BALER, Aurora—Nearly 400 young cadet aspirants gathered and took the Philippine Military Academy Entrance Examination (PMAEE) at the covered court of Aurora National Science High School in this capital town on Oct. 2, , a top military official in this province said on Monday.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr. commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion said that the 2-day (September 30-October 1) entrance examination was the first step in the selection process to become a cadet in the most prestigious leadership school in the country, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Recto said that the PMA proctor was headed by Major Kristin Valerie Cruz, PMA academic staff for communications, electronics and information system and the present Deputy department head of Information and Technology Corps Professor.

“This is the first time in history that the PMA entrance examination was conducted in our province, particularly in Baler. It was successfully done through the efforts of our Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in Baler under the stint of Mayor Rhett Ronan T. Angara,” Recto said.

He added that to be a PMA cadet is a noble privilege serving the country and its people with free college education and a well-rounded curriculum. “We are truly blessed to have this kind of development. Once they pass and graduate, they will soon become an officer in the Army, Air Force, or Navy- Specialized professional training for the military,” Recto said.

He added that the 91st IB provided security assistance during the 5-day stay of the PMA proctors team.

On the other hand, Major Cruz said that there are already several graduates in the PMA academy from Aurora province that are serving the country now. She said once the applicants are in the academy, they are full scholars in the government with the base pay of Php38,000 monthly, free board and lodging, free uniform and meals among others. “Once they finish, they will have a degree of Bachelor of Science in Management Major in National Security Studies.

These cadets, once graduated, will be commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“We are very thankful to the Mayor of Baler who invited us to conduct the PMA entrance examination for the first time in history here in Baler. We would like to reach out to our aspirants that since this is the first time, hopefully there will be another examination next year and all of you may take the examination if you failed this year,” She said.

Based on the lined-up schedule given by Recto, the group made courtesy calls to all Mayors in Central Aurora and to Governor Christian Noveras on the first day (September 27).

The next days (September 28 and 29) was an info drive about the qualifications for those who wish to take the entrance exam in the PMA and should bring the required 2×2 ID picture, a valid ID (including a school ID), a birth certificate, and school grades (transcript of records for college and registrar-validated school grades for high school).

The applicants should be at least 17 to 22 years old; demonstrate good moral character, and must be single, never married among others. September 30 and October 1 were the actual examinations for the aspirants to the academy.

BULAKAN, Bulacan—In a busy street in this old kabesera of the province, an astonishing 92-year old house still keeps today a century old record of family births and deaths posted on the door of a cabinet and more than a century old Filipiniana dresses, just among the millions of reasons that demonstrates Bulacan’s prominence as the culture and heritage capital of the country. 

While seventy three year old former Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato “Boy” Dela Pena, makes their Tanseco ancestral house in Camino St. Barangay San Jose as their family’s “guest house,” and as a venue for their class reunions, little to the knowledge of people in the community and the tourists who have visited the place, the rooms in the house still keep the family’s 100 year old record and clothes. 

In the door of a cabinet in one of the rooms was pasted and is still readable today, a typewritten record of the marriage date of Dela Pena’s grand parents–Homobono Sempio Tanseco, and Isabel Fajardo Tanseco, with the list of all the names of their nine children, their birth dates and the deaths of some of them.

“Dito nakatala ang mga pangalan ng naging bunga ng pag-iisang palad ni Homobono Tanseco at Isabel Fajardo na ginanap noong ika-2 ng Marso, sa Taong Isang Libo, Siyam na Raan at Lima. Dito din naman makikita ang araw ng pagsilang ng mga naging bunga, gayon din ang kamatayan ng ilan sa kanila,” (It is listed here the names of the fruits of the union of Tanseco at Isabel Fajardo that was held on March 2, 1905. It is here also the dates of their birth and even the deaths of some of them are also listed)”. 

Pangalan   Kapanganakan     Kamatayan 

Carlos           8 – 3 -06                           

Generoro       8 – 2 – 08

Ariel             7 – 26 – 12

Loreto           2 – 11 –15

Luz              7 – 12 – 18         

Sorrastro       4 –  9 –  21         5 – 1 – 21              

Victoriano      6 – 7 –  23          8 – 15 – 23

Marta            2 – 23 –25          5 – 26 – 25 

Editha           9 – 15 –27                                                                                                   

On the Sempio’s side, Dela Pena’s grandfather is related to Gen. Gregorio Sempio Del Pilar who also hails from Poblacion. The hero’s full name is “Gregorio Hilario del Pilar y Sempio”. A monument is built in the hero’s honor at his birthplace in Poblacion.             

Dela Pena who is the youngest of the three children of Luz said the document was made by her grandmother between 1927-1930.

His father, Emilio Dela Pena from Balanga, Bataan moved to Bulakan and became the Postmaster in the town in the 1940’s, where he met and fell in love with his mother and married her. 

During their childhood, Dela Pena and his two elder siblings, Luzviminda, 80 and Rosario, 76 were also surprised and amazed when they discovered the typewritten record of their mother and her children’s births and deaths, typewritten in a coupon bond and was posted on the cabinet’s door.

Based on the record, the Tanseco couple had nine children, three died during infancy and six lived. All six of them have already died years ago. The last one of them, Editha, the youngest, died in 2012. 

Dela Pena said the manner the list was made and how it was kept by their grandmother is really admirable. “It is not only a simple family record. It connotes our grandmother’s diligence, sincerity and emanating love to her family particularly her children that she wanted it known by all the rest in our clan even up to the next generations,” he told NEWS CORE inside the house in a recent interview. 

She said despite his Lola Isabel, who was born on November 16, 1887 in Barangay San Nicolas did not go to a formal school, she communicates and expressed herself eloquently. She learned only through “Cartilla” or the “3R’s,” (reading, writing, arithmetic), of the education system during her time which was home learning.

Perfecto Teodoro Martin, former President of Kabesera Inc., the historical, cultural and heritage group of Bulakan said some families during the earlier years really practiced writings on the cabinets not as a graffiti but as a record kept in a rather tight manner and location to keep it more protected and preserved. “May mga nakita akong ganoon sa aming lumang kabinet o aparador sa Barangay Bambang. Sinusulatan talaga ang gayong mga tagong lugar dahil malaki ang tsansa na hindi mawala ang data o anumang impormasyong nais irekord,” (I also have seen the same in our old cabinet in our ancestral house in Bambang. Those hidden spaces are also made as papers because of high chances the information can better be saved and kept), he told NEWS CORE. 

Martin said other important events in the life of the Bulakenyos—places they have visited, they had stayed for a vacation, date carabaos were bought, etc. were also commonly written in cabinets and walls. The practice was just like a journal, even measurement of height for several years, and so many others, he said.

Such houses and information are part of the cultural mapping Kabesera Inc. is currently completing today to further discover and preserve the rich culture, history and heritage of Bulakan while it braces the at par modern world ahead when the now in full works and construction New Manila International Airport begins operation in a few years. 

The former DOST Secretary said he also discovered his grandmother’s compilation of pictures, news clippings, and letters sent to her by his cousins who have moved in Manila that time. Many from his aunts and uncles have stayed in Manila for good because of their works, he said.

“The photos of their graduation, recognition, awards, family photos, news clippings of their achievements, letters.  Our lola kept them all, compiled them neatly,” he said.  According to him, he gave them back to them after their lola died so that they can keep and cherish them in their own family records.     

Other family memorabilias however, including the army uniforms of Carlos and Generoso were destroyed and disposed by Japanese guerrillas who ransacked the house during the Japanese war. 

His Lola Isabel had also left more than a dozen of her Filipiniana dresses (saya). Dela Pena was still able to retrieve and save the sleeves of some of the worn out pieces and he made them preserved in frames.

“I framed and displayed the sleeves of the saya of my lola as part of the family and the town’s heritage for women today to also see how simple yet elegant the Filipiniana dresses in the earlier years,” he said. 

He recalled his grandmother wore an all-black Filipiniana on formal occasions particularly in going to church after his grandfather died in 1951. Lola Isabel always kneels before an altar above the stairs of the house.

Just like the memorabillas of his cousins and other family members, he also distributed many of their Lola Isabel’s saya to his cousins in the United States, other countries and in Manila so that they could have their own collection of the Filipiniana dress of the first matriarch of their family.   

Dela Pena also recalled a story by his grandmother, that Anita, the younger daughter of Marcelo H. Del Pilar from Sitio Cupang in  Barangay San Nicolas, was her childhood friend.  

The house is now owned and maintained by Secretary Boy and his family. The last person who lived in the house was his Aunt Editha. But because she was a spinster,  they brought her with them to the Dela Pena’s own respective house just beside the municipal hall until she died at the age of 85 in 2012. 

Both Tanseco and the Dela Pena houses remain intact today, preserved and are admirable heritage of the rich history and culture of the old kabesera of Bulacan.

In the 2024 Pamana calendar of Kabesera, the Tanseco house will be among the featured captivating old houses of the town.

When his friends and classmates are in the house, Ka Boy makes sure he offers them some of the town’s local delicacies, the native longgniza, his favourite dish—tocho, relleno. He also brings them to local historical and religious destinations in the town like the Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine, Gregorio Del Pilar monument, Senator Soc Rodrigo’s house, Gen. Anacleto Enriquez shrine, etc.

“I act like their tourist guide, and they also fall in love with our town, with our history, with our culture,” he said.

Bulacan First District Rep. Danilo Domingo had filed in Congress February this year House Bill 7161 “Ac Act Establishing a Heritage Zone within the Municipality of Bulakan, Province of Bulacan” to help ensure that all the vital history, culture and heritage of the town will be preserved while the town converts itself into a premier city in the country and in the world because of the New Manila International Airport. 

The Secretary just ended his stint last year when former President Duterte finished his term. 

CITY OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE–This first component city in Bulacan gears to be the third highly urbanized city (HUC) in Central Luzon, next after Olongapo City and Angeles City through a plebiscite set during the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

San Jose del Monte, which became a component city, in 2000 will need a majority number from the turn in of votes from the 2,099,914 registered voters in the province, according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) assistant regional director Elmo Duque.  

Mona Ann Campos, Bulacan Provincial Election Supervisor (PES) said on Sunday that the plebiscite is manual and has a separate ballot.

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. 

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. 

The City of San Jose del Monte has met the first two requirements. It has a total population today of 651,813 and surpassed the P50 million worth required annual earnings. Its registered voters are now at 277,650 and the largest in the province.

Before Duterte issued and signed Proclamation No. 1057, the Sangguniang Panglungsod of San Jose del Monte issued Resolution No. 2019-059-09 humbly requesting him to issue a presidential proclamation for the conversion of the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan from component city into an HUC. 

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. 

The city is also known as the relocation capital of the country because of a series of numerous national government housing projects for Metro Manila Informal Settlers (IFS) that began in 1963 and 1964. 

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 now 156,871 households. 

San Jose del Monte is 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, the city whips the winning votes in the province’s top posts.  

City of San Jose del Monte Lone District Rep. Florida Robes, the proponent of the HUC conversion 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. 

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. cited the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army’s campaign dubbed as Kaugnay ang Laang Kawal: An Interoperable Force of 7ID on the 44th National Reservist Week Celebration with the theme: “AFP Reserve Force: Moving towards Resilient Force Posture” at Lapu-lapu Grandstand, AFP Headquarters, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on September 30, Saturday.

Said 7ID’s effort was in line with the intent of the Commander to strengthen the interoperability of the regular and reserve force in its Area of Responsibility by mirroring the skills training and capacity enhancement programs of the regular with the reserve force as part of its Territorial Defense Operations.

“Noong huling dalaw ko sa 7ID, this was one of the accomplishments of the 7ID led by its Commander na si MGen. Costelo, sa ating Assistant Division Commander for RRA na si Col. Pascua, at sa lahat ng bumubuo ng staff ng 7ID. I am very happy dahil maganda ang naging direksyon ng ating reserve force,” Gen. Brawner said.

During the 44th National Reservist Week Celebration culminating program, the 7ID regular and reservist singers along with All Star Aurora performed the Kaugnay ang Laang Kawal theme song/jingle at Lapu-lapu Grandstand as one of the highlights of the program.

Department of National Defense Secretary, Gilberto Teodoro who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker during the program said that the DND is in the process of re-deciding a reserve force based on the means of the times and not based on all dated paradigms or plans that may not be valid anymore.

“We have asked J9, supervised by  Undersecretary Lorenzo and Assistant Secretary Robinson here to decide on future reserve force based on two things. One is to complement the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and to have surfaced the civilian business process continuity so that replication of function, functional replication, and not duplication of functions. Second, in tapping the special skills that every one of you brings to our service, technical skills, lawyering skills, medical skills, and the like,” Teodoro said. 

Meanwhile, Gen. Brawner, in his speech, expressed his deep appreciation to all AFP Reservists for their dedication to protecting the people and securing the country.

“You have been instrumental in responding to national disasters, providing humanitarian assistance, and supporting internal security operations and territorial defense operations. Your surreal performance stands as a testament to your dedication and resolve in the name of duty as a force ahead in our mission to safeguard our nation and our people. Furthermore, start with my guidance as surging sun to expedite the reserved force development it is most to have witnessed the valid capability of the AFP reserve force,” Gen. Brawner said.

Among those who attended the culminating activity were Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9, AFP, MGen. Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac; top key Reservists Officers of AFP; Col. Harold Anthony F. Pascua MNSA (INF) PA, ADC for RRA, 7ID; and celebrity reservists from the three branches of the Armed Forces.

The wet season is here! But that does not mean that we should waste our water supply. While many parts of Metro Manila have observed heavy rainfall recently, some parts of the country still experience insufficient rain, which further declines the water level supply in our reservoir dams. It is no secret that water is an essential resource used every day for cleaning ourselves, the food we eat, and our surroundings to prevent the spread of diseases. To help alleviate the impacts of climate change, here are nine practical strategies to save water.

1. Reduce Shower Time: Shorten showers by aiming for about just five minutes, to conserve water and energy for heating.
2. Don’t Leave the Tap Water Running: To prevent unnecessary water waste, turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, washing your face, and cleaning the dishes.
3. Reuse Water: Reuse water used for washing rice and vegetables or rinsing dishes to water indoor plants. Laundry water can also be used for toilet flushing.
4. Sweep Instead of Hose:  Save water by sweeping the dirt on sidewalks and roads instead of using a hose to clean them.
5. Use Only Full Loads of Laundry: Wait until you have a full load of laundry before using your washing machine to maximize water efficiency.
6. Fix Leaks ASAP: Immediately fix even small leaks in your home’s plumbing system because it can eventually waste a lot of water.
7. Water Plants Sensibly: Water your plants in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
8. Collect Rainwater: Set up rain barrels or containers to capture rainwater for outside uses like cleaning, watering plants, or filling toilet bowls. As a part of every community that it serves, SM Supermalls is aware of the fundamental role it can play in promoting water security and conservation, championing water reuse, and being the catalyst of a sustainable solution. Water catchment basins in 25 malls have been installed to help prevent flooding as well as soil erosion during heavy downpours. In its malls nationwide, water is reused for non-potable use, such as cleaning the malls, flushing toilets, and watering plants. Last July, SM City Baguio introduced the first of its-kind in a mall-setting facility that converts rainwater into potable water and contributes to the city’s water management measures.
9. Raise awareness to others: Spread the word about water conservation among family, friends, and neighbors to create a positive impact and viable solutions.Keep in mind that every little bit helps, and by putting these water-saving tips into practice, we can significantly contribute to preserving this vital resource for everyone’s future.

To know more about SM Supermalls’ water conservation efforts, visit SM Supermalls or follow SMSupermalls on social media. 

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva led the groundbreaking and capsule laying ceremony of the Sta. Maria Stadium at the Municipal Covered Court in Sta. Maria, Bulacan. Villanueva, a proud Bulakenyo, commended the local government unit and the residents of Sta. Maria for their contribution in the continuous progress of the municipality.

Together with Villanueva are Sta. Maria local government officials led by Mayor Bartolome Ramos and Vice Mayor Pablo Juan and Department of Public Works and Highways officials. Representatives from different sectoral groups were also present during the event. 

The Social Security System (SSS) extended in selected areas the payment deadline for the June 2023 contribution of business employers and the second quarter contributions of household employers, coverage and collection partners (CCP), and individual members from July 31, 2023 to October 2, 2023.

According to SSS Circular No. 2023-005 (https://bit.ly/CI2023-005) signed by SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, the said applicable month and quarter were extended until September 30, 2023, but since it falls on a Saturday, the deadline was further extended to the next working day, which is October 2, 2023.

“We understand that these calamities have affected the ability of some of our members, covered employers, and CCPs in selected areas to pay their contributions on or before their original schedule. For consideration, we are giving them more time to pay their SSS contributions so that payment gaps or late payments can be avoided,” Macasaet said.

The extension applies to employers, CCPs, and members in areas declared under State of Calamity by various local government offices due to the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Tropical Cyclones Egay and Falcon, such as the provinces of:

• Ilocos Norte,
• Ilocos Sur,
• La Union,
• Pangasinan,
• Cagayan,
• Bataan,
• Bulacan,
• Nueva Ecija,
• Pampanga,
• Tarlac,
• Cavite,
• Rizal,
• Occidental Mindoro,
• Abra,
• Apayao,
• Benguet,
• Ifugao, and
• Mountain Province.

The said extension also covers other areas that may be declared under State of Calamity by local government units, local disaster risk reduction management offices, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, or the national government.

Likewise, employers with approved installment proposals must deposit their post-dated checks that fall due in June and July 2023 on or before October 2, 2023.

However, no contribution paid retroactively by individual members will be used in determining their eligibility to any benefit arising from a contingency wherein the date of payment is within or after the semester of contingency.The original contribution payment deadlines and guidelines in the said areas will resume starting with the applicable month of July 2023.

SM Center Sangandaan is all set to host an event that promises a wagging good time for pets and their owners alike as the mall celebrates World Animal Day. On October 4, the mall will transform into a haven for furry friends, featuring a range of engaging activities and partnerships with notable pet enthusiasts and local pet businesses.

The festivities at SM Center Sangandaan will commence with a pet blessing ceremony, where pets and their owners can receive blessings for health and happiness. At the heart of this event is a Corgi Meet that will bring together corgi enthusiasts and their adorable companions. Biggie_thecorgi, a social media sensation, will be present to host the gathering, making it an unforgettable day for Corgi lovers and their four-legged companions. This delightful gathering of corgis promises to be a heartwarming spectacle, showcasing the charm and playfulness of these adorable furballs.

For the health and wellness of our furry companions, SM Center Sangandaan has teamed up with NCE Sangandaan Animal Clinic to offer pet anti-rabies vaccination, deworming, and check-up services. The experienced professionals from NCE Sangandaan Animal Clinic will be on-site to ensure that each pet receives the care they deserve.

To add a dash of culinary delight, the mall has partnered with The Little Paw Partissier to present an exclusive Pet Buffet. From scrumptious treats to specially crafted meals, this culinary experience will pamper pets with a delectable assortment of flavors, sure to have tails wagging in approval.

The celebration doesn’t end there! Pet Games will also be the highlight of the event, providing entertainment for both pets and their owners. From fun agility courses to exciting challenges, there will be something for every pet to enjoy. Prizes and giveaways will make it even more thrilling for participants.

Additionally, our furry friends will have a chance to enjoy a variety of pet treats provided by our generous pet brand sponsors. These treats are sure to delight your pets and add a touch of sweetness to their day.

In addition to these exciting activities, SM Center Sangandaan will be partnering with local shelter, Whelps, for a special Pet Adoption event. This event encourages prospective pet owners to consider adoption, offering them the opportunity to provide a loving home to a deserving lovable companion.

World Animal Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about animal welfare and celebrating the diverse and incredible array of creatures that share our planet. SM Center Sangandaan is proud to stand with this cause with spectacular events aimed at uniting animal lovers, fostering a deeper appreciation for our loyal companions, and advocating responsible pet ownership.

Hiniling ni Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, principal sponsor ng Increased Social Pension of Indigent Senior Citizens Law, sa Department of Budget and Management (DBM) na siguruhing may nakalaang pondo para sa dagdag na buwanang social pension ng mga indigent senior citizen. 

 Sa 2024 National Expenditure Program, naglaan ng P49.80 bilyon para sa P1,000 kada buwan na social pension ng mga indigent senior citizen. 

Subalit, iginiit ni Villanueva na sa taong 2023, nananatiling P500 kada buwan ang social pension ng mga indigent senior citizen, kahit na naipasa ang batas na nagdodoble sa halaga nito noong nakaraang taon. 

 “Maawa naman po tayo sa ating mga senior citizens. Ibigay na po ang dagdag pension na dapat ay natatanggap na nila,” sabi ni Villanueva.

 “Bakit po ang flood control program na mayroong budget na P1.074 bilyon kada araw, ngunit hindi nararamdaman ang epekto, ay madali pong napopondohan, pero itong ayuda na kailangan na kailangan ng ating mga lolo at lola ay hirap na hirap po tayong hanapan ng pondo?” dagdag niya.

 Sa ilalim ng 2023 General Appropriations Act, P25.30 bilyon ang inilaang pondo para sa social pension ng mga indigent senior citizens. May inilaan ding P25 bilyon sa ilalim ng unprogrammed funds para sa dagdag pensiyon. 

 Mandato ng Republic Act No. 11916, inisponsoran ni Villanueva noong 18th Congress, na dagdagan ng 100 porsiyento ang buwanang pensiyon – P1,000 mula sa dating P500 – ng mga indigent senior citizen, na tinatayang nasa 4.1 milyon sa kasalukuyan. 

 Inamiyendahan ng batas ang Republic Act No. 7432, ang unang Senior Citizens Act. Sa budget briefing sa Senado, sinabi ng DBM na wala pang pondong nailabas mula sa unprogrammed funds para sa dagdag na pensiyon, na nangangahulugang wala pang indigent senior citizen na nakakatanggap ng dagdag pensiyon sa taong ito.

 “Our elderlies are pinning their hopes on the release of the unprogrammed funds to get their pension,” ani Villanueva. 

 “Sa mahabang panahon ng paglalaan ng lakas sa kanilang pamilya at sa bansa, bigyan naman po natin sila ng kaunting ginhawa,” dagdag pa niya.