Zambales Herald

12/05/2026

Bataan Communities Lead Charge in Mangrove Restoration for Earth Day 2026

ORANI, BATAAN — As coastal communities continue to strengthen their natural defenses against climate and environmental challenges, a collective effort took root this Earth Day 2026 in Bataan through a specialized two-day mangrove rehabilitation training supported by AboitizPower private limited partnerships GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD) together with the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO), the Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) Bataan, and local communities.

The training equipped members of the Tubo-Tubo Fisherfolks Association (TFA) and the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng San Rafael – Anak Dagat (SAMASAD) with the technical expertise needed to lead future restoration efforts in their own mangrove sites. TFA manages GMEC’s adopted 32-hectare mangrove protection area in Orani, while SAMASAD oversees GNPD’s 5-hectare mangrove site in Samal.

“A big step forward for Bataan. I’m grateful to AboitizPower, GMEC and GNPD,” PG-ENRO OIC Raphael De Leon said. “With so many mangrove initiatives underway, it’s vital that our people’s organizations are all on the same page. From preparing seeds and managing nurseries to proper planting and long-term care, having the right knowledge is key to lasting success in Bataan’s conservation efforts.”

“Real stewardship isn’t just about how many mangroves we plant, it’s about doing it right, guided by science every step of the way,” said GMEC-GNPD Reputation and Stakeholder Management (RSM) Manager Joseph Paolo Mendoza. “At AboitizPower, we’re proud to stand with the Province of Bataan and our people’s organizations, equipping communities with the knowledge they need today, so together we can protect our shores for generations to come.”

The event kicked off on April 22, 2026 at the Tubo-Tubo Function Hall in Barangay Kabalutan, Orani, Bataan. Moving beyond basic planting, De Leon led a “Mangrove 101” session, explaining the specific ecological needs of Bataan’s coastlines.

Participants focused on the “how-to” of restoration science, including the technical process of growing Pagatpat (Sonnertia alba) from seeds, caring for young seedlings to help them become strong enough for the wild, and understanding zonation and maintenance protocols to ensure high survival rates.

On April 23, 2026, the classroom moved to GMEC’s Mangrove Adoption and Protection site in Orani for hands-on field exercises. Participants practiced identifying mangrove species in the wild and assessed the health of existing trees.

A key focus of the field day was zonation, or learning to identify the specific intertidal zones where different species thrive, ensuring that future community-led efforts are guided by science rather than guesswork.

“Thanks to the Mangrove Nursery Management training, we can now confidently show visitors how to properly prepare, plant, and grow seedlings,” said TFA secretary Joann Laguerta. “We’ve learned how to choose the right species for our area and truly understand the impact of our work. Our thanks to AboitizPower GMEC and GNPD, and PG-ENRO Bataan for the guidance and opportunity for us to be better guardians of our mangroves.”

Through initiatives that protect natural resources and empower communities, AboitizPower continues to be a good neighbor and responsible steward of the environment. By working hand in hand with local partners, the company remains dedicated to creating lasting positive impact and advancing sustainable progress in the communities it serves.

11/05/2026

BRP Rajah Lakandula arrives at NOB Subic
By Jonas Reyes

Subic Bay Freeport - The Offshore Patrol Vessel 2 (OPV 2), the future BRP Lakandula (PS21), arrived at the Naval Operating Base-Subic here on May 8, 2026.
According to the Philippine Fleet, the arrival ceremony of the BRP Lakandula was graced by the Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy, Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard N Valencia PN, serving as Keynote Speaker.
Also present during the ceremony was the Flag Officer In Command, Vice Admiral Jose Ma Ambrosio Q Ezpeleta PN and the Commander, Philippine Fleet, Rear Admiral Joe Anthony C Orbe PN.
The vessel, constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and scheduled to be formally commissioned at a later date, arrived in the country on May 4, 2026, signifies another milestone in the Navy’s ongoing capability development efforts.
"When this ship sails, the spirit of Rajah Lakandula sails with it — steadfast, wise, and unyielding. We are telling the world that we are a peace-loving nation. Our resolve to protect what is ours is as deep as the trenches of the Philippines," Vice Admiral Valencia emphasized as he highlighted the significance of the vessel’s arrival and its namesake, Rajah Lakandula, the pre-colonial ruler of Tondo and a symbol of courage and leadership in Philippine history
The arrival of the future BRP Rajah Lakandula underscores the Philippine Navy’s commitment to enhancing maritime security operations and maintaining a credible naval presence.
With the addition of this asset, the Philippine Navy continues to strengthen its ability to safeguard the nation’s maritime domain and support national security objectives.

10/05/2026

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐓𝐆 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬

𝐁𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐍, 𝐙𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒 - 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 - At around 1:00 PM, personnel of the 305th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 3 led by PCPT ZANDREW M TIPAY, Acting Company Commander successfully facilitated the voluntary surrender and withdrawal of support of a former member and supporter of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) identified as alias “Ka Tomas,” 35 years old, a resident of Lakas-Bihawo Villar, Botolan, Zambales at at 305th MC Headquarters, Brgy. Taugtog, Botolan, Zambales.

The operation was spearheaded by the 305th MC RMFB3 through the intensified efforts of the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) Team in close coordination with PIT-Zambales, RIU 3, Botolan Municipal Police Station, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies of Zambales, 69th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, PIU, Zambales PPO and CIDG.

According to reports, the surrendered individual was identified as a former member, courier and marketer under the Regional Yunit Guerilla (RYG) operating in the eastern municipalities of Botolan, Iba, Palauig, Zambales particularly Barangay Salaza and nearby provinces.

During the surrender, the former CTG supporter also turned over one (1) improvised shotgun without visible serial number, two (2) pieces of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition and one (1) rifle gr***de.

The successful surrender was the result of sustained intelligence-driven operations and community engagement efforts being conducted by the unit and partner agencies. The collaborative initiatives encouraged the individual to peacefully return to the fold of the law and abandon support to the CTG.

The surrendered individual is currently under the custody of the unit for custodial debriefing and proper documentation.

Meanwhile, the recovered improvised shotgun and ammunition will be turned over to the appropriate Forensic Unit for ballistic examination, while the recovered rifle gr***de will be endorsed to the Zambales Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU) for proper disposal.

The RMFB3 reiterated its commitment to sustaining peace and order in the province through intensified intelligence operations, strengthened community partnership and continuous implementation of programs aimed at encouraging members and supporters of threat groups to surrender and reintegrate peacefully into society.

This accomplishment reflects the continuing effectiveness of the government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency and promoting lasting peace and development in the province of Zambales.

09/05/2026

SUN‑POWERED SPACES: HOW SM IS TRANSFORMING MALLS INTO ENERGY HUBS

To reduce congestion to the power grid and improve power availability to the communities it serves, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) has implemented the use of rooftop solar power systems across its properties and nationwide network of SM Supermalls.

Since its pioneering installation of solar panels over SM North EDSA in 2014, clean solar energy generated through SM is now large enough to power a city as large as Mabalacat, Pampanga or Mandaue, Cebu.

“The use of solar power enables SM Supermalls to elevate the service we provide to our customers by embedding sustainability into our daily operations,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan. “When Filipinos visit their most-loved SM malls, they are entering a space that actively helps preserve the environment through responsible resource management, reducing carbon emissions while ensuring more resources remain available for our surrounding communities.”

Maximizing space makes room for energy efficiency

SM currently utilizes 65 hectares of space for its rooftop solar panels—which is almost as big as the entire SM Mall of Asia complex, but has also applied innovative ways to maximize mall space for energy efficiency.

Across the SM Mall of Asia's MOA Sky, solar panels have been seamlessly integrated into the walkway that wraps around the property—doubling as overhead covering for mallgoers strolling and enjoying leisurely walks.

By utilizing this space, SM generates enough power to run 1,000 escalators a day or power 1,800 homes for a month.

Another innovative application of means to harness solar power can be found in SM City Bicutan's solar-powered parasols decorating its Sky Garden. The understated use of the solar-powered parasols not only add to the Sky Garden's ambience but also provides functional use as nighttime lighting for customers of surrounding establishments.

The parasols efficiently provide five hours of nighttime lighting for only three hours of daytime charge, effectively reducing the need to use electricity throughout the evening until the mall's closing time.

"Our approach to building malls that satisfy our customers and stakeholders go beyond giving them what is expected. We believe it is up to us to be proactive in enriching the mall-going experiences of Filipinos by investing in seamless, sustainable solutions that allow us to preserve natural resources for many years to come," said Tan.

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About SM Green Movement:
SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.
Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

09/05/2026

https://www.smsupermalls.com/whats-new/lifestyle/plan-a-mother-s-day-she-ll-love-with-food-deals-buffets-and-more-at-sm-supermalls?

Looking for Mother’s Day ideas? Read on and find out how you can Take it all the way at SM Supermalls with food feasts, pickleball, and bonding moments that feel bigger and bolder.

09/05/2026

IT’S THE SUPER SUNDAY SALE AT SM STORE THIS MAY 10
Promo Highlights:
🏷️ Up to 50% OFF on selected items
💸 ₱300 OFF with a minimum ₱3,000 single-receipt spend
🌀 Jisulife Life 10S for only ₱799, with ₱2,000 minimum single-receipt spend
💳 0% interest Buy Now, Pay Later for up to 3 months on participating credit cards, with a minimum ₱5,000 single-receipt spend
🎟️ 10% OFF voucher for next purchase
May 10 only T&Cs apply: smstore.com/maysupersundaysale Celebrate Mother's Day at SM Store Olongapo Central and Olongapo Downtown, Your Every Day Store.

09/05/2026

MOM’S FAVORITE BUNDLE AT CONTI’S

Celebrate Mom with Conti’s Bakeshop & Restaurant’s Mom’s Favorite Bundle, featuring a customized feast perfect for bonding.
1.Choose a Main (Bundle Set)
This bundle is a hearty combination of Conti’s Baked Salmon with a creamy topping or Roast Beef in Mushroom Sauce, tender beef pieces sauteed in garlic or served with gravy.
2. Choose a Drink
For the beverage component, it’s typically the Conti’s Home Brewed Iced Tea and Fresh Fruit Shake
3. Choose a Dessert
Make her day extra sweet with this exclusive Ube Custard Slice or Cheesecake Crème Brulee slice.
Make Mother’s Day extra special with Conti’s Mom’s Favorite Bundle specially made for Mom.
Available for dine-in from May 7 to 15 only at Conti’s restaurant stores.

09/05/2026

SM OLONGAPO MALLS JTI 2026 HIGHLIGHTS INTEGRITY AND VIGILANCE

Olongapo City, May 6, 2026 — In a strong display of security synergy, SM Olongapo malls hosted a Joint Tactical Inspection (JTI) on May 6, 2026 at the ground level parking of SM City Olongapo Central. The exercise, graced by guest of honor, Olongapo City Director, PCol. Deonido S. Maniago, Jr. emphasized the virtues that every dedicated officers must embody.
“The pillars of effective service are professionalism, vigilance, integrity and strong communication skills,” said Police Chief PCol Maniago. “Professionalism that reflects discipline and respect; vigilance that ensures readiness; integrity that builds trust; and strong communication skills that unite us, “he added.

“Let’s always embody the main message and objective of this program, that is to continue to work together, improve ourselves and always ready to serve our customers,” said Almus J. Alabe, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. head of security affairs.
The event also featured the presentation of commendations and awards to exemplary security and janitorial personnel who demonstrated honesty by returning lost money and valuables inadvertently left by mall patrons.
Present during the event were Olongapo City Director PCol Deonido S. Maniago, Jr- Guest of Honor and Speaker, Almus J. Alabe- SM Prime Head of Security Affairs, Johanna Melissa N. Rupisan -VP Mall Operations and Engr. Bien C. Mateo, SVP OP Special projects.
Sharing honors were SAVP for Customer Relations Service of SM Retail, Inc. Charleston Tan, Victor G. Santiago- AVP CRS FRG, PLt. Gen. Enrique Calang Jr.-president Legaspi Security and Investigations Agency, Inc. Also present were Regional Operations Manager for North 4 Engr. B**g Garcia, SM City Olongapo Central Mall Manager Engr. Ariel I. Ferrer and SM City Olongapo malls Asst. Mall Managers Michelle L. Cortez and Anton B. Lerma; from LGU, present is City Tourism Head Fifi Legaspi.
The Joint Tactical Inspection is one of the annual exercises observed in all SM Supermalls nationwide that aims to examine personnel compliance to the company’s security standards and policies. (30)

09/05/2026

Three High-Value Individuals Nabbed in ₱1.3-Million Shabu Buy-Bust in Subic

SUBIC, Zambales — Authorities arrested three High-Value Individuals (HVIs) during an anti-illegal drug buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Pamatawan, Subic, Zambales on Friday afternoon, May 8, 2026.

The operation, carried out at around 3:40 PM, was led by the Zambales Police Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zambales and the Subic Municipal Police Station.

Arrested were a male individual known as alias "Larry", 50, a fisherman and resident of Barangay Pamatawan, Subic; another male individual, 31, a market vendor from Barangay San Isidro, San Marcelino; and a female individual, 53, also a market vendor and resident of Barangay San Isidro, San Marcelino.

Police identified all three suspects as High-Value Individuals involved in illegal drug activities.

Confiscated during the operation were approximately 192.1 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of ₱1,306,280. The illegal drugs were weighed using a non-calibrated weighing scale.
The operation was conducted under Target Intelligence Packet (TIP).

The suspects are facing charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Following the operation, the arrested individuals and seized pieces of evidence were brought to the Subic Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and documentation.

JGC/Zambales Herald

07/05/2026

SBMA supports DepEd, Sanyo Denki partnership to train SHS graduates

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) expressed its full support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) initiative to send senior high school (SHS) graduates for training with Sanyo Denki Philippines, Inc. (SDP).

Called the “Building Bridges Together from Enrollment to Employment” initiative, DepEd Regional Office 3 and the SDP signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the company’s building on May 4, 2026, witnessed by the SBMA.

SDP President Kenji Yanagisawa and DepEd Assistant Regional Director Jessie L. Amin signed the MOA, which was also witnessed by SDP Division Manager Cynthia Renion, and other SDO officials from Central Luzon.

SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez, who attended on behalf of SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, said the initiative is part of DepEd Regional Office 3’s program to align educational outcomes with industry standards through strategic collaborations with the private sector.

“With this initiative, DepEd plans to enhance the workforce transition and employability of SHS graduates, starting with 120 students from the Schools Division Offices (SDO) of Bataan, Zambales, and Olongapo City,” Rodriguez said. This will expand to SDOs in Tarlac, Angeles City, and Mabalacat City.

Meanwhile, Yanagisawa said that people are the source of sustainable growth. He stressed the need to align education programs with employment demands, urged students to utilize the initiative, and extended his appreciation to DepEd and the stakeholders.

Amin expressed support for the partnership as it indicates a commitment to secure the future of the learners.

“Our greatest gift to humanity is our kindness to our children,” Amin said, adding that companies currently seek three qualifications: technical competence, technological skill, and soft skills, highlighting the latter as the priority.

The “Building Bridges Together from Enrollment to Employment” initiative aims to elevate SHS “exit points” by ensuring learners possess the specific skills and competencies required by modern employers.

Central Luzon is currently experiencing a robust labor market, characterized by high employment rates and a strategic shift towards higher-value industry and services sector jobs, necessitating a tighter match between worker skills and industrial demands.

In this region, SHS graduates demonstrate high foundational literacy, yet they face significant challenges in direct labor market entry due to a persistent job-skills mismatch. While the region achieved the highest basic literacy rate in the country at 92.8% as of 2024, only a small fraction of SHS graduates successfully transition into the workforce. (30)

06/05/2026

SBMA law enforcers save woman from drowning

Subic Bay Freeport – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) tourist police saved a woman from drowning on May 4, 2026.

According to a report by the Law Enforcement Department (LED), tourist police reported that an intoxicated 20-year-old woman jumped into the water in front of Bldg. 244 along Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport. The said area is a popular site for most tourists who are out for a leisurely evening stroll.

Mobile Patrol-Traffic Branch responded and arrived at the scene, conducted crowd control, while the SBMA LED immediately dispatched the Harbor Patrol personnel who rescued the victim who was then afloat and unconscious.

The SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) dispatched Medic-4 who arrived and administered first aid on the victim. The LED also reported that upon regaining consciousness, the victim became hysterical.

The victim was then transported to the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment. (30)