By Jason De Asis

BALER, Aurora—The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (IB) conducted another mental health program to promote the psychological welfare of its personnel in the province of Aurora on Friday here.

 Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that the one-day program was facilitated by Headquarters’ Headquarters Support Battalion (HHSBn) based in Fort Magsaysay to establish a functional system for the provision of physical and mental health care of the army personnel.

“This is another part of our mental health program to our soldiers aimed to establish mental crisis prevention and intervention strategies in order to conserve and safeguard the fighting strength of the military personnel and the organization as a whole,” Recto said.

It also included the stress debriefing, trauma counseling, psychological first aid to help prevent violent outbursts among others.

The top military official said that the 91st IB salutes the battle casualties in Aurora for the heroism they exemplified in the performance of their duties. “Let us be united and find ways to heal from within, for us to be stronger as an organization highly trusted by our people in bringing hope for peace and development,” Recto said.

2nd Lieutenant Eulla Micheal Angela Dico, a registered psychometrician said that the HHSBn will continue to provide trainings for psychiatric makeup to avoid stress and mental illnesses that the participants could also apply with their friends and families.

On the other hand, Sergeant Shandy D. Santiago said that suicidal thoughts and behaviors affect persons of all ages, leading to long-lasting effects on families, friends, workplaces, and communities. “Even our soldiers are affected of trauma and not immune to this serious health problem, we need to remind them about this problem, the work of our soldiers is a very stressful job, performing their sworn duty protecting the people and securing the land,” Santiago said.

The said lecture was attended by the personnel from the respective Companies of Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) patrol bases held at Laang Sibol Building, headquarter of 91st IB, Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora.

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE–A city councilor has expressed strong opposition to the Highly Urbanized City (HUC) bid of the City of San Jose del Monte (CSJDM) on claims the city is not yet ready to become an independent city, separated from the provincial government of Bulacan (PGB) due to lack of industries, jobs that will enable residents to pay the higher taxes.

District 2 Councilor Romeo Agapito, stood strong despite being a lone opposition for San Jose del Monte to become a fully independent city.

According to Agapito, the city is not yet ready. He said in an interview that about 75% percent of the people of San Jose del Monte belong to poor and low to no income individuals and families who cannot afford the imposition of huge taxes an independent city will bring.

He said the city has no industries, factories where people can directly work and earn. “People here are workers in adjacent Sta. Maria town, Quezon City, Caloocan City, Manila City, Cavite, Laguna, and other places in Bulacan. They just sleep here in their homes and work somewhere else. There should first be sustainable sources of income and job opportunities ,” he said.

Agapito also expressed deep sentiments of being separated from Bulacan, the roots of his ancestors. He said the intention of the HUC is eventually for CSJDM to be a part of Metro Manila.

“Lamang dito sa San Jose ang No,” (The no votes are prevalent here in San Jose), he told NEWS CORE.

The strong opposition of Agapito stands despite Bulacan officials backing the move the CSJDM as the rest of all the 23 other mayors in the province signed a manifesto  of support.

Twenty Bulacan League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) members headed by Bocaue Mayor Eduardo Villanueva Jr. and the three other members of Bulacan League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) Atty. Christian Natividad of Malolos, Atty. Henry Villarica of Meycauayan and Ferdinand Estrella of Baliwag all expressed their support to the intention of CSJDM to become a HUC through a manifesto they signed in the first week of the month.

The support statement said that the CSJDM has met the P50 million local annual income and a 200,000 population requirement. Under Section 452 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7160 or the “Local Government Code of 1991, cities or municipalities with a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants and with the latest annual income of at least P50 million shall be classified as HUC. 

Natividad said the HUC bid of the CSJDM is a self-enrichment move of a fellow component city in the province and there is no reason for them to be an obstacle.

CSJDM with 651,813 residents has the largest population among all Bulacan’s four component cities and 20 municipalities. It is 17.5% of Bulacan’s 3,708,890 total population.  

The whole of Bulacan province—the PGB and the 20 towns and 4 component cities were allotted a P17.4 billion worth National Tax Allotment (NTA) for 2024. The PGB will have a share of P5.4 billion.

Natividad sees a deduction in the 2025 NTA of the PGB when the budget allotment for the CSJDM if it becomes an HUC will take effect because the province’s LGU with the largest population had already separated. He explains that the basis of the NTA or the previously known Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) under the Local Government Code is a province, city or municipality’s population and land area.  

According to the mayor, the deduction in the budget of provincial government will rather ease its burden of rendering basic delivery of services to largely populated CSJDM when it turns into an HUC because its 651,813, the largest beneficiaries of services in the province will no longer be served by the PGB.

“The expenditures of the province will be even lesser because of the huge population of the city. The funds of the provincial government being allotted to the City of San Jose del Monte for its social services, health and medical needs and peace and order, education, scholarships and other basic services can be diverted to small towns when it becomes an HUC,” he said. “Kung malaki ang ginagasta ng Kapitolyo sa San Jose del Monte dahil sa laki ng populasyon nito, mas malaki ang matitipid nito kung magiging HUC na  at magagasta nito ang budget sa mas maliliit na bayan,”  he said.

Bulacan Provincial Treasurer Atty. Maria  Teresa  Camacho however could not be contacted by NEWS CORE on the amount to be deducted from the budget allotted to the PGB if the CSJDM becomes an independent city.

San Jose del Monte’s enormous population makes it the 18th most populated city in the country and the largest local government unit in Bulacan and Central Luzon, according to Mayor Arthur Robes.  

During the election period, San Jose del Monte whips the winning votes in the province’s top posts.  

Robes said the continued increase in their population today requires the component city to become an HUC to meet the growing basic needs of the people. 

CSJDM Lone District Rep. Florida Robes, the proponent of the city’s full independence told Inquirer in a message reply on Oct. 7 that the provincial government provides them 30% share from the province income and collections from permits and taxes on natural resources like sand and gravel and other quarry produce through provincial government ordinances. In this case, the provincial government will be unburdened of the said 30% share it provides CSJDM if it becomes a fully independent city.  

But, Gov. Daniel Fernando and the whole of the PGB has not issued an official statement whether it opposes or supports CSJDM’s HUC bid.

In a Bulacan radio interview two weeks ago, Rep. Robes said that the PGB had twice expressed its support. “If there will be an opposing camp, we know it is not from the provincial government because Gov. Fernando had twice manifested his support,” she said.

San Jose del Monte which is adjacent to Quezon City, Caloocan City and Rodriguez Rizal is now branded as the Rising City of Bulacan. It is the first municipality in the province which became a component city. 

Known as the relocation capital of the country because of series of numerous national government housing projects for Metro Manila Informal Settlers (IFS) that began in 1963 and 1964, more than 75% of CSJDM’s residents are non-native residents and only more than 20% are native Bulakenyos.

Around 20,000 families were relocated to Barangay Sapang-Palay during that time. To date, there are about 10 flagship national government housing projects in the city. The city has 156,871 households. 

But Mayor Robes said that they have embraced all the relocated families from Metro Manila as all “San Josenos” without any discrimination. He said delivery of basic services to all the people in their city will further be improved if they become an HUC.  He also said that the strength of the CSJDM is its people.

If it becomes an HUC, it will be the third in Central Luzon after Olongapo City and Angeles City.

San Jose del Monte, the first to become a component city from the four component cities in the province will need a majority of “yes” or “oo” votes from Bulacan’s 2,099,914 registered voters during the election of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30, according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) assistant regional director Elmo Duque.

Voters need to write “yes” or “oo” if they approve the conversion into HUC and “no” or “hindi” for rejection on the question in the ballot, “Pumapayag ka ba na ang Lungsod ng San Jose del Monte, Lalawigan ng Bulacan ay gawing isang Highly Urbanized City alinsunod sa Proclamation No. 1057 na naging ganap na batas noong Disyembre 4, 2020?” (Do you agree for the City of San Jose del Monte, Province of Bulacan to become a Highly Urbanized City in line with Proclamation No. 1057 which had been made into law on December 4, 2020). Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the said Proclamation No. 1057. 

Mona Ann Campos, Bulacan Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) said in an earlier text message reply that the plebiscite is manual and has a separate ballot. The BSKE election is also manual.

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army led by Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA lauded the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental and 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade, Philippine Army for bagging the prestigious Galing Pook Awards during the Galing Pook 2023 Awarding Ceremony held at  One Esplanade, Pasay City on October 12, Thursday.

Davao Oriental Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr. proudly accepted the prestigious award on behalf of the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental.

Reportedly, Governor Uy dedicated the award to the mother of the “Happy Home”, the late Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon. He said that winning this prestigious award is a testament to the province’s unwavering commitment to promoting and fostering peace and development.

The halfway house called ‘Happy Home’ was inaugurated last April 10, 2013, during the term of former governor now Congresswoman Corazon Malanyaon. Since then, the Happy Home has been continuously helping rebels in their transition to civilian life under the present leadership of Governor Nelson Dayanghirang’s leadership.

Said facility is located right across from the 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade — the biggest military camp in Davao Oriental.
At the moment, the halfway house caters to hundreds of former rebels who received benefits from the government’s Expanded Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

According to MGen. Costelo the Happy Homes established by the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental in collaboration with Kagitingan Brigade is an example of excellence in local governance worthy of emulation and recognition.

“Congratulations to the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental led by Governor Niño Sotero Uy Jr. and to BGen. Oliver Maquiling PA, 701st Brigade Commander for their strong partnership and commitment to its peace and development efforts. We hope that this program will be replicated in other areas in the country as this kind of innovation is vital to the success of our peace and development campaign at the grassroots level,” MGen. Costelo said.

The Galing Pook is an annual search for outstanding local governance programs in the Philippines and aims to recognize and honor outstanding initiatives in local government units (LGUs) that have made a significant impact on their communities. These initiatives serve as models of best practices for other LGUs to emulate.

Some 74 railway professionals under the cadetship program of San Miguel Corporation’s (SMC) Metro Rail Transit-7 (MRT-7) project recently completed their mandatory training under the Philippine Railways Institute (PRI), a vital step towards ensuring that the soon-to-be-operational mass transit system provides a seamless and enhanced commuting experience for countless Filipinos.

The Fundamental Training Course (FTC), which began in July, was structured to provide the cadets with specialized skills and expertise. This rigorous preparation aims to meet the high standards required to handle the sophisticated operations of the MRT-7, set to revolutionize urban transit in the country.

In July this year, SMC separately sent 40 cadets to Seoul to train under KORAIL, South Korea’s leading railway operator and the conglomerate’s technical partner. They completed their training in September.

SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang congratulated the cadets for completing the course under the guidance of PRI experts during the commencement exercise held at the SMC head office complex.

“The MRT-7 project is not just about infrastructure, it’s also about people. And your duty is not just to operate a mass transit system, but to serve Filipinos daily, embodying the San Miguel culture of malasakit,” Ang said.

“That is why your training is among our top priorities. We always have to be at the top of our game, because what we do will make a big difference in the lives of so many Filipinos,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Undersecretary Paul Yebra hailed the graduates for proving their worth as railway professionals, who are now certified to “safely operate these multimillion-peso” facility and equipment.

“It is our goal that the graduates of the PRI FTC will put their skills and knowledge to use and help the government provide comfortable, accessible, safe, sustainable and efficient rail travel experience,” said transportation undersecretary Paul Yebra.

“As these graduates embark in the next chapter of their rail career, they should stay focused on the sector’s goal of upgrading our railway standards through human resource competency development,” he added.

The graduates received their certificates from Yebra and Undersecretary Anneli Lontoc, executive director of the PRI, who likewise extended her commendation to the trainees.

“Today you stand on the cusp of a remarkable journey in the realm of railways, a sector that is rapidly evolving and expanding. You have shown unwavering determination to acquire the competencies required to operate and maintain our railway system,” Lontoc said.

Of the 74 cadets who completed the FTC Cycle 7, 27 of them graduated from the railway engineering program of state-run Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

One of the cadets who graduated from PUP’s railway engineering program is Chrystelle Mhae Ibarreta, who topped FTC Cycle 7. Reflecting on her journey as a Filipino railway professional, Ibarreta said she felt her choice to pursue railway engineering no longer seemed to be an accident.

“At first, I chose the program because it had many slots available, and I was not able to join the program I wanted. But looking back, I found my purpose, and the cadetship program always reminded me that what I experienced was all worth it,” she said.

She expressed gratitude to Ang for opening the cadetship program to fresh graduates because it gave them an opportunity to become a railway professional just like what they studied in college.

BOCAUE, Bulacan—Dredging of Bocaue creeks and waterways through a P2.9 million worth clean-up project of the municipal government started last week to help mitigate flooding and the slow subsiding of flood waters during strong rains and typhoons.

Vice Mayor Sherwin Tugna who spearheaded the project joined municipal government employees and residents on the October 5 first day of the declogging efforts along the 1.5 km silted creek and canals in Barangay Igolot and Barangay Bunlo.

The first phase of the project covers the creek spanning from Barangay Igulot to Barangay Bunlo, as well as the continuous operation of the LGU’s pumping station in Barangay Binang 1^st. Dredging in these areas are targeted to be completed before the end of the year. The second phase of the project will start next year and will cover other key areas, says the vice mayor.

“The initiative is set to bolster the resilience of the community and protect it from the adverse effects of inclement weather. Frequent flooding has been a persistent challenge for the residents of Bocaue during typhoon seasons, causing disruption, damage, and distress,” Tugna told NEWS CORE.

Tugna explained that the dredging project is a comprehensive effort that involves the removal of accumulated sediment, debris, and other obstructions from Bocaue’s creeks and rivers which will not only enhance the flow capacity of these waterways but also contribute to the overall improvement of the town’s water quality.

President Marcos who met Bulacan officials following the damages brought by typhoon Egay and the southwest monsoon in July and August sees dredging as one of the immediate solutions to the flooding experienced in Central Luzon during the said calamity and every time there is a typhoon and strong rains.

A number of low-lying barangays in Bocaue were submerged into up to more than 5 ft. flood waters during the recent typhoon Egay and southwest monsoon. Due to effects of climate change, high tide of waters from Manila Bay has also aggravated the flooding even in non-coastal towns in Bulacan—Bocaue, Balagtas, Marilao and Guigiinto.

Tugna said the move of the local government unit (LGU) is their pro-active step towards mitigating the impact of slow-subsiding flooding during the typhoon season caused by clogged and silted creeks and rivers.

Tugna said the project will also ensure the safety and health protection of the residents.

Mayor Eduardo Villanueva Jr., the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Bocaue Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), fisher folks and residents partnered with Tugna to implement the project.

We are committed to safeguarding the health, safety and general well-being of our fellow Bocaueños. This dredging project is a critical step towards achieving that goal.

“By keeping our waterways clear and unobstructed, we can minimize the impact of flooding and enhance the overall resilience of Bocaue,” Tugna added.

“The project is expected to be executed with the utmost consideration for environmental regulations and community involvement. It will be closely monitored by relevant authorities to ensure that all procedures adhere to environmental standards,” the vice mayor also said.

By Jason De Asis

BALER, Aurora-Some 27 exploited local populace of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) torched on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, the flags of the terrorist movement before military officials and members at the covered court of Barangay Matawe, Dingalan town, this province of Aurora.

Lieutenant Colonel Julito B. Recto, Jr., Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion commander, said that the former supporters also broke their loyalty to the movement by signing Executive Order No. 70 manifesting their strong support to the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

“I am hoping that the group will continue their withdrawal of support to the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) who continually deceives the villagers to join in the meaningless armed struggle,” Recto said.

He added that the participants were from the remote villages of Ibona and Matawe.

On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Enrique G Rafael, 7th Civil Military Operation Battalion commander encouraged the group to convince others who are still working with the terrorist organization to surrender and to pledge allegiance to the government. “We should stop fighting and stop the anti-government propaganda. We are calling on them to put an end to their violent tactics. Let us support peace towards progress and development,” he said.

Dingalan Police Station Chief of Police Captain Emilio dela Torre said that the policemen are grateful for the group’s decision to go back to the fold of the law. “Rest assured that the police and other concerned agencies will support the surrenderer’s to change their lives,” Dela Torre said.

One of the exploited civilian populace who spoke at the activity was Ka Sonny, who shared how he was trying to recruit and to join in the terrorist organization. “The terrorist gave me an armalite (M16) to protect our farm and later on tried to convince me that I was already in the order of battle of the Philippine Army. Instead of joining, I refused. I said to my wife that the terrorists were deceiving us. We were awakened by the fact that the NPAs were fooling us and that the government is now helping us,” Ka Sonny said.

GENERAL IMPLEMENTING RULES AND PROCEDURES

Only selected toll plazas will participate in the dry-run.

For a smooth and efficient implementation, the dry-run shall be implemented in batches. In addition to the first, second, third, and fourth batches, the fifth batch includes the following:

EASYTRIP SUBSCRIBERS

15 October 2023
North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)
– Balintawak Toll Plaza
– San Simon SB Exit
– Porac Toll Plaza
– Floridablanca Toll Plaza

16 October 2023
Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX)
– Greenfield (Mamplasan) Toll Plaza
– Santa Rosa Toll Plaza

Non-participating toll plazas shall continue to collect tolls thru ETC (RFID) lanes and cash lanes.

On participating toll plazas, motorists with no RFID stickers shall be directed to a safe place/location where he can pay the toll fees in cash, and shall be persuaded to have an RFID sticker installed.

Though cash payment of toll fees is still allowed, motorists are encouraged to switch to RFID for a faster and more convenient entry and exit at the toll plazas.

Tanauan, Leyte – To provide healthcare access to far-flung communities, CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) – CARD MRI’s Microfinance and Health Protection (MaHP) opens a clinic and laboratory facility that offers medical services in Tanauan, Leyte on October 5, 2023.

Recognizing clients’ critical need for a health protection program urged CARD, Inc. to establish clinics and laboratories across the Philippines, offering affordable medical consultations and laboratory services, including maternal care, child health, family planning, and diagnostic tests.

CARD, Inc. also partnered with private healthcare practitioners and facilities to ensure the continuous availability of healthcare support and extend the services not only to CARD MRIs clients and their dependents but also to the general public.

“Our mission is to empower the community to make healthier choices and establish an accessible and affordable healthcare facility,” MaHP Director Dr. Roderick Belen said.

The said activity was part of the CARD MRI’s mission to combat poverty through enhanced healthcare access.

Among those who graced the opening of the facility were MaHP Director Dr. Roderick Belen, CARD, Inc. Board of Trustee Ms. Haydee Eulin; Deputy Executive Director for Finance and Admin Ms. Lousel Cortes; CARD, Inc. Assistant Executive Director Larry Jun Barcoma; Regional Director Isidro Guevarra Jr.; CARD Bank Regional Director Ms. Luella Bulalacao; and MaHP Chief MedTech Laarni Fernandez. Also invited were Municipal Mayor Gina E. Merilo represented by Judge Efren Abando and Brgy. Captain Mr. Romeo M. Tecson and some clients.

“This achievement serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to bringing quality healthcare access for all, a cause that is set to transform lives and communities in the Philippines and beyond,” CARD, Inc. Trustee Ms. Haydee Eulin said.

As of October 2023, CARD, Inc. (MaHP) operates three clinics and laboratories located in San Pablo City, Laguna, and Tagum City Davao del Norte. Meanwhile the third clinic is located in Barangay Buntay, Tanauan, Leyte.

Going Digital

In 2012, CARD recognized the critical need for health protection, thus with the support of CARD, Inc., CARD Laboratory was inaugurated, offering diagnostic services at a minimal fee, in addition to free consultations.

Eight years after, with the advancement of technology and with the COVID-19 pandemic, the company introduced CARD e-Doctor to offer free online medical consultations via Facebook messenger and a series of informative lectures on various health topics, including disease descriptions, symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures, were conducted by partner doctors via live Facebook sessions.

This interactive platform allowed viewers to actively participate, posing questions during the live discussions, and receiving expert answers.

As CARD MRI continues in uplifting the marginalized, the new clinic and laboratory is now open and ready to serve clients, staff, and Tanauan communities with holistic and accessible healthcare services. The said facility is open from Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

CITY OF MALOLOS – Known to be the “Cooperative Capital” of the Philippines, Bulacan launched last week a vital program dubbed as GOKOOP that will help strengthen the cooperative sector.

GOKOOP aims to intensify the promotion of cooperatives; strengthen micro and small cooperatives; increase access to finance and other resources; accelerate partnership and collaboration; enhance policy and regulatory environment; and improve Gawad Galing Kooperatiba.

The launching of GOKOOP at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here recently also kicked-start the celebration of Cooperative and Enterprise Month this October which was attended by more than 2,500 partners in nation building and development including officers and members of different coops in the province, City/Municipal Cooperative Development Officers and Councils among others.

In the keynote address by former governor Roberto M. Pagdanganan, incumbent advisor of E-HealthCore International, Inc., he encouraged banking on own local business and cooperatives which are the lifeblood and foundation of an economy and also lauded the province’s achievements in terms of coop growth and development.

Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro said that aside from the government, cooperatives are the pillars of people in need of financial support.

“Ang mga kooperatiba po ang nagiging sandigan ng ating mga kababayan na nangangailangan. Bukod sa pamahalaan, mayroon silang kooperatiba na matatabukhan tulad ninyo,” Castro said.

He also paid tribute to the contributions of Pagdanganan and other former provincial officials in boosting cooperative development.

“Nagkukwentuhan nga kami ni Gob. Obet, sabi niya 1989 pa lang ay aktibong-aktibo na, mas nauna pa nga ‘yan sa nasyonal na kaya ho mapalad ang Bulacan at nakikita natin ngayon ang fruit na itinanim ni Gob. Obet noong araw, itinanim ng mga nakaraang lider sa kooperatiba na mga nauna sa atin. Ngayon naha-harvest natin, maraming nagtatayo ng grupo pero paglipas ng ilang taon ay nawawala  pero dito sa Bulacan, ‘di tayo kaunti, parami tayo nang padami, padami nang padami ang kooperatiba, padami nang padami ang sumasapi  dahil ang ating pundasyon ay  napakatibay,” the vice governor added.

Also, parts of the program were audio visual presentation of GOKOOP Initiatives and Credit Surety of the Cooperative Development Authority, signing of covenants of more than 40 Cooperative Multi-Stakeholders and Enablers, and awarding of projects from different development partners.

Several guests attended the program including Board Member Allen Dale DC. Baluyut, chairperson of the Committee on Cooperative, Assistant Secretary Virgilio Lazaga of Cooperative Development Authority, Provincial Cooperative Development Council headed by Leilani Babista, actress Nadia Montenegro who represented Senator Robinhood Padilla, coop development partners, stakeholders and enablers from the local and national government, non-government organizations and cooperative sectors.

Other activities lined up for Coop Month celebration include Credit Surety Fund Roadshow spearheaded by CDA, Regional Kooplympics of the Central Luzon RCDC and the Gawad Galing Kooperatiba 2023 of the PGB.

Prior to the launching of GOKOOP, a coop parade was held from Malolos Convention Center to Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium.

Helena Thorfinn, (second from left on the 6th row from the bottom), Karin Hoglund (first from the right on the second row from the bottom) and Marie Neeser, (third from left on the third row from the bottom) from International Training Program  (ITP) based in Sweden with Philippine, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Timor Leste delegates to the ITP Media Asia Alumni Stakeholders Meeting on State of Press Freedom and Establishing and Institutionalizing Media-Citizen Council in n Asia held October 6-8, 2023 at Century Park Hotel in Manila.

Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Annika Thunborg (not in photo) also graced the event as guest of honor and speaker. Philippine Press Institute (PPI)member News Core online with its publisher and editor-in chief , Carmela Reyes-Estrope, Correspondent of Philippine Daily Inquirer in Bulacan and Central Luzon Media-Citizen Council President, (second from right, second row from the bottom).   ITP Photo