It all started with a pandesal—a famous bread roll in the Philippines usually eaten for breakfast.

In 1992, Elisa Bolivar and her family made baking and selling pandesal in Novaliches, Quezon City as their only source of income.

Her husband died in 1989, thus she had to carry the burden of raising four children all alone. One of her children is undergoing dialysis which made it even more difficult for her. Every day was a challenge but she always chose to go on and work hard to provide for her family.

Fortunately, her sister showed her that she was not alone in her journey and helped her learn and operate the business.

“We helped each other. With the support of my children, my eldest sister, and with the baking recipe books, we gradually started to adapt to the situation and feel at ease despite the challenges that we go through,” Elisa said.

They started to create their own recipe for making monay, a brownish-dense bread roll, which all became popular in their area.

With the business growing in 2009, Elisa needed additional capital. Thus, she joined CARD SME Bank, the fast-growing thrift bank of CARD MRI that offers financial products and services to support SMEs.

“At first, I didn’t want to join because of the trauma I experienced from a lending institution before. But later, I became a client of CARD SME Bank because of the benefits, insurance, low interest, and weekly installment,” she said.

“CARD is really different. I can recommend this institution,” she added.

For 13 years now, she is still a loyal client of the said bank. Charina’s Bread Haus is now widely known in their area.

Elisa said that though their life was not easy, they always remind themselves that the Lord has a great plan for them. She will always provide bread to others. The bread that gives them hope to survive hurdles in life.

“Just don’t give up and do not be discouraged,” she said.

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE– A makeshift drug den was discovered and dismantled by government operatives during a drug entrapment operation that also led to the arrest of its operator and two others and seizure of some P172,500.00 worth of shabu at around 7:20 p.m in Recanati Homes Quarry, Barangay Proper on Tuesday. Oct. 17.

PDEA Bulacan Chief identified the arrested suspects as Jeamwiel Garil, 24 and Jewarly Garil, 21 and Miguel Rosas, 25.

The operation also yielded six pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing more or less 25 grams of shabu amounting to P172,500.00; assorted drug and sniffing paraphernalia; and the buy-bust money.

The operation was jointly conducted by operatives of PDEA Bulacan and Bataan Provincial Offices and Bulacan PNP.

Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the apprehended suspects.

Narciso Policarpio, owner of a funeral home in Barangay Libon-Libon, Binangonan, Rizal, is closely acquainted with life’s most somber moments. To him, funerals are more than the acknowledgment of death; it is a celebration of life and an occasion to comfort the bereaved. With this belief, he takes his business seriously with deep empathy.

Before venturing into the funeral industry, Narciso experienced a different professional life. A BS Military graduate, he followed his father’s footsteps as a skilled mechanic, working for a well-known automaker company for years to provide for their families. But when his paycheck could not meet the growing needs of his family, Narciso initially aimed to work abroad. Fate, however, had other plans.

The Policarpio family ran a “bangka” or boat rental in Rizal, which they continually managed. Later, using his back pay, he and his wife ventured into pig and duck farming, eventually supplying live pigs to the market and taking care of 1,000 ducks which produced a thousand eggs daily. Yet, challenges like the African Swine Fever and rising market rivalry drove him to change his course, this time to funeral services.

Policarpio Funeral Service was born out of his courage and determination. Using his savings and even pawning his car, Narciso established a 24/7 funeral service that offers affordable funeral packages. Prices start at PHP 15,000, covering everything from caskets and embalming to floral arrangements.

But it’s not just affordability that sets Policarpio Funeral Service apart. It is their genuine compassion for their clients. “If a client cannot afford our packages, we work with what they can provide,” Narciso shared. Such dedication solidified their reputation as a funeral service that truly cares for the community.

As their business continued to grow, Narciso had the saddest tragedy of his life: his loving wife died of a heart attack. With all his remaining courage, he provided his wife with the best burial service he could ever give to honor her memories. “She remains my greatest inspiration and partner in every success,”  Narciso shared.

Now, he prepared and shared everything with his son to continue the family business. From managing his workers to creating a casket, embalming, overseeing market outreach, and forming relationships with other people. He ensured that his son grasped that Policarpio Funeral Service is “Maka-Tao and Maka-Masa”.

Moreover, with assistance from CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. (CARD RBI), which offers them loans which reach up to PHP150,000, the business continues to flourish despite the changing times. In fact, CARD RBI clients are offered exclusive discounts at Policarpio Funeral Service.

Narciso now employs seven people, who are assigned based on their abilities and competence. They continue to serve their clients and customers with a heart full of kindness. “Serving with a kind heart made us different from other funeral service providers. This will also be our key to be known more, assisting more people by delivering affordable yet high-quality funeral services,” he said.

With future plans of expanding market reach and enhancing service quality, Narciso’s journey from boats to funerals proves that success lies where passion meets compassion.

State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has launched a condonation and restructuring program anew with longer and affordable payment terms to benefit former members, old-age pensioners, re-employed members, and other borrowers with overdue loans.

Dubbed the Restructuring Program for Service Loans (RPSL), it is a one-time condonation and restructuring program aimed at providing delinquent borrowers a more flexible and lighter option to pay their due and demandable service loans as well as their penalties and surcharges. The program also aims to improve the pension fund’s loan collection efficiency.

“GSIS hopes to address the clamor of our members and pensioners who would like to settle their obligations in full or in part through flexible means,” GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said.

Borrowers may apply for RPSL over-the-counter at any GSIS office. They must submit a duly accomplished RPSL application form along with a clear photocopy of Phil ID, GSIS eCard, valid passport, or any two valid government-issued IDs.

The RPSL program covers various service loans, which include the GSIS Salary Loan; Enhanced Salary Loan; Restructured Salary Loan; Emergency Loan Assistance; Summer One-Month Salary Loan; Member’s Cash Advance; eCard Plus Cash Advance; Consolidated Loan; Enhanced Conso-Loan; Emergency Loan; Home Emergency Loan Program; Study Now, Pay Later; Fly PAL, Pay Later; Educational Assistance Loan; Stock Purchase Loan; Policy Loan; Optional Policy Loan; GSIS Financial Assistance Loan; Program for Restructuring and Repayment of Debts; Multi-Purpose Loan; Computer Loan; and other future loans.

Excluded from RPSL are the GSIS Real Estate Loan; Deed of Conditional Sale; Restructured Real Estate Loan; Pension Loan; Pension Emergency Loan; and Pensioner’s Restructured Loan.

“We urge our members and pensioners to avail of RPSL to enjoy an affordable 3%-6% interest rate.  By paying a down payment of at least 10% of their outstanding balance, they can now pay the remaining balance on a five-year installment basis at a max of 6% interest per annum only.” Veloso stressed.

RPSL availees may settle their loans by paying over the counter in cash or manager’s check at the nearest GSIS office. Meanwhile, re-employed members may have their payment shifted to payroll deduction; old-age pensioners, through old-age pension deduction.

“By strengthening our loan collection efficiency, we are also protecting the financial health of the pension fund so that members may avail of benefit and services when they fall due,” the pension fund chief said.

For more information, interested parties may visit the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph) or GSIS Facebook page (@gsis.ph), email gsiscares@gsis.gov.ph, or call the GSIS Contact Center at 8847-4747 (if in Metro Manila), 1-800-8-847-4747 (for Globe and TM subscribers), or 1-800-10-847-4747 (for Smart, Sun, and Talk ‘N’ Text subscribers).

Three years after it launched its landmark river cleanup and flood mitigation initiative–which has led to the removal of over 3 million metric tons of silt and solid wastes from the Pasig, Tullahan, and San Juan Rivers–San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is setting its sights on a more ambitious goal: cleaning up and rehabilitating three major river systems as well as other tributaries and waterways throughout Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cavite, and Bulacan.

Dubbed as “SMC’s Adopt-A-River program”, this initiative is possibly the country’s biggest and most impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort in collaboration with the national and local governments.

The initiative has gained broad-based support from various stakeholders, including national, provincial and city governments, whose localities stand to benefit from the massive undertaking.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manual Bonoan led national government support for the program at the formal signing of the memoranda of agreement. Also present at the signing and joining the effort were Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor Remulla, Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda, and Navotas City Mayor John Ray Tiangco.

“This initiative is unlike anything we have seen before. It is perhaps the most extensive environmental effort involving both government and the private sector. In one decisive move, we are cleaning up many major rivers and waterways. We are doing this as a public service, at no cost to the government or taxpayers,” SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said.

He added that: “ It is important to understand that cleaning up rivers is not a quick fix. It is a very important step in the river restoration process. It paves the way for polluted waterways to heal.”

SMC began its river advocacy three years ago spending over P3 billion and removing over three million metric tons of oil and waste from Pasig River, Tullahan River and San Juan River.

The massive initiative covers the following rivers:

• River systems in Bulacan including the Meycauayan, Maycapiz-Taliptip, and Mailad Rivers, the Bambang Creek, Marilao River, Sta. Maria River, Guiguinto River, Pamarawan River, Labangon-Angat River, Malolos River, and Hagonoy River.

• Pampanga River

• Maragondon River and other related tributaries in Cavite

• Waterways in Navotas City, including Muzon River, Batasan River, and the Navotas River

• San Pedro River in Laguna

• San Juan River

DENR Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga lauded the company for its continuous efforts to clean up major river systems and the expansion of the program, aligned with government’s environmental objectives.

“This partnership enables DENR to achieve three main mandates by investing and allowing water to flow and impound it correctly where it is needed. Most of all, we are able to fulfill a new role assigned to us by our President when he created the Water Resources Management Office… We are very grateful to San Miguel Corporation for its kind and generous support to our government activities,” Loyzaga said.

For his part, DPWH Secretary Bonoan said: “We commend SMC for taking this noble initiative, for using your own resources and manpower to rehabilitate rivers that will benefit numerous communities and residents of various provinces. The initiative not only reflects commitment to environment stewardship, but also signifies dedication to preserving our rivers that have suffered the brunt of pollution and neglect and human activities.”

The local government partners also extolled the efforts of SMC to clean up waterways in their areas.

“What they plan to do is solve the problem in Noveleta, Rosario, General Trias, and Imus, which comprise maybe 10% of the land area, but 90% of flooding. With JICA and San Miguel, we expect to solve flooding in Cavite 100%,” said Cavite Governor Remulla.

“What affects Bulacan affects Navotas, affects Manila, affects Cavite,” Remulla continued. “(Ramon Ang) brings us together to realize there is hope for this country if we act together.”

For his part, Governor Pineda said: “Noong nakaraang kalamidad, talaga pong namorublema kami kung paano bibigyang solusyon ang baha sa probinsya. Kaya nagpapasalamat po ang mga Kapampangan kay boss Ramon Ang at sa SMC… Alam ko po na ang gagastusin ninyo dito bilyon, pero wala po kayong inaasahan na kapalit. Hindi po namin makakalimutan itong tulong na binigay niyo.”

Navotas City Mayor Tiangco, who lauded SMC’s cleanup of the Tullahan River in support of the rehabilitation of Manila Bay, said: Our ultimate goal is to restore the waters surrounding Navotas to a classification fit for fishing, aquaculture, and other recreational water activities. Hence, we fully support San Miguel Corporation’s Adopt-A-River program and its noble endeavor to clean up and rejuvenate bodies of water.”

Ang said that while the expanded project already covers the major rivers and waterways that significantly contribute to flooding, the initiative may still be expanded as needed, should government request the coverage of more rivers.

He added that SMC has already started conducting bathymetric studies on the rivers, to determine problem areas that have become shallow due to decades of accumulated silt and garbage. DENR and the company will then develop the appropriate dredging plans.

Over the last three years, as it implemented its ambitious P3-billion cleanup effort for the Pasig River, Tullahan River, and San Juan River, SMC has acquired various specialized heavy equipment that enable it to conduct river cleanup efforts in various conditions more efficiently.

Ang said that its cleanup personnel have also gained significant experience and skill in conducting cleanups efficiently and according to government standards.

SMC’s efforts have been credited with lesser incidences of flooding throughout Metro Manila, despite the yearly succession of typhoons, as the removal of millions of tons of solid wastes have deepened and widened once shallow and heavily polluted rivers.

This has complemented the government’s continuing flood mitigation efforts, including the putting of pumping stations in critical areas.

MANILA–Despite Israeli announcements suggesting that there are safe areas for the population trapped in the Gaza Strip, they are in fact exposed to bombardment throughout all the territory, including in the south, where tens of thousands of people have fled following the ultimatum, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said in a statement on Monday

Regina Layug Rosero, Communications and Liaison Officer – Philippines, South East and East Asia and the Pacific (SEEAP) Project of Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said that “the situation in Gaza has become intolerable. Our teams are working to respond, but hostilities must stop. Healthcare facilities must not be targeted. Patients must be protected”.  

Doctors Without Borders France general director Claire Magone said that “as the Israeli army has been bombarding the Gaza Strip without restraint for a week, we are calling for the most elementary humanity to be shown”.

“The injunction to nearly 1.1 million people to move in a few hours to an already overpopulated territory with precarious access to food, water and healthcare is as absurd as it is intolerable. Doctors Without Borders teams are witnessing the fact that drinking water is becoming scarce in the south of the Gaza Strip and the difficulty of obtaining it is adding to the distress of the population. Doctors Without Borders urgently calls for the restoration of sufficient and immediate access to drinking water for the population of the Gaza Strip”.

“A humanitarian corridor of a few hours decreed today by the Israeli authorities in the north of Gaza has just expired. We are extremely worried about the fate of those who will not be able to move, such as the wounded, the sick and the medical staff, who we fear will be wiped out in view of the statements made by the Israeli military authorities”.

“Doctors Without Borders is calling for safe zones to remain in the north and for regular ceasefires. We are also calling for the possibility to flee through the Rafah crossing for those who wish to do so, without prejudice to the right to return. Médecins Sans Frontières has asked for its Palestinian staff who wish to leave to be evacuated”.

Last Oct. 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel where more than 1,400 people were killed and a number were taken as hostages.

On the other hand, Nearly 2,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, and a ground offensive is expected.

When the Mall of Asia opened in 2006, Henry Sy, Sr. was walking around the SM Store alongside Ma. Cecilia Abreu, who was then Assistant Vice President for Store Operations.

As is usually the case with Mr. Sy, he dropped by the Shoe section, checked the shoes and sandals, and then asked a few questions to the sales clerks. “Marami pa ba nito? Are these fast-moving?”

(Are there more of these?)

The questions did not stop there. Holding one sandal, he asked Abreu a question that stayed with her: “Can our customers still afford to buy our sandals at this price?”

“Ang iniisip niya talaga is kaya pa ba ‘to ng customer. Very consistent si Mr. Sy when understanding his customers, what they want, and what they need,” Abreu shared.

(He was really thinking if the customers can still afford the shoes. Mr Sy was very consistent when understanding his customers, what they want, and what they need.)

That consistency in understanding the market has stayed with SM through the years. Providing customers with affordable and quality items goes way back to Tatang – the name Mr. Sy, Sr. was fondly called by those whose lives he touched.

Once an Assistant Branch Manager of SM Makati, Abreu has a lot of stories about Tatang.

“Meron rin kaming isang customer. Nagdadala siya ng maraming bag. Hindi naman siya bumibili. Then she would always look for Mr. Sy. Uupo siya dun sa daanan ng lobby namin. Sasabihan namin si Tatang, Sir andyan na naman ho yung lady na palaging naghahanap sa inyo. Tatang would tell us with a smile on his face, ‘let her sit there.’”

(We have a customer. She would bring a lot of bags. She was not buying anything. She would sit down on the hallway of our lobby. We would inform Tatang, Sir there is the lady who is always looking for you again.)

Honoring commitments, respecting hard work
Continuing the story of the SM Makati customer, Chelo Monasterio, once an SM Makati Branch Manager, said, “Tatang feels that SM is for everyone. That’s why di ba kahit pag typhoon, we will open. It was because, for Mr. Sy, we are a shelter for people.”

(That’s why even when we have typhoons, we would open.)

Monasterio joined SM 41 years ago, back when there were only three stores: Quiapo, Cubao, and Ermita. Climbing the ladder from HR manager, SM Makati Branch Manager to becoming SM Store President, and now a Consultant for SM Retail, Monasterio shared with pride, “We were trained by Tatang. So what we think, what we impart came from him. He molded us to be what we are. He managed us but he did not make us scared of him. We could tell him how we felt and he would never take it against us. He listened to what people had to say.”

According to Monasterio, Tatang was not flowery with his words. He was very direct to the point. These words, simple as they may seem, made their mark on her. “These are the words that I carry with me.” In one instance, Tatang told her. “Chelo, there are two traits that you should have that will make you successful. One, you have to have common sense. And the other one is you have to have industry.”

With a smile, remembering those days at SM Makati as Branch Manager, Monasterio shared, “Mr. Sy mentored me on selling operations. He would help me in the morning and talk to me about merchandising and shoes. He would talk about how to handle people including suppliers – that you have to be kind and that you have to honor your commitments to them because that will dictate your reputation.”

Tatang liked to spend time and talk and share his dreams and aspirations.

“When he shares it with you, you feel a certain affinity – that you belong and that you’re gonna help him with his vision,” Monasterio said.

Believing in your vision and your people On Mr. Sy’s last visit touring SM Store’s Distribution Center in Paranaque, Rose Siaco still remembers what he told her, “This is a bonus, Rose, and it’s not part of my vision.”

The Distribution Center (DC) is where SM Store’s suppliers drop their products for transfer to SM Store branches and Retail affiliates across the Philippines.

In 1978, Siaco was a practicing Medical Technologist who dared to try something outside of her comfort zone. She started her journey as Shoemart Inc.’s Supplies Officer that year. This is where her organizational skills and attention to detail would come in handy.

Seeing that Siaco thrives on challenges, she was given the task by Mr. Sy of becoming an acting warehouse manager. “I told him that it’s a man’s world, but he told me to train as a warehouse manager. He said to me, ‘I need your talent. I don’t need your physical strength. That would be too taxing for you,’” Siaco shared.

This encouraged her and inspired her to enroll in management courses. “Talagang nag train ako. I attended seminars. Those were the days na pag nag attend ako ng seminar, I was the only female participant,” Siaco further added.

(I really trained. Those were the days when I attend, I was the only female participant.)

For her, Tatang is really a disciplinarian, like a strict teacher. “If you make a mistake, i-cocorrect ka na niya – on the spot. Ganun siya mag train.” She also said that he also informed the affected staff of the consequences of the mistake.

(If you make a mistake, he would correct you on the spot. That was how he trained us.)

Other than thriving on new challenges, Siaco shared the reason why she stayed with SM for 45 years: “Kaya rin ako nagtagal, I don’t feel that they are other people. They treat their employees like family.”

(That is why I stayed for a long time)

Stories shared, vision realized

Abreu shared another anecdote. “Supermarket. After his usual ‘rounds,’ Tatang bade farewell to everyone. He got into his car but before the car even left, Mr. Sy got out of the car. Everyone was still outside, waving and thanking him for the visit. Mr. Sy said in a clear voice ‘I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work.’”
Sharing his vision, telling stories, and words of gratitude are the ways in which Tatang showed he cared. Now, his employees and colleagues from the small stores of Quiapo and Makati continue to tell his stories and help the company realize his vision.

CITY OF MALOLOS – For the first time, renowned Group of Bulacan Events Professionals (GBEP) has gathered for the highly awaited and grandest “Luxe Noir Tropical Gala” during the 1st Bulacan Events Industry Ball for the benefit of Nazareth Home for Children held at the Leticia’s Garden Resort and Events Place, Calumpit, Bulacan, Sto. Niño, Calumpit on Wednesday, Oct. 11.  

Together with their Co-Founder and Chairman Katrina Anne Bernardo-Balingit and other officials and members of GBEP and in partnership with Richgold Weddings, a total of 50 owners of power house wedding supplier inside and outside the province consisting of event planners, coordinators, event stylists, couturier, and make-up artists attended the event for a cause, wherein part of the event’s proceeds, amounting to P50,000, was donated to Nazareth Home for Children in Bustos, Bulacan as the chosen beneficiary.

Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro vowed to give his full support to the event planning industry especially when it will benefit the greater public.

“Ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan, sa pangunguna ng ating People’s Governor Daniel R. Fernando, ay kinikilala ang ambag ng industriyang ito sa pagpapaunlad ng turismo ng ating lalawigan. Sa pamamagitan ng inyong husay, galing, at talino ay nakikilala ang mga Bulakenyo sa pagiging malikhain sa larangan ng disenyo at sining. Higit sa lahat, nabibigyan natin ng hanapbuhay ang ating mga kababayan,” the vice governor said.

Among the attendees are the owners and representatives from Richgold Weddings, City of Dreams Manila, LasCasas Filipinas De Acuzar, Nice Print Photography & Exige Weddings, Manila Marriott Hotel, La Jolla Luxury Beach Resort, Sofitel, Philippine Plaza Manila, Juan Carlo – The Caterer, Inc., La Bistecca Malolos Bulacan, millhouse.ph, Alma San Pedro’s Catering and Services, CAMP Resort, The Grass Garden Resort and Villas, Cocktails To Go, Leticia’s Garden Resort, CODE ONE PRO, Beautiful Occasions Philippines, CoandCo, Silvestre’s Events and Exquisite Style, Events Extraordinaire by Ige Cruz, Diamant Celebrations, Casa Burgos, Kerubin Restaurant & Catering Services, Styled Events by Eena Hernandez, LX Events Pro, Audiokid Philippines Inc., 1touch lights n sounds, Shop Rent Gala, Forrent, PJ Dayag Photography, Photo Connection, Rowel Christopher Cayas, Bill Dayao, Event Hosting by Shaine, Muzik Fresco, Ramcy Tirona, Cifra Band, Weekender Studio.PH, Mixpix, The 360 Project, VON DEL perfume, Bethina’s Bakeshop, Grazing Bulacan, The MonsterMaki, Ruel Pasobillo, Muster Bean, Dred Postigo Makeup and Tammy Aldaba Tengco Atelier.

The 1st Bulacan Events Industry Ball was made possible through the efforts of its Founder and Ext. Vice President John Llona of Beautiful Occasions and Little Darlings Party Specialist on behalf of Co-Founder and President Ige Cruz, the owner of Events Extraordinaire in Marilao, Bulacan.

Cruz congratulated the GBEP’s members and officials for a successful grand event through a video message.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga –The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 proudly announces the grand celebration of the 25th Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair, a remarkable milestone in the region’s rich history of entrepreneurship and regional development. With the theme: “Supporting Market-Ready Entrepreneurs for 25 Years”, this year’s event promises to be a beacon of innovation, resilience, and growth for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Central Luzon.

Scheduled to take place from October 25 to 29, 2023, at the Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, the 25th Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair is poised to showcase the very best products from the seven provinces of Region 3 – Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales. This annual regional trade promotion activity, jointly organized by DTI-3, Philexport 3, has been a catalyst for economic growth, entrepreneurial empowerment, and the promotion of Central Luzon’s cultural diversity.

The fair will feature 169 MSMEs presenting a wide range of quality and competitive products, including processed foods, furniture, home furnishings, gifts and holiday decors, bags, fine jewelry, footwear, and various other exciting and innovative products that embody the entrepreneurial spirit of Central Luzon. A special showcase will launch newly developed and improved products and product brands under the DTI’s OTOP NextGen Project, reflecting the region’s commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices.

The 25th run of the fair represents a quarter-century of supporting and nurturing local businesses, fostering regional economic growth, and celebrating the indomitable spirit of Central Luzon’s entrepreneurs. It serves as a testament to the region’s commitment to consumer welfare, responsible business conduct, and exceptional customer service.

According to DTI-3 OIC Regional Director Brigida T. Pili, the fair serves as a good venue to create business opportunities and find business partnerships for Central Luzon MSMEs. It is

the culminating activity of industry and trade related programs of DTI-3 given to entrepreneurs in the region.

“Our goal is to attract not only local consumers but also institutional buyers and if possible, connect our MSMEs with exporters,” RD Pili said.

Capability building seminars are conducted before the fair to develop the technical capabilities of the micro and small enterprises and eventually, become exporters.  Product development activities are also undertaken to develop new products and designs that are showcased during the fair.

The fair is also supported by the Regional Development Council 3 and the Central Luzon Growth Corridor Foundation Inc., composed of the 7 governors of the region.

The exhibitors will showcase their products promoting their provincial branding namely:

Aurora – “Siempre Aurora”

Bataan – “Galing Bataan”

Bulacan – “Tatak Bulakenyo”

Nueva Ecija – “Taas Noo Novo Ecijano”

Pampanga – “Love Pampanga”

Tarlac – “Natural Tarlac”

Zambales – “Zambales Finest”

Products that will be exhibited include:

1. Processed Food, condiments, sweets and delicacies

2. Coffee, fruit juices, healthy drinks   

3. Furniture, Woodcraft and Home Furnishings

4. Lanterns, Capiz lamps, and Christmas decorations

5. Cacao-based products

6. Bamboo based products

7. Mushroom products

8. Garments and Outdoor Gear    

9. Wearables (Fashion Accessories, bags, footwear)

10. Gifts and Holiday Decors

11. Bags, wallets and novelty items

12. . Organic and cosmetic products

13. Shoes and sandals

14. Jewelry, gems and crystals

15. Milk products

16.. Leather Goods

17. Sabutan products   

CITY OF MALOLOS- Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bulacan operatives arrested a “lady drug peddler” involved in the proliferation of illegal drugs in this city and nearby towns during a buy-bust operation at PEO Capitol Compound on Sunday Oct. 15.

PDEA identified the apprehended suspect as Arlene San Pedro, 42, from Pritil, Guiguinto, San Pedro yielded nearly P680,000 worth of shabu.

Recovered from here were one white plastic bag containing two heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing more or less 100 grams of shabu and the marked money used by the poseur buyer.

PDEA operatives said that San Pedro was also previously arrested by the police in Pulilan town in 2020  for violation of Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) of RA 9165.

The Sunday operation was jointly conducted by operatives of PDEA Bulacan and Bataan Provincial Office and the local police.

A non-bailable offense of violation to Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against San Pedro.