Round up Calabarzon

24/08/2025

Roar of the People: LION and BIOs Signal a New Era of Grassroots Journalism

The revival of the Laguna Information Officers Network (LION) and the formation of Barangay Information Officers (BIOs) open a new chapter in how communities tell their stories. Instead of narratives dictated by distant institutions, citizens themselves can now take the lead in shaping local discourse.

This vision is strongly backed by Governor Sol Aragones, herself a former reporter and a Development Communication graduate of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, major in Community Broadcasting. Having once worked at the frontline of news and information, she understands the power of communication in amplifying community voices and strengthening participatory governance.

This is the essence of grassroots journalism, bottom-up reporting that reflects the real concerns of neighborhoods, schools, and barangays. Far too often, issues with immediate impact-like council decisions, classroom developments, or environmental challenges are neglected by mainstream media. By elevating these voices, grassroots journalism ensures that no story is too small if it matters to the people.

Collaboration strengthens this movement. When citizens, local reporters, and government communicators work together, coverage becomes more accurate, diverse, and trusted. Digital tools and social media further amplify this reach, ensuring wider participation and quicker dissemination of information.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through Memorandum Circular 2025-60, recognizes that good governance is impossible without citizen participation. By empowering communities to articulate their needs and monitor programs, partnerships with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) can make governance more transparent, responsive, and effective.

Ultimately, initiatives like LION and BIOs are not just about news reporting-they are about reclaiming public voice. They nurture media literacy, promote responsible storytelling, and help communities become active partners in development.

The roar of the LION must be heard: people are ready not only to speak, but to shape the future of governance. Via Zen Trinidad

23/08/2025

Akay ni Sol Mission delivers free healthcare to 2K Lagunenses

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna- More than 2,000 residents from different towns and barangays across Laguna benefited from free healthcare services during the Grand Medical Mission on Saturday (August 23, 2025) held at the Laguna Sports Complex Bubucal, Santa Cruz town.

The initiative spearheaded by Akay ni Sol Partylist, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Laguna(PGL) drew strong support from various civic and volunteer organizations.

Residents availed themselves of a wide range of free services, including medical and dental consultations, reading glasses, medicines, therapy sessions, X-rays, ECGs, and other essential healthcare support-particularly crucial for those with limited access to medical care.

Akay Partylist Secretary General Doland Castro said the program reflects the group’s continuing commitment to strengthen healthcare services in the province.

“Programs like this are part of our long-standing mission to support the GOByernong may SOLusyon vision of Gov. Sol Aragones, which prioritizes accessible and quality healthcare for every Lagunense,” Castro said.

Rizal Vice Mayor Tony Aurelio, also representing Akay ni Sol Partylist, emphasized the group’s dedication to the people of Laguna: “We will continue to guide and support our fellow Lagunenses through programs that truly respond to their needs.”

The Grand Medical Mission stands as a testament to government, civic organizations, and private partners working hand in hand toward a healthier and stronger Laguna community.

Partner groups included the Kadiwa Eagles Club, Life Saver Medical Services, LE CARE Worldwide Foundation, 2World Service Caravan Effata, Alpha Phi Omega, Knights Region NCR XVIII, Philippine Eagle Shepherd Region, Kingsmen, Malayang Agila Sacred Grand Medical Mission Beta Alpha, and the APO ni Rizal Alumni Association-Calamba, alongside volunteer doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.

Grateful residents welcomed the initiative, noting that the services provided not only offered immediate relief but also renewed hope and assurance that their health concerns are being addressed. Via Zen Trinidad

23/08/2025

Liga ng mga Barangay backs Gov. Sol Aragones

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna -Acknowledging her “dynamic leadership” and trusting in her “vision for a more progressive and united Laguna,” the Liga ng mga Barangay in Laguna (LBL) on Friday, has formally expressed its unified support for Governor Sol Aragones through a signed manifesto.

Liga Presidents representing various cities and municipalities across the province affixed their signatures, highlighting the vital role of the provincial government in driving growth, sustainable development, and inclusive public service during their assembly at the Governor’s Function Room Capitol Compound in Santa Cruz town.

The manifesto underscores the barangay leaders’ pledge to collaborate closely with the administration in advancing infrastructure, livelihood, and social welfare programs that directly benefit their communities.

In their statement, barangay officials recognized Governor Aragones’ leadership and reaffirmed their trust in her governance. They also emphasized their readiness to work hand in hand with the provincial government to ensure that programs and projects reach the grassroots.

The signing of the manifesto symbolizes not only the solidarity of local leaders but also their shared determination to support initiatives that will uplift the lives of Lagunenses and strengthen the province’s path toward sustained development. Via Zen Trinidad

23/08/2025

Laguna Expo showcases province as Celebration Hub

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna -The Laguna Event Expo 2025 officially opened on August 22 until 24 at the Calamba Tent, marking a milestone for the province’s growing events and celebrations industry.

Backed by the Provincial Government under Governor Sol Aragones and key industry partners, the Expo became a convergence of businesses, creatives, and advocates working to elevate Laguna as a premier destination for celebrations and gatherings.

Governor Sol Aragones expressed her administration’s full support: “Ang Provincial Government po ng Laguna ay naka-suporta sa ating event sector. Tutulungan po namin kayo.”

Grace Garcera, Head of Laguna Event Expo, reinforced this vision: “This is more than an event - it’s a movement with intent: uniting Laguna advocates to make Laguna the next Celebration Destination.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Joji Juliano, CMC Group Events Head of Calamba Tent, underscored the extensive preparations that led to the launch: “This is not the last- this is just the beginning.”

The Expo featured 76 exhibitors from event management, tourism, business solutions, and creative industries. Highlights included the Laguna Cake Artist Competition and cultural performances from the Calamba City School for the Arts, showcasing the province’s creativity and heritage.

Beyond the festivities, the Expo positioned itself as a strategic platform for collaboration, where government leaders, business chambers, tourism officials, and industry professionals explored ways to foster innovation and sustain growth in the events sector.

With strong support and active participation, the Laguna Event Expo 2025 has set the stage for Laguna to emerge as one of the country’s most vibrant hubs for celebrations, conventions, and tourism-driven enterprises. Via Zen Trinidad

23/08/2025

22/08/2025

Clean Hospitals, Healthy Patients: Gov. Sol Leads Pakil Drive

Governor Sol Aragones made a surprise visit to the General Cailles District Hospital in Pakil on Friday (August 22, 2025) and didn’t just inspect , she led the cleanup drive. Piles of trash were hauled out, and even a fire truck was brought in to sanitize the hospital grounds.

“Kung malinis ang ospital, mas gumagaan ang pakiramdam ng pasyente at pamilya,” Gov. Sol said. She also brought new hospital beds and electric fans to make every room safer and more comfortable.

Gov. Sol reminded everyone that cleanliness in hospitals is non-negotiable. It’s not just about looks, it’s about respect, dignity, and faster recovery for patients.

“Gusto natin maging malinis hindi lamang dito kundi sa lahat ng provincial at district hospitals natin sa Laguna,” she added.

Clean environment leads to better healthcare. With this drive, Gov. Sol is setting the tone for all hospitals in Laguna: malinis, maayos, at para sa tao. Via Zen Trinidad

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Roundup Calabarzon Roundup Calabarzon

22/08/2025

🌀 Bagyong ISANG Update ‼️

⚠️ 𝙒𝙀𝘼𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍 𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀 | 𝘿𝙊𝙎𝙏-𝙋𝘼𝙂𝘼𝙎𝘼

Asahan ang malalakas na pag-ulan ngayong Aug. 22–24 dahil sa bagyong ISANG at habagat.

Heavy to Intense (100–200 mm): Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Aurora, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Occidental Mindoro

Moderate to Heavy (50–100 mm): Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Quezon, Palawan at iba pang karatig-probinsiya

👉 Mag-ingat po sa posibleng pagbaha at landslide. Sundin ang anunsyo ng LGU at abangan ang next update 5 PM.

📌 Source: DOST-PAGASA

Via TALA CANDAZA

22/08/2025

🌧️ Walang Pasok sa Laguna! Narito ang mga lugar na may class suspension ngayong Biyernes, Agosto 22, 2025.⬇️

🚨 CLASS SUSPENSION ADVISORY | LAGUNA | AUGUST 22, 2025 🚨

Suspendido ang pasok sa ilang lugar sa Lalawigan ng Laguna ngayong Biyernes, Agosto 22, 2025 bunsod ng tuloy-tuloy na pag-ulan dulot ng .

📌 ALL LEVELS

Cabuyao (Public & Private)
Pagsanjan (Public & Private)

📌 UP TO SHS

Pila (Public & Private)

Santa Cruz (Public & Private)

Santa Rosa (Public only)

📖 Pinapayuhan ang mga paaralang apektado na magpatupad ng alternative learning modalities / blended learning.

ℹ️ Kung may dagdag na anunsyo mula sa ibang bayan o lungsod sa Laguna, i-uupdate namin dito. I-refresh lamang ang post para sa pinakabagong impormasyon.

👉 Stay safe and dry, Lagunense! 🌧️

🕕 Last Updated: 6:40 AM, August 22, 2025

20/08/2025

Weekly Editorial & Perspectives on Local Governance

Healthcare at the Frontline: Leadership Beyond Reporting

Governor Sol Aragones has recently faced a storm of online criticism following her swift response to the long-neglected flaws in Laguna’s district hospitals. The bashers are loud, but the public’s positive feedback has been louder.

For years, ordinary Lagunenses have endured underfunded facilities, understaffed wards, and a system that seemed resigned to neglect. It is no secret that the healthcare sector was not prioritized in the past. Today, the governor’s decision to act quickly—without pointing fingers or dwelling on blame-marks a crucial shift in how governance should work: solutions first, politics later.

Critics scoff at her constant livestreaming, yet in truth, this is no gimmick. With over a decade of experience as a journalist, Aragones understands that information is power. Her broadcasts do not only document her actions-they create accountability. Citizens can see, in real time, what their governor is doing, and that transparency is itself a form of service. Unlike a reporter, however, Aragones now holds the authority to translate observations into solutions.

This is not about theatrics. This is about leadership that is visible, responsive, and unafraid of scrutiny. In an age where distrust in public institutions runs deep, visibility is not vanity-it is responsibility.

Laguna deserves hospitals that heal, not hospitals that harm. If decisive action and transparency are the first steps toward rebuilding public trust in healthcare, then this is a path worth taking. The critics may rant, but the people see results. And in governance, results speak louder than rumors. Via Zen Trinidad

Calabarzon

20/08/2025

Laguna eyes Citizen Patrols through Barangay Information Officers

August 20, 2025

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Laguna Information Officers Network (LION) is set to empower barangay-based “citizen patrols” through information officers tasked to counter misinformation and strengthen grassroots communication.

In its assembly on Wednesday at the Governor’s Function Room, LION outlined programs to consolidate city and municipal efforts in combating fake news, with barangays identified as the first line of community engagement. The network proposed the creation of Barangay Information Offices (BIOs), drawing on existing models in several towns to guide replication across the province.

Governor Sol Aragones, who has been pushing for stronger citizen participation, underscored the role of barangay information officers as “citizen patrols” that safeguard communities by ensuring timely and accurate dissemination of government programs and public advisories.

Municipalities have been directed to submit their official BIO lists for upcoming workshops and training sessions. Progress has already been noted in Majayjay, while public information officers from San Pedro, Los Baños, and Liliw called for Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) support to formalize these designations.

To boost skills, LION members and barangay IOs will undergo a Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-led technical training on September 10 covering writing, publication design, and social media management. Other initiatives include coordinated festival coverage, municipal radio programs, and proposals for a province-wide radio station to enhance credibility and reach.

LION also finalized plans for its oath-taking in September, to be hosted by Cabuyao City, with Governor Aragones administering the oath of office. Monthly meetings will rotate among municipalities every last Wednesday.

Through these measures, LION envisions empowered barangay information officers serving as citizen patrols, bridging local governments and communities while fortifying the fight against misinformation. Via Zen Trinidad

19/08/2025

Laguna GAD forum pushes drive vs. cervical cancer

August 19, 2025

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - The provincial government of Laguna(PGL) has intensified its campaign against cervical cancer through a Gender and Development (GAD) forum that highlighted prevention, awareness, and early detection measures held on Tuesday at the Cultural Center of Laguna, Capitol Compound in Santa Cruz town.

With the theme “GAD Moves: Cervical Cancer Ends with Us – Mobilizing GAD for a Cervical Cancer-Free Future”, the event underscored the use of GAD funds to protect women’s health and promote long-term benefits for families and communities.

Laguna health consultant Dr. Eric Tayag said the initiative aspires to make Laguna the country’s first cervical cancer-free province. He also emphasized the importance of vaccination for girls as early as Grade 4 to prevent the disease.

“Nilalaan po ang GAD Funds para sa ikagaling po ng mga kababaihan dito sa lalawigan ng Laguna(The GAD Funds are allocated for the welfare of women here in the province of Laguna),” Tayag said, adding that violence against women must also be reported and addressed through education and community awareness.

Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Florencio Leporgo Jr. said early detection is key in saving lives, urging participants to work together to advance women’s health programs.

Other speakers echoed the call to action. GAD leader Merrel Sales said, “Let’s break the silence, let’s break the stigma,” while DOH Provincial Health Team Leader Marilou Espiritu stressed the importance of proper education to encourage women to adopt health-seeking behavior.

Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) chairperson Ermelita Valdeavilla commended the province for prioritizing women’s welfare, noting that “Mapalad kayo na ang inyong Gobernador ay babae (You are lucky that your Governor is a woman),” as she cited the leadership of Governor Sol Aragones in advancing women-centered health initiatives.

Valdeavilla also emphasized that good governance and proper use of the GAD budget are vital to strengthening women’s programs across the province. Via Zen Trinidad

19/08/2025

Gov. Sol Aragones orders urgent fixes in Pakil hospital inspection

August 19, 2025

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - Governor Sol Aragones on Tuesday conducted a surprise inspection at Cailles Memorial Hospital in Pakil, Laguna, where she called for immediate improvements to ensure safer and more patient-friendly healthcare services.

Joined by Dr. Odilon Inoncillo, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office, Aragones found outdated equipment, overcrowded wards, poor ventilation, and sanitation lapses in the provincial hospital. Patients, she noted, had been forced to bring their own electric fans due to insufficient airflow inside hospital rooms. She committed to providing stand fans and improving the ventilation system.

During her rounds in the OB and Pediatric wards, the governor emphasized the need for additional hospital beds, instructing staff to maximize available space so patients would no longer have to share beds. She also ordered the repair of all comfort rooms and reminded the hospital kitchen staff to maintain cleanliness and serve nutritious meals.

Aragones directed administrators to clear unused medical equipment, fix broken tiles that pose safety risks, and maintain proper waste management after spotting dirty and overflowing trash bins.

“These small but urgent changes - better ventilation, additional beds, clean restrooms, and proper waste management-make a huge difference in protecting the health and dignity of our patients,” she said.

The governor’s hospital visit is part of her broader campaign to upgrade Laguna’s healthcare facilities under her vision of a GOByernong may SOLusyon-a government that responds to the real needs of its people. Via Zen Trinidad