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Central Luzon Businessweek, Lazatin Farm, Telabastagan (2026)

09/06/2026

LGUs, Business Leaders Highlight CALAX Subsection 3’s Role in Driving Growth

The economic landscape of Cavite is poised for greater growth following the opening of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Subsection 3, extending the expressway to Governor’s Drive Interchange in General Trias City.

With CALAX now spanning 26 kilometers from Mamplasan, Biñan, Laguna to General Trias, Cavite, local government officials and business leaders cited the project’s role in improving connectivity, attracting investments, and creating new opportunities for businesses and communities.

Florencio Ayos, President of the GenTri Business Club, said the new subsection is a long-awaited development that cuts travel time between Laguna and Cavite’s industrial hubs to just 26 minutes.

"We are no longer a destination that is hard to reach — we are now a city that is impossible to ignore. Infrastructure is not just about roads; it is about opening doors for every Filipino entrepreneur. General Trias is now better positioned than ever to attract investments, generate employment, and build a more resilient economy,” Ayos stated.

General Trias City Mayor Luis “Jon Jon” Ferrer IV described the new interchange as ‘a gateway to greater opportunities’ that positions the city as a thriving center of industry. “Habang patuloy na lumalago ang General Trias bilang sentro ng industriya at kaunlaran, mahalaga ang proyektong tulad nito upang mas mailapit ang mga oportunidad sa ating mga kababayan,” said Mayor Ferrer.

The positive outlook was echoed by Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Barzaga, who emphasized that the expressway enhances access to commerce, education, and tourism.

“Ang proyektong ito ay hindi lamang tungkol sa bagong kalsada, ito ay tungkol sa mas magandang kalidad ng buhay. Ang CALAX ay simbolo ng patuloy na progreso at ng ating sama-samang pangarap para sa isang mas maunlad, mas konektado, at mas maaliwalas na kinabukasan para sa bawat mamamayan,” Mayor Barzaga noted.

Barangay Adlas (Silang) Captain Joelito Generoso highlighted the project’s impact on local development. "Napakalaking benepisyo ng pagbubukas ng CALAX Governor’s Drive. Nagkaroon ng oportunidad sa negosyo, pagbubukas ng mga bagong trabaho, at pagtaas ng presyo ng lupa. Pinalakas din nito ang turismo at transportasyon ng mga kalakal," Barangay Capt. Generoso said.

Meanwhile, Barangay San Francisco (General Trias) Captain Ryan Santor pointed to the long-term benefits of improved accessibility. "We believe that the opening of CALAX SS3 will bring lasting benefits to nearby communities through improved connectivity, increased investments, and easier transportation of goods and services,” said Barangay Capt. Santor.

Beyond improving travel, the opening of CALAX Subsection 3 is expected to strengthen trade, support business expansion, and enhance Cavite’s competitiveness as an investment destination.

CALAX is an MPCALA Holdings Inc. project with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as project grantor.

MPCALA Holdings Inc., the developer and operator of CALAX, is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

09/06/2026

Death toll from Balibago collapsed building now at 30

Search, rescue, and retrieval operations continue at the collapsed building site in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, under the Unified Command.

At around 12:02 a.m. on June 9, 2026, responders located a victim at Quadrant 1 of the ongoing operation. After careful and systematic retrieval procedures, the remains were successfully recovered at approximately 12:16 a.m.

The victim was immediately turned over at 12:18 a.m. to the Angeles City Health Office (CHO) and the Management of the Dead and Missing (MDM) Team for proper documentation and handling.

The recovered individual has been recorded as Casualty No. 30, as operations at the site continue.

09/06/2026

Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., in his capacity as Company President, signs the Deed of Donation of the property owned by Biotop Philippines Agriculture Co. to Barangay Sapalibutad, Angeles City, represented by Barangay Captain Cristina Pineda.

The said property, where the headquarters of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) currently stands, shall be used as the eventual location of the barangay’s daycare center.

With Lazatin’s donation, ownership of the said property is formally transferred to the barangay.

Also present during the signing of the Deed of Donation are Angeles City Councilor Arvin Suller; the Barangay Sapalibutad Council composed of Kagawad Ed Dalusung, Jay-ar Bunyi, Marianne Panlilio, Danilo Pingul, Wilson Paras, Rico Camaya, Enrico Quiazon, and Mohammad D. Catacutan; Barangay Secretary Paula Baluyut; former Barangay Kagawad Edwin Yanga; and Chief Political Affairs Officer Reina Manuel.

09/06/2026

Land Your Dream Job this Independence Day at SM

In celebration of Araw ng Kalayaan, SM City Telabastagan is set to host a one-day Job Fair that brings together employment opportunities, career support services, and convenient on-site facilities—all under one roof.

The event aims to connect job seekers with a wide range of employers, offering an efficient and accessible platform for individuals looking to take the next step in their careers.

Applicants can look forward to:
• Face-to-face interviews with participating companies
• Get hired on the spot (HOTS)
• One-stop processing of employment requirements
• Access to skills development and job readiness support

The Job Fair will be held at the Mall Atrium of SM City Telabastagan from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Job seekers are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes and valid identification to facilitate their application process.

This initiative reflects SM’s continued commitment to supporting workforce development and creating pathways toward a better future for the community.

09/06/2026

Philippine Airlines Launches 0% Interest Installment Plan for Domestic Travelers

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is introducing a 0% credit card installment option for domestic flights, offering travelers a more flexible way to plan and enjoy trips across the Philippines.

In partnership with major local banks—including BPI, Metrobank, and HSBC—the program allows cardholders to split PAL domestic flight bookings into three-month installments at zero interest.

The 0% interest credit card installment applies to flights with a minimum spend of ₱20,000, helping travelers easily manage their trip expenses.

With destinations such as Iloilo, Boracay, Puerto Princesa, and other local hotspots continuing to draw strong interest, PAL’s latest offering enables travelers to plan ahead with greater ease and confidence.

The installment payment option is now available for all PAL domestic flight bookings through Philippine Airlines’ official website and mobile app. When booking, passengers can select the installment option at checkout, where they are guided through a secure payment process.

Philippine National Bank also joins as a participating partner, with installment options currently available via PAL ticket offices. In addition to the three-month term, PNB cardholders may also avail of 6-month and 12-month installment payment terms for qualified transactions, subject to applicable minimum spend requirements.

More bank partners are set to be added in the coming months, expanding access and giving more cardholders the opportunity to enjoy this flexible payment option.

09/06/2026

CONG POGI TO DONATE P100K FROM SALARY TO GENSAN EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has pledged to donate P100,000 from his own salary for the victims of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck General Santos City earlier today, June 8, 2026.

“My heart goes out to our fellow Filipinos in General Santos City, Sarangani, and neighboring communities affected by the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao this morning,” Lazatin said in a solidarity message.

“We pray for the safety of those affected and for the strength of the families rebuilding their lives. We also salute our brave rescuers, medical workers, volunteers, and frontliners whose courage and compassion continue to bring hope in this difficult time,” he added.

As of writing, the Office of Civil Defense reports that at least 15 people have been killed in the earthquake, with at least 129 injured.

The earthquake, which struck off the coast of General Santos City, caused several buildings to collapse and triggered tsunami warnings in the region.

Authorities have advised residents not to reenter damaged homes and buildings.

“As authorities monitor possible aftershocks, let us remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and continue to pray for the safety and recovery of our fellow Filipinos,” Lazatin said.

04/06/2026

Owner vows full cooperation with LGU probe; aid to victims

The owner of the building that collapsed last week in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City, promised full cooperation with the Office of the City Mayor, which formed a fact-finding committee to look into the incident.

"Makikipagtulungan po kami sa fact-finding task force na binuo po ng ating mayor. Sa ganoon po ay iyon pong dapat pong managot ay malalaman po namin,” said Atty. Willie Rivera, legal counsel of property owner Ernest Jackson Lim, during the press conference led by Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II.

According to Rivera, they plan to conduct a parallel probe into the matter in support of the local government’s effort.

Rivera also said that his client is committed to help the victims and their families.

“Sa lahat po ng naapektuhan, hindi po kami tatalikod at sasagutin po namin lahat ng dapat pong sagutin upang maibsan po iyong kalungkutan at perwisyo pong natamo sa trahedyang ito,” he said in an interview.

The legal counsel of project contractor Golden Years Construction and Steelworks likewise promised that his client will provide assistance to everyone affected by the incident.

“Si contractor, tutulong talaga siya… [sa] lahat ng naapektuhan… tutulong naman si contractor,” said Atty. Nicolai Manguerra.

He even clarified that his client is not hiding. In fact, he said, company representatives went to the site few hours after the incident to coordinate with the victims.

He added that his client was in the vicinity at the time but opted to not show up on-site for fear of being mobbed since emotions were running high following the building’s collapse.

Manguerra also said his client’s engineer affirmed that appropriate materials were used in the project. He further said that his client was able to provide all the necessary requirements for the construction of the building.

“Definitely, iyon ang una kong tanong, ‘Engineer, tinipid ba ito? Absolutely, hindi,’ sabi nya. Hindi niya titipirin ito. If he was able to say one thing na for sure, at this point in time, hindi niya tinipid ito.”

“So far, sabi ng client ko saken, lahat ng hiningi sa kanila, all the requirements requested bago sila mag-operate… hindi naman kami papayagan mag-construct kung hindi pa kumpleto,” Manguerra added.

04/06/2026

CONG POGI PUSHES FOR FREE CASKETS, FUNERAL DISCOUNTS FOR INDIGENT, EXTREMELY POOR FAMILIES

Through House Bill No. 9639, filed on June 2, 2026, Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. is pushing for the provision of free caskets and discounts on funeral services for indigent and extremely poor families, to be implemented nationwide through LGUs.

To be known as the “Free Casket and LGU Funeral Service Discounts Act,” HB 9639 mandates all LGUs to provide free caskets and funeral services to qualified indigent and extremely poor families through their respective Local Social Welfare and Development Offices (LSWDOs).

Through HB 9639, an LGU-funded assistance mechanism shall be established and implemented in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to prevent duplication with the national free funeral services under R.A. 12309 or the “Free Funeral Services Act.”

“Many extremely poor and indigent families have to make difficult choices during their time of loss due to the exorbitant costs of caskets and funeral services,” Lazatin explained.

"We are filing this measure to help ensure that those who are financially-challenged will still be able to provide a proper and dignified burial for their loved ones,” he added.

Since September 1, 2025, Lazatin has been setting aside part of his salary to personally fund a Free Casket Program for indigent residents of the First District of Pampanga.

Through the program, relatives of indigent deceased residents from Angeles City, Mabalacat City, or Magalang Municipality may avail of free caskets from the office of Lazatin, in partnership with Pangilinan Funeral Homes owned by Philip Pangilinan Samson.

Residents wishing to avail of the program may visit Lazatin’s district office carrying the following documents: original and photocopy of the deceased’s Death Certificate, funeral contract, Certificate of Indigency from the deceased’s barangay, one valid government-issued ID of relatives of the deceased, and one valid government-issued ID of the deceased. In case the deceased is a minor, one of the parents should provide their valid government-issed ID.

Upon submission of the requirements, a dedicated social worker will conduct an interview of the relatives to assess their eligibility. Eligible applicants will be issued a Referral Letter, which they will present to Pangilinan Funeral Homes.

This program is a continuation of the Free Casket Program first implemented by Lazatin in Angeles City during his term as City Mayor.

02/06/2026

BFP extricates infant body from Balibago collapsed building

Responders from the Bureau of Fire Protection in Central Luzon successfully extricated Victim #21, an infant, from Quadrant 2 of the collapsed structure in Brgy. Balibago, Angeles City.

Operations continue as personnel persist in their search and retrieval efforts throughout the collapse site.

02/06/2026

3 more victims recovered from Balibago collapsed structure

A total of three additional victims were recovered by responders from a collapsed structure in Barangay Balibago, according to a report from the Unified Command to Responsible Official (RO) and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II.

Based on the Incident Command Post report, Casualty #18 was extricated at 1:13 p.m., followed by Casualty #19 at 1:17 p.m., and Casualty #20 at 1:19 p.m.

The City Health Office immediately carried out proper retrieval procedures, including tagging and Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) protocols for the recovered remains.

Search, rescue, and retrieval operations, along with ongoing clearing efforts at the collapse site, continue under the leadership of the Unified Command.

Responders are carefully removing debris while expanding access to other sections of the collapsed structure to locate and reach any remaining possible victims.

All members of the Unified Command remain on alert as 24/7 operations continue at the site, despite challenges posed by changing weather conditions and the delicate nature of the collapse area.

📸 Angeles City Information Office

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