LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Upang mapakinabangan ang mga nakumpiskang sako ng bigas, ipinamahagi ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa pangunguna ni Kalihim Rex Gatchalian ang 3,000 sako ng bigas na 25 kilo bawat isa sa mga Bulakenyo na miyembro ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at indigent population kahapon.

Ang mga tumanggap ay mula sa mga munisipalidad ng Calumpit, Paombong at Obando na may tig 1,000 benepisyaryo bawat isa.

Ayon kay Kal. Gatchalian, ang mga ipinamahaging sako ng bigas ay parte ng 42,180 na sako ng ipinuslit na bigas na kinumpiska ng Bureau of Customs mula sa isang warehouse sa Brgy. Baliwasan, Lungsod ng Zamboanga na kalaunan ay ipinagkaloob sa DSWD.

“Kung may napapaulat ho na may tumataas na bilihin o tumataas ang presyo ng bigas, hindi po iyon dahil sa supply, kundi dahil po may masasamang loob na talagang minamanipula ang presyo at nagho-hoard ng bigas. Kaya’t ang assurance ng ating Pangulo lalung-lalo na sa ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries, huwag kayong mag-alala dahil hindi ho siya titigil na habulin ‘tong mga hoarders na ‘to o ang masasamang loob na ‘to at ico-confiscate iyong kanilang mga bigas,” ani Kal. Gatchalian.

Sa ngalan ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando, sinabi naman ni Panlalawigang Tagapangasiwa Antonette V. Constantino na ang pag-unlad ng ekonomiya ay ang pundasyon ng pangmatagalang progreso ng Pilipinas.

“Sa ating pagbuo ng isang matatag na bansa, kinakailangan natin pagtuunan ng pansin ang maagap na pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Sa pagkakaroon natin ng kasapatan sa pagkain, ligtas na pamayanan at kalinangang pangkabuhayan mag-uugat ang pangmatagalang pagsulong ng ating bansang Pilipinas,” ani Constantino.

As the holiday season inches closer, it’s wise to kickstart your preparations for the most wonderful time of the year. This year, savvy shoppers are encouraged to get a head start on their Christmas preparations by indulging in early gift shopping to avoid the last-minute rush, allowing ample time to select thoughtful gifts for their loved ones.

SM Supermalls in Valenzuela, Sangandaan, and Grand Central in Caloocan offer a treasure trove of gift ideas guaranteed to spread joy and cheer! Here are some curated suggestions to kickstart your holiday shopping spree:

1. Accessorize with Elegance: From statement necklaces to elegant earrings, Tala by Kyla at SM City Valenzuela is sure to dazzle your loved ones. Elevate their style with timeless pieces that add a touch of glamour to any outfit.
2. Bags for Every Occasion: For those who appreciate craftsmanship and quality, Anything Creation at SM City Valenzuela offers a selection of beautifully crafted leather bags and wallets that make for a gift that stands the test of time. Discover a stunning array of leather goods that are both fashionable and functional.
3. Denim Done Right: Stay ahead of the fashion curve with Macbeth and Jag Jeans’ latest denim trends. Whether it’s stylish jeans or trendy denim jackets, you’ll find the perfect pieces to keep your loved ones looking chic and on-point throughout the holiday season at SM Center Sangandaan.
4. Glowing Skin, Inside and Out: Gift the gift of beauty with The Faceshop’s carefully curated makeup collection and skincare regimen that pampers and revitalizes. From luxurious lipsticks to versatile eyeshadow palettes to skincare products, The Faceshop at SM City Grand Central will help your loved ones glow with radiance this Christmas.
5. Cutting-edge Gadgets and Gizmos: Cyberzone at SM City Grand Central and SM City Valenzuela are your go-to destinations for all things tech! From the latest smartphone to cutting-edge gadgets, you are sure to find the perfect gift for the tech-savvy individual in your life.

But that’s not all! October isn’t complete without a month-long parade of super-sized deals and promos at SM Deals! In celebration of SM’s 65^th anniversary, shoppers can enjoy Buy 1 Get 1 Deals from their favorite dining, shopping, and entertainment brands. Customers can also avail of discounts, exclusive bundles, and exciting freebies that can be conveniently redeemed in-store. Simply download and register on the SM Malls Online app (https://www.smmallsonline.com/) to access these exclusive offers.

Don’t wait until the last minute to start your Christmas shopping. Visit SM Supermalls in Valenzuela, Sangandaan, and Grand Central in Caloocan and start checking off your Christmas list today! Also, be sure to drop by SM’s 65^th Selling Bazaar at the mall for spectacular deals and awesome promos.

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan—The full expansion into four lanes of the Metro-Manila bound lanes of Plaridel Bypass which is Bulacan’s fast growing growth center today is gear for full completion first quarter of 2024 after the construction and opening on Monday of almost half of the 22.46 kilometre (km) stretch Phase 3 of the highway from Maasim, San Rafael to Balagtas town

Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Kashikawa, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and Vice Gov. Alex Castro on Monday led the inauguration of the 7.64 kilometre (km) expansion into tow more lanes of the existing two lanes of the southbound lanes of the Japan-assisted Plaridel Bypass through Japanese International Cooperation Agreement (JICA).

The inaugurated project stretches 9.97 km with the 2.22-km Bustos bridge in Bustos town and across the Angat River including thr  36.86 meter single-span bridge and a 318-meter flyover. The bridge that crosses Angat River that was completed in 2021, Bonoan said is one of Luzon’s longest bridges today.

Bonoan said the inaugurated sections are part of the P689-million worth Phase 3 project which is the expansion and widening into two more lanes of the existing two lanes of the 22. 46 km southbound of Plaridel Bypass. JICA has allotted P5.2 billion for the whole expansion project.

Bonoan said that the additional lanes provided will address traffic congestion and enhance economic activities of the entire Province of Bulacan.

The project started in 2020 but was delayed because of the pandemic and other challenges faced by the DPWH including right of way acquisition.

According to DPWH Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain, the expansion of the existing two lane road to four lanes will cater the increasing volume of traffic going to and from Metro Manila and the eastern part of Bulacan to Nueva Ecija and further areas and provinces in Central and Northern Luzon.

The 24.61 full stretch of Plaridel Bypass directly connects North Luzon Expressway to Maharlika highway and eases the heavy volume of traffic along DRT highway.  

The opening of the additional two lanes is expected to boost industrialization and inflow of tourists, thereby improving the quality of life of many Filipinos, particularly those in the Province of Bulacan and nearby areas of Central Luzon, Bonoan also said.

Economic growrh brought by the highway is strongly felt and seen through industrialization, tourism development and commercialization in Guiguinto, Balagtas, Plaridel, Bustos, Baliwag, Angat and San Rafael  since its construction in 2012.

Warehouses, quarry plants, manufacturing sites, restaurants other than gasoline stations including the College of Science and soon will be the College of Medicine of Bulacan State University, one of Centra;l Luzon’s premier tertiary institution have sprouted in both sides of the highway making it known today as the game changer highway of Bulacan.

Ayala Corporation is now building a theme park similar along Plaridel area of the Bypass that is similar to Vermoza in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

In line with “Build Better More” infrastructure development agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DPWH targets to finish by first half of 2024 the remaining 12.5 km in the project which is now 64.28 percent completed.

Plaridel Bypass started to open in 2012 through Phase 1 and Phase 2 respectively from Balagtas to Bustos and Angat to Maasim, San Rafael.

Other officials who graced the event were Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Second Secretary Kinoshita Akito, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto and other DPWH officials, members of the House of Representatives from Bulacan Congressional Districts, and local chief executives.

President Edgar A. Orden received distinct recognition as a recipient of the 2023 College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS) Distinguished Alumni Award conferred by the University of the Philippines Los Baños Alumni Association, Inc. (UPLBAA) during the 105th Loyalty Day Awards Night held today, October 8 at the UPLB Baker Hall, Los Baños, Laguna.

An expert in Animal Nutrition, President Orden earned his master’s degree in Animal Science at UPLB in 1989. He was commended for his valuable achievements and outstanding contributions in the field of agriculture specifically in the goat industry.

During his directorship at the CLSU Small Ruminant Center, he was able to lead various national programs such as the National Dairy Goat and Slaughter Goat Programs which maximized the potential of the goat industry in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, during his tenure as the Vice President for Business Affairs, he expanded the Income Generating Project of CLSU and supported the establishment of the Agriculture and Food Technology Business Incubator program assisting potential entrepreneurs within the region in their product development and entrepreneurial skills.

As a dynamic leader, President Orden facilitated the sharing of CLSU-generated technologies to the nearby communities through the establishment of the Techno Village Program, eFARM Academy, and Agri-ATM, among others, and continuously supported the R&D efforts of the University. Moreover, under his term, CLSU forged linkages with national and international R&D institutions placing the University in various Global Rankings.

The UPLB College Distinguished Alumni Awards is bestowed to alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and excellence and contributed significantly in their field.

Consequently, he also received recognition from the

Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (PHILSAN) for his 20 years of service and great contribution as a researcher in the field of animal science in the Philippines.

Indeed, President Orden is a transformative leader, researcher, academician, and administrator who brought impact to the community and beyond borders through academic and R&D initiatives.

Central Luzon State University bagged multiple awards during the Internationalization (IZN) Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2023 organized by the CHED International Affairs Service(CHED-IAS) held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City today, October 6.

University President Edgar A. Orden personally received the ICONS award recognizing #CLSU as one of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the country with international ranking based on the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Times Higher Education (THE), and the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).

CLSU was also accorded an award for successfully hurdling the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) Certification for its three programs proving that CLSU’s curricular offerings are at par with other globally recognized universities.

In addition, the Engaging Food and Agriculture Resources Management (eFARM) Academy Program of CLSU clinched the IZN Award beating 3 other finalists under the StudyPH Sustainable Education Tourism Category.

President Orden expressed his gratitude to the CHED-IAS for recognizing CLSU as one of the leaders among the Philippines HEIs (PHEIs) in terms of IZN efforts and initiatives. He also acknowledged the effort and contribution of everyone responsible for these achievements including the faculty, non-teaching staff, students, alumni, farmer-partners and other stakeholders.

On the other hand, the multi-awarded CLSU Maestro Singers graced the awards night to perform and showcase their world-class talent.

The ICONS Awards 2023 celebrates the PHEIs for their outstanding performance in the Internationally-Recognized Ranking Metrics, AUN Quality Assurance, and ASEANWave Webxhibition and Festival.

By Jason De Asis

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — A personnel from the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, Philippine Army died following an armed encounter between the members of the said unit and the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the hinterlands of Brgy San Fernando, Laur, Nueva Ecija on Sunday, October 08.
 
Major General Andrew D. Costelo, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army identified the fallen soldier as Private First Class Sher Nelson B. Casayuran who sustained a gunshot wound in the armpit and died at Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan City where he was rushed for treatment.
 

“The Kaugnay Troopers mourn for the loss of PFC Casayuran. His bravery, dedication, and heroism will not be forgotten as he offered his ultimate sacrifice just to protect the people of Laur,” Costelo said as he condemned the continued harassment of the members of CTG in the peace-loving communities in Laur forcing them to provide them logistical and operational support benefiting their cause
 
“While we mourn for the loss of one of our men, we assure the people of Laur that we will be relentless in pursuing the CTG in the area to stop their criminal activities,” the official said.

The armed encounter ensued following a tip-off from the residents of Brgy San Fernando to the 84IB that more or less 10 members of the CTGs were circling the area harassing the people by brandishing their guns and terrorizing them.
 
“We immediately ensure the security of the community that is why we sent our troops there to verify the information. These CTG members were armed and has been terrorizing the community. Pinipilit nilang sumuporta ang mga tao sa kanila kasi hindi na nga sila makagalaw dahil wala na silang suporta ng masa. Kaya panay ang pananakot nila sa mga tao,” MGen. Costelo said.

“Isusubo na nga lang ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan kakamkamin pa ng mga mapang abusong teroristang NPA na ito,” Costelo added.
 
Meanwhile, the Commander assured that the supreme sacrifice of the late PFC Casayuran will not be wasted as it will serve as an inspiration to all Kaugnay Troopers to give their best in their service to ensure peace and security in Central Luzon.

The Army’s 7ID reminds the people in Laur to remain calm yet vigilant and report to the authorities any unusual activities in their communities.
 
“We will conduct relentless combat operations in the area to identify personalities behind the armed encounter. Further, we would like to thank the people of Laur for their continued cooperation with the Army. Kung mayron man kayong makitang kahina-hinalang mga tao na armado sa inyong lugar, mangyari po lamang na ipag-bigay alam ninyo sa ating autoridad upang tugusin natin ang mga ito upang hindi na makapanakot sa ibang tao.”

By Jason De Asis

BALER, Aurora-As a gesture of continuous full support to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) in the province of Nueva Ecija, the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – National Freshwater Technology Center (BFAR-NFTC) distributed 16,000 fingerlings to two People’s Organizations (POs) held at Barangay Bantug, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that 5,000 hito and 5,000 karpa fingerlings were awarded to Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Barangay Malinao Association (SNMBMA) headed by its President Roderick Tribianis while some 3,000 hito and 3,000 karpa fingerlings to Barangay Tagumpay People’s Association (BTPA) President Yolanda Baldos.

“This is our commitment to POs as one of our efforts to help uplift their lives and socio-economic conditions by engaging in fishery livelihood endeavors. Of course, to improve food security and alleviate poverty,” Recto said. He added that the 91st IB and BFAR will continue to help the said POs technically to earn additional income. “We are hoping that our POs will manage the free fingerlings given to them from the government,” Recto said.

BFAR-NFTC Center Chief Ma. Jodecel Danting said that the success of the free distributions is through the efforts of 91st IB who provided the necessary documents for the POs and also in support to the National Task Force ELCAC. SNMBMA President Tribianis and BPTI President Baldos expressed their sincerest thanks to 91st IB and BFAR for helping former rebels like them.

“We were pleased with the program of NTF-ELCAC as it provided us with additional livelihood that helps sustain the needs of our families,” they said.

By Jason De Asis

BALER, Aurora-EIGHTEEN People’s Organizations (POs) undergo bookkeeping seminar aimed to capacitate its officers in managing the livelihood programs given to them by the government held at Laang Sibol Building, the home of 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army, Barangay Calabuanan, here on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said that the training was given to the officers of the 18 POs informing the participants the basic accounting, fundamental financial accounting, record keeping and the requirements in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) of their livelihood programs.

“Every time that we have a meeting, training should also be conducted to help our POs to maximize the gatherings because our participants are from different places in the province. Livelihood programs are not enough, the most important to our former rebels and their mass supporters should be financial literacy in order to rightfully manage finances, repay loans, grow their savings, and even in bookkeeping, know the inflows and outflows of the finances among others through the help of BIR,” Recto said.

He added that most of the businesses of the POs are agricultural-based like hog farming, fish pond, and poultry farming. It also includes the POs business in sari-sari stores, and poultry-raising among others.

“Your 91st IB is willing to help to make our POs grow. We are also encouraging others to support their business endeavors to finally start their lives anew. Let us give them the opportunity to patronize and grow their business. Attaining peace is a shared responsibility, with that, let us do our part to be law-abiding citizens and join us in our quest for peace and development,” Recto said.

Mary Clouise A. Macatiag, Revenue Officer-BIR Revenue District Office 022 Baler lauded the efforts of 91st IB to impart their knowledge to the POs in Aurora.

“We have the taxpayer awareness program for bookkeeping, registering, filing among others. 70% collected by our Bureau goes to our government’s projects and programs based on the national tax allotment, more taxes collected, more projects will be given by our government to the people,” she said.

The exercises drew a total of 75 participants from the POs in the province organized by 91st IB and also facilitated by the BIR’s Chief Compliance Section Dan Manlapaz.

CITY OF MALOLOS—Three acquitted co-accused of retired PA MGen Jovito Palparan who were former Citizen Armed Force and Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members remain inside the Bulacan Provincial Jail due to pending clearances from four other city courts in the province, officials said on Saturday.

Bulacan Provincial Jail Warden Marcos Rivero told NEWS CORE on Saturday that brothers Michael, Marcelo and Maximo Dela Cruz have yet to be sent home despite a release order by Bulacan RTC Judge Francisco Felizmenio of Branch 19 who acquitted them and Palparan on Friday.

Rivero said other city courts—San Jose del Monte, Malolos, Meycauayan and Baliwag have to issue its respective clearances of no pending case against the the Dela Cruz brothers who hail from San Ildefonso town.

The three brothers were co-accused of Palparan in two counts of kidnapping, illegal detention and serious physical injuries filed by brothers Raymond and Reynaldo, also of San Ildefonso town. They allegedly assisted Palparan’s men in their abduction noon time on February 14, 2006.

Felizmenio dismissed the charges against them due to failure to strongly link and pinpoint Palparan as behind the abduction after they could not clearly identify him as the army official they met during their captivity in San Miguel town.

There were also inconsistencies in the written and oral testimonies of the Manalo brothers and their witnesses.

Raymond burst in tears as he went outside of the court. “Walang hustisya,” he said in a clenched fist. He said he will not stop, he will not give up until he and other victims of human rights obtain justice.

Karapatan strongly condemns dismissal of kidnapping charges vs Palparan et.al.

Human rights group Karapatan had strongly condemns Felizmenio’s dismissal of the said charges against Palparan and the Dela Cruz brothers.

“We are enraged at how this “dishonourable” court junked the truthful, credible and consistent accounts of the Manalo brothers, which have been affirmed many times over by several courts including the Supreme Court, when they stood as key witnesses against Palparan et.al. in the abduction and disappearance of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno,” Cristina Palabay, Karapatan secretary general said in a statement released few hours after the acquittal.

Palparan and other co-accused were found guilty, convicted and sentenced with reclusion perpetua in a Malolos court in 2018 on the said Cadapan and Empeno case.

“We are appalled at how this court crassly disregarded the history and legal battle that the case of the Manalo brothers have gone through for 16 years since he was abducted by Palparan’s men in 2007. This court’s unspeakable, dastardly act invalidated the abduction, enforced disappearance, torture, and sufferings endured by the Manalo brothers. Is this part of a grand scheme that will enable Palparan et.al.’s pardon in the near future?,” the statment said.

“Clearly, the case of the Manalo brothers is a dire example of how lopsided the justice system is, making it extremely hard for brave ordinary folks like Raymond and Reynaldo Manalo, to pursue justice, and demand accountability from all perpetrators of enforced disappearances, torture, and all other human rights violations”.

“We will continue to hold accountable State agents who are perpetrators of such crimes, however way they spin the convoluted narratives against the victims and try to hoodwink the public,” it further said.

Atty. Jun Oliva of the (National Union of Lawyers of the Philippines) said that they will file a motion for reconsideration and will elevate the case to higher courts.

We condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless attacks of Hamas on Israel. Violence has no place in this world and there is certainly no excuse that can justify these inhumane attacks. This kind of violence must end. We stand in solidarity and offer our prayers to the people of Israel during this challenging time.

We also call on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Philippine Embassy in Israel to provide any assistance possible, most especially to the Filipinos residing in the country.