The Kliping Times Online

30/06/2025

Laguna governor issues first Executive Order promoting courtesy in public hospitals

By Zen Trinidad

June 30, 2025

SANTA CRUZ, Laguna - Newly sworn-in Laguna Governor Sol Aragones on Monday signed her very first Executive Order (EO), mandating that all employees in public hospitals across the province uphold courteous and respectful behavior, especially toward patients.

The signing ceremony took place at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall in the provincial compound, attended by former Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag, Vice Governor Atty. JM Carait, and the board members representing the province’s six legislative districts and lone districts.

Governor Aragones underscored that improving the quality of health services was one of her key campaign promises — one she is determined to deliver on from the very start of her administration.

“Those in hospitals are people in need of help, not an additional burden. A simple act of kindness and proper behavior from our medical frontliners can be a powerful morale booster for patients and their families,” she said.

The governor added that her administration will prioritize public health, recognizing that “health is the wealth of every citizen.” She pledged to ensure that all Lagunenses receive prompt, proper, and compassionate care in public hospitals.

Aragones further clarified that her concern extends beyond patients to include the welfare of healthcare workers. She committed to reviewing staffing patterns, workloads, and employee benefits to support the province’s medical workforce.

Following the EO’s signing, Governor Aragones, together with DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, conducted inspection visits to the Laguna Medical Center in Santa Cruz and the Jose P. Rizal Memorial Hospital in Calamba City. The inspections aimed to assess the condition of patients, facilities, and overall service delivery.

As part of the initiative, posters bearing the reminder “Bawal ang Mataray sa mga Ospital ng Laguna" were also ordered displayed to reinforce the call for courtesy and professionalism among hospital staff.

Via Zen Trinidad



# Calabarzon Today

30/06/2025

11/06/2025

Transmission charges slightly down, Ancillary Service fees rise in June 2025 power bills

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (June 11) - Electricity consumers will see mixed adjustments in their June 2025 bills, with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reporting a slight decrease in transmission wheeling rates but a significant increase in charges for Ancillary Services (AS).

In a message Wednesday disclosed that transmission wheeling rates - or the fees collected by NGCP for delivering electricity through the grid - declined by 0.27% during the May 2025 billing period. The rate dropped from PHP 0.4605/kWh in April to PHP 0.4593/kWh in May, equivalent to a PHP 0.0012/kWh reduction.

In contrast, Ancillary Services rates increased substantially. From PHP 0.5175/kWh in April, the rate climbed to PHP 0.5655/kWh in May, marking a 9.29% increase or PHP 0.0480/kWh.

NGCP clarified that Ancillary Service charges are pass-through costs. "AS rates are only collected by NGCP and remitted directly to generation companies,” the message stated.

Ancillary Services are essential support mechanisms used to maintain grid stability and balance electricity supply and demand. These services are sourced either from the AS Reserve Market or through bilateral contracts between NGCP and AS providers.

Despite the slight dip in wheeling rates, the overall average transmission-related charges- including wheeling and AS fees - increased to PHP 1.1482/kWh for the May 2025 billing period. This figure, which will be reflected in consumers’ June electric bills, represents a 4.60% increase from the PhP1.0978/kWh recorded in April. #

Via Zen Trinidad



The Lokal PH
Southpost PH
Tala's Diary

10/06/2025

LTO 4A deputizes 138 RHPU Officers to strengthen road safety efforts in Southern Tagalog

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (June 10) - In a significant step to intensify traffic enforcement and road safety in Southern Tagalog, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 4A (CALABARZON) has officially deputized 138 personnel from the Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU) of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The move follows a comprehensive one-day seminar held Tuesday at Camp BGen Vicente Lim in this city.

Led by LTO Regional Director Elmer J. Decena, the activity aimed to refresh and align RHPU officers with updated traffic laws, LTO enforcement protocols, and inter-agency coordination procedures. The seminar was part of LTO's broader strategy to expand its operational reach while ensuring that frontline enforcers are both authorized and well-trained to carry out LTO-mandated duties.

“This is more than just a training -it's a call for stronger collaboration,” said Director Decena. “We are empowering our field partners with not only authority but also knowledge and accountability.”

The initiative supports the directive of DOTr Secretary Vince B. Dizon and LTO Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II to strengthen partnerships between transportation authorities and law enforcement agencies. The goal is to create a unified front in promoting road discipline and reducing traffic-related incidents in fast-developing regions.

With the Southern Tagalog region experiencing rapid urban growth and increasing vehicular traffic, the LTO sees the deputization as a timely and necessary response.

“The more trained eyes we have on the road, the better we can protect every motorist,” Director Decena added.

The LTO CALABARZON continues to roll out similar programs as part of its commitment to safer roads and efficient traffic management throughout the region.

Via Zen Trinidad




The Lokal PH
Tala's Diary
Southpost PH

02/06/2025

DOH Chief Vows Support for Rehabilitation of Laguna’s District Hospitals

June 2, 2025

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, M.D., has pledged the agency’s full support for the rehabilitation of Laguna’s nine district hospitals. This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by Governor-elect Sol Aragones to his office in Manila on Monday.

Dr. Herbosa, who hails from the bloodline of Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s sister, and whose roots trace back to Calamba City, shared that he had already visited the district hospitals in Biñan and Cabuyao. However, his inspection rounds were temporarily halted due to the recent election period. He assured Governor-elect Aragones that he will instruct regional health executives to visit and assess the remaining hospitals in the province.

Key areas of support from the DOH will include the provision of essential medical equipment and medicines. More urgently, Dr. Herbosa committed to fast-tracking the payment of PhilHealth reimbursements owed to the provincial government - a move seen as vital to strengthening Laguna’s fiscal capacity for healthcare delivery.

Governor-elect Aragones expressed her appreciation for the DOH’s commitment, noting that upgrading the province’s healthcare system was a central pillar of her campaign.

“I am fully committed to improving healthcare services for the people of Laguna,” she said. “This campaign was never about me - it was about providing better lives for all Lagunenses.”

With the partnership between the provincial government and the Department of Health taking shape, residents can look forward to enhanced medical services across Laguna’s public hospitals in the months to come.

Via Zen Trinidad




The Lokal PH

Calabarzon Today
Tala's Diary
Southpost PH

30/05/2025

Bag-It-Forward Goes Global: From San Pedro City Jail to Malaysia

May 30, 2025

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – In a powerful testament to rehabilitation, resilience, and women’s empowerment, the Zonta Club of Laguna—under the leadership of San Pedro City Representative of the 1st District of Laguna and President Ann Matibag, —has brought global recognition to the artistry and strength of women detainees at the San Pedro City Jail.

As part of its flagship livelihood initiative Bag-It-Forward, Zonta Laguna provided handcrafted bags—created by women inmates—as official tokens for the Coordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (WAIPA), held in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia said the message Friday.

Each bag, meticulously stitched behind bars, carried not just artisanal flair but a message of courage, transformation, and hope. Among the honored recipients were prominent female legislators and leaders from ASEAN member states, including:

Hon. Ulziisuren Jamsran – UN Women Representative in Indonesia and Liaison to ASEAN

Hon. Safiah Salam – Brunei Darussalam

Hon. Lork Kheng – Cambodia

Hon. Dr. Adde Rosi Khoerunnisa – Indonesia

Hon. Madame Thoummaly Vongphachanh – Lao PDR

Hon. Patsarin Ramwong – Thailand

Hon. Nguyen Thanh Cam – Vietnam

Hon. Maria Grou-Mali Barreto – Timor Leste

Hon. Dato' Sri Doris Sophia anak Brodi – Malaysia

One recipient, Ambassador Ulziisuren Jamsran, was particularly moved by the initiative. Championing women’s rights and inclusion, especially for those in conflict with the law, she praised the bags not only for their craftsmanship but for the story they carry. So impressed, she immediately placed an order to support the women artisans further.

“Every stitch you make is a step forward,” Ambassador Jamsran shared in a message to the detainees. “You are not defined by your past, but by your ability to grow, contribute, and rise. Keep believing in yourselves. The world needs your talent, your resilience, and your voice.”

President Ann Matibag and Philippine Delegate to the 4th WAIPA Coordinating Committee Meeting, reflected on the initiative’s deeper impact:

“This project reminds us that women—wherever they are—can be agents of change. With the support of leaders like Ambassador Jamsran, we hope to grow this program, giving more women the opportunity to rebuild their lives with purpose and pride.”

The Bag-It-Forward project is a cornerstone of Zonta Laguna’s commitment to rehabilitation through skill-building, economic empowerment, and self-worth. It also aligns with Zonta International’s mission of building a better world for women and girls—one life, one skill, one stitch, and one second chance at a time.

Via Zen Trinidad

23/05/2025

CHR opens new Regional Office in Laguna town to strengthen Human Rights Advocacy in Southern Luzon

May 23, 2025

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region IV-A formally inaugurated its newest regional office in Alaminos, Laguna, on Friday, marking a significant step in bolstering human rights protection and advocacy across Southern Luzon.

The inauguration was led by CHR Chairperson Hon. Richard P. Palpal-latoc and CHR IV-A Regional Director Atty. Rexford D. Guevarra. They were joined by local officials and dignitaries including Hon. Nicole Arida Pampolina, Municipal Councilor of Alaminos; PMaj. Ian Lexter Alday Loyola, Officer-in-Charge of the Alaminos Municipal Police Station; and PMaj. Edgar M. Sumadsad, Police Regional Human Rights Officer.

Representatives from the Land Bank of the Philippines Resources and Development Corporation also attended, along with key military officials. Lt. Col. Ferdinand Bruce M. Tokong of Task Group Eastern Laguna and Lt. Col. Rommel S. Panganiban of Task Force Ugnay, representing the Southern Luzon Command and the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, highlighted the Armed Forces' commitment to supporting institutions that uphold human rights and democratic values.

The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling of the CHR marker, a guided building tour, ceremonial speeches, and the presentation of tokens and awards, including recognition for the CHR's Praise Awardees. An inauguration audio-visual presentation capped the program.

In his closing remarks, Atty. Guevarra emphasized the importance of the new office in improving access to human rights services and enhancing CHR’s outreach in the CALABARZON region.

The opening of the Alaminos office is part of CHR's broader initiative to expand its regional presence and foster stronger partnerships with communities and local institutions in safeguarding human rights across the country.

Via Zen Trinidad

22/05/2025

Shelter of Hope: OCD CALABARZON Aids Agoncillo Families Displaced by Storm Kristine

May 22, 2025

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - On a mission to bring comfort and hope to communities reeling from disaster, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) CALABARZON, led by Director Carlos Eduardo E. Alvarez III, extended a helping hand to the storm-stricken municipality of Agoncillo, Batangas on Thursday.

In the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which displaced families in the barangays of Bilibinwang and Banyaga, OCD CALABARZON turned over 150 tarpaulin sheets—each measuring 4 meters by 6 meters—to support the construction of temporary shelters for the affected residents.

The symbolic and heartfelt turnover took place with Agoncillo Municipal Mayor Cinderella Valenton-Reyes and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (MDRRMO) Junfrance de Villa personally receiving the materials. Representing the OCD were Mr. Randy dela Paz and Mr. Mark Rafael Sasutona, who ensured that the much-needed aid reached the right hands.

Following the handover, the OCD team, joined by MDRRMO de Villa, visited the open evacuation center where many of the displaced families are currently staying. Their goal: to assess living conditions and identify further needs in support of a dignified recovery.

This act of solidarity underscores OCD CALABARZON’s unwavering commitment to assisting vulnerable communities—not only in the immediate aftermath of calamities but throughout the long path to recovery.

Via Zen Trinidad

21/05/2025

Strengthening Readiness: PRO 4A Joins Nationwide Inspection of Disaster Response Equipment

May 21, 2025

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - The Police Regional Office 4A (PRO 4A), under the leadership of Regional Director PBGen Paul Kenneth T. Lucas, actively participated in the Philippine National Police-wide Annual Inspection of Disaster Response Equipment. The event was held at the PRO 4A Covered Court, Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim in Calamba City.

Attendees included members of the Command Group, Regional Staff, Chiefs of Regional Support Units, and the Regional Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF), all of whom came together to assess the region’s disaster response capabilities.

PBGen Lucas led the inspection of various search and rescue equipment and personally evaluated the readiness of the RSSF personnel. The primary goal of the activity was to ensure the operational capability, preparedness, and overall efficiency of PNP units in responding to natural disasters, calamities, and emergency situations that require immediate rescue efforts.

Following the inspection, the Chief of the Philippine National Police, PGen Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, delivered a nationwide address to all PNP personnel. In his message, he emphasized that inspections should not merely showcase complete equipment but also confirm their full functionality. PGen Marbil also highlighted the critical importance of continuous training and skill enhancement, particularly in managing disaster-related operations.

This annual inspection reaffirms the PNP’s commitment to safeguarding communities and strengthening its capacity to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis.

Via Zen Trinidad

19/05/2025

PBBM Approves Additional ₱1,000 Allowance for Teachers, Poll Workers in 2025 Elections

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (May 19) - Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah "Mina" Pangandaman announced on Monday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has approved an additional ₱1,000 across-the-board election allowance for poll workers, including teachers, for the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.

This amount is on top of the previously approved ₱2,000 increase in election honoraria, already included in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. To fund the additional compensation, the DBM has released ₱758.459 million.

“In compliance with the President’s directive, we are granting this additional allowance to honor the vital role of our teachers and poll workers in protecting the integrity of our elections,” said Secretary Pangandaman. “This is a token of our deep appreciation for their hard work and sacrifice.”

COMELEC estimates around 758,549 poll workers will serve in the 2025 elections. They are set to receive their full election honoraria, including the increases, within 10 days after election day.
Via Zen Trinidad