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14/06/2026

Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo B. Gadiano has cited the importance of the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) in ensuring the accurate identification of beneficiaries for government assistance programs, saying it is a more reliable basis for determining the “poorest of the poor” than manual selection by local coordinators or barangay officials.

Gadiano made the statement during the Regional Development Council (RDC) MIMAROPA Second Quarter Full Council Meeting held in Odiongan, Romblon, on June 4, where he emphasized that the CBMS promotes fairness and transparency in the distribution of government aid, including cash assistance and other social protection programs.

He said the system helps ensure that government interventions reach intended beneficiaries, particularly those most in need, by relying on standardized, data-driven household profiling.

This move to fix the list was initiated after RDC Chairperson and Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor raised concerns about discrepancies between the CBMS and the Listahanan database, which are both being used in identifying beneficiaries of government programs in the region.

During the same meeting, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) MIMAROPA Regional Director Leni Rioflorido said the PSA and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are currently working to align CBMS and Listahanan data, including cross-matching records with the National ID system.

Rioflorido noted challenges in data consistency, particularly variations in recorded personal information such as differences in surnames between CBMS entries and National ID records, which have led to discrepancies in beneficiary lists.

She also reported that Occidental Mindoro has already completed an updated list of poor and non-poor households, which could serve as a reference for improving targeting mechanisms for government programs.

Gadiano, meanwhile, called on the DSWD and PSA to provide an updated, harmonized beneficiary lists that can serve as the official basis for the distribution of government assistance.

He emphasized the need for updated data from the barangay, municipal, and provincial levels, noting that some existing references are still based on 2022 figures despite the availability of new data and ongoing monitoring by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Meanwhile, Dolor expressed optimism that the updated list of poor and non-poor households will be finalized by August, ahead of the RDC MIMAROPA Third Quarter Meeting scheduled in September.

Dolor said the updated database will be crucial in improving the targeting and implementation of government programs and ensuring that assistance is directed to those who need it most across the region. | via Ace Sapit

14/06/2026

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Region (LTFRB) MIMAROPA has awarded Special Notices of Compliance (SNOC) to the local government units of Banton and San Fernando, Romblon, following the approval of their respective Local Public Transport Route Plans (LPTRPs).

The approval of the route plans forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen local transportation planning and improve the organization of public transport services in municipalities across the region.

The activity was led by LTFRB MIMAROPA Regional Director Enrico Moreno R. Bautista and attended by Romblon Governor Trina Firmalo-Fabic during an awarding ceremony held at La Marietta Events Place in Odiongan on June 4.

According to LTFRB MIMAROPA, the approval of the LPTRPs will help rationalize transport routes and strengthen transportation planning at the local level.

The recognition also affirms the compliance of the two municipalities with national transport planning requirements and their efforts to address the mobility needs of residents through organized public transportation systems.

The LPTRP serves as the primary framework used by local government units in determining public transport routes, service requirements, and transport demand within their jurisdictions.

According to LTFRB, the development and approval of LPTRPs are important components of transport modernization efforts aimed at improving accessibility, safety and efficiency in public transportation services.

The initiative supports the transport modernization and mobility agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through the Department of Transportation and LTFRB, which continue to work with local government units in developing sustainable and responsive public transport systems across the country.

LTFRB MIMAROPA said it will continue assisting local government units in the development and implementation of transportation programs that promote accessible, safe, and efficient mobility services throughout the region. | via Paul Jaysent Fos

14/06/2026

A total of 292 small-scale fisherfolk from Mansalay and Bulalacao towns received fuel assistance cards from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) MIMAROPA.

The distribution forms part of the agency’s ongoing Fuel Assistance to Fisherfolk Program, which aims to help fisherfolk sustain their fishing operations amid rising fuel prices.

Of the total number of cards distributed, 43 were awarded to beneficiaries in Mansalay town, while 249 were distributed in Bulalacao town. Each fuel card carries a value of P3,000 and can be used at accredited fuel stations.

BFAR MIMAROPA Regional Director Robert P. Abrera said that the agency also strengthened its service delivery through the implementation of Virtual Know Your Client (KYC) processing—a modern and efficient system that enabled virtual interviews with beneficiaries and on-site card printing.

The initiative was carried out in partnership with United Storefront Services Corporation, BFAR’s Business Solutions Partner.

“The fuel assistance program remains one of the BFAR’s key interventions to support the fisheries sector, particularly small-scale fisherfolk who continue to face challenges brought about by increasing operational costs,” Abrera said. | via Jobert Mendoza

14/06/2026

Employers participating in the “Trabaho Agad Job Fair” on Independence Day cited a shifting trend in recruitment, saying that academic credentials alone are no longer enough to secure employment as companies increasingly prioritize skills, discipline, adaptability and work attitude.

The job fair, organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) MIMAROPA in partnership with the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, offered 1,728 job vacancies from 13 participating companies and attracted hundreds of job seekers seeking immediate employment opportunities.

Human resource representatives from various firms said employers are now placing greater emphasis on technical competencies and personal attributes that demonstrate an applicant’s readiness to perform in demanding work environments.

For Tamaraw Vision Network (TVNET), Human Resource Assistant Lovely May Annie Sarate said the company seeks applicants with the necessary technical background while also valuing responsibility and commitment, particularly for field-based positions.

“Beyond the educational background naman, we are looking doon sa committed, respectful, responsible na technician kasi alam mo 'yun nagfi-field kasi sila, so hindi talaga sila monitored outside. So, we are looking doon sa committed talaga, responsible one,” Sarate said.

Meanwhile, Omniworx Inc. representative Joey Mark Sarate identified the shortage of skilled workers as one of the biggest challenges facing recruitment agencies and manpower providers.

“Usually, current niyo po ang pinaka-challenge in agency or sa mga manpower provider is 'yung mga skilled personnel. Kasi maraming mga applicant for production operator pero for the skilled personnel such as aircon tech, electrician, mga computer literacy,” he said.

The demand for technically skilled workers continues to grow across various industries, particularly in specialized positions that require vocational training and practical experience.

For GDE Integrated HR Management Solutions Inc., Operations Manager Aileen Masangkay said many of their available positions are for production operators and factory workers assigned to manufacturing companies in industrial areas.

She noted that the company welcomes both experienced workers and fresh graduates, provided they are willing to relocate and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

“Open naman po kami regardless kung may experience po ba sila o wala, as long as they are willing po na mag-relocate in Batangas or Laguna. Really, dapat hardworking or matiyaga sa trabaho talaga,” Masangkay said.

Similarly, OneSource General Solutions Inc. emphasized that prior production experience remains an advantage, although teamwork and the ability to work independently are equally important qualities.

“Mostly sir, ang hinahanap talaga namin ay may experience na talaga sa production operator. They're a teammate and siguro minimal supervision,” a company representative said.

The job fair formed part of the province’s celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day and served as a platform to connect local job seekers with employment opportunities from both local and regional companies.

Employers said the event highlighted an evolving labor market where educational attainment remains valuable but is increasingly complemented by practical skills, adaptability, communication abilities, and a strong sense of responsibility.

For many applicants, the fair also provided a clearer picture of what companies now expect from prospective employees as industries continue to adapt to changing workforce demands.

The message from employers was clear that in today’s competitive job market, a diploma may open doors, but skills, attitude and commitment are what ultimately help applicants secure and keep a job. | via Jobert Mendoza

13/06/2026

The local government of Calapan City officially launched a ₱41 million agricultural assistance program, beginning with the ceremonial distribution of ₱26 million worth of hybrid rice seeds and fertilizer to about 4,000 farmer-beneficiaries.

The first phase signaled the beginning of the city’s Masagana Hybrid Rice Development Program, a flagship initiative of the city government here, led by Mayor Paulino Salvador ‘Doy’ C. Leachon, aimed at improving rice productivity, strengthening farmers’ livelihoods, and reinforcing local food security.

Leachon cited the program as a long-term investment in the agricultural sector, noting that supporting farmers directly contributes to the city’s food supply stability and its economy.

The assistance package includes hybrid rice seeds and fertilizers intended to help farmers increase yield and reduce production costs amid continuing challenges in the agricultural sector, including rising input prices and climate-related risks.

Leachon said the ₱41 million allocation will be distributed in phases to ensure that all qualified farmer-beneficiaries across Calapan will receive support under the program.

The distribution activity was also joined by members of the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod, personnel from the City Agricultural Services Department, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture (DA), who expressed continued support for local agricultural development programs.

“As implementation continues, the local government expects the program to translate into higher harvest yields, improved farm incomes, and a more secure food supply for Calapan City,” Leachon said. | via Jobert Mendoza

13/06/2026

A total of 1,728 job vacancies were opened to job seekers during the “Trabaho Agad Job Fair” held on June 12, coinciding with the 128th Philippine Independence Day celebration, citing the growing importance of bringing employment opportunities closer to communities.

Organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) MIMAROPA together with the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, the event gathered 13 private companies and hundreds of applicants who underwent on-site interviews, document submission and initial screening all in a single venue.

Officials and employers said the initiative continues to be an effective strategy in addressing hiring gaps while reducing the cost and time of job searching for applicants.

For participating companies, the job fair served as a direct link between employers and potential workers, especially for industries with high labor demand.

Tamaraw Vision Network (TVNET) HR Assistant Lovely May Annie Sarate described the event as a meaningful opportunity for applicants seeking employment saying, “Ay siguro maganda 'tong opportunity sa mga talagang applicants na naghahanap ng trabaho.”

She added that job seekers should also focus on long-term growth when choosing opportunities.

“Ang hanapin talaga natin is 'yung trabaho wherein talagang makakatulong sa atin for us to grow, hindi lang dun sa field na or dun sa work na hinahanap natin, kundi ah as an individual din,” Sarate said.

For manpower providers, the job fair also helps address persistent hiring challenges, particularly in skilled labor sectors. Omniworx Inc. Representative Joey Mark Sarate noted that demand for skilled workers remains high, making recruitment events essential saying, “Malaking tulong po siya sa amin kasi ah as I said earlier, mataas po 'yung demand sa kabila.”

He explained that companies continue to struggle in hiring skilled personnel such as technicians and electricians, and job fairs help expand recruitment beyond traditional labor hubs.

GDE Integrated HR Management Solutions Inc. Operations Manager Aileen Masangkay said their participation allows them to reach applicants willing to work in manufacturing industries outside the province.

“Thankful kami sir na na-invite kami sa ganitong klase ng event din sa Oriental Mindoro at makapag-conduct din po or makapag-offer ng services na meron po kami,” Masangkay said.

Meanwhile, OneSource General Solutions Inc. cited the importance of providing direct employment opportunities to hardworking applicants saying, “Ah maganda po kasi 'tong ganitong program para po magkaroon ng opportunity 'yung mga, or mabigyan ng opportunity 'yung mga nagsisikap na mag-trabaho.”

Beyond employment matching, the job fair also streamlined the hiring process, allowing applicants to complete multiple steps in one location.

Some were even hired on the spot, including members of Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and other qualified job seekers.

The regional office of DOLE said the event aims to make employment services more accessible, efficient, and inclusive, especially for applicants from provincial areas who often face limited access to job openings in urban centers. | via Jobert Mendoza

13/06/2026

Several barangays in Boac town in Marinduque are planning to channel their share of the newly released ₱12.2 million Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) toward educational assistance for students and other long-needed community projects.

The funding, released through the Office of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr., provides ₱200,000 to each barangay in Marinduque and is intended to support grassroots initiatives, local development programs, and scholarship assistance.

Vice Governor Dr. Romulo Bacorro Jr. received the allocation on behalf of Governor Melecio ‘Mel' Go during the 2026 Liga ng mga Barangay National Congress held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

In Barangay Buliasnin, officials said they intend to use part of the money for educational assistance to selected scholars entering their fourth year in college, and the remaining amount will be spent on equipment and supplies needed for community activities.

Barangay Chairman Cristino O. Mabunga said the barangay council plans to divide the ₱200,000 allocation equally between scholarship grants and the procurement of essential barangay assets.

“Ang pondong ito ay hahatiin sa dalawa, kung saan ang kalahati ay gagamitin sa scholarship ng limang napiling mga bata,” Mabunga said.

Under the proposal, five student scholars will each receive ₱20,000 in educational assistance to help cover tuition and other school-related expenses.

Mabunga said the remaining ₱100,000 will be used to purchase tables, chairs, and tents that can be used during barangay-led activities and public gatherings.

“Ang kalahati naman ay para sa tables, chairs, at tents ng barangay para sa mga kaganapan na pangungunahan namin,” he added.

Meanwhile, Barangay Councilor Leni M. San Juan welcomed the additional funding, saying it would enable the barangay to pursue projects that had previously been shelved due to limited financial resources.

“Maganda po ito dahil malaking tulong sa barangay, yung hindi na kayang pondohan ng barangay, eh, may makakasalo na,” San Juan said.

Both officials noted that while barangays have varying priorities, the SCPF allocation provides much-needed support for community initiatives that often remain unfunded under regular barangay budgets.

The SCPF is an official assistance program under the Office of the President that aims to finance localized development efforts, socio-civic activities, and merit-based scholarship programs across communities nationwide.

Officials said the funding is expected to help accelerate the implementation of priority projects while expanding educational opportunities for deserving students in the province. | via Kurt Lansangan

13/06/2026

The Puerto Princesa City government started distributing 10 kilos of rice on June 11 to 16,000 poorest of the poor families in the city under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The distribution was simultaneously conducted in 60 barangays.

The Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program is financed through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), of which the city of Puerto Princesa received ₱48 million.

According to City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) Officer Remy Beltran, 60 out of 66 barangays in the city will benefit from the program, while six barangays declined it.

Its beneficiaries are the poor and disadvantaged sectors such as poor farmers, poor fishermen, the transport sector, persons with disability (PWDs), senior citizens, solo parents, and Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Beltran said the computation of beneficiaries was based on the actual total population of the city, which is 300,000 plus, and the 16,000 families turn out to be only five percent of the city’s population.

“Kasi what is 16,000, kasi ilan ang population ng Puerto Princesa, nasa 300,000 plus. Sixteen thousand families lang ang beneficiaries natin, paano mo s’ya idi-distribute? So, I have to think of a way na equally distributed siya at lahat ng 66 barangays ay makakasali, but upon getting the right number based on the actual population para mag-esakto sa 16,000, lumalabas na five percent lang s’ya ng total actual ng population ng bawat barangay, kaya may mga barangay na kakaunti o maliit lang ang bilang ng mga beneficiaries,” Beltran explained.

She also assured that all beneficiaries underwent validation by the CSWD Office and were certified and confirmed by the Barangay Chief and barangay council members.

Beltran also said that those beneficiaries who were given rice at the beginning of the distribution will still be the same beneficiaries that will be receiving 10 kilos of rice within six months.

Meanwhile, the barangays that declined the said program are the barangays of Bacungan, Pagkakaisa, Bagong Silang, Princesa, San Isidro, and Maligaya because their allocation is small based on population percentage.

“Dahil maliit lang ang allocation nila batay sa population. Siyempre, kung maliit ‘yong population mo, maliit din ‘yong number of beneficiaries na mapupunta sa iyo na fiver percent. So ‘yon ang ginawa nilang dahilan, nag-refuse sila kasi marami daw magagalit na kabarangay nila. Pero ‘di ba dapat nga matuwa sila kasi biyaya ‘yan?” she said.

“Kasi sa amin, binalik-balikan namin sila. Two, three, four, times, five times at ipinaliwanag na meron namang deserving qualified na constituents n’yo bakit hindi n’yo i-recommend, but they still refused. Isa sa kanila nag-waive, may documents kami na nag-waive sila. Tapos ‘yong iba naman na lima, ay ayaw nang makipag-usap sa amin,” Beltran added.

Before the distribution, the CSWDO coordinated with the Punong Barangay on the actual date of distribution. They also requested the barangay officials to inform their constituents and bring valid ID for identification purposes to ensure that the rice entrusted by the national government to local government was received by the right beneficiaries.

She added that this government’s rice subsidy program is a great help for deserving beneficiaries.

“Malaking tulong siya sa mga…lalong-lalo na talaga sa mga mahihirap na talagang deserved nila na makakuha din ng tulong from the national government. We are happy to say na ‘yong talagang napili naming beneficiaries ay they really deserved to have it for the six months,” Beltran said. | via Orlan Jabagat

13/06/2026

The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) in MIMAROPA is pushing for drug-free workplaces among uniformed services and law enforcement agencies across the region.

During the second quarter RPOC meeting held in Odiongan, Romblon, on June 3, RPOC Chairperson and Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito "Bonz' Dolor called for intensified efforts to ensure that personnel of security and law enforcement agencies remain free from illegal drug use.

Dolor said maintaining drug-free workplaces among uniformed personnel would reinforce public confidence in agencies responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining peace and order.

The initiative covers various agencies, including the Police Regional Office (PRO) MIMAROPA, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the Philippine Army, and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

To support the initiative, Dolor requested for additional drug testing kits from the Department of Health (DOH), on top of the 6,000 testing kits targeted for procurement by the agency during the second quarter of the year.

In response, DOH MIMAROPA Regional Director Rodolfo Antonio Albornoz said the agency would review the request.

Albornoz reported that around 4,784 drug testing kits are currently available in the region, with additional supplies expected through ongoing procurement activities.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) MIMAROPA and law enforcement units continue to conduct anti-illegal drug operations across the region.

Based on data presented during the meeting, PDEA MIMAROPA reported the seizure of approximately 855,892 grams of illegal drugs during the first two quarters of 2026, resulting in the arrest of 199 suspects.

The figure is higher than the volume recorded during the same period in 2025, when authorities confiscated approximately 120,849 grams of illegal drugs and arrested 182 suspects.

The Regional Peace and Order Council serves as a coordinating body for peace, order, and public safety initiatives involving national government agencies, local government units, and law enforcement organizations throughout the MIMAROPA region. | via Paul Jaysent Fos

11/06/2026

More than 300 police personnel were deployed across Oriental Mindoro as the Police Provincial Office (PPO) rolled out full security measures to support the opening of School Year 2026-2027.

With over 500 public and private schools reopening across the province, police officers were strategically stationed near school premises, major intersections, transportation terminals and other convergence areas to ensure the safety of students, teachers, parents and commuters during the first week of class opening.

The province-wide deployment forms part of PPO’s intensified security operations aimed at maintaining peace and order, managing traffic flow and providing immediate assistance to the public throughout the school opening period.

Police Assistance Desks (PADs) were also established in key locations, while regular patrols and monitoring activities were strengthened to deter criminal activities and address potential security concerns.

The initiative is being carried out in close coordination with local government units, school officials, force multipliers and partner agencies to guarantee a smooth, orderly and incident-free resumption of classes.

Police Colonel Edison V. Revita, the Police Provincial Director of Oriental Mindoro, cited the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in ensuring the safety and well-being of students throughout the academic year.

“Hinihikayat namin ang lahat na maging mapagmatyag at makiisa sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan upang maging matagumpay at ligtas ang pagbubukas ng klase sa buong lalawigan ng Oriental Mindoro,” Revita said.

He also encouraged parents, students and the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement efforts to ensure a secure and productive school year for all. | via Jobert Mendoza

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