CITY OF MALOLOS – Employees of the Provincial Agriculture Office have finally transferred to their new workplace as Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro led the inauguration of the said edifice earlier today, erected along the Capitol Compound here.

The two-storey building will house the Provincial Agriculture Office on the second floor while the first floor will be the Farmers/Fisherfolks Training Center.

For the first floor, it is divided into three rooms: one room for Program Management, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center, and Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (PAFEC) while the two remaining rooms will be the Training Rooms.

The second floor is divided into four rooms where Room 4 is for Crops Development Division, Room 5 for Fisheries Development Division, Room 6 is the Conference Room and Room 7 is allotted for Administrative Division and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

Meanwhile, a separate building was also inaugurated to serve as the FFTC dormitory and guest rooms.

“Sa wakas po ay natapos na at ngayon nga ay magagamit na ng ating mga kawani mula sa PAO at mga Bulakenyong magsasaka at mangingisda na sasailalim sa mga pagsasanay ang gusaling ito. Nawa ay makatulong ang ating ipinagawang imprastraktura upang mas higit na yumabong ang sektor ng agrikultura at pangisdaan sa ating lalawigan,” Fernando said. Meanwhile, Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gloria SF. Carrillo also expressed her gratitude and joy because finally, one of her aspirations for the Bulakenyo farmers and fisherfolks has come true.

“Nakakatuwa pong isipin na sa tagal po ng aking panunungkulan bilang Provincial Agriculturist, halos 20 taon ay ngayon na lamang po nagkaroon ng katuparan ang aming pangarap na isang training center na maipagmamalaki ng ating lalawigan ng Bulacan kung saan ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda ay mabibigyan ng angkop na kaalaman upang higit nilang mapaunlad ang kanilang mga gawain sa bukid, palaisdaan at gayon din po ay gumanda ang kanilang mga kinikita,” Carillo said.

The Social Security System (SSS) Olongapo Branch conducted an SSS e-Wheels program at Sitio Parola Cawag in Subic, Zambales to extend SSS services and coverage in far-flung areas.

SSS Olongapo Branch Head Marites A. Dalope, along with other branch personnel, went on a 90-minute boat ride from Bulungan to Sitio Parola marking the SSS’ commitment to provide services closer to the fisherfolks community.

The e-wheels program started with an orientation on SSS benefits, programs and services. The Accounts Management Section personnel actively engaged with and provided assistance to over 120 participants during the activity.

E-wheels services include issuance of Social Security (SS) Number and Payment Reference Number (PRN), My.SSS registration and online payment assistance through Gcash/Maya and other SSS-related inquiries.

Employees from the Municipal Fisheries & Aquatic Resources Management Council and the Public Relations Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority also participated in the event.

The Social Security System (SSS) calls on its retiree-pensioners to take advantage of its low-interest Pension Loan Program (PLP) for their immediate financial needs instead of borrowing from Sangla-ATM lenders.

SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet said SSS launched PLP to assist SSS retiree-pensioners in their immediate financial needs by offering a loan program with a low-interest rate of 10% per annum computed on a diminishing principal balance, which is a far cry from those being lent by loan sharks.

“Aside from low interest rate, SSS will not require them to surrender their ATM cards as collaterals, unlike the practice of some private lending institutions. We also do not charge any processing or service fee when they avail of the pension loan,” Macasaet added.

Qualified retiree-pensioners can borrow a loan of up to three, six, nine, or 12 times their basic monthly pension (BMP) plus the P1,000 additional benefit or their aggregate monthly pension with a maximum loan amount of P200,000. Moreover, SSS will ensure that their net take-home pension is at least 47.25% of their aggregate monthly pension when they start paying the monthly amortization for the pension loan.

The SSS Chief said the PLP also has an extended repayment period. “A pension loan of three and six times the pensioner’s aggregate monthly pension has a payment term of six and 12 months, respectively. On the other hand, a pension loan of nine or 12 times the aggregate monthly pension has a payment term of 24 months,” he added.

The first monthly amortization for pension loans is due on the second month after SSS granted the loan. Further, the 1% service fee is waived to subsidize the payment for the borrower’s premium of the Credit Life Insurance (CLI).

To qualify for the PLP, retiree-pensioners:

• must be 85 years of age or below at the end of the last month of the loan term;
• must have no deductions such as outstanding loan balance, benefit overpayment payable to the SSS, etc., from their monthly pension;
• must have no existing advance pension under the SSS Calamity Assistance Package;
• must be receiving their regular monthly pensions for at least one month, and the pension status is “Active”; and
• must have updated “mailing address and mobile number.”

Interested retiree-pensioners may submit their loan applications at the nearest SSS branch office or through their My.SSS account. Once approved, loan proceeds will be credited to their nominated bank account or UnionBank quick card, within three working days for online applications and five working days if filed over-the-counter through the SSS branch.

These students of Centro Escolar University (CEU) Malolos remake their thirty three year old 1990 graduation photo during the 45th Founding Anniversary of the premier private tertiary institution on Friday held at its Centrodome in City of Malolos.

From left, Joey B. Borja from Calumpit was more than 20 years program consultant of a TV network in Myanmar. He was also a school principal at an International School in Myanmar and served as a study guide of children of high ranking officials of the said country. He was a broadcasting graduate.

Beside him is Regina “Oya” Sulit-Lain who since then was based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia. She went back there after graduation and continue to stay today as a successful wife, a businesswoman and president of Lion’s Club of Kota Kinabalu. She was an AB Journalism graduate. She temporarily stayed with her aunt in Mojon in City of Malolos during her college days.

Third is Jovita “Beng” Obusan-Mateo, originally from Barangay Atlag, also in City of Malolos and Guam, USA. She went home to the country past mid of 1980 to take up journalism in CEU Malolos. Beng is one of the top mass communication students of Batch 1990. After graduation, she want back to Guam and has moved to Hawaii during the past several years togather with her husband and two lovely daughters and has been staying there until today as a teacher.

Bernadette Ople, on the right, a tourism graduate is making a world record as she still traverses the skies today as a successful flight attendant. She also hails from City of Malolos.

Camp Gen Alejo S Santos, City of Malolos, Bulacan — an estimated one million eight hundred thousand pesos (Php 1,800,000) worth of marijuana was seized, and eight ( 8 ) drug personalities were nabbed in anti-criminality operations on December 7, 2023.

In reports submitted to PLTCOL JACQUILINE P PUAPO, OIC of Bulacan PPO, it was stated that at about 11:20 p.m., San Jose Del Monte City Police Station conducted a successful drug sting operation in Blk-3, Brgy. Gumaoc East, CSJDM, Bulacan. During this operation, approximately 15 kilograms of suspected dried marijuana, with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of about (Php 1,800,000), along with marked money and one (1) piece of coin purse were confiscated.

The arrested suspect and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for appropriate examination. While criminal complaints for violations of R.A. 9165 against the suspects is now being prepared for filing in court.

The unwavering commitment of the Bulacan PNP to combat criminality and maintain public safety in the province is evident through these intensified police operations, with the guidance of RD, PRO3 PBGEN JOSE S HIDALGO JR. The successful operations are a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of law enforcement in curbing illegal drug activities and capturing wanted criminals. (PIO, Bulacan PPO)

Camp Gen Alejo S Santos, City of Malolos, Bulacan — sixteen (16) drug personalities and fifty-seven (57) wanted persons were arrested by Bulacan Police in different operations conducted on December 7, 2023, and early today.

In reports submitted to PLTCOL JACQUILINE P PUAPO, OIC, Bulacan PPO, a separate buy-bust operation were conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of the Marilao, Meycauayan, Sta. Maria, Baliwag, and Guiguinto City Police Stations, and sixteen (16) drug peddlers were arrested. Seized during the operations were nineteen (19) plastic sachets of suspected shabu with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of Php 67,078.00, assorted drug paraphernalia, and buy-bust money.

The arrested suspects and the confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) for appropriate examination. While criminal complaints for violations of R.A. 9165 against the suspect are now being prepared for filing in court.

Meanwhile, the Top 3 Provincial Level and Top 1 City Level: San Jose Del Monte CPS, Bulacan PPO identified as Kevin Alipao was tracked down and apprehended by the 1st Bulacan Provincial Mobile Force Company and San Jose Del Monte CPS at Brgy. Bagong Buhay, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan, at around 1:40 p.m. on December 7, 2023. Kevin is wanted for the crime of Statutory Rape, by virtue of a warrant issued by Hon. Ma. Cristina Geronimo Juanson, Presiding Judge, Family Court of Third Judicial Region Branch 5, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan. With no recommended bail.

Additionally, the tracker team of Balagtas Police Station arrested Elsid Velasques (Most Wanted) – Municipal Level at Brgy. Borol 1st, Balagtas, Bulacan, at around 1:30 p.m. on December 7, 2023. Elsid is wanted for the crime of Rape (2 counts) issued by Hon. Ma. Cristina G. Laderas, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 85, Malolos City, Bulacan. With no recommended bail.

On the other hand, the tracker team of the Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st and 2nd Bulacan Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Bustos, Hagonoy, San Rafael, Pulilan, Meycauayan, Obando, Paombong, Bulakan, Guiguinto, San Jose Del Monte, Baliwag, Angat, San Ildefonso, Sta. Maria, Bocaue, Norzagaray, Malolos, San Miguel, Marilao, Plaridel, DRT, and Calumpit City Police Station arrested fifty-six (56) wanted persons.

They were identified as Jose George Flor arrested for Special Protection of children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610); Luisito Cristobal arrested for Rape; Jayson Domingo arrested for Violation of B.P. 22; Mariano Managahas arrested for Unjust Vexation, Benedicto Geuvarra arrested for Qualified Theft; Margarita De Jesus and Elenita Alcandado arrested for Violation of B.P. 22; Reynaldo Austria arrested for Comprehensive of Dangerous of Drugs Act of 2002; Edwin Galvez arrested for Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2002; Jonard Calderon arrested for Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Damage to Property; John Aaron Dulaila arrested for Direct Assault and Service of Sentence; Marfred Barbasina arrested for Illegal Gambling; James Edward Manlapaz arrested for Estafa; Michael Munda arrested for Qualified Theft; Chico Artemio arrested for Violation of R.A. 9003; Cedric James Bioso,Jerick Bioso, and Karl Dela Peña arrested for Qualified Theft; Christian De Leon arrested for Rape; Jose Maderazo arrested for Murder; Marilou Cruz arrested for Syndicated Estafa; Mark Boy Medenilla arrested for Statutory Rape; Emelita Bueno arrested for Estafa; Allan Dizon arrested for Theft; Jessie Velasco arrested for Estafa; Reynaldo Abalos arrested for Comprehensive of Dangerous of Drugs Act of 2002; Bernardo Valmera arrested for Lascivious Conduct; Rico Hermon arrested for Rape; Joseph Guitierrez arrested for Theft; Jessie Puyo arrested for Act of Lasciviousness; Maximo Punay arrested for Theft; Roel Salazar arrested for Estafa; Diana Grace arrested for Unjust Vexation; Lucresia Domingo arrested for Grave Oral Deffamation; Junrey Muyco arrested for Qualified Theft; Anselmo Balricio arrested for Violation of R.A. 9262; Victoria Isaac arrested for Maltreatment; Kurt Russel Villanueva arrested for Service of Sentence; Raffy Ballonado arrested for Murder; Mark Anthony Lugto arrested for Frustrated Homicide; Corado Aurellio arrested for Violation of B.P. 22; Sherwin Erido arrested for R.A. 7610; Emmanuel Diaz arrested for Rape; Juliet Bartolome arrested for Bouncing Check Law; Welson Persona arrested for Unjust Vexation; Ryan Soriano arrested for Lascivious Conduct; Randy Boy Baldevia arrested for Acts of Lasciviousness; Jemly Tesalona arrested for Estafa; Frederic Bernardino arrested for Slight Physical Injuries; John Paul Digo arrested for Sexual Assault; Jeffrey Dayrit arrested for Slight Physical Injuries; Richard Pidlaoan arrested for RIR to Damage of Property; and Manuel Domingo and Miguel Domingo arrested for Frustrated Murder. All accused are presently under the custody of the arresting unit/stations for proper disposition.

The Bulacan PNP’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety in the province is clearly demonstrated through these intensified police operations, guided by RD, PRO3 PBGEN JOSE S HIDALGO JR. These successful operations underscore the dedication and effectiveness of law enforcement in curtailing illegal drug activities and apprehending wanted criminals. – “Pulis ng PRO 3, Partner ng Pamayanan” (PIO, Bulacan PPO)

#SerbisyongNagkakaisa
#PRO3PartnerNgPamayanan
#ToServeandProtect

With just a few weeks left before Christmas, SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan pay tribute to the hardworking workers in the community as the malls spread holiday cheers through gift-giving activities.

Through its charity arm, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI), SM City Marilao, SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan distributed a total of 990 Noche Buena packages to selected areas in the province. Celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, the gift-giving brought smiles and cheers to chosen beneficiaries while promoting SM’s culture of volunteerism, that aims to bring happiness and spread social good to the communities in Bulacan.

Recognizing the unwavering sacrifice every worker makes to provide for their family’s needs while being consistent role models in the community, SM Bulacan malls bring smiles through Noche Buena packages shared with street vendors, garbage collectors, street sweepers, junk collectors, TODA members, construction workers, and delivery riders, among others.

Out of the 990 Noche Buena packages distributed in Bulacan, a total of 400 packs were given to beneficiaries in Barangay Lias and Loma De Gato in Marilao; 400 in Barangay Pagala and Pinagbarilan in Baliwag; and 190 to selected areas in Pulilan.

The gift-giving is part of SM Supermalls effort to support communities and sectors in need, especially persons with disabilities, senior groups, the urban poor, and indigenous people.

By Jason de Asis

BALER, Aurora-The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion conducted lecture on Youth Infiltration School Awareness to 50 students of Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) on Friday, Dec. 1 in order to avoid the recruitment of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) and to be catalysts of peace and development.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said in an interview on Saturday that the Philippine Army will continue to conduct info drive in this province of Aurora in order not to be swayed by false ideologists of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“We also regularly conducted this program to enhance the potential of our youth to become more responsible citizens and catalysts in advocating peace and development. We are developing their awareness on their integral role in nation-building by instilling to them the spirit of patriotism, nationalism and social responsibility as well as the modus of CPP-NPA-NDF infiltration,” Recto said.

He added that some legal fronts use the guise of development and reform, but their real agenda is to destroy the image of the government. “Our youth must be educated enough to avoid being recruited by the CTGs.

We keep on telling them not to be swayed by the propaganda of these groups,” Recto said. He added that an army recruitment process was conducted to the participants headed by ASCOT ROTC Coordinator Joeben A. Fontanos.

“We are so grateful for the continued support of the ASCOT family to educate our youth to address this problem on CTGs recruitment. We urge everyone to be united in the dissemination of the sincerity of our government in promoting sustainable peace and development especially in the geographically isolated areas,” Recto said.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student Mark Ace O. Rodica said that he will share what he learned about the evils of the CTGs. “We should reject the NPA so that our future will not be destroyed,” he said.

On the other hand, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering student Joana V. Evangelista said that the awareness program of 91st IB is helpful to avoid the deceptive recruitments of the NPA.

“We should listen to the call of our government towards peace and development,” she said.  

BY Jason de Asis

BALER, Aurora-The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion and municipality of Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija facilitated the awarding of livelihood assistance worth of P450,000 sacks of rice for “Bigasang Bayan” to six Peoples Organizations (POs) on Wednesday, December 6 in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that the 300 sacks of rice livelihood assistance are in collaboration and partnership with the municipal government of Gabaldon spearheaded by Mayor Jobby P Emata. Recto said the government will continue to help the officers and members of the former rebels and its supporters who are in the POs and now transforming themselves to rebuild their lives.

“We are honored to have the municipality of Gabaldon as partners in helping our people to uplift the POs’ lives by giving more livelihood programs and also to strengthen the groups in building better communities with peace and harmony. We would like to ensure that all livelihood programs for them will be sustainable,” Recto said.

He added that opportunity comes but it depends upon the individuals who will manage that chance in order to grow. “Sometimes, it is the human resources who stained the goodness of whatsoever we would like to implement.

\The problem sometimes is within us and not the government. Therefore, we encourage everyone to carefully manage their “Bigasang Bayan” to make it more productive,” Recto said.

He also lauded the efforts of Mayor Emata for the usual civic mindedness and full support to the POs. Gabaldon Mayor Emata said that the LGU and other concerned agencies will continue their support to the POs as well as to the people of the said town.

“The government is not the main actor in every livelihood assistance but the individuals themselves who will be the main driver to uplift the opportunity of the given businesses to the POs,” Emata said, pointing out that the success of any enterprises will depend upon how they manage properly to make it grow. Gabaldon POs President Narasio Cerimonia expressed his gratitude to 91st IB and Mayor Emata who have been instrumental in the POs “Bigasang Bayan”, saying that it was a big help to start their chosen business.

He advised the associations to do their best towards the success of their businesses placed in six barangays; namely: Tagumpay, Ligaya, Malinaw, Kalabasa, Villa Agos (sawmill) and Bagong Sikat.

By Jason de Asis

BALER, Aurora-Fifty selected officers of the Aurora provincial federation of Provincial Organization composed of former rebels (FRs) and former mass supporters converged here inside the home of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Camp Jaime Bitong, Barangay Calabuanan in this capital town of Aurora to be part of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Former Rebel Transformation Program (TP) to better address the 18 Peoples Organization (PO) needs facilitated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and Sinagtala Troopers on Saturday, December 2.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said on Sunday in an interview that the gatherings is a remarkable one since the POs has provincial federation, the “Asosasyon ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan para sa Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan sa Aurora” (ANMKKA) and started to rebuild their lives within their communities. “We have now the PSWDO personnel who joined here together with our officers who have decided to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society. Our government is doing its best efforts to help our FRs.

It is also much better if they have the knowledge and skills of managing their livelihood assistance given to them,” Recto said. The top military official in this province also said that the program of OPAPRU together with other concerned agencies are paving the way for genuine peace and reconciliation to equip the participants with the necessary knowledge and resources to develop their customized plans towards the success of the federation.

“This is one of the ways of our mandated tasks, to strengthen the transformation program, to brace our campaign to solve insurgency, rebuild the lives of our FRs, resolve their concerns so that we could figure out how our government could respond,” Recto said, pointed out that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to achieve peace, resilience, unity and striving for the complete transformation of FRs.

PSWDO Chief Abigail F. Paulino expressed her sincerest thanks to the federation, saying that her office is committed to help them push forward to become productive civilians. “We in the provincial government will continue to aid the federation.

The PSWDO can also give training, technical assistance or advice to improve their livelihood to become productive members of the community and will provide you with more livelihood programs,” she said. ANMKKA President Ka Edgar expressed his utmost appreciation for the relentless assistance coming from the 91st IB, PSWDO, OPAPRU and other concerned agencies through the implementation of the EO70, whole of nation approach through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). “Thank you Lt. Col. Recto and Civil Military Operations Officer Captain Candidato Paduman for the continued support to us, we are so grateful for the additional knowledge about the government programs for us. It was fruitful activity and aspirations as we begin to start a new life,” Ka Edgar said.

The activity included PSWDO orientation, objective setting, program for FRs, ratification of constitution of by-laws, situation or FRs in Aurora (needs, negative situation, aspirations), workshop-formulation of action plan and activities, output presentation and lastly, the transformation program plan.