HAGONOY, Bulacan-The family of the 40 year old man who died of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) due to existing heart condition while waiting for his turn to receive the government’s Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) is not blaming anyone over the incident.  

At the wake of Walfredo Ople Catajan, Jr. at Saint Anne’s National Shrine and Parish church  in this town on Monday, his aunt Luzvininda Ople and other members of the family expressed their understanding of what happened and that it was not intentional nor caused by anybody. 

“We are not blaming or putting blame and accusations against anyone. We understand what had transpired. Our nephew was eager to receive the cash assistance for him and his two siblings. We will be really thankful of the help and assistance anyone could extend to our family in this hour of grief and sorrow,” she told NEWSCORE Bulacan. 

She said, her nephew was among those in the priority lines and seats when the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium opened its main entrance door for the P5,625 worth of ECT distribution to beneficiaries from Hagonoy town on Saturday. 

But at around 10:30 a.m., while seated and waiting for his name to be called, Catajan suddenly experienced chest pains, difficulty in breathing and other discomfort. 

Ople said her nephew has an existing heart ailment and is taking maintenance medications. 

“He was excited to personally receive the ECT. It was named after him as a beneficiary, he was a Person With Disability (PWD) because of his heart ailment. 

We appreciate the Provincial Government of Bulacan’s full effort in providing all medical attention to our nephew from the Capitol Gym to the hospital. They really gave their best, but, it was unfortunate that our loved one expired despite all the efforts given to him,” she said. 

Government responders immediately rushed him to the Bulacan Medical Center just within the Provincial Capitol grounds where he was immediately attended to and was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other tests, including an ECG (electrocardiogram), to check his heartbeat. However, the center’s medical team was unable to revive him. Catajan was declared dead at about 11:05 a.m. 

According to Dr. Cris Carlo Pedrosa, the Internal Medicine doctor in BMC, the cause of death was acute coronary syndrome. The American Heart Association, on its website, explains that ACS happens when the heart muscle suddenly stops receiving blood.

The Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium is a fully airconditioned facility and ECT beneficiaries are all sitted in the chairs provided at the center floor and at the plenary. PWD, senior citizens, pregnant women are placed in the priority lanes. 

Catajan according to her was a former teacher and had worked in a lending firm. He was the eldest of three children. Both their parents have died since 1991. 

Gov. Daniel Fernando, Vice Gov. Alexis Castro and Rowena Joson Tiongson, head of the Bulacan Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), extended their sincerest sympathy to the family of Catajan.

“The unexpected incident pains us so much in the PSWDO and the whole of the Provincial Government of Bulacan. Our only intention in all the programs of the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the leadership of our Gov. Daniel Fernando is to bring immediate help and assistance to help ease the daily lives of our fellow Bulakenyos particularly the ones in need,” Joson said in a statement on Sunday. 

She assured other beneficiaries of the ECT program would continue and that the PSWDO would be implementing measures to prevent a similar incident. 

On Sunday, Tiongson, accompanied by Provincial Administrator Antonette Constantino, visited the wake of Catajan and personally extended the provincial government’s condolences to his family.

Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday urge government agencies, especially the DSWD to continuously review and improve their payout systems to ensure they are safe, efficient, and accessible for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

In a statement, the senator who hails from Bocaue town in Bulacan said that thete is also a need for closer coordination and proper planning with concerned Local Government Units to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Walfredo Ople Catajan Jr. of Hagonoy, Bulacan. We call on the concerned agencies to provide all necessary support and assistance to his loved ones during this difficult time,” he said. 

“Nakakalungkot po ang pangyayaring ito. Hindi na niya mararamdaman ang tulong na dapat sana’y pantawid sa gitna ng kahirapan,” (This is really saddening. He can no longer experience the help that is supposed to provide for him for his daily life), the senator added. 

While financial assistance is a critical lifeline for our most vulnerable kababayans, it must never come at the cost of their safety or lives, the senator added. 

By Camille N. Gavino

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija (PIA) — The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), is advancing its efforts to modernize the country’s rice seed system through the nationwide implementation of the Rice Seed Information System (RSIS).

RSIS is a digital platform designed to enhance the monitoring, certification, and distribution of quality rice seeds.

It aims to establish a centralized and integrated platform that connects all registered seed growers, producers, certification bodies, and storage facilities nationwide. 

Once fully implemented, it will enable real-time tracking of seed production, inspection, inventory, and movement, improving transparency, coordination, and decision-making across the entire supply chain.

“The RSIS is not just a record-keeping tool. It’s a game-changer that will enable faster, more transparent decisions in seed production and distribution. We are committed to guiding our stakeholders as we scale up,” PhilRice Business Development Division Head and RSIS Project Lead Fidela Bongat said. 

This project, piloted in 2022, was granted to PhilRice as an Official Development Assistance (ODA) from South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (MAFRA). 

It is funded through the Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC) and implemented through the Global Agriculture Policy Institute (GAPI). 

From May 2024 to May 2025 alone, 1,309 individuals were trained on the system including over 1,000 seed growers and hundreds of inspectors and institutional representatives.

It has also engaged 75 seed grower cooperatives and associations across 16 regions.

By 2027, RSIS will incorporate advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation technologies, making it one of the front-runners in agricultural data systems in Southeast Asia.

DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Christopher Morales emphasized that technology must go hand in hand with yield improvement.

“Achieving the highest palay yield is not enough. Our seed systems must be resilient, responsive, and adaptive,” Morales said, citing the need for integrated facilities and digital tools to ensure high-quality seeds are viable and accessible when farmers need them most.

PhilRice and BPI have prepared a joint proposal aimed at institutionalizing RSIS through continued infrastructure support and policy development that will strengthen the country’s rice seed supply chain by ensuring that certified seeds reach Filipino farmers more efficiently, boosting productivity and food security for the nation. (MJSC/CNG, PIA 3-Nueva Ecija)

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The Government of Canada is investing more than PhP 1 billion in grant financing to promote integrated climate action and disaster resilience in the Philippines.

During the Philippines-Canada Partnership Forum held on July 10 at The Westin Manila in Mandaluyong City, the Embassy of Canada highlighted its portfolio of over CAD$30 million (approx. PhP 1.2 billion) dedicated to fund initiatives on climate adaptation and resilience.

“Canada’s substantial contributions to disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in the Philippines are a fitting example of the growing breadth and depth of Canada’s bilateral partnership with the Philippines,” said Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines David Hartman.

Close to 200 government leaders, development partners, the private sector, civil society organizations, and members of the diplomatic community attended the forum to discuss solutions to the growing threats posed by natural disasters and climate change.

“Canada is working with Canadian, local and international organizations to unlock financing for climate adaptation, and implement locally-led nature-based solutions in vulnerable communities,” Ambassador Hartman added.

The grant financing also supports ecosystem restoration, including through natural capital accounting, and assisting local governments to assess, plan for, and implement disaster resilience and climate adaptation measures.  The financing also seeks to improve integrated water resource management in partnership with the private sector.

“Canada’s investments target the needs of communities across the three main island regions while tackling the differential impacts of climate change on vulnerable and marginalized populations, including women, girls, and Indigenous Peoples,” Ambassador Hartman explained.

By working with national and local governments and coordinating with other development actors, these initiatives seek to contribute to the priorities and objectives set by the Government of the Philippines, consistent with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

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By Shane F. Velasco

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan (PIA) — Can you imagine how event organizers plan their event? Surely, the result  is a display of grandeur. That is what happens during the 10th Anniversary of the Bulacan Event Suppliers Association (BESA), reaffirming Bulacan’s status as a premier wedding destination north of Metro Manila. 

From a simple ‘huntahan’ or casual conversation among five individual event organizers, BESA was formally established in 2015 through the help of the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO). Since then, the group expanded its network among wedding and event professionals, with their creativity and collaboration marking Bulacan’s potential in wedding tourism.

BESA has also been a showcase of public-private partnership in the creative industry, demonstrating how local talent and government support can come together to spur tourism, heritage appreciation, and local enterprise.

Over the past decade, BESA has received valuable assistance from national and local government agencies, empowering it to expand services and elevate the quality of events in the province. 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has made BESA one of its official event supplier partners in several tourism events. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bulacan officer-in-charge Cristy Valenzuela is now looking forward to bringing the Malikhaing Pinoy Program to help BESA to further boost its creativity, productivity and sustainability. 

This is in line with Marcos Jr.’s administration agenda on leveling the playing field in the development of the creative industry.

Bulacan Vice Governor Alexis Castro has cited BESA for making weddings in the province more seamless and hassle-free for couples. 

“Through their work, I believe that  wedding tourism is the next frontier for the province’s heritage and tourism sector, especially with its wealth of historic churches and cultural richness,” he said. 

Couples can enjoy a dream wedding in Bulacan for nearly half the cost of ceremonies held in major venues like the Manila Cathedral or San Agustin Church, where packages typically range from ₱500,000 to ₱1 million.

In contrast, BESA offers “all-in” wedding packages from ₱199,000 to ₱300,000 for 100 guests — complete with catering, styling, coordination, and even traditional attire. The packages highlight Bulacan’s artisanal craftsmanship, with locally made gowns, ternos, and Barong Tagalog of premium quality at competitive prices.

Top venue choices include Barasoain Church, site of the 1899 inauguration of the First Philippine Republic; and the Malolos Cathedral-Basilica Minore, which served as the Palacio Presidencial of President Emilio Aguinaldo. These historic locations offer not only aesthetic grandeur but also national pride.

Traditional Filipino cuisine and Bulacan’s signature hospitality complete the experience, drawing more couples and event organizers to the province.

BESA President Josephine Murillo-Cruz shared that Bulacan’s events industry now generates an estimated ₱5 billion to ₱10 billion annually, as Bulakenyo suppliers expand both locally and to venues across Metro Manila. 

Cruz added that beyond local weddings, BESA members also caters to a range of life events including birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, corporate events, and even funerals

As BESA celebrates a decade of artistry and service, its journey reflects a shared vision among government and private stakeholders to promote heritage-based, inclusive, and sustainable tourism in the region. (MJSC/SFV, PIA Region 3- Bulacan)

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By Shane F. Velasco

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan (PIA)— Public markets in 20 towns and four cities across  Bulacan will soon benefit from faster and more reliable internet with the launching of the Market Next Project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Department of Information and Technology (DICT). 

DTI Central Luzon Regional Director Edna Dizon said the project is the first of its kind in the region, which will complement existing projects such as the DTI’s Market Modernization program and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) Paleng-QR Ph.

“While many consumers now prefer digital payment methods, limited internet access remains a challenge in most public markets. This project addresses this by ensuring a stable connection to support digital transactions,” she said. 

Since 2022, the BSP has been accelerating its campaign to encourage more public markets to be on board with Paleng QR to promote digital payments. 

The system has already been rolled out in the public markets of Pulilan, Angat, Bustos, Plaridel, San Rafael, Santa Maria, San Ildefonso, and in the city of Baliwag.

Jointly developed by BSP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Paleng-QR Ph seeks to create an inclusive digital payments ecosystem that promote financial literacy and digital inclusion even at the grassroots level. 

For her part, DTI-Bulacan Officer-in-Charge Cristina Valenzuela said that the market modernization program has installed smart televisions in selected markets to serve as digital price boards. 

These help consumers to check the latest suggested retail prices (SRPs) so they can make informed purchases and protect them from overpricing. 

Relative to this, DICT signed a memorandum of understanding with DTI, the Bulacan Consumer Affairs Council (BCAC), and the Bulacan Market Administrators League Inc. (BUMALI), to install high-speed fast internet connection in all public markets across the province.

In addition, BCAC has formally included the proper implementation of Paleng-QR Ph and the Market Modernization Program on the list of criteria for the upcoming Huwarang Palengke 2025. (MJSC/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)

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CITY OF MALOLOS—The Bulacan Provincial Government (PGB) has extended its sincerest sympathy and support to the family of a 40 year old man beneficiary of government’s Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) who died of acute coronary syndrome due to a heart condition while seated in a lane to receive the ayuda at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium in this city on Saturday. 

Gov. Daniel Fernando, Vice Gov. Alexis Castro, Provincial Administrator Antonette Constantino and Rowena Tiongson, head of the Bulacan Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) extended their sincerest sympathy to the family of Walfredo Ople Catajan, Jr.,  from Barangay Sto. Niño, Hagonoy town. 

Fernando and Castro sent Constantino and Tiongson on Sunday to initially represent the PGB in personally extending the deepest sympathy, support and assistance to the family.  

Catajan was one of the beneficiaries from Hagonoy town of the P5,625  ECT of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD). At around 10:40 a.m., while seated and waiting for his name to be called, Catajan suddenly experienced chest pains and other discomfort. 

Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium is a fully airconditioned facility and allots respective seats for everyone in the main ground and the plenary. 

Bulacan medical responders immediately rushed him to Bulacan Medical Center just within the Provincial Capitol grounds where he was given a CPR and ECG by the attending doctor including a suction, intubation and other necessary disgnostics. However, he was failed to be revived and was declared dead at about 11:05 a.m. 

According to Dr. Cris Carlo Pedrosa, Internal Medicine doctor in BMC, the cause of death was acute coronary syndrome. It was known from Catajan’s kin that their loved one has long been suffering from a heart ailment.

“The unexpected incident pains us so much in the PSWDO and the whole of the Provincial Government of Bulacan. Our only intention in all the programs of the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the leadership of our Gov. Daniel Fernando is to bring immediate help and assistance to help ease the daily lives of our fellow Bulakenyos particularly the ones in need,” Joson said in a statement on Sunday. 

Tiongson assured other beneficiaries of ECT that the program of the DSWD will continue while they will implement measures to ensure there will be no similar incident to happen in the future. 

CITY OF MALOLOS—Bulacan, hailed today as the third safest place in the country to travel by the World Travel Index with its tourism industry—from heritage to modern cuisinie fusion restaurants to its agricultural and tourism farms, mountains, rivers, caves, glamping sites, tsunami wave resorts and other numerous indoor and nature tourist destinations has already posted a P.5 Billion earnings and sales from the first six months of the year from January to June.

Records at the Bulacan Provincial History Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PHACTO) said from January to June this year, Bulacan’s tourism industry has already posted P510, 260, 567.72 million in payment recepits from more than 4.3 million same day and overnight local and international tourists arrivals, (same-day: 3,984,879 tourists; overnight: 238,889 tourists with a total of 4, 223,768 for local tourists) and  7,316 for Foreign Arrivals, (both same-day and overnight). 

PHACTO head May Arlene Torres said the province was just recentky named “Among the Safest Travel Destinations in the Philippines by the World Travel Index 2025” with Dumaguete with 81.36 that ranks as first, followed by Davao City with 80.73; Bulacan with 76.42 as third.  Balanga as fourth with 76.15; Lucena Cuty 75.24; Naga City 75.02; Baguio 73.99; Puerto Princesa City 71.46; Legazpi City 71.34 and Makati City 70.41. 

As of March this year, Bulacan has already nearly 5,000 (4,843) tourism-related establishments—592 resorts, 11 resorts with hotels, 11 hotels, 290 travel agencies, 67 motels, Inns, apartelles, 1,589 restaurants, 448 agri-tourism farms, 690 salons and spas, 59 glamping and camping sites, 84 pasalubong centers, 687 coffee shops, 97 money changers. All the hotels, inns, apartelles and motels in and outside resorts have a total of 2,251 rooms to accommodate same day and overnight tourists. 

PHACTO’s data are based on consolidated reports from all the 20 towns and 4 cities in the province. 

The  World Travel Index (WTI) is a travel website that compiles and analyzes tourism-related data to generate travel-based rankings in various categories, such as cost, activities, safety, infrastructure, and total tourist appeal.

Its overall safety score is computed using five subcategories-Day, Night, Theft-Free, Drug-Free, Violence-Free- based on the Numbeo Crime Index. It looks into the general safety of a place or area, with short insights on the propensity of criminal activities such as scams and theft. 

Because of a Safety Index score of 76.42, Bulacan cane third after Dumaguete and Davao as first and second. “This proves Bulacan, that while being a historical tourism destination and considered as cultural capital of the Philippines, through all the officials and the people’s collaborative efforts, we make these richness we have including the beauty of our enviornment safe and provide comfort to our travellers that makes us be recognized with this achievement,” Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando told NEWSCORE Bulacan in an interview during Sunday’s Pagoda on the Feast of Mahal na Krus sa Wawa in Bocaue where he announced on his speech the recent recognition achieved by the province. 

The travel portal’s assessment also makes use of “Al-assisted aggregated analysis of 50 million travel websites”. 

This ranking shows which cities offer the best conditions for safety during travel. The better the ranking and the higher the value, the more safety this city can offer. The worse the ranking and the lower the value, the less safety this city can offer, Torres added. 

Bulacan is now known with its slogan and hashtag, “BulacanBabalikBalikan,” which was introduced by the late former PHACTO hed Eliseo dela Cruz who also initiated several peojects and programs that raised to the next level the tourism industry in Bulacan. 

Historic City of Malolos

The City of Malolos is the top richest historical town in the province being the site of the First Philippine Republic during the time of President Emilio Aguinaldo. Other than the Barasocain Church where the Malolos Congress and the First Philippine Republic were held, the city also hubs the then top national government offices during Aguinaldo’s time which were old native Spanish houses in Kamestisuhan in the city proper. 

The convent of the Malolos Cathedral now Basilica Minore was then used by Aguinaldo as the Malacanang. 

Bulakan town, where the New Manila International Airport of San Miguel Corporation is being built today is the birth place of Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Gregorio del Pilar, Deodato Arellano and other heroes during Spanish, American and contemporary times. 

The City of Malolos continues to serve heritage Philippine Revolution cuisines through its prominent Pinoy restaurants in the like of “Bistro Malolenyo”. 

Bulacan’s mountains, forests, resrvoirs

The mountainous towns of Dona Remedios Trinidad (DRT), San Miguel, Norzagaray, San Rafael, San Ildefonso, Angat offers serene forests, mountains, rivers, cave, falls including dams and reservoirs. Norzagaray hosts Angat amd Ipo dam. Bustos town hubs Bustos dam. 

Religious sites and festivals 

The City of Baliwag is known for more than 300 religious images paraded during the Holy Week. 

Bocaue is famous for the Pagoda that sails thw town’s river every second Sunday of July Feast of Mahal na Krus sa Wawa.’

Pulilan is most famous for the Kneeling Carabao Festival while the coastal Obando town is known for the Fertility and Good Harvest Fedtival both in the month of May. 

Guiguinto town known as the Garden Capital of Bulacan theough its “Halamanan Festival” is also a consistent awardee tor Best Festival in the province and in the country. 

Pandi is rich with best resorts and is the first in the country to offer an electronic wave swimming pool, branded as “tsunami wave pools”. People all over also come to Pandi as maker of best Filipinona and Barong Tagalog. 

The other cities—San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan and towns—Marilao, Santa Maria, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Plaridel, Balagtas, Paombong have their own best tourism destination. and food delicacy prides.

NLEX Corporation continues to ramp up its road safety efforts with another BiyaHero Road Safety Caravan recently held at the SMX Convention Center. 

As part of the company’s Mission Road Safety campaign, the caravan aims to foster a safer road environment and boost productivity within the transport sector. It brought together transport organization leaders, drivers, helpers, and mechanics for a comprehensive day of education and engagement.  

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to making roads safer for everyone,” said J. Luigi L. Bautista, President and General Manager of NLEX Corporation. “Through the BiyaHero Caravan, we equip drivers with essential knowledge and skills to prevent road crashes, traffic violations, and vehicle damage,” Bautista added. 

Beyond this vital road advocacy, the event’s highlight was the ceremonial signing of the Mission Road Safety pledge by key stakeholders and leaders from transport organizations. The impressive list of groups includes the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP), Inland Haulers and Truckers Association (INHTA), Haulers and Truckers Association in the Watersouth, Inc. (HATAW), Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Nangangasiwa ng Panlalawigang Bus sa Pilipinas, Inc. (NSNPBPI), Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association (PASANG MASDA), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (ALTODAP), Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO), Stop and Go Transport Coalition, Bulacan Federation of Transport Cooperative (BUFETRANSCO), Pinagsama Transport Cooperative and UV Express National Alliance of the Philippines. This commitment marks the start of a nationwide campaign to gather one million pledges by 2025 to significantly reduce traffic violations and fatal road crashes. The initiative aligns with the United Nations’ goal of halving road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. 

The pledge signifies their commitment to be responsible and disciplined on the road by driving within the speed limit, being alert and observing proper lane usage to save and protect lives.

“We are proud to stand alongside NLEX Corporation in this initiative,” Teddy Gervacio, President of Inland Haulers and Truckers Association (INHTA), remarked. “It is a collective responsibility we all share to protect lives and ensure smooth, efficient transport operations.” 

Expert speakers, including Jerome Ballarta of the National Center for Transportation Studies, UP Diliman, Road Safety Practitioner, Antonio Pagulayan Jr., and Relly Dave Bautista of NLEX Corporation also made the event more meaningful as they shared their insights on transport operation management, emergency preparedness, and journey management planning, respectively. 

By empowering drivers and promoting a culture of road safety, the BiyaHero Road Safety Caravan is a significant step towards creating safer Philippine roads. 

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC). 

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