Nothing compares to the excitement SM City Marilao has to offer as the mall rolls out the biggest 3-Day Sale happening on March 15-17.

Score the best deals at unbelievably great discounts of up to 70% off that apply to countless items mall-wide. Check out the latest finds from The SM Store, SM Hypermarket, Ace Hardware, Watsons, SM Appliance Center, Our Home, and Miniso.

Purchases could even bring you heaps of chances to bring home a brand-new Suzuki DZIRE GL MT! To join, shoppers may avail of P1000 worth of purchases to earn one e-raffle entry. Increase your chances of winning by getting additional coupons on Saturday (March 16) and Sunday (March 17) to double the entries. Shoppers may also get five additional entries through their SM Malls Online Account.

While shopping, also check out awesome dining deals at affordable prices from selected food tenants at the mall.

Snip hunt only at SM City Marilao on its first 3-DAY SALE hurrah for 2024 and mark March 15-17 all the way from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For mall events and updates, follow SM Bulacan malls on Facebook and Instagram.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said that he expects that unemployment could be stemmed by the full implementation of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) law.

Villanueva made the statement after the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that the unemployment rate increased to 4.5% or 2.15 million jobless Filipinos in January 2024 from 3.6% or 1.60 million jobless Filipinos in December 2023.

“It’s lamentable that we seem to have more and more of our kababayans caught up in the cycle of joblessness. We must not stop finding ways to create more sustainable jobs and livelihood by placing employment at the heart of economic development,” he said.

Villanueva announced the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the TPB Act next week, which will signal its full rollout.

One of the key reforms introduced by the Senator to generate employment, TPB will create a national masterplan to address unemployment, underemployment and youth unemployment.

The Majority Leader said the new law will address the seasonality of employment, which gives work to individuals only during certain times of the year.

“While we acknowledge these types of jobs, we will continue to work for something that will give our workers security in the workplace and social protection, not to mention a fair income,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader recently sponsored in plenary the companion measure of the TPB, the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) bill aimed primarily at addressing the persistent problem of job-skills mismatch in the country, by fostering partnership with the private sector in upskilling or re-tooling of the Filipino workforce.

Villanueva said the bill will help bridge jobseekers to potential employers through the EBET program.

“Kailangan pong komprehensibo ang paglapat ng lunas sa problema sa unemployment sa pamamagitan ng paglikha ng maraming oportunidad sa trabaho, kasabay ng pagkakaroon ng angkop na kasanayan para sa ating mga manggagawa,” Villanueva said. (30)

(Tagalog version)
Villanueva: Ganap na pagpapatupad ng Trabaho law makakatulong sa paglikha ng trabaho

Umaasa si Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva na mababawasan ang unemployment o kawalan ng trabaho sa bansa kapag ganap nang naipatupad ang Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) law.

Ginawa ni Villanueva ang pahayag matapos iulat ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) na umakyat ang unemployment rate sa 4.5% o 2.15 milyong Filipino nitong Enero 2024 mula sa 3.6% o 1.60 milyon noong Disyembre 2023.

“It’s lamentable that we seem to have more and more of our kababayans caught up in the cycle of joblessness. We must not stop finding ways to create more sustainable jobs and livelihood by placing employment at the heart of economic development,” sabi ng Majority Leader.

Inanunsyo rin ni Villanueva na lalagdaan na sa susunod na linggo ang implementing rules and regulations (IRR) ng TPB Act, na magiging hudyat ng buong implementasyon nito.

Isa sa mga pinakamahalagang reporma na ipinakilala ng senador para makalikha ng trabaho sa ilalim ng TPB ay ang pagtataguyod ng national masterplan para matugunan ang unemployment, underemployment at youth unemployment sa bansa.

Sabi pa ni Villanueva, sosolusyunan din ng bagong batas na ito ang ‘seasonality of employment’ na magbibigay ng trabaho sa mga indibidwal sa tiyak na panahon ng taon.

“While we acknowledge these types of jobs, we will continue to work for something that will give our workers security in the workplace and social protection, not to mention a fair income,” ani Villanueva.

Samantala, inisponsoran kamakailan ng Majority Leader sa plenaryo ang kaakibat na panukala ng TPB, ang Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) bill na ang pangunahing layunin ay tugunan ang matagal nang problema ng job-skills mismatch sa bansa, sa pamamagitan ng pakikipareha sa pribadong sektor para sa upskilling o re-tooling ng mga manggagawang Pilipino.

Dagdag pa Villanueva, makakatulong ang panukalang ito bilang tulay ng mga jobseeker o mga naghahanap ng trabaho sa mga potensyal na employer sa pamamagitan ng EBET program.

“Kailangan pong komprehensibo ang paglapat ng lunas sa problema sa unemployment sa pamamagitan ng paglikha ng maraming oportunidad sa trabaho, kasabay ng pagkakaroon ng angkop na kasanayan para sa ating mga manggagawa,” saad pa ni Villanueva.

STO. TOMAS, Pampanga—Itatayo sa Pampanga ang kauna-unahang medical school sa Central Luzon, ayon kay Fourth District Rep. Anna York Bondoc-Sagum.

Ang eskuwelahan pang medisina ay itatayo malapit sa bagong bukas na Bagong Pilipinas Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) sa Barangay San Vicente sa bayang ito na isang outpatient extension ng Jose B. Lungad Memorial General Hospital sa katabing Siyudad ng San Fernando.

Sa inagurasyon ng nasabing BUCAS nitong Huwebes, Marso 7, ipinagmalaki ni York na may P50 milyong halaga ang ipagkakaloob ni Senador Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara at may P20-milyong manggagaling sa kanyang tanggapan para pondohan ang nasabing medical school.

Aniya, nagbigay si Pampanga Gob. Dennis Pineda ng lupang pagtatayuan kaya’t ginawa naman niya ang counterpart efforts para sa kauna-unahang medical school sa Gitnang Luzon.

Ayon kay Senador Joel Villanueva, nagpanukala ng Republic Act 11509, o ang “Doctor Para sa Bayan Act,” na simulang ipinatupad noong 2021, kada rehiyon sa bansa ay dapat magkaroon ng eskwelahang pang-medisina upang magkaroon ang bansa ng sapat na mga doctor na tutugon sa pangangailangang medical lalo na sa ilalim ng isang medical emergency katulad ng COVID-19 pandemic.

Ayon sa senador, nauna na ring nagpahayag ng mataas na level ng interest at pagtugon na magtayong medical school ang ilang mga unibersidad sa Bulacan at Nueva Ecija

Ang Central Luzon ay may populasyon na halos 12.5 million mula sa pinakahuling tala taong 2020 at ang lalawigan ng Bulacan, na may mahigit 3.8 milyong residente ang probinsiya nitong may pianakamalaking populasyon base rin sa nasabing pinakahuling tala.

This March, SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan are dedicating the whole month to all kinds of women. Take advantage of the special offers designed to nurture women’s mind, body, and soul in celebration of Women’s Month.

Here are some exciting things to do to elevate the journey of women’s health and wellness at SM.

SELF-CARE. Pampering self-care that is focused on the holistic well-being area is a must-treat for yourself. Explore a variety of skincare routines, relaxation techniques, and self-care practices that promote confidence, self-love, and empowerment at SM’s wellness station and beauty zone.

• Indulge in pampering spa treatments. After a heart-pumping and dynamic zumba session and some mindfulness activities, treat yourself to a well-deserved body massage at Gwiyomi Gluta Spa in SM Center Pulilan.
• Embark on a journey to celestial beauty and experience the extraordinary with Royal Aesthetics’ Sakura Drip treatment at SM City Baliwag and Flawless’ Beauty Drip at SM City Marilao. Visit them now and enjoy significant discounts on beauty and wellness.
• Experience pampering like never before with The Nail Corner at SM City Marilao and AiNails and Body Talk at SM Center Pulilan. From nail services to relaxing massages, they have something for everyone. Indulge yourself with their wide range of services, and let their expert therapists help you unwind and be pampered.
• Enjoy more than just shopping and achieve glowing skin with beauty enhancement from Facial Plus in SM City Marilao and Skin Station at SM City Baliwag.

Joy of Exercise: Every woman deserves to feel strong, confident, and empowered. Discover fun ways to exercise, which helps boost both physical fitness and mental well-being. Check out SM Bulacan malls’ Zumba Dance Party and Yoga Sessions happening on March 10 and 17 at SM City Marilao and every Saturday at SM Center Pulilan.

Bring it on as the Women’s Wellness Sale invades SM Bulacan malls. Indulge in wellness treats until March 31 and enjoy up to a 70% discount on great finds for women.

Celebrate Women’s Month at SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan and empower women by prioritizing health, happiness, and self-care.

NLEX Corporation inaugurated its first Tirescape Playground in Dulong Malabon Integrated School in Pulilan, Bulacan.

Present during the opening were officials of Barangay Dulong Malabon led by Punong Barangay Rolando Tayao, Dulong Malabon Integrated School faculty and staff headed by Principal Maria Teresa Santos, and the NLEX Corporation team led by its Vice President for Communication and Stakeholder Management Donna Marcelo. NLEX Road Warriors’ Asi Taulava and Francis Guissani also joined the event. Tirescape is part of NLEX Corporation’s sustainability program aimed to engage the community by building a safe and beautiful play park using upcycled tires.

“Kami po sa NLEX Corporation ay patuloy na naghahanap ng mga paraan upang makatulong sa mga komunidad. Kasama na po rito ang pangangalaga sa ating kalikasan. We believe that every action, no matter how small, can contribute to a brighter tomorrow for our future generation,” said NLEX Corporation VP Donna Marcelo.

Constructed using 175 recycled tires as main material, the playground serves not only as a source of recreational activities for children to improve their well-being and physical health but also as an educational platform to instill the value of environmental care through recycling.

Principal Santos expressed her gratitude towards this project and said, “Bukod sa pagtuturo ng kahalagahan ng solid waste management, mas maeenganyo sila (students) ngayong pumasok at mag-aral dahil hindi na lang aral ang ipupunta nila sa paaralan, bagkus mayroon ng playground na pwede nilang pagkalibangan tuwing breaktime.

Barangay Captain Tayao also commended NLEX for its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in Dulong Malabon through various projects, including environmental initiatives.

“Napakarami ng naging proyekto ng NLEX dito sa Dulong Malabon. Bukod sa contribution nila sa pag-aalaga sa kalikasan, aktibo din sila sa pagtulong sa community kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa kanila,” he said.

For many years now, NLEX has been encouraging green practices and complying with environmental responsibilities as an ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) certified company. It is also committed to help the Philippines meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

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

By Jason de Asis

BALER, Aurora – The 307th Community Defense Center (CDC) of the Philippine Army, part of the 3rd Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) under the Reserve Command (RESCOM), welcomed its new Director, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Mandala Class of 2006.

Tasked with overseeing and managing the Reservist and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets in Aurora province, Major Ron Michael M. Soriao assumes command.

Colonel Vicente Edgardo C. de Ocampo, Group Commander of the 3rd RCDG, RESCOM based in Northern Luzon Command, Camp Aquino Tarlac, presided over the Change of Command ceremony on Sunday, March 3 at the capitol grounds in Barangay Suklayin.

Outgoing director Colonel Judith B. Loayon passed on his responsibilities to Major Soriao, a native of Barangay Buhangin in Baler, Aurora. Colonel Loayon will continue his role as Executive Officer of 3RCDG, RESCOM, while also assuming the position of CDC Director of the 301st CDC in Camp Tiňio, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. Expressing gratitude to the personnel of the 307th CDC, the 307th Aurora Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (RRIBn), ROTC cadets, local government units (LGUs), and stakeholders for their support during his tenure, Colonel Loayon urged continued support for Major Soriao in his new role.

Major Soriao, in his address, expressed deep honor and commitment to fulfilling his duties with dedication and diligence. He pledged to continue the programs initiated by Colonel Loayon and to support the current thrust and programs of the 3rd RCDG, focusing on the development of the RRIBn and ROTC Cadets. Soriao outlined plans for implementing additional training programs mirroring those of the personnel of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army, as part of territorial defense. He emphasized the importance of a “Balik Active Program” for reservists, ongoing On-the-Job Training (OJT) initiatives, and small-scale exercises integrating reservists with the 91st IB.

The Director announced plans for a mobilization exercise on defense drill in the province to observe the action of reservists from their respective houses to mobilization points, reintegrating with the 91st IB, and moving to designated defensive positions.

Soriao also assured that the ROTC program would extend beyond the completion of basic training, serving as a source of new members for the 307th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion and future officers for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He also pledged to facilitate job opportunities for ROTC cadets and graduates in coordination with LGUs and private companies.

In conclusion, Soriao emphasized the group commander’s mandate to exercise effective commandership through strict observance and adherence to policies, as well as judicious utilization of resources, maximizing the minimum and making the most of what they have.

The ceremony was attended by more or less 200 ROTC cadets, reservists, and stakeholders.

SAN MIGUEL, Bulacan—Bulacan mourns the death of Department of Justice (DOJ) Assistant State Prosecutor Catherine Marie “Nina” Veneracion Buencamino of this town who died of a massive heart attack on Monday. She was 45.

Buencamino, single, was declared dead on arrival at a Quezon City hospital, says her younger brother Felipe Miguel “Pipin” Buencamino.

Buencamino, who was born on Oct. 6, 1978 and daughter of former San Miguel Mayor Eduardo Jose “Pop” Buencamino and former Barangay San Vicente, San Miguel Councilwoman Claire Buencamino started her work as DOJ assistant state prosecutor in 2015.

 She first worked as a branch clerk of court in Makati City after she passed the bar just when she finished her study of laws at Ateneo de Manila University in 2005.

She graduated from high school at St. Paul College in Pasig City in 1997. She was a consistent honor student.

According to Pipin, his sister lived her life to the fullest as a very independent woman who loves surfing, motocross, boxing, scuba diving, painting, playing tennis and mountain climbing.

He also described her as “straight forward” in her works and personal life. According to the oldest Buencamino, his daughter could have done the country more service for justice and truth as a dedicated, sincere and with a high sense of nationalism.

Gov. Daniel Fernando paid his last respect to the young assistant state prosecutor who was a pride of San Miguel town and the whole province at the municipal parish church memorial chapels on Thursday.

San Miguel Mayor Roderick Tiongson has sent flowers of condolences to the family.

She will be buried at Familia Tecson Cemetery in this town on Sunday.

By Jason de Asis

BALER, Aurora-The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion joins the 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration highlighting the dynamic contributions of the Aurora province women leaders and employees on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 held at the capitol compound, Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that this year’s celebration centered on the theme, “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” with sub-theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” in efforts to showcase women’s full potential in actively engaging and contributing to national growth and development.

“Today, as we celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women around the world, it is the time to honor the strength, resilience and indomitable spirit of women who have shaped history and continue to shape our future. Moreover, women’s month serves as a reminder of the progress we have made in achieving gender equality but also highlights the work that still needs to be done. It is a time to reflect on the barriers that women’s face and to advocate for a world where every woman can thrive and fulfill her potential,” Recto said.

The walk for a cause, Recto said was participated in by all female Officers and Enlisted Personnel of 91st IB led by 2nd Lieutenant Jessa N. Naman, Gender and Development (GAD) Officer, together with PNP, BFP, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baler, LGU Maria, LGU Dipaculao, LGU San Luis and other different civilian agencies in Aurora.

“We uplift and respect our women, we love and support them, and fight for them,” Recto said, stressing that women should always strengthen through this advocacy to greater heights with equitable opportunities to actively contribute to national development.

He added that the activity was officiated by Abigaiel F. Paulino, head of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO)-Aurora. On the other hand, Paulino expressed her sincerest thanks to everyone who participated in the celebration acknowledging the pivotal role of women as trailblazers in society.

“It’s high time to recognize the roles and efforts of every woman and the role of everyone in the pursuit of gender equality and inclusivity. Let us continue to Strengthen our commitment towards promoting inclusivity and equal rights for everyone.

We have beneficiaries highlighting the importance of women in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as part of our support in the improvement of overall wellness, learning for self enhancement, values formation, health of the family among others for Pantawid beneficiaries.

This walk for a cause will capacitate them to address their needs towards building strong families,” she said.

She added that the amount allocated for the project will be allocated for the assessment fee of children with special needs or Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) or better known as SPED, in contact with the Department of Education.

The long walk was started at the Capitol Compound in Barangay Suklayin, Baler, Aurora going to Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO), Camp Ravina, Barangay Sabang, Baler, Aurora.

A short program was held at the APPO Covered Court highlighting the turn-over of the proceeds that will be donated to the Special Education Program (SPED) benefiting the special children. The activity ended with a Zumba Dance.

By Jason de Asis

BALER, Aurora-The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion in the province of Aurora entered into a memorandum of partnership agreements (MOPA) with the Wesleyan University-Philippines Aurora Campus to support a goal-oriented immersion program for Grade 12 academic strand Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) students as future men in uniformed held on Monday, (March 4) at the H91IB, Camp Jaime P. Bitong Sr, Barangay Calabuanan in this town.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that it’s a blessing the signing of MOPA and to have them work at the home of the battalion that can observe some administrative, logistics work, research and other school projects they should complete.

“This also enables our soldiers to teach and imbibe in them the knowledge of how the battalion operates in a real setting and better understand its respective offices,” Recto said.

He said that the battalion is grateful to the university’s administrator and mentors for recognizing them as one of their partners. On the other hand, school administrator Reverend Dr. Hilario C. Gonzales, Jr. encouraged the students to continue to study and do not waste the opportunity to learn inside the battalion.

“Talk to everyone in their respective departments so that all of you will learn something new to fulfil your aspirations in life,” Gonzales said. He is also hoping that the immersion program will continue to instill and to develop the students serving the people and the community. WU-P student Rochelle Ganiban said that they are very grateful for the partnership agreement with the battalion.

“We are conducting school-based orientation conducted by our teacher to impart different tasks and activities including on-the-job training or immersion that will develop us to improve our lives. We are ready to experience kindness that you prepare for us. Thank you,” she said.

Under the said program particularly in the signed agreement, students who are thinking of pursuing to become a member of the military will spend 80 hours from March to April to be with Sinagtala Battalion purposely to help them decide on their future career.

CITY OF MALOLOS– Governor Daniel R. Fernando together with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Regional Director Jay E. Timbreza led the inauguration of the 987.60 linear meter drainage system at Balagtas-Pandi Provincial Road along Brgy. Santol, Balagtas, Bulacan this morning.

The P9,460,621 worth project, which was funded through the 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund, aims to address flooding problem through efficient flood control, and provide proper discharge of waste water, rain water, and run offs in the area.

According to Fernando, through the project, the province could respond not only to flooding but also to the danger caused by stagnant waters, which is the source of disease and other threat to health and safety.

“Sa bawat hakbang natin tungo sa kaunlaran, patuloy nating tinitiyak ang kaligtasan at kaginhawaan ng bawat isa. Ito po ang tunay na simbolo ng Seal of Good Local Governance na pitong magkakasunod na taon na nating nakakamit—ang gumawa ng mga paraan upang maramdaman ng bawat isang mamamayan ang tapat at mapagkalingang paglilingkod ng ating pamahalaan,” the governor said.

For his part, Timbreza congratulated the Province of Bulacan for winning the SGLG award and for successfully implementing the drainage project.

“Protektahan po natin at i-maintain po natin ang proyektong ito. Pagmalasakitan po natin ang proyektong ito. ‘Wag magtapon ng basura nang sa gayon ay humaba ang service years ng ating drainage system,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fernando and DILG Bulacan Provincial Director Myrvi Apostol-Fabia signed the certificate of turnover and acceptance which was witnessed by Timbreza, Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, Balagtas Mayor Eladio E. Gonzales, Jr., Vice Mayor Ariel Valderama, and Board Member Cezar L. Mendoza.

Also present in the event were Board Member Richard A. Roque, Provincial Engineer Glenn D. Reyes, and Provincial Information Officer Katrina Anne B. Balingit.