Tarlakenyo

04/08/2026

𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐂 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐀𝐓 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐓

TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – The city government officially launched today, August 4, 2026 the installation of free public Wi-Fi under the "WiFISaYa" program, marking another significant step toward transforming Tarlac City into a Smart City.

Mayor Susan Yap led the announcement, with the Tarlac City Downtown Market identified as the first beneficiary of the project.

In a statement, Mayor Yap said the initiative aims to make online payments and other digital transactions faster and more convenient for market vendors.

"Bilang bahagi ng ating mga hakbang sa pagbuo ng Smart City sa Tarlac City, sinimulan na po natin ang paglalagay ng libreng WiFi sa ating mga pampublikong lugar," the mayor said. "Unang makikinabang dito ang ating Downtown Market upang mas mapadali ang online payments at iba pang digital transactions ng ating mga vendors."

She added that the project would not only ease daily business operations for sellers but also streamline the shopping experience for consumers.

Also present at the launch in support of the initiative were City Councilors Anne Belmonte, Emily Ladera-Facunla, and Jerome Lapeña; Punong Barangay Justine Rodriguez; former Board Member Tonyboy Cervantes; and former City Councilors Ricky Diolazo and Vlad Rodriguez.

The WiFISaYa launch builds on the city's earlier rollout of the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program in August 2025, which promoted cashless payments at public markets. With the addition of free internet connectivity, vendors and customers can now process digital payments more efficiently and reliably.

According to the city government, the project reflects its ongoing commitment to expanding access to digital services and delivering faster, more inclusive public service to every Tarlaqueño.

"This is Serbisyong MaYap," the city's social media post read, describing the vision of a "mas connected at mas makabago" (more connected and more modern) city for all residents.

The installation at the Downtown Market is expected to be completed in the coming days, with plans to expand the free Wi-Fi service to other public areas across the city in the near future.


𝑱𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒂𝒉 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒂 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒛 | TARLAKENYO

📷 Screengrab: Susan Yap/FB

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04/08/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒, 𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐗 𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐀 – 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐍𝐎. 𝟐𝟎!

A historic triumph for Alex Eala as she captures the 2026 Mubadala DC Open crown with a gritty 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 comeback victory over world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, becoming the first Filipino ever to win a WTA singles title.

The milestone elevates the 21-year-old to a career-high ranking of world No. 20, capping a campaign that included wins over former Grand Slam champions and top-10 stalwarts—a feat that marks the dawn of a new era for Philippine tennis and a source of immense pride for the nation.

04/08/2026

𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐜 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 ‘𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧’ 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡!

Local officials dropped a teaser yesterday hinting at an exciting new development for the Tarlac City Downtown Market.

Mayor Susan Yap and the Tarlac City Government posted a Facebook Reel, saying a "connection" is coming that will surely bring smiles to market-goers.

The official reveal is set for today. For now, everyone is advised to just stay tuned.

03/08/2026

sa buong Probinsya ng Tarlac
August 4, 2026

Dahil sa tuloy-tuloy na pag-ulan na dulot ng Tropical Depression Luis, suspendido ang klase sa lahat ng antas sa mga pampubliko at pribadong paaralan sa buong Probinsya ng Tarlac.

Hinihikayat ang lahat na manatiling mapagmatyag sa mga opisyal na abiso mula sa mga kinauukulang ahensya at unahin ang kaligtasan sa lahat ng oras. Hangga't maaari, iwasan ang mga hindi mahalagang paglalakbay at mag-ingat sa mga lugar na maaaring maapektuhan ng pagbaha, pagguho ng lupa, o iba pang panganib na dulot ng masamang panahon.

Nawa'y manatiling ligtas ang bawat pamilyang Tarlaqueño. Sa pamamagitan ng pag-iingat, disiplina, at pagtutulungan, malalampasan natin ang panahong ito.

02/08/2026

𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐒 𝐏𝐇, 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐂 𝐀𝐈 𝐇𝐔𝐁; 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐀𝐄𝐓𝐀, 𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐊𝐒

TARLAKENYO — The Catholic Church’s social action arm has formally rejected the proposed Pax Silica Industrial Hub in Capas, Tarlac, warning that the U.S.-backed project threatens Indigenous communities and farming livelihoods while lacking transparency on funding and control.

In a statement released over the weekend, Caritas Philippines said it “opposes” the 1,620-hectare technology zone “in its present form,” citing unclear answers on who will manage the facility, where its massive energy and water requirements will come from, and which communities will bear the environmental and social costs.

“The site is not empty land,” said Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, president of Caritas Philippines. “It is home to Aeta Indigenous families, farmers and rural communities whose rights and livelihoods must come before corporate and geopolitical interests.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. touted the hub as a centerpiece of his economic agenda during his fifth State of the Nation Address on July 27, describing it as an advanced manufacturing and logistics center within the Luzon Economic Corridor that would “create an eco-system that will have AI at its core” and bring quality jobs to Filipinos.

But Church leaders argue that the project, spearheaded by a 23-member U.S.-led coalition formed in December to secure semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains, risks turning the Philippines into a mere supplier of raw materials and cheap labor rather than a genuine technology partner.

Alminaza stressed that the real question is not whether the Philippines should industrialize, but what kind of industrialization benefits Filipinos.

“The Philippines cannot call it industrialization if we remain suppliers of raw materials, low-value components and cheap labor,” he said.

Genuine development, he argued, should build Filipino ownership, technology and manufacturing capacity rather than extract resources for foreign-controlled supply chains.

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀
Adding to the Church’s opposition, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David urged the Philippine government to demand transparency and technology transfer in the Pax Silica initiative, warning that without proper safeguards, the nation risks “remaining merely a source of raw materials and cheap labor.”

Beyond economic concerns, the Cardinal raised a moral caution regarding artificial intelligence, emphasizing that technology must serve humanity to build “a civilization of love rather than a culture of power.”

His remarks underscore a growing unease among faith leaders that the rapid push for AI and semiconductor infrastructure could outpace ethical considerations and benefit foreign interests at the expense of local communities.

Caritas said it supports industrial growth that respects human dignity, environmental integrity, national sovereignty and the participation of affected communities. But it maintained that any project that takes from the land and its people without giving them lasting benefit “is not progress.”

Alminaza further warned that Pax Silica must not become a pretext for land conversion, displacement, destructive mining or the diversion of electricity and water away from public use.


𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒈 | TARLAKENYO

📷 CBCP News

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01/08/2026

𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐗 𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐀 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒!

The Philippines' Alex Eala will face Jessica Pegula of the US for the title on Monday after beating Naomi Osaka of Japan, 6-4, 6-2, in straight sets.

31/07/2026

𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐍 𝐘𝐀𝐏 𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐂 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐘𝐎𝐑 — 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐓

TARLAC CITY, Tarlac — The Supreme Court en banc has affirmed the proclamation of Susan Areno Yap-Sulit as the duly elected mayor of this capital city, ruling that the Commission on Elections gravely abused its discretion in canceling her certificate of candidacy over residency issues.

In a full court decision written by Associate Justice Antonio Kho Jr and made public on Thursday, July 30, the high tribunal declared permanent the status quo ante order it issued in November 2025, which had restored Yap-Sulit to her post while the legal battle unfolded.

The ruling officially annuls the Comelec en banc resolution dated October 22, 2025, that reversed a previous dismissal by the poll body’s Second Division.

The disqualification case stemmed from a petition filed by former city councilor Amado De Leon and Jay-Ar Navarro, who alleged that Yap-Sulit failed to satisfy the mandatory one-year residency requirement before the elections. However, the Supreme Court found that the evidence failed to prove she had abandoned her domicile or made false representations in her COC.

The justices highlighted Yap-Sulit’s longstanding ties to the locality, pointing to her voter registration, property interests, public service, and her three consecutive terms as governor of Tarlac operating out of the capital.

“She is hardly a stranger to the locality. Even if the period of her residency in Tarlac City is disputed here, her political exposure to and experience in the city shows that she is neither a stranger nor a newcomer who is unacquainted with the conditions and needs of a community,” the court stated, adding that temporary or intermittent absence does not constitute an abandonment of domicile.

Reiterating its stance on protecting democratic mandates, the court emphasized that giving effect to the choice of the electorate ensures the survival of democracy, noting that the evidence presented established no actual ineligibility.

Following the high court’s decision, Mayor Yap-Sulit took to social media to share a message of gratitude and unity with her constituents. In a post, she expressed that there is “no room for bitterness” and called for collective healing.

“Today, the Supreme Court affirmed the mandate freely given to us by the people of Tarlac City,” Yap-Sulit said in her statement. “This is a victory for every Tarlaqueño who stood by the truth and defended the sanctity of the people’s vote.”

She extended her appreciation to her family, legal team, supporters, city government employees, and every citizen who remained steadfast.

“There is no room for bitterness. This is a time for healing, unity and renewed service. We invite everyone, including those who stood on the other side of this case, to join us in building a more progressive, compassionate and united Tarlac City,” she added.


𝑱𝒖𝒏 𝑨𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒕𝒐 | TARLAKENYO

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31/07/2026

𝐏𝐁𝐁𝐌 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 '𝐁𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆' 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐂

TARLAC CITY, Tarlac – President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. visited Tarlac province on July 30, 2026, to personally launch the "Bawat Bayan Makikinabang" Program at the Tarlac City Civic Center, marking a significant milestone in the national government's commitment to strengthening support for local government units (LGUs).

The program, which aims to accelerate and strengthen national government assistance to LGUs, has already disbursed Php22.22 billion to 1,266 LGUs nationwide as of June 2026, according to the President's Report to the People for 2022-2026, following his fifth State of the Nation Address.

During the event, President Marcos led the turnover of Php102.2 million in Socio-Civic Projects Fund (SCPF) financial assistance for 511 barangays in Tarlac. The fund, administered through the Office of the President, provides Php100,000 per barangay for development and safety projects, along with an additional Php100,000 to support five Presidential Scholars per barangay.

As of July 2, 2026, the government has released Php4.69 billion to 23,431 barangays nationwide, with the rollout continuing for remaining barangays.

"Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, naipamahagi ang ₱102.2M Socio-Civic Projects Fund para sa mga proyektong pangkaunlaran at pangkaligtasan ng ating mga barangay, kasabay ng pamimigay ng bigas sa ilalim ng LGSF at suporta sa ating mga Presidential Scholars," the provincial government stated.

President Marcos also witnessed the ongoing distribution of rice under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) and personally interacted with Presidential Scholars from Tarlac. Addressing the scholars directly, the President offered a piece of fatherly advice, urging them to make the most of the educational assistance.

"Nawa'y mapakinabangan sana ninyo ang aming kaunting tulong at gamitin ninyo sa mabuti," President Marcos told the student beneficiaries.

He added: "Kapag nakatapos na kayo ay makikita natin na ang buong Pilipinas ay makakaramdam sa kabutihin, kaalaman, at tulong ninyo para pagandahin ang buhay dito sa Pilipinas."

Tarlac Governor Christian Yap expressed gratitude for the President's visit and the assistance extended to the province.

"Napaka-swerte natin na nitong nakaraang buwan na 'to, ito na 'yung pangalawang pagbisita na ni President dito sa ating probinsya… Buong puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyong suporta," Governor Yap said during the event.

Yap also highlighted the significance of the Presidential Scholars Program, noting that more than 2,000 scholars were awarded by the President, each receiving Php20,000 in support.

He also thanked the President for his unwavering support for food security, emphasizing that the rice distribution program not only aids beneficiaries affected by the economic crisis but also provides substantial help to local farmers by procuring their produce to supply the initiative.

The governor also acknowledged PBBM's focus on the long-awaited Balog-Balog Dam project, which is expected to irrigate nearly half of the province and significantly benefit local farmers.

Joining the President at the event were Vice Governor Lita Aquino, Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap, along with provincial board members, municipal mayors, and other local officials.

The event underscores the continuing collaboration between the Tarlac Provincial Government, led by Governor Yap and Vice Governor Aquino, and the National Government in delivering quality services and assistance to every Tarlaqueño.

"Maraming salamat po, Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, sa patuloy na pagtitiwala at suporta sa Tarlac. Titiyakin nating makakarating at mapapakinabangan ng bawat Tarlaqueño ang mga biyayang ito!" the provincial government declared.


𝑱𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒂𝒉 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒂 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒛 | TARLAKENYO

📷 Christian Yap, Noel Villanueva/FB

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30/07/2026

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐄𝐗𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃

CONCEPCION, Tarlac – The Concepcion Super Health Center in Brgy. Tinang marked a significant milestone in its mission to make healthcare accessible to all with the successful inauguration and blessing of its Extension Building and new ambulance on July 29, 2026.

The event was graced by Municipal Mayor Noel Villanueva, along with other local officials. Vice Mayor Evelyn Rivera and Tarlac 3rd District Congressman Noel “Bong” Rivera were were acknowledged for their invaluable support in completing the extension building project.

Also present were SB Member and Committee on Health Chairperson Marvin Macalino, Dr. Benjamin Bengco III, Municipal Health Officer; Dr. Orgie Feliciano, Rural Health Physician; and representatives from the Provincial Health Office, Department of Health–Central Luzon Center for Health Development led by Jonar Dungca, PetroSolar Corporation, Tabreti Decors Philippines, and other partner agencies.

The celebration featured a Tree Planting Activity around the new facility, an HIV Awareness Campaign, Free HIV Testing and Counseling, and a Blood Letting Activity that resulted in 44 successful blood donors and 44 individuals who availed of free HIV testing and counseling services.

In his message, Mayor Villanueva emphasized the local government unit’s unwavering commitment to providing accessible and quality healthcare services. He encouraged everyone to persevere and work hand in hand with the community and all stakeholders in building a healthier Concepcion.

PetroSolar Corporation’s representative Bryan Pajanonot reaffirmed the company’s continued partnership in supporting health and community development initiatives.

The blessing of the extension building was officiated by Rev. Fr. Jonathan Peñaflor, with Engr. Shirley Salas of the DOH RO3 Health Facilities Enhancement Program also in attendance.

The inauguration highlighted the strong collaboration among the LGU, partner agencies, healthcare workers, and the community in building a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Concepcion. The event underscored the municipality’s commitment to making health a right, not a privilege, for every resident.


𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒈 | TARLAKENYO

📷 Noel Villanueva/FB

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30/07/2026

𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Tarlac City, Tarlac — A total of 2,555 college students gathered at the Tarlac City Gymnatorium in Barangay Baras-Baras this Thursday, July 30, 2026, for the orientation of the Bagong Pilipinas Presidential Scholars Program.

The activity is part of the broader initiative of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, under his Bawat Barangay Makikinabang initiative, which aims to ensure that communities receive assistance.

According to officials, the primary objective of the scholarship program is to provide sufficient, direct support to qualified students to address their educational needs and help them achieve their dreams through quality education.

The gathering emphasized that quality education should not be a privilege for the few, but a right that every Filipino youth striving for success should enjoy.


𝑱𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒉 𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒛𝒂 | TARLAKENYO

📷 Joseph Ernest Mendoza

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