippines. The signing of the MOU in New Delhi, India was brokered by BCDA President and CEO, Joshua Bingcang
The plant’s operation will be strictly monitored by both local and international experts to ensure that all environmental, health, and safety regulations are met — and even exceeded. All emissions are filtered and treated before being released, ensuring a safe and eco-friendly process that does not endanger communities or the environment.
“This realization of this project signals a bold new chapter in the way we view waste — not as garbage, but as a resource,” said Diaz of ATD WTE Corp. “We are proud to bring world-class technology to the Philippines that supports our people, protects our environment, and powers our future.”
ATD Waste-to-Energy Corp is a Filipino-owned company which specializes in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution. Its operations include the management of generation facilities, transmission and distribution systems, as well as electricity and transmission capacity exchanges for the sale of electricity to end users.
Uttamenergy Limited, which is based in Pune, Maharashtra, India, is an energy equipment and solutions provider and a known regional leader with WTE and biomass facilities across Asia and Africa. The plant will utilize German-engineered Enviropower technology from MARTIN GmbH for high-efficiency, low-emission waste combustion and France based PAPREC (formerly CNIM) and SecoLAB for Boiler and Flue Gas Treatment respectively.
This joint project is aligned with President Marcos Jr. administration’s energy and environmental priorities, including the Philippine Energy Plan and the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, which mandates more efficient solid waste processing by local governments and producers.
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The summit of The President of The United States (POTUS) Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held in Alaska resulted in no concrete deal over the Ukraine-Russia Ceasefire.
POTUS however talked with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, informing him of Putin’s demand of Ukraine ceding territories over Russia to end the war.
Zelenksy is hesitant of the idea of giving up territories to Russia as he believes this will intensify Russia’s future plans of attacking Ukraine again. Trump said.
3-Way Meeting is Vague
Kremlin abrogates the idea of a meeting with Zelensky yet, but POTUS maybe planning to set a summit with Putin and Zelensky to fortify ending the war between Russia and Ukraine that started on 2014, with massive attacks and conflicts on 2022.
Putin-Trump Next Summit in Moscow
Putin-POTUS summit ended with the latter stating to meet again soon with Putin. “Next time in Moscow”. Putin retorted.
the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) during the ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing of The Capitol Hostel beside the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center, City of Malolos, Bulacan coinciding the celebration of the 447th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Bulacan.
Also in the photo witnessing the event are Board Members (R-L) Michael M. Aquino, Renato DL. De Guzman, Jr., Fortunato SJ. Angeles, Marilao Mayor Jemina M. Sy, Board Members Casey Tyrone E. Howard, (at the back, L-R) Efren C. Bartolome, Jr., CSJDM Chief of Staff Juan Miguel P. San Pedro, Boy Governor Kim Bryan L. Lacson and Boy Vice Governor Angelo Jr. G. Santos.
INSET: The renovated and improved façade of The Capitol Hostel which won the 2024 Outstanding LGU – Public Infrastructure/Amenities Category at the FIABCI-Philippines Property and Real Estate Excellence Awards recently.
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Anabell Gibaga, a 50-year-old entrepreneur and proud QSL client of CARD SME Bank from Zamboanga City, exemplifies how determination, passion, and partnership can turn dreams into reality. Alongside her husband, she proves that anything is possible when you commit your heart, mind, and soul to your goals.
Edrian B. Banania, Junior Writer
Anabell Gibaga, a 50-year-old entrepreneur and proud QSL client of CARD SME Bank from Zamboanga City, exemplifies how determination, passion, and partnership can turn dreams into reality. Alongside her husband, she proves that anything is possible when you commit your heart, mind, and soul to your goals.
In Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City, a community known for its dried fish trade, lives Anabell Gibaga, a 50-year-old entrepreneur whose journey is deeply rooted in resilience and hard work.
Through dedication and the support she has received along the way, Anabell has transformed the family dried fish venture into a thriving livelihood, proving that with determination and the right opportunities, success is within reach.
Her journey began not with a grand business plan, but with a legacy. “The bulad (dried fish) business was our family’s way of living,” she shared. It was a livelihood passed down by her parents, a humble venture supported by a single fishing boat and long hours of drying fish under the sun. What began as a means to make ends meet soon evolved into something much bigger.
As the quality of their dried fish gained attention, larger fishing corporations in Zamboanga started to take notice. This marked a turning point. “We shifted from catching to processing. The companies would supply us with the fish, and we’d handle everything else from cleaning to drying to packing,” she explained. In just 2–3 days, the raw catch would be transformed into high-quality dried fish, boxed and ready for delivery across Cebu, Davao, and other nearby provinces in Zamboanga.
The demand is steady. Customers, both big and small, remain loyal because of the quality and consistency of the products. “Even with stiff market competition, people keep coming back because they trust our product’s quality,” Anabell said.
But the journey hasn’t always been smooth. “Weather is our greatest challenge,” Anabell admitted. Rainy days disrupt the fish-drying process, often requiring them to shift to careful fermenting and freezing methods. Despite these setbacks, the business has continued to grow and persevere through every obstacle.
Anabell’s dried fish business offers popular varieties like galunggong (mackerel scad), hasa-hasa (short mackerel), tamban (sardinella), and more. Prices range from under PHP 2,600 to PHP 4,000 per box. Customers can purchase in kilos or bulk, depending on their needs. “Our pricing may vary based on the type of fish,” Anabell stated.
Behind her success lies another key player, CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank under CARD MRI. In 2011, Anabell became a client, starting with a modest PHP10,000 loan to open a small store. Today, her loan capacity has grown to PHP500,000, which has helped scale her dried fish operations and improve logistics, including the purchase of two vehicles now used for both personal and business needs.
“Success is within reach if you believe in yourself and God,” she said. “Also, with the right support system, anything is possible. CARD SME Bank has been part of that journey.”
With the success of the business, Anabell was able to send her children to school, and both are now degree holders. One graduated with a degree in Criminology and has since become an entrepreneur, poised to take over the family business in the future. The other is a licensed nurse currently employed in the healthcare field.
What started as a small venture has grown into a livelihood for many. Anabell now employs four regular workers, five laborers, and some on-call staff, most of them from her community and assigned according to their expertise. “It’s fulfilling to help others find work,” she said with pride.
Located at A.F. Torres Subdivision, Talon-Talon Loop, Zamboanga City, Anabell’s business remains a trusted name—committed to providing quality dried fish products and reliable service to her community, suppliers, and loyal customers.
From the salty shores of Zamboanga City to dining tables, Anabell Gibaga’s dried fish business tells a powerful story—one of family, faith, and fearless entrepreneurship.
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FULL SCHOLARSHIP FOR NURSING STUDENTS. Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro lead the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government of Bulacan and Bulacan State University for the “Nars na Bulakenyo, Iskolar ng Kapitolyo” program, granting full scholarships to 30 BulSU nursing students held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan on August 11, 2025. Also signing the MOA are (L-R) Dr. Dolly P. Maroma, head of the Scholarship Coordinator; Dr. Warlito M. Galita, dean of the BulSU Graduate School; Provincial Administrator Antonia V. Constantino; Catherine A. Inocencio, assistant department head of the Provincial Administrator’s Office; with Board Member Anna Kathrina M. Hernandez (behind).
Signs MOA with BulSu for full Nursing scholarships
FULL SCHOLARSHIP FOR NURSING STUDENTS. Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro lead the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Provincial Government of Bulacan and Bulacan State University for the “Nars na Bulakenyo, Iskolar ng Kapitolyo” program, granting full scholarships to 30 BulSU nursing students held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium, City of Malolos, Bulacan on August 11, 2025. Also signing the MOA are (L-R) Dr. Dolly P. Maroma, head of the Scholarship Coordinator; Dr. Warlito M. Galita, dean of the BulSU Graduate School; Provincial Administrator Antonia V. Constantino; Catherine A. Inocencio, assistant department head of the Provincial Administrator’s Office; with Board Member Anna Kathrina M. Hernandez (behind).
CITY OF MALOLOS – Reinforcing its commitment to accessible and inclusive education, the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) distributed Landbank ATM cards to 3,000 student beneficiaries under the Tulong Pang-Edukasyon Para sa Bulakenyo program during the Scholars’ General Assembly held on August 11, 2025, at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando, together with Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, led the ceremonial distribution of ATM cards to ensure that students can conveniently and promptly access their scholarship grant—a vital financial lifeline that helps ease the burden of tuition, transportation, and daily school needs.
The 3,000 beneficiaries represent a diverse group of Bulakenyo students from both public and private institutions, including those enrolled in senior high school, college, master’s, and graduate studies. The program also extends support to aspiring professionals preparing for board examinations and individuals from marginalized sectors such as Indigenous Peoples (Dumagat), Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), children of solo parents, farmers, fishers, and volunteer workers.
In addition to the scholarship distribution, the PGB and Bulacan State University (BulSU) held a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the “Nars na Bulakenyo, Iskolar ng Kapitolyo” program. This partnership will grant full nursing scholarships to 30 deserving BulSU students, covering tuition, miscellaneous fees, and other academic expenses throughout the entire duration of their course.
Governor Fernando emphasized that the initiative goes beyond financial support—it is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to uplift the lives of every Bulakenyo through education and ensure that no Bulakenyo is left behind in reaching their dreams.
“Naniniwala ako na ang edukasyon ang pinakamalakas na pantay-pantay na tagapagbigay ng oportunidad—ito ang susi para mabuksan ang mas maraming pintuan ng tagumpay at para mapalakas ang ating mamamayan na mapagtagumpayan ang anumang hamon,” Fernando said.
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President Marcos joined by DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, Gov. Daniel Fernando and barangay officials in a visit to what he describes as a sloppy and appearing as ghost flood control project in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit town on Friday. Photo by Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
President Marcos joined by DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, Gov. Daniel Fernando and barangay officials in a visit to what he describes as a sloppy and appearing as ghost flood control project in Barangay Bulusan, Calumpit town on Friday. Photo by Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
CITY OF MALOLOS—Bulacan is hounded by flood control project mysteries as it celebrated its 447th founding anniversary on Friday after Predident Marcos disclosed at least two irregular, sloppy works and appearing as ghost flood conrol projects in flood-hit Calumpit town as he personally visited the areas conciding with Bulacan’s 447th founding anniversary celebration.
The President, joined by Departmenf of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon and Governor Daniel Fernando said a dike in Barangay Bulusan which was reported completed and was signed and approved as completed is actually an unfinished work and appears fo be a ghost project.
He also inspected a similar complained dike project in Barangay Frances.
“This is a more than 200 meters dike that is reported completed but looks like a ghost project. This dike was made very poorly with holes and uneven sheet piles that’s why the dike collapses. The steel parts were not fully laid down on the ground. Worse, there was no any desilting made. All river and dike dredging projects have desilting component. This one do not. That’s why the silt have become very thick where even and plants grow at the middle,” the President said.
The Chief Executive disclosed that St. Timothy Construction company was behind the works.
He said he will go to the bottom of those who signed the project.
He urged the residents to continue bringing to his attention all their complaints through his own “Isumbong sa Pangulo website”. He also tell then to bring their complaints to the governor or to the press. A resident in Calumpit had sent a letter to the President’s Isumbong sa Pangulo website complaining about the sloppy works of a flood control project.
According to the President, the divers he sent fo check the works under the waters found really ireegular and sloppy works.
“Even the acceptance of this project by concerned local officials were forcibly made,” the President added.
Fernando who led the province in its 447th founding anniversary celebration at Hiyas Pavilion in this city said in his speech before proceeding to join the President in Calumpit visit that Bulacan is desecrated as there were more than 600 flood control projects yet, many towns have remained submerged in flood during the recent typhoons.
In an interview at the Hiyas Pavilion, he told NEWSCORE Bulacan that he was shock to find out based on the disclosure of the Presient that the province has more than 600 flood control projects, yet, the province is soaked in flood waters every time there is a typhoon and habagat.
He reported to the President that he was not informed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) of the said projects. He said he was only informed once, when the DPWH was asking for a Provincial Development Council (PDC) Resolution.
“I was schocked. I was almost in tears. My head ache,” when the President came with that news early during the week.
However, he said in his speech, that it is not the time to point finger and blame anyone but to unite to end the flooding in the province. “We will continue to fight to win our battle against flooding,” he said.
In an interview, he reiterates the now under feasibility study Mega Dike Coastal Road Flood Control Project from Metro Manila to Bataan passing along Bulacan and Pampanga and the only key solution to end the flooding in Bulacan particualrly brought by high tide along tha coastal towns of Obando, Bulakan, Malolos, Paombong and Hagonoy.
Calumpit is being continuesly affected by flood because of backflooding of waters from the mountains in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija areas that started to cascade bound to Manila Bay. Backflooding occurs during later part or after more than a week of the height of the flooding in all the rest of towns and cities in Bulacan.
Glen Reyes, Bulacan Provincial Engineer told NEWSCORE Bulacan that there are at least 16 pumping station flood control projects under the Office of Bulacan First District Congressman Danilo Domingo, 11 of them are under construction which will help address the flooding.
These pumping stations are in Malolos, Hagonoy, and in other coastal towns have been declared under state of Calamity last month due to typhoon Crising, habagat, Dante, Emong and high tide.
Vice Gov. Alex Castro said he and the governor are supporting and will be fully cooperating in the ongoing investigation being made now hy the President.
He said they would not conduct a separate investigation so as not to preempt ths President’s investigation.
Pictured with the award are (L-R) SM Supermalls SVP for Human Resources Cheryll Agsaoay, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and SM Supermalls VP for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio.
Pictured with the award are (L-R) SM Supermalls SVP for Human Resources Cheryll Agsaoay, SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, and SM Supermalls VP for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio.
SM Supermalls was recently recognized at the 2025 Kapatiran sa Industriya (KAPATID) Awards of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), held during the National Conference of Employers at the historic Manila Hotel on July 30, 2025.
SM Supermalls’ commitment to its people and communities is felt through programs such as disaster risk reduction exercises and educational seminars & workshops.
This biennial awards program, now on its 30th year, celebrates companies that exemplify responsible business conduct, industrial peace, ethical labor practices, and innovation-driven sustainability. The recognition highlights SM Supermalls’ unwavering commitment to its people, communities, and long-term business continuity—especially in the face of disruptions and evolving industry challenges.
SM Supermalls’ commitment to its people and communities is felt through programs such as disaster risk reduction exercises and educational seminars & workshops.
SM Supermalls was honored for fostering a workplace anchored in trust and collaboration, its implementation of forward-looking policies to ensure employee welfare and operational resilience, and its integrated sustainability efforts that align with the values of the ECOP Kapatid Awards. SM continues to embed sustainability at the core of its operations—championing energy efficiency, solid waste management, disaster resilience, and green infrastructure across its nationwide mall network. Through its long-term sustainability roadmap, the company aims to create shared value for its stakeholders while helping build a more climate-resilient future for the country. These values include promoting inclusive work environments, powering through transitions with agility, and contributing to a sustainable future.
The award was presented by Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, affirming the vital role of employers in shaping the country’s workforce and economy.
As ECOP celebrates its 50th anniversary with the theme “Empowering Employers, Building the Nation,” SM Supermalls stands proud to be part of a collective that moves Philippine industries forward through responsible leadership and meaningful impact.
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CITY OF MALOLOS — The Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB), through the Provincial Health Office–Public Health (PHO-PH), has intensified its initiatives to prevent and control leptospirosis, maintaining heightened vigilance despite a notable decline in suspected cases compared to the previous year.
From January 1 to August 9, 2025, Bulacan recorded 114 suspected leptospirosis cases, with only two confirmed positive through the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). This marks a 25% decrease from the 151 suspected cases reported during the same period in 2024.
Although the current figure remains 40% below the epidemic threshold, the PGB continues to take proactive steps to protect public health—especially in flood-affected areas vulnerable to the spread of the disease.
Key among the PGB’s efforts is the intensified surveillance and close monitoring of flooded communities. The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) works closely with city and municipal Disease Surveillance Units to ensure timely data collection, case analysis, and reporting.
To reduce the risk of infection among vulnerable groups, the Provincial Government has distributed doxycycline tablets to 14,850 residents through City and Municipal Health Offices, government hospitals, churches, barangays, and other requesting groups. Likewise, the Department of Health is also in coordination to ensure adequate medical supply.
Health promotion activities are also being carried out across the province where the PHO-PH has been conducting community lectures, distributing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials such as tarpaulins, and utilizing social media and local radio broadcasts to raise public awareness about leptospirosis prevention and early treatment.
According to the PHO-PH, leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira, typically contracted through contact with floodwaters contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. Other animals such as cattle, pigs, and dogs can also transmit the bacteria.
Symptoms may appear four to 14 days after exposure and can include fever, red eyes, diarrhea, skin rash, vomiting, loss of appetite, chills, and coughing. The PHO-PH urges the public to avoid wading in floodwaters, when possible, use protective gear when exposure cannot be avoided, and seek prompt medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
To prevent contraction of leptospirosis, the PHO-PH reminded the public to avoid wading in floodwaters, wear protective gear when exposure is unavoidable, and seek medical attention immediately if symptoms arise.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando reaffirmed the commitment of the Provincial Government in ensuring public health and safety through sustained and intensified interventions.
“Ipagpapatuloy po ng ating Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ang mas pinaigting na mga hakbang upang hindi na dumami pa ang kaso ng leptospirosis sa ating lalawigan. Asahan po ninyo ang tuluy-tuloy nating serbisyo para mas mapainam pa ang ating pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng bawat Bulakenyo,” he said.
Fernando also assured the public that the Bulacan Medical Center, along with all district hospitals in the province, are well-prepared and adequately equipped to handle any potential increase in leptospirosis cases.
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Bilang may-akda ng Senate Bill No. 47 o “Anti-Online Gambling Act,” nais po nating magpasalamat kay Senator Erwin Tulfo sa kanyang mabilisang aksyon sa pagsasagawa ng pagdinig ukol sa lumalalang krisis ng online gambling. Yes, Mr. Chairperson, dear colleagues, and resource persons – online gambling is now a growing national crisis. That is why it behooves us to address this once and for all, as this is more than just a game of chance. Online gambling is a growing menace that threatens the very fabric of our society.
Every day, people are not just risking their hard-earned money. They are putting their futures, families, and lives on the line. The lure of instant wealth has already led many down a path of addiction, debt, and despair. We have seen too many cases where gambling debts have resulted in broken families, suicides, disappearances, and even crimes such as fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, and worse.
Isa pong halimbawa ay ang ginang na nag-email sa aming opisina, nagsusumamo para tuluyan nang ipagbawal ang online gambling, matapos ang kanyang paggastos ng milyon-milyong piso, pagbenta ng kanyang bahay at iba pang mga ari-arian, at pag-max out ng kanyang credit cards dahil sa kanyang pagkalulong sa online gambling. Nariyan din po ang kaso ng isang 19-anyos na estudyante na umabot sa mahigit kalahating milyong piso ang hindi pa nababayarang utang sa pagsusugal, mga mag-aaral na nagnanakaw sa kanilang mga magulang para lang tumaya, at isang pulis na nangholdap ng isang branch ng LBC sa San Miguel, Bulacan, dahil sa desperasyon dulot ng patong-patong na utang bunsod ng online gambling.
The data also speaks for itself, my dear colleagues. A 2023 survey conducted by research firm Capstone-Intel revealed that 66% of young Filipinos aged 18 to 40 are involved in online gambling. Even middle-aged adults are not spared, with 57% of respondents aged 41 to 55 engaged in various online gambling activities. Nearly a third of users bet two to three times a week, with some wagering up to P3,000 per session.
Even worse, our digital age has made gambling more accessible than ever. We now live in an era where anyone with a smartphone effectively has a casino in their pocket, open 24/7.
No dress code, no travel—just one click. These platforms are powered by sophisticated technology and aggressive marketing strategies designed not just to attract users, but to keep them gambling longer and coming back more often. What’s deeply troubling is that many of these platforms use psychological triggers—manipulative design elements intended to encourage impulsive and compulsive behavior. Add to that, the integration of gambling platforms into widely used mobile apps has made it nearly impossible for families to shield their loved ones from this threat.
Despite all these red flags, we see gambling advertisements being pushed to our youth through social media, streaming platforms, and even influencer content. Mr. Chair, please let me put emphasis on this: even minors are exposed to these dangerous platforms, putting our youth at risk of early addiction and lost opportunities. May mga kabataan po na hindi pa nga pwedeng bumoto, pero araw-araw exposed na sa sugal. We must ask ourselves: How did we allow this to happen?
And let’s be clear—online gambling is not just a matter of financial loss. It is strongly associated with serious mental and physical health issues, broken relationships, family conflict, increased cases of domestic violence and suicide, crime against persons and property, and ultimately, the erosion of opportunities and dignity in the lives of many Filipinos. Sa madaling salita, sa sugal po ay hindi lang pera ang itinataya—pati kinabukasan ng pamilyang Pilipino.
Kaya naman po sa araw na ito, nais po nating malaman – anong mga hakbang ang ginagawa ng gobyerno para mapuksa ang lumalaking krisis na dulot ng online gambling? Paano minomonitor ng PAGCOR ang mga licensees nito para masigurong walang mga iregularidad na nakakalusot? Anong mga polisiya ang dapat ipatupad lalo na ng mga e-wallet apps para hindi basta-basta nagkakaroon ng access ang mga kabataan sa gambling sites sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga apps?
Ilan lamang po ito sa mga tanong na nais nating masagot ngayong umaga. Umaasa rin po tayong mapakinggan ang mga suhestiyon ng ating mga resource persons para mas mapatibay ang mga panukalang batas na inihain dito sa Senado, upang tuluyan nang masolusyonan itong problema ng online gambling. Magtulong-tulong po tayo para hindi tuluyang malubog sa kumunoy ng adiksyon ang ating mga kababayan at ang susunod na henerasyon. Maraming salamat at pagpalain po tayong lahat ng Panginoong Diyos.
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