Search
Subscribe now
Home Blog Page 16

Villanueva wants stronger action against online lending apps linked to online gambling

By
News Core Admin
-
0

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has appealed to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for stronger action to keep in check online lending apps, the use of which is reportedly linked to the rise in cybercrimes and the proliferation of online gambling.

Villanueva said BSP regulatory oversight on online lending apps, electronic wallets, and digital banks should complement the efforts of law enforcement agencies in curbing the negative effects of online gambling, which the legislator is seeking a “total, unconditional ban.”
“Kapag pinagsama po ang iligal na online gambling at ang mapagsamantalang pautang ng mga online lending apps, siguradong malulugmok sa kumunoy ang ating mga kababayan. Mismong ang Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) ang nakakita ng koneksyon sa pagtaas ng mga cybercrimes at paglaganap ng online gambling at online lending,” Villanueva said in a statement.

“Regulatory agencies must exercise their oversight to support our law enforcement bodies, and do their fair share in slowing down the rampant use of online gambling platforms,” he continued.

Villanueva said he received information that some workers and bosses who previously were in the now-outlawed Philippine offshore gambling operations (POGO) have shifted to online gambling operations. Some POGO workers and bosses have reportedly sought electronic gaming licenses from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), the regulatory agency for gambling.

“How does PAGCOR actually screen and monitor its licensees to ensure that these same individuals are not resurfacing under a different name or company? What concrete actions does PAGCOR take when irregularities are discovered?” Villanueva said.
“Ang adiksyon po ay sakit. PAGCOR cannot just say “responsible gambling” and hope that gambling addiction would magically go away,” he continued.

On Wednesday, PAOCC executive director Gilberto Cruz said the agency observed a connection between the use of online lending apps and online gambling. According to the official, some victims were overseas Filipino workers who ended up securing loans from online lending apps after squandering their savings at online gambling platforms.

Earlier this month, Villanueva filed Senate Bill No. 47 which revokes “all general and special laws, decrees, executive orders, [and] rules and regulations” that govern online gambling.

Any individual who participates in outlawed online gambling might face a prison term of up to six months or be fined up to P500,000. Company officials, on the other hand, might face a maximum of five years imprisonment and P500,000.

#############

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

SSS to Roll Out Historic Pension Reform Program Starting September 2025 Three-Year Pension Increase to Benefit All Types of Pensioners

By
News Core Admin
-
0

The Social Security System (SSS) will implement a landmark Pension Reform Program starting September 2025, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and following the discussion of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto with the President on the matter.  Supported by comprehensive actuarial studies, the program features a structured, three-year increase in pensions for all SSS pensioners – the first multi-year adjustment of its kind in the institution’s 68-year history.

The SSS Pension Reform Program was approved by the Social Security Commission (SSC) under Resolution No. 340-s.2025 dated 11 July 2025.  Corresponding SSS Circular on the Program shall be published accordingly in a newspaper of general circulation.

Anchored on Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018), particularly Section 4 empowering the SSC to adjust pension benefits, this reform answers the long-standing call for higher pensions while ensuring the fund’s long-term stability.

“We’ve heard the clamor for higher pensions loud and clear,” said SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro. “With the guidance of Finance Secretary and SSC Chairperson Ralph G. Recto, and after careful actuarial review, we are rolling out a rational and sustainable pension increase that uplifts all pensioners without compromising the fund’s actuarial soundness.”

Pension Increases from 2025 to 2027

The increases will be implemented in three annual tranches every September:

  • September 2025 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2025):
    • 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners
    • 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners
  • September 2026 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2026):
    • Additional 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners
    • Additional 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners
  • September 2027 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2027):
    • Additional 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners
    • Additional 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners

After three years, pensions will have increased by approximately 33% for retirement/disability pensioners and 16% for death/survivor pensioners.

Sample Pension Increases (2025-2027)

The table below illustrates the estimated pension increases for sample cases over the three-year implementation period (2025–2027).

Reform Principles

The program is guided by three principles:

  • Uplifting all pensioners through inclusive benefit adjustments.
  • Recovering from inflation to protect purchasing power.
  • Promoting the value of working, saving, investing, and prospering, as mandated by RA 11199.

Impact and Financial Sustainability

According to the SSS Chief Actuary, the reform will result in only a manageable reduction of fund life from 2053 to 2049, offset by stronger cash flows from previous contribution reforms and enhanced collection efforts.

“Our actuarial team confirms that the fund remains financially sound,” De Claro stressed. “We are committed to restoring fund life back to 2053 through coverage expansion and improved collection efficiency.”

The reform will benefit over 3.8 million pensioners, including 2.6 million retirement/disability pensioners and 1.2 million survivor pensioners, and is projected to inject ₱92.8 billion into the economy from 2025 to 2027.

No Contribution Increase

This Pension Reform Program (PRP) will not necessitate any contribution increase unlike the ₱1,000 additional benefit allowance given to all pensioners starting 2017 that immediately required contribution increases to restore financial stability to the SSS fund.

The SSS Pension Reform Program of 2025 marks a historic step toward a more inclusive and responsive social security system—one that protects the dignity and well-being of Filipino retirees and their families.

############

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

Recent UP Study Finds Social Media a Valuable Tool for Understanding Philippine Tarsiers

By
News Core Admin
-
0
Photo is from Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc Facebook page 
Photo is from Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Inc Facebook page 

The world of social media has become an increasingly important source of data for biodiversity and conservation, especially for rare or little-known species such as the Philippine tarsier. However, despite its popularity, there is still limited information about where it lives and how it behaves in the wild.

Maria Sabrina Tabeta and Simeon Gabriel Bejar of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB) explored public posts and group posts on Facebook that mentioned Philippine tarsiers.

After gathering a total of 1,125 posts published between 2006 and 2024, the researchers mapped out the locations where people encountered tarsiers and identified whether these places were within Protected Areas or Key Biodiversity Areas.

“What we found was astonishing—people reported encountering tarsiers in 29 provinces, which is more than twice the number listed in official conservation records like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List or even the citizen science platform iNaturalist,” the biologists shared in an email interview.

Distribution of Philippine tarsiers within the Greater Mindanao Faunal Region based on Facebook data between 2006 and 2024. (Photo credit: Tabeta & Bejar, 2025).

Many of the encounters between humans and tarsiers took place outside protected areas, often in environments altered by human activity. The results of the study suggest that tarsiers may be more adaptable to human-altered environments than what was initially thought.

“While most posts showed tarsiers in the context of ecotourism, others featured wild sightings of the primate, individuals kept in captivity, handovers to authorities, rescues, and even cases involving injury or death,” they added.

Through some of the Facebook posts they analyzed, the biologists also identified emerging threats to tarsiers, such as attacks by pet dogs and cats, forest fires, and infrastructure projects. These trends point to increasing contact between people and tarsiers, which could put the species at risk.

“This study shows how social media posts can offer meaningful insights about elusive species like the Philippine tarsier and help fill in gaps left by traditional research,” the biologists explained. “Furthermore, it highlights how everyone can play a part in conservation just by sharing their observations of wildlife.”

To keep the momentum going, the biologists launched the Philippine Tarsier Conservation and Research Initiative on Facebook—a platform for sharing knowledge, raising awareness, and sparking action to protect tarsiers.

Their study, titled “Improving Our Understanding of a Cryptic Primate, the Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta), Through Social Media,” is published in the International Journal of Primatology, a multidisciplinary forum devoted to current research in fundamental primatology.

###########

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

PDEA boosts campaign in support of PBBM’s bloodless fight vs drugs

By
News Core Admin
-
0
The Philippine Navy, through the Northern Luzon Naval Command, intercepts approximately 1.5 tons or 1,500,000 grams of shabu worth an estimated ₱10 billion off the coast of Zambales on June 20, 2025. The operation, conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, is among the largest drug seizures in Philippine Navy history. (Philippine Navy)

By Reia G. Pabelonia

The Philippine Navy, through the Northern Luzon Naval Command, intercepts approximately 1.5 tons or 1,500,000 grams of shabu worth an estimated ₱10 billion off the coast of Zambales on June 20, 2025. The operation, conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, is among the largest drug seizures in Philippine Navy history. (Philippine Navy)

IBA, Zambales (PIA) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Central Luzon reported intensified operations and advocacy efforts in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for a bloodless anti-drug campaign, as emphasized in his 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In his SONA, the President disclosed that nearly ₱83 billion worth of illegal drugs were confiscated nationwide from July 2022 to June 2025.

“Kamakailan lamang, may mga malalaking kargamento na nagkakahalaga ng bilyon-bilyon na nasabat natin sa Zambales, sa Pangasinan, sa Cagayan, Tondo, Muntinlupa, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Cebu, Batangas, Rizal, at sa Cavite,” Marcos said.

Among the operations was a joint effort between the Philippine Navy and PDEA on June 20, 2025 which intercepted 1.5 tons of shabu valued at ₱10 billion off the coast of Zambales. 

The President also reported that more than 153,000 individuals have been arrested in anti-drug operations during the three-year period, including 9,689 high-value targets and 677 government personnel.

Despite these results, Marcos warned that drug dealers are attempting to return.

“Sa kabila ng mga ito, tila nagbabalikan daw ang mga pusher. Kaya, patuloy ang ating mga operasyon laban sa mga drug dealer, sila man ay big-time o small-time,” he said.

In Central Luzon, PDEA Region III Public Information Officer Glenn Guillermo reported that ₱13.39 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized from January to June 2025. 

These included 1,958 kilograms of shabu, 9.62 kilograms of marijuana, 26.24 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves, and 7,495 ecstasy tablets.

“Maayos po ang aming anti-drug campaign. Two days ago, here in San Fernando, Pampanga, 700 grams of shabu were confiscated during a buy-bust operation,” he said.

Alongside law enforcement, the agency is expanding its preventive and educational efforts.

“As of June 30, we have conducted 103 advocacy campaigns—the highest since the regional office was established. We are working with schools, workplaces, barangays, and civil society groups such as the Rotary Club of Dolores to promote awareness,” he furthered.

PDEA Region III emphasized that its efforts are focused not only on operations but also on strengthening advocacy campaigns and rehabilitation support at the community level.

(CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3–Zambales)

#############

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

DICT positions Bulacan at the forefront of digitalization 

By
News Core Admin
-
0
The Department of Information and Communications Technology accelerates the installation of a seamless and fast internet connection up to the remote areas of Bulacan including Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad town. (Shane F. Velasco/PIA 3)

By Shane F. Velasco

The Department of Information and Communications Technology accelerates the installation of a seamless and fast internet connection up to the remote areas of Bulacan including Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad town. (Shane F. Velasco/PIA 3)

MALOLOS CITY (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has put Bulacan at the forefront of various digitalization initiatives. 

This is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for digital connectivity, as he emphasized in his 4thState of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Napakahalaga ng internet sa ating pagtahak patungo sa Bagong Pilipinas. Kaya nitong padaliin at baguhin ang pamumuhay ng ating mga mamamayan. Hindi lang ito para sa may kaya, o para lamang sa mga bata. Ito ay kailangan na ng lahat,” he stated. 

The DICT has installed free WiFi connectivity in more than 19,000 sites at present from about 4,000 sites in June 2022.

Included in the figure are 543 WiFi sites installed in the province from 2023 up to the present.

DICT Provincial Director Mario Antonio Yong Aya-ay disclosed that apart from installation, the agency also upgraded the internet speed to 100 Mbps from the initial 2 Mbps to better support the increasing connectivity needs of users in Bulacan. 

“The launching of eGovPH and the eLGU likewise made the province connected to all government services in just one app,” he added.

eLGU allows citizens to have access to an online one-stop shop LGU system automation such as getting business permit licensing, barangay clearance, building permit, working permit, community tax certificate, local civil registry, occupational permit, health certificates and even LGU online news. 

Governor Daniel Fernando cited the DICT programs that made Bulacan a model in government digital transformation. 

As a result, 99 percent or 23 out of 24 of local government units in the province have already digitalized their bureaucratic system. 

Digitalization efforts also boosted in the aspect of consumer protection when the DICT formally joined the launch of the Market Next project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Under this initiative, public markets in the 20 towns and four cities across Bulacan will soon be connected to faster and more reliable internet connectivity.  

The Market Next project will complement existing projects such as the DTI’s Market Modernization program and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Paleng-QR Ph.

Meanwhile, the education sector continues to benefit from accelerating digital connectivity as DICT piloted the rollout of the Bayanihan SIM Project at the Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad town.

An initial 500 Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards were distributed for free to the students and teachers.

Each SIM card has 25 gigabytes per month or preferably 25 hours of wide use. 

This is part of the effort to make internet access more inclusive and reduce the digital divide among the people living in the far-flung areas of Bulacan. 

To ensure a strong internet connection in implementing the said projects, the DICT has accelerated the construction of the common towers under the Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure started in 2020.

This common tower gives a boost to the internet connectivity like in the public schools such as Tibagan Elementary School in San Miguel town and the Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad. 

These are part of the 228 tower sites constructed, while 132 more are in the pipeline. 

On combating digital scams, Bulacan once again became a launching pad for the initial roll-out of the SIM Card Registration policy of the National Telecommunications Commission. 

An initial 2.96 million Bulacan residents registered their existing SIM Cards in April 2023.  

Since then, all newly purchased SIM Cards are required to register before entering their commercial use. 

This is in line with the implementation of the SIM Card Registration Act, the first legislative piece signed by President Marcos also known as Republic Act 11934. (CLJD/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)

############

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

GSIS releases over P1.5B in emergency loans to 44,000 members, pensioners

By
News Core Admin
-
0


The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has released a over P1.5 billion in emergency loans, providing immediate financial relief to government workers and pensioners affected by Tropical Storm Crising, Dante, Emong, and other calamities across the country.

This benefitted more than 44,000 emergency loan applications from active members and pensioners.

“As soon as the loan window opened, thousands of our members and pensioners turned to GSIS for help. This reflects how deeply the recent calamities have affected their lives and how urgently they need support.” said GSIS Officer-in-Charge Juliet M. Bautista.

The program offers a one-time loan of up to P40,000 for active members and P20,000 for pensioners. It carries a 6 percent interest rate per annum, computed in advance, and is payable in 36 equal monthly installments. The loan is also covered by Loan Redemption Insurance, meaning that in the event of the borrower’s untimely death, the loan will be considered fully paid provided repayments are up to date.

“We want our members to know they are not alone in recovering from the impact of recent storms. GSIS is here to extend support where it matters most,” added Bautista.

The Emergency Loan is available to GSIS members whose residence or place of work is in a declared calamity area. Pensioners who live in these areas may also avail of the loan. Loan availment periods vary depending on the date of the declaration and the submission of documentary requirements by the concerned local government units.

As of this writing, the loan is open until August 15 in the province of Siquijor; until August 23 in Calumpit, Bulacan and Umingan, Pangasinan; from July 24 to October 23 in Cavite, Manila, and Quezon City; from July 25 to October 24 in Malabon, Marikina, Las Piñas, Navotas, Valenzuela, Roxas in Palawan, Agoncillo in Batangas, Balagtas in Bulacan, Malasiqui in Pangasinan, Bataan, Pampanga, and Dagupan City; from July 26 to August 25 in Mangaldan and Mangatarem in Pangasinan; from July 26 to October 24 in the province of Rizal; from July 26 to October 25 in Caloocan; from July 27 to October 26 in Muntinlupa; from July 29 to August 28 in  the municipalities of Moncada and Paniqui in Tarlac, Anda and Lingayen in Pangasinan, Provinces of La Union and Laguna, and City of San Carlos, Pangasinan.

The list of covered areas is continuously updated as more localities are declared calamity areas. For the latest list of eligible areas, members and pensioners are advised to visit the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph) or check its official social media platforms.

For more information, members may also call the GSIS Contact Center or email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph.

############

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

Kaunlaran Caravan goes to Palompon, Leyte

By
News Core Admin
-
0
Kalabasa chips making was one of the activities held during the Kaunlaran Caravan in Leyte on July 16, 2025.

Josephine Ramos, Junior Writer

Kalabasa chips making was one of the activities held during the Kaunlaran Caravan in Leyte on July 16, 2025.

Hosted by CARD RBI on its fourth run this year, CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions’ (CARD MRI) Kaunlaran Caravan was held in Palompon, Leyte on July 16, 2025.

The Kaunlaran Caravan is an initiative of CARD MRI, aimed at bringing community development programs to different provinces across the Philippines. 

“Through this initiative, we aim to assist better Filipinos, especially economically challenged individuals and their families. We hope that through offering free community development programs and other essential services, we can contribute to CARD MRI’s mission of poverty eradication,” said CARD MRI Rizal Bank President Ms. Lyneth Derequito. 

Event Highlights

One of the highlights during the program was the mass wedding where six couples officially legalized their union. This effort by CARD MBA aimed to help its members officially recognize their partners as legal dependents. 

CARD MRI Publishing House facilitated a storytelling session featuring the storybook Ang Magic Alkansiya ni Carding, attended by 35 children. The activity aimed to promote financial literacy and teach the value of saving.

A livelihood training on Kalabasa Chips making was attended by 35 participants, aiming to empower the community by teaching them valuable skills to generate additional income and improve their livelihoods. 

Furthermore, a total of 365 attendees benefited from free medical, dental, and optical check-ups, while 75 received massages, 60 had haircuts, and 55 were treated to manicures and pedicures, all for free. To combat hunger, the event also included a feeding program, serving champorado to over 100 people. 

Kaunlaran Caravan is a CARD MRI initiative that brings various community development services to different areas, with the goal of uplifting and empowering local communities. The fifth leg of the caravan is set to take place in Polomolok, South Cotabato, on August 20, 2025.

#############

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

Pampanga guv urges desilting of river as infra damages reach P432-M

By
News Core Admin
-
0
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda appeals for the desilting of the Pampanga River as a sustainable solution to the persistent and worsening flooding in the province. (Pampanga PIO)

By Marie Joy S. Carbungco

Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda appeals for the desilting of the Pampanga River as a sustainable solution to the persistent and worsening flooding in the province. (Pampanga PIO)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) – Governor Lilia Pineda reiterated her long-standing recommendation to desilt the Pampanga River as a sustainable solution to the persistent and worsening flooding in the province. 

This call came after recent heavy rains caused widespread flooding and damaged at least P432 million worth of infrastructure, based on the latest assessment of the Provincial Government and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). 

Pineda said the desilting must cover the 34-kilometer stretch of the Pampanga River, spanning the towns of Arayat, Candaba, Macabebe, Masantol, Lubao, and Sasmuan. 

She pointed out that the increasing shallowness of the riverbed and the accumulation of debris and waste have significantly reduced the river’s capacity to hold and drain water, contributing to extensive flooding.

The provincial government’s latest damage report indicated that in Lubao, Sta. Rita suffered P50 million in damage following the collapse of a dike and pavement. In Floridablanca P70 million was incurred in damages due to the P30 million reported damage in Barangay Sto. Rosario due to the collapse of existing slope protection along the Caulaman River;  P30 million in losses due to a collapsed dike along the Santol Creek in San Jose; and  P10 million in damage from settlement of slope protection in Barangay Dampe. 

In Guagua, slope protection along the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) irrigation canal in Ligaya–Talang area collapsed, leading to P30 million worth of damage; while Lambac sustained P20 million in damage from settlement of slope protection.

In Mabalacat City, the damaged slope protection at Sapang Balen amounted to P10 million; while a partially damaged road in San Vicente, Apalit and Paralaya, Candaba cost P30 million and P40 million, respectively. 

Partially damaged flood control were also reported in San Simon amounting to P132 million, and in Macabebe amounting to P25 million. 

Other damages include damaged riprap in Sasmuan worth P20 million, and scouring of road shoulder in Minalin worth P5 million. 

Meanwhile,  the cost of the damaged bridge in Mexico is still under evaluation by DPWH engineers.

DPWH has earlier stated that more than P1 billion will be needed to address flood control infrastructure issues across the province. These include repairs to broken dikes, enhancement of slope protection structures, and large-scale river desilting efforts.

Pineda underscored that the main cause of the flooding was the silted and clogged rivers, alongside broken canals that could no longer handle the volume of rainfall. 

She also cited reports of dike breaches in parts of Guagua, Lubao, and Floridablanca, which worsened the impact on affected barangays.

Given the extent of the damage and recurring nature of the problem, the governor renewed her appeal to the national government and relevant agencies to prioritize the desilting of the Pampanga River and fund long-term flood mitigation projects.

She stressed that these are not merely engineering concerns but essential actions to safeguard communities, livelihoods, and public infrastructure.

“We are doing our part at the provincial level, but solving this problem requires inter-agency coordination and a serious investment from the national government. Desilting the river is critical not just for disaster response but also for protecting agriculture and livelihoods,” Pineda said.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council continues to monitor the situation and provide assistance to affected residents while preparing for additional weather disturbances in the coming days. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)

############

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

Bataan leaders laud gov’t backing for Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge in SONA 2025

By
News Core Admin
-
0
As highlighted in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 4th State of the Nation Address, the 32.15-kilometer, four-lane Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, which connects Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan to Barangay Timalan in Naic, Cavite and is expected to cut travel time between the two provinces from five hours to just 30 to 45 minutes, is set to begin construction before the year ends. (DPWH)

By Rick P. Quiambao

As highlighted in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 4th State of the Nation Address, the 32.15-kilometer, four-lane Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, which connects Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan to Barangay Timalan in Naic, Cavite and is expected to cut travel time between the two provinces from five hours to just 30 to 45 minutes, is set to begin construction before the year ends. (DPWH)

BALANGA CITY (PIA) — Key officials in Bataan expressed strong support and optimism following the renewed commitment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the construction of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB), which he highlighted in his 4th State of the Nation Address. 

In his address, the President underscored the administration’s continued pursuit of infrastructure projects that promote regional connectivity and development.

“Bago matapos ang taon, magsisimula na ang Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge. Ang tulay na ito ay tatlumpu’t dalawang kilometro ang haba, na tumatawid ng Manila Bay. Kung ang biyahe ngayon mula Mariveles hanggang Naic ay umaabot ng limang oras, balang araw ito ay magiging apatnapu’t limang minuto na lamang(Before the end of the year, the construction of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge will begin. This bridge is 32 kilometers long and will span Manila Bay. If the travel time from Mariveles to Naic currently takes five hours, one day it will take only 45 minutes),” President Marcos said.

Bataan 2nd District Representative Albert Garcia welcomed the President’s reaffirmation of support, calling it a big win for the province.

He said the project, once a bold dream, is now becoming a reality that will unlock opportunities in trade, tourism, and development.

“I thank the President for pushing this forward, and I remain committed to ensuring that every milestone benefits our people,” he added.

Meanwhile, Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III also expressed gratitude to the President for his strong support for the BCIB, describing it as a significant milestone that brings Bataan closer to its vision of becoming a key hub of opportunity, connectivity, and progress for every Bataeño family.

“The start of construction before the year ends is a promise of better days ahead. Isang makasaysayang hakbang ito tungo sa mas matatag na pamilyang Bataeño,” he said.

The BCIB is among the national government’s flagship infrastructure projects under the “Build Better More” program.

It is a 32.15-kilometer, four-lane bridge project that will connect Barangay Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan to Barangay Timalan in Naic, Cavite—cutting travel time between the two provinces from five hours to just 30 to 45 minutes.

Once completed, the bridge is expected to boost trade, logistics, tourism, and investment between Central Luzon and CALABARZON.

In Bataan, stakeholders view the project as a key catalyst for expanding economic activity in the Freeport Area of Bataan and nearby municipalities, with over 20,000 jobs projected during construction and post-construction phases.

The BCIB stands as a testament to the national government’s commitment to building transformative infrastructure that fosters inclusive growth and regional development across the country. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan) 

############

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

2,867 Subic Freeport workers avail P20 rice under ‘Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!’ 

By
News Core Admin
-
0
About 2,867 minimum wage earners in Subic Bay Freeport Zone avail of P20 per kilo rice under the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program. (DOLE Zambales)

By Reia G. Pabelonia

About 2,867 minimum wage earners in Subic Bay Freeport Zone avail of P20 per kilo rice under the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program. (DOLE Zambales)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE (PIA) — About 2,867 minimum wage earners in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone avail rice at P20 per kilo through the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program.

The initiative forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to make food more accessible and affordable for low-income workers and to ease the impact of inflation on essential goods.

Beneficiaries included employees of Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc. and its associated manpower service providers.

The distribution was conducted at the company’s premises in Subic Techno Park, Boton Area, where each worker was able to purchase rice at the subsidized rate.

The activity was spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

DOLE Zambales Senior Labor and Employment Officer Arvin Fabian emphasized the importance of supporting wage earners through direct interventions.

“Ikinatutuwa namin ang pagsama sa mga minimum wage earners, lalo na dito sa probinsya ng Zambales, kasama ang Subic Bay Freeport Zone, kung saan ay libo-libong empleyado ang maaring makinabang,” he said.

In his 4th State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the program’s successful rollout and affirmed that rice can be sold at P20 per kilo without compromising the livelihood of Filipino farmers.

He said the program has already been implemented in various locations across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 

Marcos also announced that the government has allocated P113 billion to enhance agricultural programs and expand the distribution of P20 rice nationwide through KADIWA centers in partnership with local governments.

The rice distribution in Subic not only provided access to affordable food but also reflected the administration’s continued commitment to worker welfare through targeted and sustainable support programs. (CLJD/RGP, PIA Region 3-Zambales)

##############

———————–The article provided is authorized for use, and represents solely the author’s personal opinions. Please contact us in the event of any potential infringement.

1...151617...459Page 16 of 459

About us

NEWSCORE is a weekly newspaper published and circulated in the province of Bulacan. It was founded in October 2006 by Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Philippine Daily Inquirer correspondent in Bulacan and had its maiden issue on October 10-16 that year. It is now running on its 11th year. The paper uses a bilingual medium. It carries all sorts of news stories mostly political, crime, environmental, social and economic issues including occasional sports event happening in the province's 21 towns and three cities.

Category

Subscribe now!

© 2025 NewsCore. All Rights Reserved. Designed and Developed by Neitiviti Studios, Inc.