BOCAUE, Bulacan–Floods triggering heavy congestion along MacArthur highway and other low lying areas in this town during rainy days are expected to be addressed after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had installed three pumping stations connected to the town’s river.

DPWH First District Engineering Office chief Henry Alcantara showed Senator Joel Villanueva the already installed pumping stations in Barangay Lolomboy and Bunlo last week including the works in the Bocaue River and other tributaries.

The project which costs P292-million came from the budget of Villanueva will pump out flood water along the MacArthur highway and low lying barangays and sitios towards Bocaue River. 

Villanueva said he also made talks with DPWH national officials over the full upgrading of the remaining damaged part of the MacArthur highway in Bocaue, Balagtas, Guiguinto and other areas in Bulacan which continue to shame the province for having “lubakan” roads which are not only eye sore to residents and tourists but more so are burden to the daily motorists. 

Villanueva said weighing scales will now be operated on along MacArthur highway following talks he made with DPWH officials. The weighing scale will be used in the implementation of anti overloading law.

Alcantara said his office has also started the works for the P3.5 billion worth Bocaue-Balagtas Diversion road and Bypass that will fastly link Bocaue to Bulakan town where the  P754- billion worth new Manila International Airport project of San Miguel Corporation will be built.

He said they are now in the process of expropriating about two hectares lot properties owned by six families in a portion in Barangay Matungao.

Alcantara said the project will become an alternative route to the heavily congested Bocaue-Balagtas areas of the MacArthur highway going to Bulakan town and would reduce a 20 minute travel time for motorists.

Late Bocaue Mayor Joni Villanueva who died of ailment May last year brain child the said road improvement and anti flooding projects through the help of her senator brother.

CITY OF MALOLOS–National Task Force Against COVID-19 Implementer and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlto Galvez said here on Tuesday that Filipinos may again wear face shield as a vigilant measure against COVID-19 with the current Omicron variant from South Africa that has affected Europe and other countries.

Galvez who visited Bulacan on Tuesday during the second day of the three day national vaccination program said he and Health Secretary Francisco Duque are discussing the possible need to bring back the use of face shield.

In an interview with reporters he said, “nag-uusap kami ni Secretary Duque na posibleng ibalik ang pag gamit ng face shield bilang dagdag na protection”.

As the country’s preparations against the infection from Omicron variant, the national government has now made adjustments on border control and as response to pandemic has once again reorganized the hospital ICU’s, wards and reinstitute ventilators.

“With our experience in Delta, we made our preparations and had faced it perfectly, but with this current Omicron variant, we don’t know yet its dynamics and characteristics”.

The chief implementer said the national government is closely monitoring the different dynamics and characteristics of the new variant. They had also suspend the entry of travellers from green countries by subjecting them to quarantine facility control and testing. “It is Christmas Season now but we have to balance the restrictions”.

Galvez said discipline and vaccine are two major defense and deterrent against the virus.

He said at the height of the Delta virus, 85 percent of those brought to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and deaths are unvaccinated.

The goal of the three day vaccination is to raise the current 45% to herd immunity requirement rate of vaccinated Filipinos while 35% of the full population.

He said with the second three day vaccination on Dec. 15, 16 and 17, the country expects to reach the 70% herd immunity.

Galvez is confident the 9 million target in this 3-day “Bayanihan Bakunahan: Ligtas, Lakas Buong Pinas” will be achieved despite the only more than 2.5 million reached yesterday.

BOCAUE, Bulacan–Senator Joel Villanueva who hails from this considered fireworks capital of the country sees fireworks industry concerns as a 2022 presidential election issue with focus on policies to keep the business alive as it provides works and livelihoods to hundreds of Filipinos. 

According to Villanueva, chair of senate labor, employment and human resource committee said a master plan which the next president should present is vital for all the industry stakeholders.

“It is very important that we have a master plan. Election is just around the corner. Iyong susunod na uupo ulit, ano ba ang policy niya regarding fireworks industry. Part na ng tradition natin yan. Ano ang usok ng fireworks na one time lang, tuwing salubong lang ng bagong taon, kumpara sa usok ng Edsa na oras oras minu-minuto,” the senator told reporters here on Wednesday.

He said the next president must know that the fireworks manufacturing industry has greatly improved over the years with notably zero accident because major players have been empowering themselves on safety and protection of all stake holders. 
President Duterte known for his anti firecracker policy when he totally banned fireworks during his stint as mayor of Davao City had issued in 2017 Executive Order No. 28 which regulates and control the use of firecrackers in the country to prevent accident related incidents particularly during new year revelry.

The EO has badly hurt the industry as demand has started to decline because people were afraid the products are prohibited and they will be arrested. 

EO 28 provides that use of firecrackers are only allowed in huge open spaces and not in one’s backyards prompting a reduction in the production and decline in sales. 

Lea Alapide, president of Philippine Pyrotechnic Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI) based in this town since then had lobbied to give them leeway in the production and sales. 

Strong typhoon and the EO 28 had prompted about 100 small to medium firecracker manufacturers in this fireworks capital to abandon their livelihood.

Late Bocaue Mayor Joni Villanueva, sister of the senator had sought  livelihood support and programs from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for those who were displaced. 

Fireworks and pyrotechnic business in this industry capital including in southern Luzon areas, in the Visayas and in Mindanao would reach up to more than P1-billion worth with the raw materials like chemicals, papers, the licensing, permits and taxes, the salaries and benefits of the workers, their benefits, other production expenses, shipment costs including dealer’s rentals of stalls. 

Manpower and livelihood involves about 500,000 businessmen, workers and other staffs and would reach more than one million including their family members friends and supporters.

Villanueva was in this town on Wednesday and distributedAssistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to 1,281  beneficiaries and Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) job emergency program to 1,276 residents while his family celebrated the birth anniversary of late Mayor Villanueva who died of ailment while at the height of preparing ayuda packs for her town folks

As over 30 percent of the Philippine population becomes fully vaccinated, more provinces in Northern Luzon are reopening their doors to visitors. One of them is Nueva Ecija, a landlocked province whose vast and rich lands offer a wide range of fun adventures for travel-hungry wanderers.

Members of the media had a sampler of what Nueva Ecija has to offer as NLEX Corporation, in an effort to reintroduce and promote travel destinations, treated them to a thrilling two-day tour of the province in this edition of NLEX Lakbay Norte. A media familiarization trip aimed at boosting tourism in North and Central Luzon, Lakbay Norte introduces travelers to hidden gems and provincial favorites that can be accessed via the North Luzon Expressway and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (NLEX-SCTEX), the premier gateways to northern destinations.

“We are delighted that our expressway network serves as a channel to spur economic recovery as it serves as a vital link to the provinces that are now reopening for tourism,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista.

Because safe fun is best, this edition of NLEX Lakbay Norte edition began with a health, safety, and traffic briefing at the NLEX corporate offices, before participants were whisked away some 179 kilometers northeast of Metro Manila to the “Rice Granary of the Philippines”.

After a comfy three-hour drive, they were welcomed with the relaxing sight of green, rolling prominences in Colosboa Hills in the municipality of Cuyapo. The undulating hills are the perfect playground for bike rides. For the Lakbay Norte team, it was a great spot to delight in a hearty local breakfast while enjoying a fresh breeze with a view of Mt. Bangcay.

Hills aside, Nueva Ecija also boasts of beautiful lakes. One of them is Libsung Lake, which hugs the five-hectare property of Argamosa Farm. While admiring the lake from Balinese-style floating huts and villas, the guests partook of dishes made from freshly picked produce.

“We appreciate ang inyong pagdalaw sa amin dahil kahit paano nabigyang pansin at napagtuunan ng atensyon ang bayan namin. Hosting the Lakbay Norte participants is one way of exposing and promoting our town. Ito rin ay makakatulong sa ekonomiya ng aming bayan lalo na’t maraming bumibisita at magkakaroon ng iba pang development, kaakibat ng turismo dito sa bayan ng Cuyapo,” said Cuyapo Mayor Florida Paguio-Esteban.

From farm-to-table fare to fresh fruits, one wouldn’t run out of options in Nueva Ecija. In the town of Guimba, for instance, there’s Myriad Farms, a DOT-accredited agricultural learning site where one can go on carabao rides, pick fresh vegetables, and sleep in rustic accommodations. For a laid-back weekend retreat, The Natividad Farmhouse also offers a pool, a koi pond, friendly sheep, and homey rooms for small groups.

Another town that is perfect for the ‘gram is Pantabangan. With the awe-inspiring Pantabangan Dam as its centerpiece and the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain Range spanning the horizon, visitors are guaranteed dreamy views and a breezy, comfortable sleep.

Unique accommodations in the area include the cozy ridge-side wooden cabins at the Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm that overlook the mountains, and the well-appointed Balinese-themed villas at the Highland Bali Villas, Resort and Spa. A welcome retreat after a long journey, the resort rejuvenates with a slew of soothing spa treatments, and pulse-quickening water sports including jet ski and banana boat rides.

Apart from gorgeous sunsets, Pantabangan is known for its refreshing sunrise views, too. Early risers can take advantage of this by heading to Forest Garden, an agritourism site that features artsy viewpoints, where a sea of clouds emerge from the mountains.

During the trip, Pantabangan Mayor Roberto Agdipa shared how the media familiarization tour benefits local livelihood and economy. “Our local tourist destinations and our community as a whole reaped and will continue to reap a huge amount of benefits from NLEX Lakbay Norte. Through this project, target markets were given visual information on what our community has to offer which could influence them to visit our place.”

Cabanatuan City, known as the Nueva Ecija’s trade center, shows that the provincial slogan, “Never-ending Fun”, can also be experienced through food. Putok batok fantasies came true at all-Pinoy resto Hapag Vicenticos, as participants devoured mouthwatering Filipino eats like the signature Putok Batok—a collection of sinful meats like crispy pata, lechon kawali, chicharon bulaklak, and adobong aligue.

It is not a truly fun food tour without dessert, and for that, one can always rely on Puno’s Ice Cream and Sherbet. This beloved homegrown brand known brings you back to your childhood with fresh, heartwarming flavors like lychee, chocolate, macapuno, and cheese.

Another area where one can stroll is the Freedom Park. This public park offers tree-lined spaces and a memorial dedicated to General Antonio Luna who is renowned for his role in the Philippine-American War. A short walk from the park, you’ll also find the Cabanatuan Cathedral and Plaza Lucero, where the fiery general’s bloody assassination took place.

Before heading back to Manila, the participants got their fill of freshly baked pizzas, pastas, rice meals, and caffeinated beverages at OQuadro Café. A favorite hangout among the hip and young, OQuadro Cafe’s specialties are the ideal fuel for your drive home. Sponsored by Wanderskye, Kurin, and Locally, this year’s second installment of NLEX Lakbay Norte proves Nueva Ecija is truly the seat of never-ending fun up North. Experience all that the province has to offer today. Download the Nueva Ecija Tourist Application (NETA) app and explore the provincial brochure and directory for tips on where to go, eat, and sleep. The app is available on Google Playstore.

NLEX Corporation continues to upgrade its toll collection system as it is set to start the installation of automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) and RFID early detection features in more NLEX-SCTEX toll lanes by December 2021 and first quarter of next year, respectively.

These upgrades, which aimed at further improving customer experience, will bring the total number of lanes with ALPR to 95 and with early detection feature to 217.

This ALPR system uses smart cameras that read vehicle license plates for easier matching of motorists’ RFID transactions. Toll lanes in Meycauayan, Bocaue, Balagtas, Tabang, Sta. Rita, San Fernando, and Angeles will be furnished with the new system starting next month. The company has initially implemented the ALPR system in NLEX Balintawak and in Valenzuela City particularly in Mindanao, Karuhatan, and Paso de Blas. Toll lanes in SCTEX Tarlac have also been equipped with the said system.

The ALPR system is also useful in improving safety and enforcing traffic laws as it aids in identifying vehicles passing the RFID lanes without RFID stickers, as well as those with insufficient balance, and vehicles that may pose safety hazards.

Additionally, the data from the ALPR will be used in the future as part of the contactless apprehension policy which NLEX and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are currently working on.

“Technology keeps on evolving and it is imperative to stay up-to-date and relevant. We continue to innovate and invest in technological advancements as these help us provide paramount service to our motorists,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista.

Meanwhile, the RFID early detection feature will be implemented in 29 more toll lanes starting January 2022 to boost RFID detection capability. With this, enhanced RFID scanners can detect up to three vehicles in advance and promptly process the toll lane transactions.

Previously, the tollway company completed the installation of RFID early detection features in 188 toll lanes. It is continuously conducting comprehensive technical audit on its toll lanes to ensure system efficiency. NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

Ni Mac Eleogo

BOCAUE, Bulacan–Lubos ang kaligayahan ng 191 residente ng bayang ito na mga pawang ka-birthday ng yumaong si Mayor Joni Villanueva matapos silang mahandugan ng cash gift, cake at handang pack meals sa isang simpleng pang-alaalang selebrasyon ng kaarawan ng dating alkalde nitong Miyerkules.

Matanda, teenager, bata, dalaga, binata, may-asawa ang personal na tumanggap ng nasabing mga regalo mula sa asawa ng namayapang alkalde, dating CIBAC Partylist Rep. Sherwn Tugna at kapatid na dating Mayor Eduardo “Jonjon/JJV” Villanueva sa ginanap na munting programa at salu-salo, “Proud Ako, ka-Birthdate Kita”  noong sa mismo nilang kaarawan ng dating mayor, Nobyembre 24 na ginawa sa JIL Compound sa Barangay Bunlo. 

Bago ang pamimigay ng mga regalo kabilang din ang t-shirt at ang ipinamigay na pagkain ay sinariwa muna sa pamamagitan ng isang video presentation ang mga proyekto ng namayapang alkalde at ang personal at isa-isa nitong pagbisita sa tahanan ng mga mamamayang lumapit o sumulat sa kanya at nanghihingi ng tulong na tila ba, mala “Wish ko Lang” progrmam ni Vicky Morales sa GMA-7.

Ipinakita rin ang iba pang mga proyekto ng alkalde tulad ng ospital, mga kalsada, proyektong turismo at trabaho, pangkalinisan ng bayan at ng Bocaue River at marami pang iba lalong lalo na ang personal na pag-aasikaso at pangunguna ng alkalde sa preparasyon ng ayuda habang may karamdaman na pala noong kasagsagan ng pandemya noong isang taon hanggang sa mamatay ito Mayo 28, 2020. 

Halos maiyak ang lahat ng mga ka-birthdate ng alkalde dahil noon pa mang nabubuhay si mayor ay kasabay at kasama sila sa birthday celebration nito at nagagalak silang kahit na ito ay wala na ay itinuloy ito ni Cong. Tugna at Mayor Jonjon.

Biyaya rin ang hatid ng isa pang kapamilya ni Mayor Joni, Senator Joel Villanueva ng mamahagi ito ng cash help sa 1,281 beneficiaries ng Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) na ginanap sa Lolomboy Elementary School at 1,276 naman ang nabiyayaan na manggagawa sa ilalim ng Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) emergency program na ginawa sa Barangay Duhat.

BOCAUE, Bulacan–Millions of mobile phone users were already cautioned and reminded not to fall victim of job text scams by unknown groups and individuals whose real intention is to get their account information to steal their money after Senate Labor and Employment and Human Resource Committe chair, Senator Joel Villanueva urged government agencies concern and telephone companies to address the issue. 

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and Globe Telecom since Thursday started texting subscribers not to believe the text messages they receive from unknown numbers offering them jobs and promising huge and attractive salaries.
Villanueva had earlier met officials of the National Privacy Commission including the Department of Justice to address the concern victimizing so many people. 

“BABALA! Huwag maniwala sa text na diumano’y nagaalok ng trabaho. Huwag po magbigay ng personal na impormasyon. Ito po ay isang scam,” the Globe message said on Friday morning.

“This is a public service advisory from the National Telecommunications Commission and Globe. BABALA! Huwag maniwala sa text na diumano’y nagaalok ng trabaho. Huwag po magbigay ng personal na impormasyon. Ito po ay isang scam. No public advisories? Text STOP to 26827,” reads the text message of NTC yesterday.

Villanueva said the group preys on GCash and bank accounts of some 4,250,000 unemployed Filipinos.”Ang gusto talaga natin hanapin at ipakulong ang mga ito na sinasamantala pa ang ating mga kababayan lalo na ang mga walang trabaho,” he said.

He said the modus operandi of these groups and individuals are offering jobs with promising salaries especially during these pandemic through text and email messages but would later prey on their GCash money including withdrawal from their bank accounts. Villanueva who distributed Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) to 1,281 beneficiaries and 1,276 for Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) job emergency program here during Wednesday’s birth anniversary of his sister, late Mayor Joni Villanueva had earlier called on authorities to identify, arrest and put to jail who are behind the said scam.