Round up Calabarzon

28/05/2026

22/05/2026

Start small, Build strong: Lessons from the Donques’ Ice Cream legacy

Zen Trinidad (POV) I May 22, 2026

IN Valencia, Bukidnon, Sherilyn and Mario Donque has proven that a modest livelihood can grow into a resilient future. Their story started with a simple ice cream cart and a shared routine: Mario sells from morning to early evening, while Sherilyn manages the home and preps the next batch. Rain or shine, slow days and good days-they keep moving.

“Business is really important because your income becomes something you can depend on when needs come up,” Sherilyn says.

What turned their steady effort into sustainable growth was access to the right support. In 2019, Sherilyn became a client of CARD, Inc. (CARD MRI), a microfinance NGO that helps ordinary Filipinos start and strengthen small businesses. Her PHP 50,000 loan now buys raw ingredients so production never stalls. Previous loans also renovated their home-proof that a small business can lift an entire household.

Their journey offers a clear path for anyone ready to start a livelihood:

•Start where you are. You don’t need a big storefront-just a product people want and a reliable routine.
•Lean on teamwork. Split roles that play to your strengths so work flows smoothly every day.
•Plan for the ups and downs. Slow seasons happen; keep going and protect your cash flow.
•Get the right support. Microfinance can provide the capital you need to buy ingredients, tools, or make small upgrades.
•Think steady, not spectacular. Consistent growth builds resilience and security over time.

If a humble ice cream cart can become a family’s foundation with hard work and smart support, your idea can, too. Explore microfinance options like CARD MRI, start small, and build a livelihood that feeds your family and your future-one step, one sale, one day at a time.

Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) is a group of mutually reinforcing institutions with a common goal of eradicating poverty in the Philippines. It is a world-class leader in microfinance and community-based social development undertakings that improves the quality of life of socially-and-economically challenged women and families towards nation building. (With reports from Josephine Ramos, Junior Writer CARD MRI)

CARD MRI contributed photo shows Sherilyn and Mario Donque stand proudly beside their humble ice cream cart, a business that provides for their daily needs.

22/05/2026

Fresh Food, Healthier

Zen Trinidad (POV) I May 22, 2026

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - As someone who believes in Gobyernong May Solusyon, I see fresh vegetables and fish not just as food-they’re preventive healthcare. That’s why I’m proud to support the expanded Laguna Pantry delivering fresh tilapia and locally sourced produce to families in Cabuyao City and Los Baños town.

Good nutrition is the foundation of Governor Sol Aragones’ healthcare programs for Laguna: when people eat well, they stay healthier, reduce their risk of chronic disease, and rely less on costly medical treatment.

This initiative does double duty. By purchasing directly from local farmers and fisherfolk, it strengthens livelihoods and stabilize incomes. By placing nutritious food in households, it lightens the burden on our clinics and hospitals. It’s a simple, practical formula: food sustainability today means healthier communities tomorrow.

On May 22, we saw this in action in Brgy. Diezmo (Cabuyao) and Brgy. San Antonio (Los Baños), with partners like Dr. Niño Banayo’s agricultural team and local officials joining the distribution. As this expands to more towns, it is suggested on every barangay to stay engaged-share this news, invite neighbors, and let the Governor know where you need the next drop.

Let us follow for updates, and let’s build a Laguna where good food, strong livelihoods, and accessible healthcare go hand in hand. (RC)







Video Credit: Sol Aragones FB Page

22/05/2026

SSS speeds up member services as ARTA marks 8th anniversary

Zen Trinidad I May 22, 2026

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - The Social Security System (SSS) reaffirmed its commitment to faster, more responsive public service as it joins the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) in celebrating its 8th anniversary on May 22.

“Every transaction matter to our members,” said SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. de Claro. “Aligned with ARTA’s drive to simplify government processes, we are strengthening frontline services, streamlining procedures, and modernizing systems so Filipinos can access benefits with less delay and fewer steps.”

SSS highlighted financial gains that enable service investments: net income of PHP142.97 billion in 2025 and a Reserve Fund that topped PHP1 trillion for the first time. These milestones, the agency said, allow direct funding for new technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded member programs.

To address rising household energy costs, SSS will roll out an Energy Sustainability Loan Program in September. Qualified members enrolled in the Mandatory Provident Fund can apply for financing to install residential solar-panel systems, payable over up to seven years. SSS aims to support at least 100,000 homes by 2028, helping families reduce electricity bills while promoting long-term energy resilience.

“Our stronger financial position lets us deliver practical programs that respond to evolving needs,” de Claro added.

SSS said it will continue coordinating with ARTA and other agencies to cut red tape and improve the overall member experience through reduced waiting times, faster digital transactions, and more responsive frontline assistance. (RC)

21/05/2026

CHED lauds Mapúa-ASU tie-up as model of inclusive internationalization

By: Zen Trinidad

May 21, 2026

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said the strengthened partnership between Mapúa Education Group and Arizona State University (ASU) reflects the kind of structural transformation Philippine higher education needs to stay globally competitive.

CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis, in a video message during the May 20 formalization ceremony of Comprehensive Academic Partnership at Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna’ (Mapua MCL) Francisco Balagtas Auditorium in Cabuyao City, said the collaboration goes beyond exchange programs and ceremonial agreements.

She said it demonstrates “inclusive internationalization,” a CHED priority that aims to make global opportunities accessible to more students instead of limiting them to those who can travel abroad.

Agrupis cited the partnership’s integration of globally aligned academic content, AI-enabled learning, research collaboration, and expanded degree pathways as examples of how internationalization can be embedded directly into the academic experience.

“This initiative broadens access to world-class education while strengthening quality assurance and relevance to local industry needs,” she said, noting that the model supports CHED’s broader agenda for a more accessible, responsive, and future-ready higher education system.

Agrupis said such partnerships are vital as “artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and global mobility reshape the demands of higher education.”

The Mapúa Education Group–ASU partnership now covers all undergraduate programs of Mapúa MCL, expanding from its earlier focus on business and health sciences. It is expected to provide students with ASU-enhanced curricula, international certificates, microcredentials, immersion opportunities, and faculty exchange programs.

The strengthened collaboration also opens more opportunities for student immersion programs, industry exposure, research initiatives, and faculty exchange programs through the ASU–Cintana Alliance, a global network of innovative universities.

Mapúa MCL said the collaboration will benefit students across Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, while reinforcing the institution’s role in delivering globally connected yet locally grounded education. (RUC)

19/05/2026

Laguna’s health care transformation and global health goal
“How Laguna’s health care is changing in 10 months”

Zen Trinidad (POV) I May 19, 2026

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda lists Good Health and Well Being (SDG 3) as Goal Number 3-making it a global priority that the Philippines, including Laguna, has committed to deliver. Governor Sol Aragones is turning that promise into action in her first ten months in office.

Under her leadership, Laguna’s health system is being strengthened where it matters most:

• In the barangays, where mobile health teams and free consultations are bringing care closer to the people.
• In hospitals, where facilities are being repaired, comfort rooms upgraded, and advanced services like CT scans, MRI, and specialized centers being planned.
• For the most vulnerable, with expanded pharmacy assistance, lab services, dialysis and chemotherapy access, and free dentures that help poor families avoid long trips to Manila.

These moves are not just about “more hospitals” or “more doctors.” They are about real progress toward SDG 3-ensuring that more people in Laguna live longer, healthier, and more dignified lives, no matter where they live or how poor they are.

“This is my update for now; there is still much that needs to be improved, but I am fully committed and I will keep pushing forward,” Governor Sol Aragones emphasized during her Facebook live stream, a report from her promise to action, a mark of “Gobyernong May Solusyon.” It’s a thumbs-up. How about you? (RC)

12/05/2026

Laguna families flock to ‘Akay sa May Autism’ registration drive

Zen Trinidad I May 12, 2026

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - Hundreds of families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) flocked to the Laguna Sports Complex on Monday (May 11) for the ongoing registration of the provincial government’s “Akay sa May Autism” program.

This initiative of Governor Sol Aragones seeks to bolster government support, expand assistance services, and foster inclusive programs for individuals with autism and their families across Laguna.

Parents and guardians registered on behalf of their children, who stand to benefit from the program’s services.

“This is the first time we’ve experienced this kind of attention from the governor. Thank you so much, Gov. Sol,” one parent said in Filipino.

Provincial staff managed a steady stream of participants throughout the day, ensuring smooth and efficient processing.

The program highlights the administration’s push for inclusivity and aid to vulnerable groups in the province.

It can be recalled that Governor Sol Aragones donated part of her salary to children with ASD and gathered positive support from Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) upon her personal request recently. (RC)

27/04/2026

Laguna expands free healthcare access with MRI, Dialysis Centers

Zen Trinidad I April 27, 2026

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - Governor Sol Aragones championed Laguna's healthcare transformation Monday, inaugurating a free dialysis center at General Juan Cailles District Hospital in Pakil town while announcing free MRI services at Laguna Medical Center (LMC) in Santa Cruz town starting August.

Aragones led the dialysis center opening with the Laguna Health Team under Dr. Eric Tayag and Provincial Health Office led by Dr. Odilon Inoncillo. This third free dialysis facility serves Pakil and neighboring towns, cutting costs and travel for regular treatments.

Patients receive half a sack of rice monthly as added support.
Pakil Mayor Ronald James Hidalgo expressed strong backing for bringing essential medical services closer to communities.

In a separate Facebook Reels announcement, Aragones revealed LMC's upcoming free MRI services.

"MRI is equivalent to life for Lagunenses. For a long time, some have scoured far and wide just to pay for an MRI," she said.

Both initiatives under her "Gobyernong may Solusyon" banner ease financial burdens, boost early detection, reduce referrals, and strengthen provincial healthcare delivery through her fresh perspective philosophy. (RC)







Photo by Laguna PIO

27/04/2026

Navigating familiarity vs. fresh perspectives in Laguna governance

By: Zen Trinidad I April 27, 2026

IN LAGUNA politics, former Board Member Nino Lajara critiques the new administration for lacking institutional familiarity, alleging coercion and political pressures overshadow competence. Having served three terms, Lajara positions his experience as guardian of proven traditions amid the 2025 election shakeup.

Governor Sol Aragones counters sharply, decrying the "culture of silence" that stifled dissent under past administrations. Her "Gobyernong may Solusyon" (Government with Solutions) policy embodies this fresh perspective philosophy, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and her flagship election promise: transformative healthcare programs-from expanded rural clinics and subsidized medicine to free MRI services at Laguna Medical Center by August.

The new council, without any party mate of Gov. Sol including Vice Governor JM Carait, aligns with this solution-driven approach over rote tradition, demanding bold oversight beyond familiar protocols.

This clash embodies tension: institutional familiarity ensures efficiency but risks complacency, while fresh perspectives like Sol's healthcare reforms inject innovation amid friction.

Ultimately, Gov. Sol's loyalty remains to the people, transcending political colors.

Photo: Fresh Perspective in Action: "Bawal ang Mataray sa mga Ospital ng Laguna"

Governor Sol Aragones signs her first executive order "Bawal ang Mataray sa mga Ospital ng Laguna" (No Rudeness in Hospitals), mandating smiles for patients despite chaos. With DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa, Vice Gov. JM Carait, and Board Member Angelica Alarva, this embodies her fresh perspective-"Gobyernong may Solusyon"-prioritizing compassionate service over bureaucratic frowns in Laguna's district and provincial hospitals.