CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), the microinsurance arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), highlighted its latest microinsurance product, AcciPlan, during its 24th anniversary celebration, on September 7, 2023.

AcciPlan will deliver comprehensive accident insurance coverage for both its members and their legal dependents. The product will undergo pilot testing in select provincial offices starting October 1, 2023.

CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn A. Dequito emphasized the Association’s unwavering commitment for the vulnerable communities. “Our focus has always been the protection and well-being of our members and their families. Our new product underscores this dedication and commitment to safeguarding Filipinos amid uncertainties.

Natatanging MBA Coordinator Awardee

Meanwhile, the program also awarded outstanding MBA coordinators, namely, Rowena Sumilang from VisMin Region as the 2023 NMC National Winner; Jessa Bulos from Luzon 2 Region, 1st place; and Anna Sheila Raut-raut from Luzon 2 Region, 2nd place.

Each awardee received a cash prize, a plaque of recognition, and a token of appreciation.

The event was graced by Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Managing Director Aristeo Dequito, CARD Bank President/CEO Marivic Austria, CARD SME Bank President/CEO Cynthia Baldeo, CARD RBI President/CEO Elma Valenzuela, CAMIA President and General Manager Vener Abellera, MIMAP Vice President Silvida Antiquera, Insurance Commission Commissioner Atty. Reynaldo Regalado, some of the CARD MRI senior advisers, staff, CARD MBA Board of Trustees, and MBA coordinators.

Adding to the roster of its achievements, CARD MBA has been recognized among the Global 500 ranking of the largest mutual and cooperative insurance companies in the world.

The celebration also highlighted the leadership transition, introducing Reazhyle Francisco as the new president of the CARD MBA Board of Trustees with six newly elected trustees.

As of July 2023, CARD MBA had a total of 7,349,281 active members.

Over a hundred donors from SM Malls in Grand Central and Sangandaan in Caloocan and Valenzuela took part in the annual bloodletting event to mark the onset of the gift-giving season.

Dubbed “Dugong Bigay, Dugtong Buhay”, the activity was in support of the Voluntary Blood Donation Program spearheaded by the Department of Health’s Philippine Blood Center (PBC) in collaboration with SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) and SM’s Medical Services Division.

A total of 100 units of blood were collected from successful donors in SM City Grand Central, SM Center Sangandaan, and SM City Valenzuela during the one-day donation drive held at the mall.

SM City Grand Central’s nurse, Mary Grace Batoon, said that prior to the blood extraction, volunteers underwent a medical interview, a physical check-up, and blood tests to qualify as donors. A lecture on blood awareness, its function, and the health benefits of donating blood followed.

The blood donation drives at SM were aligned with Republic Act No. 7719, the National Blood Services Act of 1994, which encourages voluntary blood donation to ensure sufficient supply of safe blood.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Olongapo City—The top official of the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) Zambales-Olongapo chapter is the newly elected president of the CLMA Region.

Victorio “Vic” Vizcocho Jr., publisher of Subic Bay News and former chief of reporters of DZMM took his oath before National Press Club officials headed by its President Lydia Bueno on Friday, September 22, 2023 at The MG Grand Hotel here which coincides with the celebration of the organization’s 45^th founding anniversary.

Vizcocho has led the Zambales-Olongapo chapter since its establishment in September last year. The local CLMA in the province was a merger of Zambales and Olongapo City-based, particularly Subic Bay Freeport media.

Being the most recently created chapter of the CLMA Region, it is the youngest of the seven chapters.

But amidst being young, Zambales-Olongapo Chapter was awarded during the event the “2023 Gawad CLMA for Unity, Strength and Solidarity”.   

Similarly active, very cooperative and supportive officers of the group—Dante Salvana, Aileen Cuevas-Sanchez, Alex Galang, Jonas Reyes, Jay-Czar La Torre, Kristal Barcoma and others also largely contributed to the unity, strength and solidarity of their chapter.

Vizcocho succeeded Carmela Reyes-Estrope from Bulacan. Estrope expressed her full confidence in the foreseen and par excellence leadership of the new president. “Certainly, the CLMA is in good and best hands,” she said.

Tarlac chapter President Bily Nuqui took oath as the executive vice president of the CLMA Region with Deng Pangilinan of Pampanga chapter, Bernie Diaz of Nueva Ecija and Jason De Asis of Aurora as vice president respectively for online, print and broadcast.

Salvana and Galang were inducted as the secretary and treasurer respectively while Eloisa Silverio from Bulacan chapter as the Auditor.

Nueva Ecija chapter’s Menchie Matias and Cinderella Gonzales; Tarlac’s Dina Diaz and Menchie Hernandez; Bulacan’s Theofel Santos and Lalaine Santos; Pampanga’s Jaypee Manalang and Lara Cunanan; Zambales’s Sanchez and Salvana and Aurora’s Rommel Espinosa and Judith Sindac were inducted as Region Board of Directors.

Former CLMA Nueva Ecija chapter president Sonia Capio took oath as the secretary general.

Estrope, the immediate past president, is elevated to the Council of Leaders of the CLMA Region, the core group of all the previous presidents.   

Past presidents Neth Lagasca-Carlos and Mel Ciriaco of Nueva Ecija continue to head the Council as chairman and vice chairman respectively and Alma Ochotorena as Ombudsman.

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, Philippine Army conducted a 5-day Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) and Ammunition Handling (AH) to the officers and enlisted reserve of the 307th Aurora Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion (ARRIBn) and members of Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) at its headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on September 19-23, 2023.

 
Said initiative was part of the efforts of the unit to strengthen the interoperability of the Regular and Reserve Forces in line with the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army’s program ‘Kaugnay ang Laang Kawal’.
 
According to Lieutenant Colonel Julito B. Recto Jr., the training aims to enhance the participants’ knowledge of CIED and AH to intensify its campaign in preparation for the Territorial Defense Operations (TDO) of the unit.

 
“We want them to be ready on how would they react properly when they encounter an IED and handling an ammunition which makes them better able to protect themselves and accomplish their mission in a particular area or battle in the fields,” Lt. Col. Recto said.
 
Further, Lt. Col. Recto Jr. underscored the importance of the training in saving lives.
 
“The terrorist groups use IEDs as one of their tactics and often hides them to look like ordinary items like cellphone, earphone, make-up kit, cigarette pack, or book but it is a lethal device and it could kill people. We trained them to be aware of it to save lives,” he added.
 
During the training, the participants learned the fundamentals of IEDs, their construction, enemy employment, and the means to effectively protect personnel, equipment, and other assets from such devices.
 
On the other hand, 2LT Antonio Rugayan, Operations Officer of the 307th ARRIBn expressed his gratitude to the unit for its continuous support to the reserve force increasing their knowledge and skills.
 
The Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA lauded the continued efforts of the 91IB enhancing the knowledge, skills, and capability of the reserve force along with the regular force as part of the Command’s objective of having an interoperable force in 7ID.
 
“This training for the reservists and the CAA is essential in the performance of their duties and responsibilities as we intensify the TDO in our Area of Responsibility,” MGen. Costelo said.

Manila, Philippines – September 26, 2023 – The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) is gearing up to host the most electrifying event of the year, the EV Summit 2023, from October 19th to 21st at the SMX Convention Center in the Mall of Asia (MOA) complex. EVAP President Edmund Araga is excited to announce that this year’s summit will showcase much more than just electric cars, with a stunning array of electric vehicles (EVs) and related technologies on display.

Under the visionary leadership of President Araga, the EVAP team has curated a diverse lineup of EVs that will be showcased at the event. Attendees can expect to witness not only electric cars but also electrifying ebuses, energetic etrucks, and a multitude of zippy emotorcycles, all under the L3 category. This broad range of vehicles demonstrates the rapid and dynamic evolution of electric mobility in the Philippines.

President Araga stated, “The EV Summit 2023 is not just about electric cars; it’s about showcasing the entire spectrum of electric vehicles and the cutting-edge technologies that are driving this transformation. We are excited to present a platform where attendees can experience firsthand the future of transportation in our country.”

In addition to the impressive lineup of electric vehicles, the EV Summit 2023 will also feature a vibrant exhibition of EV suppliers and innovators. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in EV components, batteries, charging infrastructure, and much more. This exhibition promises to be a hub of innovation, where industry leaders and enthusiasts can connect, collaborate, and accelerate the growth of the electric vehicle ecosystem.

President Araga emphasized, “Our goal is not only to showcase the diversity of electric vehicles but also to foster partnerships that will drive the adoption of electric mobility in the Philippines. By bringing together suppliers, manufacturers, and stakeholders, we aim to create a sustainable and eco-friendly future for our nation.”

With the sudden and remarkable rise in electric vehicles across the country, the EV Summit 2023 is poised to be the most exciting exhibit in the Philippines this year. The event will provide a unique opportunity for businesses, government agencies, and the general public to learn, engage, and contribute to the electrifying future of transportation in the Philippines.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this groundbreaking event. Mark your calendars for October 19th to 21st and join us at the SMX Convention Center in MOA for the EV Summit 2023. Stay tuned for further updates and announcements as we continue to electrify the future of transportation in the Philippines.

Executive Assistant to the Governor, former Paombong, Bulacan Councilor James Santos receives the “Natatanging Gawad Pagpapahalaga at Pagkilala” plaque for Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando from outgoing Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) Region President Carmela Reyes-Estrope, (third from left), with fellow officers,(from left) Billy Nuqui, Tarlac chapter president, Arnel San Pedro, Pampanga chapter immediate past president, Council of Leaders Chairman and Vice Chairman and Board of Directors of Nueva Ecija chapter Neth Lagasca-Carlos and Mel Ciriaco, (right) and the newly elected CLMA Region President Vic Vizcocho Jr. during the organization’s 45th Founding Anniversary celebration held on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 at The MG Grand Hotel in Subic Bay FreePort, Olongapo City. The governor supported the projects and programs of Estrope’s term from 2021 which had largely contributed to the reinvigoration of the CLMA, the only existing regional media group in the country. Estrope is Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Correspondent for Bulacan and NEWS CORE’s publisher and editor-in-chief. The governor is taking a full rest at home after he was recently rushed to a hospital due to exhaustion and dehydration. Photo by Anton Luis Catindig

NLEX Corporation Vice President Kit Ventura, receives the “Gawad Pagpapahalaga at Pagkilala” plaque for the company from outgoing Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) Region President Carmela Reyes-Estrope, (third from left), with fellow officers,(from left) Billy Nuqui, Tarlac chapter president, Arnel San Pedro, Pampanga chapter immediate past president, Council of Leaders Chairman and Vice Chairman and Board of Directors of Nueva Ecija chapter Neth Lagasca-Carlos and Mel Ciriaco, (right) and the newly elected CLMA Region President Vic Vizcocho Jr. during the organization’s 45th Founding Anniversary celebration held on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 at The MG Grand Hotel in Subic Bay FreePort, Olongapo City. NLEX Corporation supported the projects and programs of Estrope’s term since 2021 which had largely contributed to the reinvigoration of the CLMA, the only existing regional media group in the country. Estrope is Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Correspondent for Bulacan and NEWS CORE’s publisher and editor-in-chief. Photo by Anton Luis Catindig

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LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS – Tatlumpu’t apat na Bulakenyong naghahanap ng trabaho ang natanggap agad sa idinaos na Bulacan Trabaho Service (BTS) Caravan: Singkaban Job Fair 2023 noong Setyembre 15 sa Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium dito.

Sa pakikipagtulungan ng Department of Labor and Employment, 6,076 na trabaho mula sa 50 lokal na employer at limang overseas agency ang hatid ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan sa pamamagitan ng Provincial Youth, Sports, at Public Service Office sa may 614 aplikante.

Hinikayat ni Regional Director Geraldine M. Panlilio ng DOLE RO3 ang mga aplikante na bagama’t hindi lahat ay makakakuha ng trabaho, hindi sila dapat mawalan ng pag-asa bagkus ay patuloy na paunlarin ang kanilang mga sarili.

“If ever you will not be lucky, I hope this would not discourage you from doing your best upang i-improve n’yo pa ang inyong mga sarili,” sabi ni Panlilio.

Samantala, personal na ginarantiyahan ni Bise Gob. Alexis C. Castro ang mga jobseeker mula sa Bulacan at hinihikayat ang mga kumpanya na subukan sila.

Aniya, hindi umano pagsisisihan na tanggapin ang mga Bulakenyo sa trabaho dahil kilala ang mga ito pagiging masipag at mapagkakatiwalaan.

“Wala pong nagsisimula sa malaki, lahat nagsisimula sa maliit. Masarap ang pakiramdam kapag unti-unti nating natutupad ang ating mga pangarap, at walang imposible kahit gaano tayo katanda, basta’t nagsusumikap tayo. Katulad ng sinabi ko, ang mga Bulakenyo ay masisipag at mapagkakatiwalaan. Basta’t may tiyaga tayo sa buhay at patuloy tayong nagdarasal, walang malakas na higit sa panalangin,” ani Castro.

Kasabay nito, isinagawa rin ang pamamahagi para sa DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) kung saan tinanggap ng 511 benepisyaryo ang mga livelihood package kabilang ang welding machines, soap–making machine kits, hilot/wellness kits, sewing machines, food processing machines, at oven machines mula sa DOLE at Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan.