The CARD Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (CARD MBA), the insurance arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), has marked another significant milestone with the opening of its 91st Provincial Office (PO) in Romblon on March 18, 2024.

With the recent establishment of the 90th PO in North Cotabato on March 5, 2024, this latest expansion highlights CARD MBA’s steadfast commitment to bringing affordable insurance services to hard-to-reach areas across the Philippines.

“Continuing our expansion into remote provinces is pivotal to our mission of serving clients in urgent need of microinsurance,” emphasized by CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn Dequito during the inauguration ceremony.

Dequito elaborated, “CARD MBA’s goal is to ensure that no one gets left behind though the products and services that CARD MBA offers. Aside from microinsurance, we also provide immediate assistance during times of calamities.” She also highlighted the institution’s 8-24 strategy, which prioritizes settling insurance claims to its members and beneficiaries within eight to 24 working hours.

Since its establishment in 1999, CARD MBA aims to provide benefits to members in case of death and uncertainties, offering a range of microinsurance products designed to provide protection and assistance.

These products include the Basic Life Insurance Program, Retirement Fund, Loan Redemption Fund Plus, Golden Life Insurance Program, Family Security Plan, Acci Plan, and Remitter Protek Plan.

Additionally, CARD MBA actively participates in community development programs such as mass weddings and the CARD MRI Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

The newly opened PO is situated at Festin Street, Sitio Torrel, Barangay Dapawan, Odiongan, Romblon will be serving a total of 43,386 members from CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO).

The inauguration of this PO signifies CARD MBA’s unwavering commitment to expanding its reach and ensuring financial security for Filipinos nationwide. It represents the institution’s ongoing efforts to empower communities and build resilience against life’s uncertainties.

To know more about CARD MBA, please visit https://cardmba.com/

Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet urged Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Singapore to avail of the SSS Voluntary Provident Fund Program, also known as the Worker’s Investment and Savings Program (WISP) Plus.

Macasaet told the 83 OFWs who attended the 1^st SSS Kapihan sa Singapore on March 10, 2024 to put their hard-earned money in the WISP Plus to build on their retirement savings and augment their pensions.

Macasaet said that the voluntary retirement savings program was being offered to SSS members to increase their retirement pension on top of the benefits they will get under the regular social security program.

“Save your money with us through the WISP Plus and we will take care of it. When you reach the age of 60, you can get it back together with its investment earnings,” Macasaet said.

Macasaet explained that the program was an affordable and flexible savings scheme as SSS members could contribute as low as P500 whenever they want.

“Members can contribute for as low as P500 per payment whenever they want for this additional layer of social security protection,” he noted. “The members’ pooled contributions under WISP Plus will generate investment earnings, which will be credited to their individual accounts, tax-free.”

“The program is off to a good start with an estimated 6.86 percent return on investment (ROI) in 2023. It outperformed the average 1-year Treasury bill rate, which stood at 6.01 percent in 2023,” he added. “It is an indication that members’ savings invested in the program will generate decent earnings, which will be added to their total contributions resulting to higher benefits when they retire.”

Macasaet said that for example, if a WISP Plus contributor invested P10,000 at the start of the year, he would have already earned P690, which was a reasonable amount considering that if he put that in a bank savings account, he would only earn a little more than 1 percent or only P100.

He said that members can check the status of their voluntary retirement savings under WISP Plus online by logging in to their My.SSS account.

In 2023, Macasaet said the total member savings collection from the Voluntary Provident Fund Program reached P386 million from more than 30,000 SSS members in its first year of its implementation.

Read on for some tips to maximize your time at SM while waiting for your EVs to charge

Good news for eco-friendly EV owners! You can find free EV Charging Stations (EVCS) at 50 SM malls nationwide, including SM City Baliwag. As the largest network of EVCS, SM Supermalls makes powering up your E-Vehicle quick, convenient, and gives you access to countless activities and entertainment.

Here are just a few of the activities you can enjoy while powering up your EVs at SM City Baliwag.

1. Have a hearty meal at your favorite restaurant – or try something new!

SM City Baliwag have numerous food options you can grab a bite from while waiting for your EV to charge. Dine in at your favorite restaurant, or be adventurous and try something new at food tenants such as Champas, Ssamjang Korean Restaurant, Ramen Kuroda or Boteyju. Either way, you’re in for a treat, and maybe you’ll find yourself driving back to eat there again next time!

2. Get your steps in by walking around the mall, and taking the perfect selfie!

SM City Baliwag are well-known for their vast collection of destination shops. If you happen to drop by, you can enjoy the picturesque sunset while having a cup of coffee at Nextgen Café, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, or any early dinner. There are a lot of places to discover at SM City Baliwag, but if you just want to relax, you can get a massage, a facial, or maybe get your hair and nails done while you wait. There are lots of options to choose from Forever Flawless, Nails.Glow, Dermcare, David’s Forever, and Bench Fix Salon.

3. Catch up on the latest movie offerings!

Everyone knows watching a movie is the ultimate pastime, so why don’t you catch one while your EV is charging up? SM Cinema Baliwag have some of the latest blockbuster hits that you can choose from, with great snacks available at the Snack Bar. If you’re going to wait for your charging EV, spend it by keeping yourself entertained!

4. Shop, shop, shop!

Time flies by when you’re having fun, and what’s more fun than going shopping around The SM Store Baliwag? Browse each floor for everything and anything you’re interested in. Want a new pair of shoes? How about a brand-new outfit for the next time you go out with family or friends? Or maybe you’re looking for items to spruce up your home – whatever it is, everything’s at SM!

SM Supermalls has a variety of options to choose from to make waiting more productive and fruitful. Next time you find that you need to charge your EV, head on to your nearest SM mall for an aweSM experience, without wasting a single minute of your time.

SM Supermalls’ EV Charging Stations support The SM Green Movement towards a greener planet. For more information on SM Supermalls’ sustainability efforts and a list of EV Charging Stations, visit www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.

Immerse in an extraordinary family bonding experience as SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan celebrate an exciting Easter filled with bright and colorful kiddie activities. Let your creativity shine with Easter Artventures, where boys and girls can showcase their artistic talents through delightful pastel artworks on March 31 at SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag and on March 30-31 at SM Center Pulilan.

Don’t miss out on the adorable Easter Costume Contest and Parade at SM Bulacan malls on March 31, where kids age 12 and below can flaunt their cute or fierce costumes and bunny clips. To register, simply scan the QR code and upload a photo of your receipt with a minimum of P1,000 in single or accumulated purchases until March 31, 2024, from any SM tenants where you’ll be competing.

Furthermore, kids and their families may hop on to fun-filled memories with photo spots at SM Bulacan malls. Seize the day with life-size Easter eggs, bunnies, and treats as perfect backdrop for cherished moments of togetherness.

It’s also a time of egg-citement for kids, as Toy Kingdom and SM Snack Exchange have fun surprises to make Easter egg-stra special.

Toy Kingdom has amazing stuff that highlights the Easter spirit. There are adorable bunny headbands, colorful and delightful eggs, bunny plushies, and wonderfully designed pails, baskets, and buckets with bunnies for Easter egg hunting.

Snack Exchange has chocolates, candies, and other sweet treats to celebrate Easter! An egg-citing surprise awaits kids in Kinder Joy and Zaini Egg Chocolates, which come with a toy inside. There are also colorful toy eggs and baskets from Dutche Chocolates, as well as lollipops in festive spring colors, swirls, and Easter shapes like bunny ears and colored eggs. 

Check out these amazing Easter items at the Toy Kingdom store in SM City Marilao and the Toy Kingdom Express outlet at the SM Store in SM City Baliwag. Explore the aweSM Easter celebrations at SM Bulacan malls and discover a world of enjoyable happenings and displays. For more information about the egg-citing Easter, visit the official social media pages of SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag, and SM Center Pulilan.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the latest aggression of the China Coast Guard (CCG) against our Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), who were on a resupply mission in the Ayungin Shoal. This latest incident, as well as all other aggressions of China towards our countrymen, is totally inhumane, illegal, and barbaric. We will file and sponsor a resolution calling on the Department of Foreign Affairs to take all necessary actions to stop these incidents, and update the Senate on the actions taken relative to the recommendations of the Senate in our Adopted Resolution No. 79, considering the non-stop harassment of the CCG on the PCG and the Philippine Navy, and even Filipino researchers in the area. 

As one nation, let us set aside our differences and stand together in fighting these bullies. Encroaching our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and at the same time putting the lives of our kababayans in danger is simply unacceptable. We salute our Philippine Navy and the PCG for their gallantry, and the nation thanks them for their bravery in protecting our seas.

Let us take to heart the words of our National Anthem: ‘Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil.’ Sama-sama po nating ipaglaban ang nararapat. Atin ang West Philippine Sea!

CITY OF MALOLOS—This flood-prone capital of Bulacan gets Netherlands flood-control expertise through a P12 million (€200,000) worth Dutch government first nature-based solution flood mitigation grant project in the country.

Mayor Christian Natividad said here on Tuesday that the Dutch government’s grant shoulders the feasibility study and the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) of the project while the city government allots P100 million for the actual flood-control facilities and structures.

Speaking as guest of honor and speaker in the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation meeting held at Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center nearly three weeks ago, Dutch Ambassador to the Philippines Marielle Geraedts said the grant, through a partnership with the city government of Malolos will address flooding and lessen the destructive effect of storm surges through sustainable management and use of natural features inherent to the coastal areas of the city and the Netherlands way.

Nature-based solutions, she explained, is a flood control process and at the same time helps prevent storm surge through the use of natural resources in the area that is most applicable and suited. 

Because nature-based solutions use available materials, she said, it does not leave a big impact on biodiversity unlike cemented walls or breakwaters.

In the coastal villages of Pamarawan, Panasahan and Bagna, sediment trapping is the most applicable process, says Franco Rebarter, Senior Policy Officer at the Dutch Embassy in the Philippines. Sediments coming from Manila Bay and other river tributaries, he said, will be trapped using bamboo and mangroves.

According to Rebarter, the feasibility study has just been completed last year and the DED will be done in a few months. From there, he said, the city government will proceed with the construction of nature-based solution anti-flooding structures. “The target completion of the DED is by the middle of this year. After that, it will be submitted to the local government of Malolos for actual realization,” he told NEWS CORE in a text message reply.

Geraedts recognized the initiative of Natividad including former Hagonoy town Mayor Angel Cruz who used to live in Netherlands and also through a memorandum of agreement with the Alyansa ng mga Baybaying Bayan ng Bulacan at Pampanga in seeking the help of the Dutch government to put an end to the decades of flooding problem in the coastal areas of Bulacan, one of which is the capital, City of Malolos, including Hagonoy, Paombong, Bulakan and Obando towns.

“Flooding in Bulacan could just be a thing of the past,” she said during the meeting which gave high hopes and inspiration to Bulakenyos then represented by Vice Gov. Alexis Castro.

She said they have already identified the pilot sites and coastal barangays of Pamarawan, Panasahan and Bagna and there had been comprehensive assessments made on the sites. She added that they have also already Informed the people and have gathered the sentiments of the community. 

The Ambassador said the Malolos flood control project was in line with the national government’s 2019 programs and works to rehabilitate Manila Bay through inputs from Dutch experts by creating a comprehensive and sustainable master plan for the Manila Bay and the immediate coastal zones. 

“This contains frameworks  backed by scientific research from multi consultation that details on how to coordinate the redevelopment of the bay and the possibilities and potentials, limitations, precautionary measures, and standards necessary, guidelines and recommendations on how private investor’s investment should contribute financially, technically and structurally to the agreed development goals and much more for an Inclusive growth as an integral, sustainable plan that would benefit the more than 25 million inhabitants around the bay. The master plan is recognized by the country and is being used for relevant purposes by different Philippine government institutions,” the Ambassador also said in her speech. 

Water as Netherlands expertise

The Ambassador also said that water management, water supply and water protection is one of their country’s expertise.

She said that Netherlands and Bulacan geographically have a lot of things in common because people living in the Netherlands are surrounded by water in the Delta region much like the south-western hub of Bulacan.

“Because of these features, Dutch people suffered the consequences of flooding for centuries as a result, we have become an expert in keeping the water out and making the most of topography. Our long coastlines have somewhat become both a blessing and a curse. We can safely assume of the Netherlands assistance to the Philippines when it comes to these programs,” she said. 

Castro thanked the Ambassador and the Dutch government for its expertise and knowledge inputs to help address the perennial flooding in the province which has been there for decades now. 

Castro also thanked the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation under the current leadership of Gladys Sta. Rita, former president of the National Power Corporation (Napocor) and founding chair, former Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato dela Pena not only in promoting the rich culture and heritage of Bulacan but also for being a staunch partner of the provincial government in the strengthening the province economy and trade.

The Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation is an organization of all the Dangal ng Lipi awardees, (outstanding sons and daughters of Bulacan) from all endeavors and fields who joined together to help Bulacan further reach its biggest potentials in terms of economic investments and businesses, environmental protection and culture and heritage preservation. 

Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Teresa Lazaro from Bulakan town is also a member of the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation.

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Pinangunahan ng Department of Agriculture at Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan ang inagurasyon ng P12M Maiboy Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) at P20M 1 km Farm-to-Market Road sa ilalim ng DA Rice Program kahapon sa Brgy. Sta. Lucia sa bayan ng Angat.

May 12 metrong taas na istruktura at 125 metrong haba ng dam, inaasahang masusuplayan ng Maiboy SWIP ang mga pananim sa 35 ektaryang lupain na sumasaklaw sa mga lugar ng produksyon ng pagkain sa mga barangay ng Banaban, Sta. Lucia at Binagbag.

Mahalagang bahagi ang ginampanan ng Provincial Agriculture Office ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan bilang pagsuporta sa proyekto kung saan pinangasiwaan nito ang pagtukoy sa lugar, balidasyon at endorsement sa DA. Nakakasa na rin ang mga plano para sa konstruksyon ng tatlong karagdagang SWIP sa San Miguel (2) at San Ildefonso (1).

Binigyang diin naman ni Panlalawigang Pinuno sa Pagsasaka Ma. Gloria SF. Carrillo ang kakayahan ng Maiboy SWIP na makontrol ang pagbaha sa dahilang mapipigilan nito ang pagbulusok ng tubig pababa.

Sa kabilang banda, ang 1 km Farm-to-Market Road na may sukat na 1.05 km ang haba, 30 cm ang kapal (katumbas ng 12 pulgada), at 5 metro ang lapad na idinisenyo para sa bilis na 30 km/h, ay magpapadali sa pagbiyahe ng mga produkto kabilang ang palay, mangga, at iba pang high-value commercial crops, pinapaikli ang oras ng paglalakbay at binabawasan ang pagkalugi pagkatapos ng ani. Magbebenepisyo sa kalsadang ito ang may 50 magsasaka mula sa mga barangay ng Sta. Lucia at Binagbag.

Tinukoy naman ni Inh. Lester Bacual mula sa DA RFO3 ang kahalagahan ng operation and maintenance plan ng lokal na pamahalaan upang matiyak na mapakikinabangan ang proyketo sang-ayon sa itinalagang lifespan nito.

“After po ng completion, hindi po doon natatapos ang project natin. Kailangan po natin mag-implement ng operation and maintenance. So dalawa po ang keyword dito, ‘yung operation ay ‘yung tamang paggamit, no overloading, obstruction and over speeding. Sana din po ay makapag provide ang munisipyo ng maintenance plan para ma-maintain po natin ang target life na 20 years ng ating FMR,” paliwanag ni Bacual.

Nagpahayag din ng kanyang pasasalamat si Punong Bayan Mayor Reynante “Jowar” Bautista ng Angat kay Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., sa Pamahalaang Panlalawigan sa pamumuno nina Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando at Bise Gobernador Alexis C. Castro, at kay DA Secretary Francisco T. Laurel, Jr. para sa kanilang suporta sa pagbibigay katuparan sa water impounding project at farm-to-market road na tiyak na magpapaunlad sa kabuhayan ng mga lokal na magsasaka.

“Umaapaw ang aking tuwa at kagalakan dahil siyempre nakita ko ang mga pangarap at pangyayari na nagaganap dito sa Bayan ng Angat dahil alam ko na napakalaking bagay ang mga proyektong ibinababa sa atin ng national government. Generally, 80% of Angat ay agricultural pa rin kaya malakig tulong ang mga proyektong pinapasinayaan ngayon. Sa mga magsasaka na mabibiyaan ng mga proyektong ito, sana ay ma-maximize natin ang proyektong ito dahil unang-unang ingredient sa pagsasaka ay tubig at ayan na ang tubig, nakita na natin,” ani Bautista.

Gayundin, binigyang diin ni Castro na hindi lamang ilan ang makikinabang sa mga bagong pinasinayaang istruktura kundi maging ang buong komunidad.

“Ang proyektong ito ay hindi lamang simpleng imprastraktura—ito ay simbolo ng pag-asa at pag-unlad para sa ating pamayanan. Sa pamamagitan ng SWIP at FMR, hindi lamang ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda ang magbebenepisyo, kundi pati na rin ang kabuuang komunidad. Ang tubig na makokolekta mula sa proyektong ito ay magiging malaking tulong sa pagsasaka at agrikultura, na siyang pangunahing ikinabubuhay ng ating bayan at ng buong Bulacan,” ani Castro.

Nagpahayag din ng pasasalamat si Pangulong Joseph H. Del Rosario ng Prime Farmers Association of Sta. Lucia, Inc. at Federation ng Samahan ng mga Magsasaka ng Angat sa mga indibidwal na responsable sa pagtatayo ng mga nabanggit na proyekto at ibinahagi ang kanilang mga naging karanasan bago ang kontruksyon ng farm-to-market road.

“Noong time po na walang ganitong kalsada, ‘yung mga magsasaka hindi magiik ang inaaning palay dahil mahirap ang daan para puntahan ng private sector, mga may-ari ng harvester kaya naranasan namin na ilaban ng hati ang giikin. Noon namang may harvester kami, naranasan din naming halos kada dadating ang ahunin, ibababa namin sa trailer ang harvester at ikakarga muli, kalahating araw bago makarating. Kaya lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa pamahalaan, napakalaking tulong ‘yung mga proyektong kagaya nito at kami namang magsasaka, aming ipapangako na tutugon kami sa pangangailangan ng ating bayan, ang food security,” pangako ni Del Rosario.

Dumalo rin sa seremonya ng inagurasyon sina Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Memito Luyun III, na kinatawan si DA OIC – Regional Director Eduardo L. Lapuz, Jr., Inh. Rene DC. Sarmiento at Inh. Jowen Erl Nepomuceno mula sa Department of Public Works and Highways, Pangalawang Punong Bayan Arvin Agustin at kanyang mga miyembro sa Sangguniang Bayan kabilang sina Konsehal William S. Vergel De Dios, Darwin A. Calderon, Evelyn J. Cruz, Melandro G. Tigas, at Luis Santiago, Municipal Agriculture Office OIC Ira Raya Cruz at ilang magsasakang Angatenyo.

CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) simultaneously planted over 1,800 mangrove and pandan trees in Misamis Occidental and Cagayan on March 9, 2024, as an initiative to protect the environment.

In a joint initiative with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for environmentally sustainable activities, CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc., CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO), CARD Pioneer Microinsurance Inc., and CARD Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (CARD MBA), with the support of CARD-Business Development Foundation, Inc. (CARD-BDSFI), planted mangrove and pandan trees to promote the well-being and prosperity of both people and the planet. To ensure the sustainability of this project, CARD MRI will conduct quarterly site visits to inspect the trees.

Additionally, in accordance with BSP Circular No. 1805 Series of 2020, the said tree planting also promotes sustainable financing, which plays a crucial role in advancing CARD MRI’s Sustainable Development Goals.

As the initiative continues, CARD MRI recently planted 800 mangrove trees in Brgy. Casul, Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental; and more than 1,000 pandan trees in Minanga Este, Buguey, Cagayan. The tree planting was attended by 233 CARD MRI staff.

To achieve holistic development and progress, CARD-BDSFI, a member institution of CARD MRI that focuses on agricultural and fisheries development, in collaboration with other CARD MRI institutions, strives for continuous sustainability not only in financial services but also in health, education, environmental, and other community development programs that can boost ecosystem resilience to combat climate change. In total, from October 2023 to date, CARD MRI has planted more than 4,000 trees in areas located in Mindoro, Zambales, Leyte, Misamis Occidental, and Cagayan de Oro.

SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan mark International Women’s Month this March.

Igniting the celebration is the Women’s Beauty Fair at SM Bulacan malls, which promises a unique shopping experience featuring beauty bazaars and a chance to discover products suited to individual preferences in collaboration with top SM beauty brands and MSMEs.

This year’s Women’s Month celebration will spotlight the influence of Generation Z on redefining beauty norms, emphasizing self-expression, individualism, and self-care. Gen Z individuals are known for their openness to experimenting with unconventional looks and styles, pushing boundaries, and sharing their creativity across various platforms.

Join the celebration as SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan feature favorite beauty brands like Watsons, The SM Store, The Body Shop, The Face Shop, Miniso, and more, promoting inclusivity and equality.

Ladies may also unleash their creativity with SM’s IG spots and installations. These captivating spaces are dedicated to celebrating womanhood through glam shots and capturing memories. At SM, we believe in championing all forms of beauty, embracing courage and fearlessness, and celebrating diversity and freedom—allowing everyone to define their own meaning of beauty. Visit your favorite SM malls in Bulacan and celebrate WMN 2024!

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – Following a tip-off from residents of Barangay Galintuja, Maria Aurora, soldiers from the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army, supported by the Tactical Control Unit from the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, Philippine Army, engaged in an armed encounter with remnants of the dismantled Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) on Friday, March 22.

Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, stated that the CTG members were attempting to recover in the boundary Barangays of Maria Aurora and Nueva Vizcaya when the community reported their presence.

Acting swiftly on the information, soldiers led by 2LT Karl Angelou A. Buquida engaged in a 30-minute armed encounter, resulting in no reported casualties on the government side. The extent of casualties on the enemy’s side is still being determined.

Recovered items include two short magazines of M16 rifle, 24 rounds of ammunition for M203 Grenade Launcher, 143 rounds of M16 ammunition, 110 rounds of ammunition for M14 rifle, 1 pair of rifle handguard, a rifle dust cover of M16, alongside personal belongings, medical items, and subversive documents.

MGen. Costelo emphasized that the CTGs were attempting to regain support from the populace through extortion and exploitation, but the encounter signifies the community’s rejection of their deceptive tactics. He ordered troops to conduct hot-pursuit operations in the coming days to prevent further CTG recovery efforts.

He also thanked the peace-loving communities in Maria Aurora for their trust and encouraged continuous reporting of CTG presence.