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YES TO THE BEST DEALS: SM Supermalls’ End of Season Sale is On Until July 6!

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If your wardrobe is craving a refresh or your home needs a little upgrade, this is your sign to say yes to a midyear shopping spree. The much-anticipated End of Season Sale is now in full swing at SM Malls in Bulacan, and the clock is ticking — deals last only until July 6, 2025.

From fashion finds to food adventures, SM is serving up the ultimate excuse to shop, dine, and unwind — all while scoring up to 70% off on your favorite brands. Whether you’re eyeing that new dress, a sleek coffee machine, or some much-needed self-care, there’s something for everyone.

Head over to The SM Store, SM Supermarket, Surplus, Miniso, Watsons, and more than a hundred participating stores for jaw-dropping deals. On the hunt for home upgrades? You’ll love the discounts at SM Appliance Center, Our Home, and Ace Hardware — perfect for leveling up your space without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget the fun: treat yourself to skin-loving beauty treatments or catch up with your besties over comforting meals at the SM Foodcourt. If you’re around SM City Marilao or SM City Baliwag, don’t miss the mouthwatering flavors from the mall’s newest food stops — each bite a discovery.

More than just a sale, this is a full-on retail experience that turns your everyday errands into mini adventures. Whether you’re planning a solo spree or a family day out, SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan promise big savings and even bigger smiles.

So what are you waiting for? Shop smart, live well, and say YES to the best deals of the season — only at SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan. See you at the checkout!

Study Proposes Framework Integrating Architectural Design Standards into Urban Microbiome Research

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Plate Count Agar (PCA) exposure plates showing microbial growth under natural ventilation with different window sizes (low, medium and high). (Photo credit: Ma. Beatrice Villoria)
Plate Count Agar (PCA) exposure plates showing microbial growth under natural ventilation with different window sizes (low, medium and high). (Photo credit: Ma. Beatrice Villoria)

Human-built environments, such as the spaces we live in, can influence our health through microbiomes—communities of microbes like bacteria and viruses. People have long been unconsciously influencing microbes through the way we design our built environments. With the right knowledge, we can intentionally shape these microbial communities to support better health—an idea currently explored by Filipino researchers in a recent study.

Pursuing interdisciplinary collaborations

Ma. Beatrice Villoria of De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde, also the owner of the thesis that started this research, collaborated with Vina Argayosa of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s Natural Sciences Research Institute (UPD-CS NSRI), Angelo Rosalinas of Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Limited – Philippines Branch, Daniel Nichol Valerio of De La Salle University, Christian Lyle La Madrid of LLUID, and Michael Xavier Ticzon of Fundamental Design Experts—who come from diverse fields of expertise—to create a conceptual framework for translating microbial research into design tools for the urban built environment.

The study found that ventilation and the number of people in a space have a huge impact on the amount of indoor bacteria. A framework showing how microbial research can be done to produce data usable by architects and other designers for building design – similar to the experiments in the study- was developed by a team of architects, a microbiologist, and engineers led by Villoria, an architecture graduate.

“It started in my thesis, I looked for a microbiologist [Argayosa] who was willing to work on this idea, and the effort paid off,” Villoria shared. “Having different fields working together is a big help in our evolving society. So far, I’ve collaborated with people from the fields of architecture, microbiology, and engineering. For sure, there are other disciplines we need to work with to further develop the study.”

Application to existing building code

Building codes, such as the National Building Code of the Philippines, set standards for design and construction within a country. These standards typically take the local climate, site conditions, anthropometry, and many more into account. However, the impact of building design set by building codes on microbial presence has yet to be explored.

The researchers used the National Building Code of the Philippines, particularly its guidelines on the minimum habitable room, as the basis for their study. Three experiments were conducted in Metro Manila using passive air sampling—a method for collecting airborne bacteria and fungi—to measure bacterial and fungal counts under different conditions: ventilation, window size, and human presence. The findings were used to conceptually design an indoor space that considers microbial presence.

“How do we measure a healthy amount of microbes in a built environment? It would actually be good to define that. Hospitals and manufacturing sites follow certain standards based on the acceptable levels of microbes they should have. Now, it’s like we’re examining our daily lives with a more studied approach—especially as things become more urbanized,” Argayosa said.

Global relevance from a local study

Although the research was conducted in the Philippines, the methodology can be applied in other parts of the world. Since each country follows its own building codes and regulations, the framework can be adapted to different contexts—considering factors such as the country’s temperature and humidity. “Other countries have their own design standards that fit the needs of their country. In our case for example, our tropical climate has a different effect on humidity, temperature, which influences the types of microbes that grow here in our country,” Villoria added, saying that their team hopes that the findings of their study can serve as a reference point for international efforts to improve overall indoor environmental health.

Ongoing refinement of the framework

The work doesn’t stop at using the conceptual framework for a minimum habitable room; rather, the team encourages researchers from various fields to build on their data by including other types of room or space usage. “If people understood patterns between the built environment and microbes better, they can make more informed interventions later on,” Villoria explained. “We’ll need to start small—like on a micro level—so we can build up the data and form patterns. This conceptual framework can still be updated and then used on a much bigger scale like the zoning of cities which affect a bigger number of people.”

“We don’t realize it, but we’re actually surrounded by microbes. Our bodies have a lot of microbes, and so does everything around us. Just being aware that these microbes are in our surroundings is already a big deal,” Argayosa expounded. That’s why this study asks: is there something we can do in how we design our buildings, and what kind of impact would that have?”

The study, titled “Integrating building code to microbial count studies in urban built spaces with ventilation and human presence: a model,” is published in Frontiers in Built Environment, a journal that focuses on the development of sustainable methodologies for the design and management of resilient buildings and infrastructure.

For interview requests and other concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph.

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Don’t forget: I Remember You in Cinemas Nationwide!

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Starring JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro, I Remember You is set to grace selected cinemas on July 9, 2025.
Starring JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro, I Remember You is set to grace selected cinemas on July 9, 2025.

Will a love once lost in the waves find its way back to the shore?

Coming this July 9, 2025, the romance film, “I Remember You,” will be released in cinemas nationwide. Written and directed by multi-talented Filipino artist Boboy Yonzon, the film’s lead stars, JC Santos and Valeen Montenegro, will bring to life a heartfelt story of love and reconnection.

The film will follow the journey of a CARD Bank Area Manager, portrayed by Santos, who was sent to Boracay to assist the struggling community despite carrying painful memories of a past relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Montenegro’s character.

What makes this film essential for viewing is the raw look of resilience amidst struggles, the quiet courage to move forward, and the subtle glimmer of hope that shines through it all. It is not just a love story, but it also weaves together the struggles of ordinary people who try to rebuild their lives.

I Remember You is inspired by the true stories of microfinance workers, whose experiences unfold in the film. Whether it is a small win, emotional challenges, or the rekindling of past love, each scene is crafted to make the audience smile, laugh, and even shed tears. Rooted in life events, the film aims to bring authenticity to the screen.

“It is a story of hope and the beauty of second chances,” shares director Boboy Yonzon, offering a glimpse into his experience working on I Remember You.

I Remember You is produced by BENTE Productions Inc., a media production company under CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI). Established in 2024, BENTE Productions is dedicated to creating compelling stories through films and series.

For more updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow its official Facebook page @BenteProdOfficial.

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AI without rules can harm the public, experts warn

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Artificial intelligence (AI), if left unchecked, could lead to real-world harm, including discrimination, misinformation, and erosion of public trust—Filipino experts warned during a high-level forum held on June 11.

“Without governance, AI exposes people to very real harm—discrimination, misinformation, exclusion. Trust can collapse,” said Dr. Erika Fille Legara, Managing Director and Chief AI and Data Officer at the Center for AI Research (eCAIR).

As AI systems continue to expand rapidly across Southeast Asia, the symposium—organized by the Philippine APEC Study Center Network (PASCN) of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the University of the Philippines (UP) System—called for clearer safeguards and enforceable AI regulations to ensure public interest is protected while supporting innovation.

Legara emphasized that adopting ethical principles alone is not enough. Effective governance must be embedded across the AI lifecycle— from design and testing to deployment and eventual decommissioning.

“Governance begins where principles leave off. It is about setting clear policies, assigning responsibility, and enforcing what you say you believe in. Otherwise, it is all academic and just theory,” she said.

She cited eCAIR’s three-tiered governance model: 1) daily compliance checks handled by developers and data scientists; 2) a second layer of review by risk and documentation teams; and 3) strategic oversight from an AI Governance Council, particularly for high-risk projects.

“Our model is built around four key objectives: enabling responsible innovation that serves the public, ensuring both technical and ethical rigor, establishing internal accountability systems, and maintaining trust with stakeholders,” Legara explained.

PH in APEC’s AI roadmap

Marcos Angelo Punsalang, Director-General of the APEC Philippines National Secretariat, emphasized that the Philippines is actively engaging in regional AI cooperation efforts through policy dialogues and capacity-building.

He noted that the country is preparing for key multilateral events, such as the August 2025 Digital and AI Ministerial Meeting and a Public-Private Dialogue on AI Cooperation, which are expected to solidify regional standards and best practices.

“These efforts demonstrate a growing commitment in the Asia-Pacific region to attain a coherent, aligned, and comprehensive approach towards AI adoption and integration,” Punsalang said.

Grounded innovation: AI with community relevance

Dr. Percival Almoro, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs (Research) of the UP System, shared how homegrown AI-enabled tools are advancing research and community applications.

His team developed a modified digital single-lens reflex camera capable of capturing ultraviolet, visible, and infrared wavelengths, which has applications in dentistry, agriculture, and even skincare diagnostics.

“[Through this technique,] the composite [becomes visible] using an ultraviolet (UV) camera. So, now the dentist can see it in UV. Otherwise, they are just feeling around—like they are blind,” he said.

He added that the innovation has helped monitor crop health and test sunscreen efficacy. Almoro stressed that research must lead to real-world impact, not just academic output.

“It must have an impact [on] the community. And to do that, you need to have interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary [collaboration],” he noted.

A call to balance innovation and safeguards

As APEC economies race to integrate AI, the Philippines’ call for ethics-based governance serves as a critical counterbalance to unchecked innovation.

“Governance is calibrating controls proportionate to risk, while never stalling the value we are supposed to create. It is at the heart of what we do,” Legara concluded.

Watch the forum playback at https://bit.ly/pidslive061125— MJCG

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DICT pilots SIM Project for seamless internet connection in Bulacan upland school

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The Department of Information and Communications Technology pilots the roll-out of Bayanihan SIM Project at the upland Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. (Shane F. Velasco/PIA 3)

By Shane F. Velasco

The Department of Information and Communications Technology pilots the roll-out of Bayanihan SIM Project at the upland Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. (Shane F. Velasco/PIA 3)

DOÑA REMEDIOS TRINIDAD, Bulacan (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has piloted the roll-out of Bayanihan SIM Project at Kalawakan Elementary School in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan. 

About 500 initial SIM cards were distributed by DICT for free to the students and teachers of the upland school.

DICT Assistant Secretary Philip Varilla said the project is in partnership with the Department of Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Globe Telecom.

“This is just the beginning of the distribution of SIM cards in 18,800 access points from Tawi-Tawi to Batanes. This is part of the effort to make internet access more inclusive and reduce the digital divide among the people living in the outskirt areas of Bulacan,” he added.

He also reminded the student-beneficiaries to use the load of the SIM card exclusively for school-related activities. 

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

Meanwhile, DICT Project Manager for the Bayanihan SIM Project Roderick Escolango explained that having the SIM cards installed in the cellular phones of the beneficiaries, they can be easily connected to the newly constructed common towers under the Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure started in 2020.

A common tower was already constructed near the Kalawakan Elementary School that gives a boost to the internet connectivity in the area. 

The agency has already approved the construction of additional 132 common towers nationwide on top of the current 228 tower sites. (CLJD/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)

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Nueva Ecija farmers to benefit from new rice facility, machinery from PBBM admin

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the inauguration and turnover of the Rice Processing System II Facility, as well as the distribution of farm machinery in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The new facility aims to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, enhance income and food security, improve the quality and efficiency of rice processing, and ensure that modern drying and milling facilities are accessible to all farmers. (Photos from PCO and PBBM FB Page)

By Maria Asumpta Estefanie C. Reyes

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the inauguration and turnover of the Rice Processing System II Facility, as well as the distribution of farm machinery in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The new facility aims to significantly reduce post-harvest losses, enhance income and food security, improve the quality and efficiency of rice processing, and ensure that modern drying and milling facilities are accessible to all farmers. (Photos from PCO and PBBM FB Page)

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) – Farmers in Nueva Ecija are expected to benefit from reduced post-harvest losses, improved rice processing efficiency, and enhanced income and food security following the turnover of a Rice Processing System (RPS) II Facility and distribution of farm machinery led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in the Science City of Muñoz.

The state-of-the-art RPS II Facility, developed by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program, was officially turned over to the local government unit.

PHilMech Director Joel Dator explained that the facility features a one-unit multi-stage rice mill with a processing capacity of two to three tons per hour, and two stainless steel recirculating dryers that can each handle up to 12 tons per batch. 

The facility is also equipped with  pre-cleaner and de-stoner, huller, mist polisher, length grader, and color sorter for rice quality refinement, as well as a blending tank and automatic packing machine. 

It also houses a rice hull bin, dust collection system, generator set, an air-conditioned control room, and other essential tools to support seamless operation.

With Nueva Ecija known as the Rice Granary of the Philippines, the newly established facility is projected to benefit nearly 6,000 farmers cultivating approximately 9,200 hectares in the Science City of Muñoz.


In addition to the facility, the national government also distributed farm machinery worth over P31 million to 17 farmers’ cooperatives and associations. 

These included one four-wheel tractor with complete implements, 16 rice combine harvesters, and one handy cultivator.

One of the beneficiaries, the Usbong ng Halaman Ay Yaman (UHAY) Agricultural Cooperative, expressed gratitude for the aid received.

UHAY Chairperson Brando Sanchez said the combine harvester given to them will significantly ease their farming operations, benefiting not only their 62 members but also farmers in nearby communities.

He added that what used to take two to three days to harvest can now be completed in just a few hours, especially crucial ahead of an incoming typhoon.

Ang pamunuan po ng UHAY Agriculture Cooperative, sa atin pong Pangulo, ipinapaabot po namin ang napakaraming pasasalamat. Sapagkat sa katulad naming mga maliliit at mga nagsikap bilang mga magsasaka, at nagkaroon ng pagsasama-sama’t naging kooperatiba, kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa pamumuno po ng ating Pangulong [Bongbong] Marcos (The leadership of UHAY Agriculture Cooperative extends our deepest gratitude to our President. For people like us who have worked hard as farmers, and have come together and became a cooperative, we are thankful for the leadership of our President [Bongbong] Marcos),” Sanchez expressed.

Through this initiative, the Marcos administration underscores its commitment to advancing the country’s agricultural sector and improving the livelihood of Filipino farmers by strengthening the local farm machinery industry, generating rural employment, promoting mechanization technologies, boosting crop productivity, and increasing farmers’ incomes. (MJSC/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)

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PBBM honors outstanding farmers, fisherfolk at 50th Gawad Saka Awards

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday personally attended the Ugnayan with farmers and fisherfolks, and the presentation of winners during the 50th Gawad Saka awarding of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) in Science City Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. (PIA 3 Pool)

By Clarence May F. De Guzman

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday personally attended the Ugnayan with farmers and fisherfolks, and the presentation of winners during the 50th Gawad Saka awarding of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) in Science City Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. (PIA 3 Pool)

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija (PIA) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the awarding of 43 exemplary farmers, fisherfolk, and institutions during the 50th Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony. 

The Gawad Saka, established in 1970, is the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) highest annual recognition program for individuals, groups, and institutions that have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the agricultural sector.

In his keynote message, Marcos Jr. lauded the farmers and fisherfolk, and acknowledged their vital role in achieving the national government’s goals on food security and countryside development.

“Thank you very much for your sacrifice. We know that the life of a fisherman, the life of a farmer is not easy, and it is very difficult just to make a living, to feed not only the whole family but also the entire Philippines,” he said. 

This year’s Gawad Saka Awards has nine categories including Crops (Rice, Corn, Cassava, Coconut, Sugarcane, High-Value crops, Urban and peri-urban agriculture); Livestock; Fisheries (Aquaculture, capture fisheries); Institutions I (Farm and fisherfolk family, Rural Improvement Club, Farmer or Fisherfolk organization, Agricultural and Fishery council, KADIWA Program, and KADIWA ng Pangulo Program Implementer); Institutions II (Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, and Local Government Unit); Agricultural Scientist and Researcher; Agricultural Extension Manager and Worker; Youth (Young Farmer or Fisherfolk and Young Farmer or Fisherfolk organization; and 

Cross-cutting (Agricultural Entrepreneur and Rural Financial Institution).

One of the awardees was Arnel Santiago, a fisherfolk from Isabela, who was awarded under Outstanding Fisherfolk-Aquaculture Category. 

“This award is not only a personal victory, but a triumph for all of us farmers and fisherfolk. I hope it serves as an inspiration for us to work even harder,” he said. 

Each awardee received a cash prize and the Gawad Saka trophy, symbolizing the government’s commitment to uplift and professionalize the agriculture and aquaculture sectors. (MJSC/CMFG, PIA Region 3-BULACAN GIP)

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PBBM leads roll-out of mobile soil laboratory in Nueva Ecija

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the turn-over of mobile soil laboratory units in every region of the country at the Philippine Rice Research Institute in the Science City of Muñoz. These facilities will help analyze soil and improve productivity of farmers. (Aldrin Joshua Mallari/PIA 3)

By Shane F. Velasco

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the turn-over of mobile soil laboratory units in every region of the country at the Philippine Rice Research Institute in the Science City of Muñoz. These facilities will help analyze soil and improve productivity of farmers. (Aldrin Joshua Mallari/PIA 3)

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the formal roll-out of mobile soil laboratory units in every region of the country, beginning with the official deployment held at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). 

This initiative is part of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) National Soil Health Program, implemented through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), which aims to improve soil quality in order to boost agricultural production. 

During the ceremonial turnover, Marcos Jr. personally turned over the keys of the 16 newly-commissioned ten-wheeler trucks which are configured as mobile soil laboratory vehicles designed to provide on-site soil testing and analysis in rural areas. 

Each unit is equipped to analyze 44 key parameters, including soil chemical, physical, microbiological and water quality characteristics, to help provide accurate and timely results to the agricultural sector and stakeholders. 

Nueva Ecija, known as the rice granary of the Philippines, was among the first provinces to receive and utilize the services of the mobile soil laboratory, along with Tarlac. 

To date, over 1,500 soil samples covering approximately 30 hectares of farmland have already been analyzed and tested. 

The roll-out also coincides with the 74th and 127th founding anniversaries of the DA and BSWM, respectively. 

It is rooted in the legacy of former President Ferdinand E Marcos Sr., who issued Presidential Decree 1435 in 1978, which authorized the BSWM to supervise, regulate and control the establishment and operations of all soil laboratories in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, BSWM Director Gina Nilo urged the farmers to adopt the use of organic fertilizers for their soil to be healthy. 

For instance, she said that fermented plant juice provides nitrogen to help plants to grow faster, as this contains enzymes and beneficial bacteria that help make the soil healthier and more nutritious. (MJSC/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)

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PCO Chief Ruiz: Planting trees is planting a green future for Bagong Pilipinas

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Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Jay Ruiz led the planting of around 200 seedlings of fruit-bearing trees in Barangay San Roque, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan in observance of the National Arbor Day and Environment Month. (PIA Bulacan Pool)

By Shane F. Velasco

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Jay Ruiz led the planting of around 200 seedlings of fruit-bearing trees in Barangay San Roque, City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan in observance of the National Arbor Day and Environment Month. (PIA Bulacan Pool)

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan (PIA) — Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Jay Ruiz has called on all 110 million Filipinos to plant trees as part of their commitment to build a greener and more sustainable Bagong Pilipinas

Leading a tree-planting activity in Barangay San Roque, City of San Jose del Monte in observance of National Arbor Day and  Environment Month, Ruiz emphasized that planting trees is planting a green future. 

The activity gathered employees from various PCO-attached agencies, including the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine News Agency (PNA), Radio-Television Malacañang (RTVM), People’s Television (PTV-4), Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC-13), National Printing Office (NPO), and the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS). 

Together, they planted over 200 seedlings of fruit-bearing trees on a 59-hectare plantation of coconut, banana, guyabano, dalandan, calamansi, rambutan, pineapple, and cacao. 

Ruiz explained that the initiative is more than just a ceremonial effort. 

“This is about ensuring there will still be clean air to breathe and enough supply of water for the next generation,” he said. 

He also cited that tree planting and environmental sustainability should be integrated into broader development frameworks.

“Perhaps, landscaping should be included in implementing proper zoning and urban planning,” he noted. 

Meanwhile, members of the San Roque Upland Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative (SRUFA), who will benefit from the planted trees, sought the help of Ruiz to push for the issuance of their certificate of land ownership award (CLOA) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

SRUFA President Catalino Cataniag said that their cooperative has spent around 30 years completing all the requirements under the agrarian reform program. 

He stressed that the tree-planting initiative, complemented by the awarding of CLOAs, will significantly enhance agricultural productivity and improve the farmers’ lives. 

In response, Ruiz reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to  agrarian reform and environmental protection as key pillars of national development. 

He said that achieving this will ensure food security, improved livelihoods, and a better quality of life for every Filipino. (MJSC/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)

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COFFEE SPOTS WORTH DISCOVERING AT SM

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For many of us, coffee is more than a morning pick-me-up. It’s part of the rhythm of the day—a break between tasks, a companion during deep focus, or a conversation starter among friends. Whether you’re a student cramming for finals, a creative working remotely, or just someone who can’t resist a good cup of joe, there are coffee spots across SM Bulacan malls that are worth rediscovering—each one offering a unique sip, a distinct vibe, and that familiar comfort in every cup.

Bánh Mì Kitchen (SM City Marilao)

Vietnamese coffee lovers, this one’s calling your name. At Bánh Mì Kitchen, it’s not just about caffeine—it’s about the ritual. Their Cà Phê lineup brings you slow-drip brews using traditional phin filters, loaded with bold robusta beans for a flavor that’s strong, creamy, and deeply satisfying. From the intense Black Cà Phê to the velvety Salted Cà Phê Foam, every cup invites you to slow down, sip mindfully, and reset.

Famous Belgian Waffles (SM City Baliwag)

You know them for waffles. But now? They’re stepping up their coffee game—big time. Famous Belgian Waffles has evolved into a full café experience that’s all about high-quality local beans, ethically sourced and brewed fresh every day. Think espresso drinks that hit just right, crafted with the same love they put into every waffle. It’s the perfect spot to meet up, finish your reports, or vibe solo with your laptop and a sweet-salty waffle combo. Cozy, stylish, and 100% worth a visit.

Brew X Press (SM Center Pulilan)

Locally brewed and proudly Bulakenyo, Brew X Press is the kind of coffee spot that gets you. Whether you’re coming in from a long drive, recharging after errands, or hanging out with the barkada, their aromatic blends deliver that full-bodied punch you didn’t know you needed. Born in Plaridel and brewed with heart, it’s not just coffee—it’s community in a cup.

Dunkin’ (SM City Marilao)

Sometimes, the classics just hit differently—and Dunkin’ proves it with their reliable, comfort-in-a-cup vibe. Whether you’re team hot brew or iced choco, every sip tastes like home. Add a Bavarian donut or their signature bunwich into the mix, and you’ve got the ultimate pick-me-up for those marathon study sessions or back-to-back Zoom calls. You may also visit their branch at SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan.

Whether you’re racing to a deadline, manifesting your next big pitch, or just looking for a vibe-y caffeine fix between errands, these SM coffee spots serve more than just good coffee—they serve moments that matter. So, the next time you’re in SM, skip the usual and rediscover these brews worth talking (and posting) about.

Your coffee adventure starts at SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.

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