The VoiceNewsweekly

10/06/2026

𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄: 𝐁𝐅𝐏 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝟏𝟖-𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Bureau of Fire Protection Central Luzon has expressed its gratitude to government agencies, local government units, volunteer groups, private partners, and individuals who contributed to the successful completion of the 18-day rescue and retrieval operation following the collapse incident in Angeles City.

In a statement, BFP Central Luzon, headed by Fire Senior Superintendent Bernard T. Rosete, DSC, one of the Unified Commanders and Acting Regional Director, acknowledged the collective effort that sustained the operation from its onset until demobilization.

“This mission was never ours alone,” the BFP said, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in carrying out the extensive search, rescue, retrieval, and recovery efforts.

The bureau gave special recognition to the Angeles City Government under Responsible Officer Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II for its leadership, coordination, and support throughout the operation.

According to the BFP, the city government played a crucial role through the Unified Command structure, bringing together responding agencies, partner organizations, and support groups to ensure a coordinated and sustained response.

The bureau also recognized the contributions of numerous disaster risk reduction and management offices from across Central Luzon and neighboring regions, search-and-rescue and K9 teams, law enforcement units, debris-clearing crews, medical and social welfare agencies, logistics providers, media organizations, structural engineering groups, and psychological support teams.

Among those cited were personnel from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Red Cross, Department of Public Works and Highways, Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, as well as various local DRRM offices and volunteer rescue organizations.

The BFP said the operation’s success was made possible through the dedication, expertise, and cooperation of all participating groups and individuals.

“Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for serving beside us,” the bureau said.

10/06/2026

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐒’ 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐔𝐁

New Clark City is strengthening its position as a center for learning and workforce development through a new partnership that will transform portions of the New Clark City Athletes’ Village into an educational and training hub.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and New Clark Academy recently formalized a contract of lease that will allow the use of parts of the Athletes’ Village and its supporting facilities for English language instruction, technical-vocational education, and workforce development programs.

Under the partnership, students, trainees, and educators will gain access to a purpose-built environment designed to support learning, skills enhancement, and professional growth, helping prepare Filipinos for emerging employment opportunities and the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

BCDA said the initiative aligns with its vision of creating sustainable and inclusive communities where strategic infrastructure investments generate opportunities for people and contribute to long-term development.

By expanding access to quality education and training, New Clark City is expected to play a key role in developing a future-ready workforce capable of driving economic growth and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a lease agreement between BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang and New Clark Academy representative Kyung Bub Ahn, marking another milestone in New Clark City’s continuing evolution as a destination for learning, innovation, and talent development.

📷The BCDA Group

10/06/2026

𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐍𝐒𝐂𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐍

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) continues to advance the acquisition of right-of-way (ROW) properties for the North-South Commuter Railway Project, with ongoing negotiations and coordination efforts in Calumpit, Bulacan.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) Irish “IC” Calaguas reported progress in securing properties needed for the railway project, emphasizing the importance of cooperation from affected landowners and local government units.

Calaguas expressed gratitude to the Andan family of Calumpit for their cooperation and support in facilitating the ROW acquisition process. She also thanked the Calumpit local government, led by Mayor Glorime Faustino, for assisting the department in ensuring the smooth implementation of the project.

The NSCR is one of the government's flagship railway initiatives aimed at improving mass transportation and connectivity in Luzon. According to Calaguas, the DOTr remains committed to delivering the project in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

DOTr is targeting the completion of the NSCR North Segment, which will connect Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga, by 2028.

10/06/2026

𝐆𝐋𝐎𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐊𝐄-𝐇𝐈𝐓 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎

Globe Telecom has deployed satellite-to-mobile connectivity in parts of Southern Mindanao following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that affected several provinces in the region.

In partnership with Starlink, Globe activated the service in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani to support emergency communications and disaster response efforts after securing a demonstration permit from the National Telecommunications Commission.

Globe Telecom has deployed satellite-to-mobile connectivity in parts of Southern Mindanao following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that affected several provinces in the region. In partnership with Starlink, Globe activated the service in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani to support emerge...

10/06/2026

𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐂 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐉𝐔𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐂𝐎’𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘

On June 10, or Danding Cojuangco Day, the Provincial Government of Tarlac commemorated the 91st birth anniversary and honored the legacy of the late Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr., widely known as “Danding” or “Boss ECJ.”

The observance honored Cojuangco’s contributions to public service, leadership, and development, as well as his enduring legacy among Tarlaqueños and Filipinos.

Among those who participated in the commemoration were Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap, officials of the Provincial Government of Tarlac, and Pangasinand 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco.

In their messages, local leaders highlighted Cojuangco’s dedication to nation-building and his efforts to create opportunities that benefited countless Filipinos, particularly in Tarlac. They also emphasized the values of service, compassion, and leadership that continue to inspire future generations.

Officials expressed hope that Cojuangco’s legacy would serve as a guiding force in advancing progress and improving the lives of Tarlaqueños, reflecting the vision and commitment he championed throughout his life.

📷Susan Yap FB

10/06/2026

𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐀𝐈𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐏𝐒𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐒

The Provincial Government of Pampanga has extended financial and food assistance to seven more families affected by the collapse of a nine-story building in Angeles City.

Led by Gov Nanay Pineda, with the support of Vice Governor Delta Pineda, the provincial government distributed P20,000 in financial assistance and 25 kilograms of rice to each family during a ceremony held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center on June 9.

According to the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the Capitol has so far provided assistance to the families of 19 out of the 30 victims affected by the tragedy.

Provincial officials said the assistance aims to help ease the burden of grieving families, particularly children and dependents who lost parents and breadwinners in the incident.

The provincial government, in coordination with the local government unit and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), continues to provide support and assistance to affected families as they recover from the tragedy.

Officials emphasized that the aid carries a message of solidarity and reassurance that the government remains ready to assist families in their journey toward recovery.

📷Pampanga PIO

10/06/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐎𝐆𝐈 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐀 𝐒𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐑𝐒

Pampanga First District Congressman Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin, Jr. has filed House Bill No. 9640, or the proposed “Free Glaucoma Screening for Senior Citizens Act,” seeking to provide free glaucoma screening services to senior citizens nationwide.

Filed on June 2, 2026, the measure mandates local government units, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), to offer free glaucoma screening services in DOH-retained hospitals, LGU-run hospitals, rural health units, and barangay health stations, subject to guidelines set by the health department.

Under the proposed legislation, senior citizens may access the service through their local Offices for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) or local social welfare and development offices. Beneficiaries will be required to present proof of eligibility as senior citizens in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations.

Cong Pogi said the measure aims to promote early detection and treatment of glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness among older adults.

The proposal is the latest in a series of initiatives by the congressman focused on the welfare of senior citizens. Since assuming office as Pampanga First District representative in July 2025, Cong Pogi has personally visited 701 senior citizens in Angeles City, Mabalacat City, and Magalang, providing financial assistance, rice, vitamin supplements, and free medical consultations.

He has also extended support for laboratory examinations, maintenance medicines, and other daily needs of senior citizens, including milk and diapers.

In October 2025, Cong Pogi likewise filed House Bill No. 5068, which seeks to establish a universal social pension program granting all Filipino senior citizens a monthly pension of P2,000 regardless of income, civil status, health condition, or place of residence.

10/06/2026

𝐒𝐄𝐍. 𝐊𝐈𝐊𝐎 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐏𝟖𝟔-𝐌 𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐓 𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓

Senator Francis Kiko Pangilinan joined officials of the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Customs, and Bureau of Plant Industry on June 10 in inspecting 26 container vans containing an estimated P86 million worth of imported red onions at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).

Pangilinan raised concerns over the entry of a large volume of imported onions despite reports of adequate local supply and the difficulties faced by Filipino onion farmers in selling their harvests.

The senator noted that the shipment had reportedly been left unclaimed, causing the imported onions to spoil. He questioned why the shipment was abandoned and why the corresponding taxes and fees were allegedly left unpaid if the importation was legitimate.

Pangilinan also reiterated concerns raised during a recent public hearing regarding onion importation during periods of oversupply, saying such imports could further depress prices and negatively affect local farmers.

He stressed the need for better supply management, stricter enforcement of existing laws, and policies that prioritize the welfare of Filipino farmers while preventing the wastage of agricultural products.

📷Kiko Pangilinan FB

10/06/2026

𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐑 𝐉𝐎𝐍 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐓 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐙𝐄𝐑𝐎

Responsible Officer Mayor Carmelo "Jon" Lazatin II personally monitored activities at Ground Zero in Barangay Balibago following a Demobilization Briefing conducted by the Unified Command as part of the ongoing operational assessment of the building collapse incident.

During the briefing at the Incident Command Post (ICP), officials presented updates on clearing operations, site conditions, operational accomplishments, and the next steps in the demobilization of personnel and resources deployed to the site. The activity also served as a venue to review key actions undertaken throughout the operation and discuss succeeding phases of the response effort.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), approximately 95 percent of the debris at the collapse site has already been cleared through the coordinated efforts of government agencies, responders, and partner organizations.

Following the briefing, Mayor Lazatin conducted a site inspection to personally assess conditions at Ground Zero and check on personnel who remain deployed in the area.

The mayor also expressed his gratitude to responders, rescuers, technical teams, support personnel, heavy equipment operators, volunteers, and partner agencies for their dedication, professionalism, and sacrifices throughout the operation.

The Unified Command likewise recognized the contributions of all personnel involved, emphasizing the teamwork and commitment that helped advance response and recovery efforts at the site.

Authorities said coordination between the Unified Command and the Angeles City Government remains ongoing to ensure a smooth, orderly, and safe transition to the next operational phases as Ground Zero operations gradually wind down.

📷Angeles City Information Office

10/06/2026

𝐃𝐓𝐈-𝟑 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐒

DTI Region 3 - Central Luzon (DTI-3) recently conducted a seminar aimed at strengthening the digital marketing and e-commerce capabilities of Halal-certified and Halal-oriented micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Central Luzon.

Dubbed “Halal Growth Playbook: From Visibility to Sales Online,” the training was held on June 8 at the Social Action Center of Pampanga (SACOP) and was attended by 23 MSMEs from across the region.

The seminar forms part of DTI’s Halal Industry Development and Promotion Project (HIDPP), which seeks to help local enterprises comply with Halal standards while expanding their market reach through digital platforms.

DTI-3 Regional Director Edna D. Dizon highlighted the growing opportunities within the Halal industry, noting that it now covers sectors beyond food, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. She said the industry presents significant growth potential for MSMEs looking to diversify and participate in global value chains.

The training was facilitated by Amrei C. Dizon, chief creative officer of marketing agency Vitalstrats, who discussed strategies for increasing online visibility and converting customer engagement into sales.

Topics covered included building consumer trust through Halal certification, selecting suitable social media and e-commerce platforms, creating effective digital content, and strengthening customer engagement. Participants also learned how to establish online stores, maximize customer reviews, and use promotions and partnerships to expand their reach.

DTI-3 said the activity is part of its continuing efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Central Luzon MSMEs and prepare them for opportunities in the growing Halal market across ASEAN and other international markets.