Herald Group of Publications

12/11/2025

The Wednesday HERALD (Nov. 12-18,
2025 issue)

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08/11/2025

San Miguel Corporation to dredge Laguna Lake
https://thewednesdayherald.net/news/san-miguel-corporation-to-dredge-laguna-lake/

by Roselle R. Aquino

STA. CRUZ, Laguna — Laguna Governor Sol Aragones and San Miguel Corporation President Ramon Ang have formalized a partnership to launch a large-scale flood control and dredging initiative across the province.

The two leaders signed a memorandum of agreement on Friday, marking the start of dredging operations aimed at addressing long-standing flooding issues in Laguna.

According to Provincial Information Officer Danilo Lucas, the project will be implemented at no cost to the provincial government.

“With the signing of the MOA and the start of dredging operations, we can expect lasting relief for thousands of residents and communities vulnerable to heavy flooding,” Lucas said.

He added that SMC had presented a comprehensive map showing rivers and waterways in Laguna that require dredging and sustained cleanup operations.

For his part, Ramon Ang said the project’s goal is not only to remove silt and debris but also to restore the natural flow of waterways disrupted by pollution and encroachment.

“Within one year, we can clean everything,” Ang said, appealing to the public to stop dumping waste into rivers.

He also urged local government units to help sustain the effort.

“LGUs should maintain a barge and a backhoe to keep the rivers clean,” he emphasized.

Gov. Aragones expressed gratitude to SMC for its commitment, saying the partnership offers renewed hope to flood-affected communities.

“This flood control initiative will not only address persistent flooding but also ease the fears of our kababayans who live in flood-prone areas,” she said.

by Roselle R. Aquino Sta. Cruz, Laguna — Laguna Governor Sol Aragones and San Miguel Corporation President Ramon Ang have formalized a partnership to launch a large-scale flood control and dredging initiative across the province.                 The two leaders signed a memorandum o...

08/11/2025

Gov Aragones unveils app for free healthcare services to Lagunense
https://thewednesdayherald.net/news/gov-aragones-unveils-app-for-free-healthcare-services-to-lagunense/

By Charmaine Odong

STA. CRUZ, Laguna (PIA) — True to her vision of building a stronger health system in the province of Laguna, Governor Sol Aragones has officially launched the Gobyernong may Solusyon (GOBSOL) Mobile Application, allowing users to access free digital healthcare services with just their smartphones.

According to Aragones, the mobile application offers a variety of health services, including consultations with psychiatrists/psychologists, pediatricians, orthopedics, OB-GYNs, and internal medicine specialists.

Residents only need to download the mobile application online using their android phones and register their details and pick a consultation date.

“Please note that the free online consultation is available every Monday to Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, since we’ve just launched the application today.”

She added, “Through your Android cellphone, for now, since it’s only available for Android users but will eventually be available on iPhones (iOS) — you can already consult with doctors using the GOBSOL App, and we also provide free medicines.”

Joy Apran, 42, one of the first patients of the app, shared that she has health concerns related to her heart, high blood pressure, and diabetes, and is currently experiencing body pain. She said the free consultation is helpful, as it is more convenient and accessible, especially for people like her with similar conditions.

“I’m very grateful for this GOBSOL App, and to Gob Sol as well, because the consultation is free, it is a big help for people like us.” Apran shared during the launching.

Upon completing the online consultation, users will be issued an e-prescription that they can present at the nearest Akay ni Gob Botika to obtain their free medicines.

Provincial Health Consultant Dr. Eric Tayag explained that e-prescriptions are preferable to physical prescriptions today, as they offer greater convenience, safety, and reliability. Unlike traditional prescriptions, they cannot be torn, lost, or fade over time.

Coinciding with the launch of the GOBSOL App, the provincial government has also opened nine additional Akay ni Gob Botika branches located in San Pedro City, Biñan City, Bay, Alaminos, Calauan, Sta. Cruz, Nagcarlan, Luisiana, and Pila.

The provincial government targets to establish Akay ni Gob Botika branches in all six cities and 24 municipalities by this year, and vows that regular visits and inspections of each provincial hospital are being done to ensure humane and reliable services are being delivered to all Lagunenses. (CO/PIA4A)

07/11/2025

BREAKING NEWS‼️
RAMON ANG TINUPAD ANG HILING ni Gob SOL na magkaroon ng DREDGING sa Laguna na magiging solusyon sa baha.
Nagpirmahan na sila ng MOA kasama ang mga mayors.
Nakiisa din si Cong Arman Dimaguila na pangunahin din na adbokasiya ang dredging.
Salamat po sa regalong ito Sir Ramon Ang kay Gob Sol at sa buong Lalawigan ng Laguna.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DAZkfpBzM/

07/11/2025

197 public school buildings in Laguna need major repairs
https://thewednesdayherald.net/.../197-public-school.../

By Christopher Hedreyda

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – At least 197 out of 346 public school buildings in Laguna require major repairs based on the structural assessments that the provincial government conducted on public schools and government facilities.
Governor Sol Aragones, in a recent Facebook post, said 57 percent, or six in every ten public school buildings require significant structural rehabilitation while 170 buildings have been classified for minor repairs.
The governor also noted that 27 “Gabaldon-type” school buildings dating back to the American colonial period are still being utilized.
Aragones said the suspension of face-to-face classes from October 14 to 31 was intended to allow the provincial government to conduct safety inspections, consult with education, disaster, and engineering officials, and formulate concrete disaster preparedness plans.
“Pinuntahan natin ang mga lugar na may active fault para matiyak na ligtas ang ating mga kababayan. Kasama ang ating district engineers, tiniyak natin na ang bawat sulok ng Laguna ay nababantayan. Lahat ng paaralan at lugar na may banta ay isinailalim sa masusing inspeksyon,” she said.
Among the governor’s initiatives was convening local chief executives across the province to form the Provincial Infrastructure Risk Identification Team (PIRIT). The task force is tasked with developing earthquake risk mapping, preparedness, response, and recovery operations in every local government unit.
Aragones also issued an order directing mayors of cities found with active fault lines to identify, inventory, and report structures and facilities situated along or near the West Valley Fault System for earthquake risk reduction and management.
In Biñan City, Mayor Gel Alonte said the local government has launched its own inspection and hazard identification operations and pledged to construct new public structures that can serve as safe havens during disasters.
“May nainspect na kami na icocondemn namin, then we will convert it next year. Hopefully by next year ay magawa namin yung ating malaking evacuation center,” Alonte said.
In Barangay Casile, Cabuyao City, around 40 families live along an active fault line. Heeding the governor and the city government’s directive, the barangay council immediately met with affected residents to advise them of the risks and possible scenarios should a major earthquake occur.
“Ang action namin ay pinatawag po namin ang lahat ng family na tatamaan, yung kanilang mga bahay. Inabisuhan po namin sila na lumikas sa kanilang tinatayuan dahil nadaanan ng fault line,” Barangay Chairman Orlando de Sagun said in an interview.
Aragones acknowledged that her decision to suspend classes did not sit well some netizens, some calling it fear-inducing or an overkill. However, she stressed that the move was necessary to protect students and residents in times of massive earthquake.
“Iba-iba man ang opinion natin sa isyung ito, sa dulo bibigkisin pa rin tayo ng isang katotohanan na sa anumang kalamidad ay importante ang handa at alam natin ang gagawin sakaling magkaroon ng lindol. Dahil iisa lang ang buhay ng tao na dapat nating pag-ingatan — it’s now or never,” she said.
Classes resumed on November 3 while the provincial government continues to implement Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) training for teachers and public health personnel to ensure that safety protocols and readiness measures remain in place. (CH/PIA-Laguna)

By Christopher Hedreyda CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – At least 197 out of 346 public school buildings in Laguna require major repairs based on the structural assessments that the provincial government conducted on public schools and government facilities. Governor Sol Aragones, in a recent Facebook post,...

05/11/2025

₱20M worth of ‘kush’ found floating off Batangas coast
https://thewednesdayherald.net/.../%e2%82%b120m-worth-of.../
By Roselle R. Aquino

CAMP BGEN VICENTE P. LIM, Calamba City — Balayan police recovered suspected dried marijuana/kush worth ₱20,250,000 that was found floating off the West Philippine Sea and later washed ashore in Barangay San Piro, Balayan, Batangas on the morning of November 2, 2025.
Balayan Municipal Police Station received a telephone call from Barangay Chairperson Roderick Reyes Delos Reyes, reporting the discovery of several sacks containing suspected illegal drugs. Acting on the report, personnel from Balayan police station immediately proceeded to the area to verify the information and conduct an investigation.
Upon arrival, police confirmed the presence of six rice sacks containing 27 packs of dried marijuana/kush weighing more or less 13.5 kilograms valued at ₱20,250,000 based on the PDEA Standard Drug Price.
The sacks were reportedly found floating in the open waters of the West Philippine Sea and later drifted toward the coastal area of Barangay San Piro.
Police Brigadier General Paul Kenneth T. Lucas, Regional Director of PRO CALABARZON, commended the vigilance of the local barangay officials and the prompt response of the Balayan MPS.
“The timely report of our concerned citizens and barangay officials shows the spirit of cooperation that strengthens our campaign against illegal drugs. We will not let our guard down and will continue to intensify maritime and coastal patrol operations to prevent drug trafficking attempts in our region,” he said.
PBGEN Lucas further reiterated that PRO CALABARZON remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a drug-free and safe community anchored on the Chief, PNP’s Focused Agenda to intensify police operations on the campaign against illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, the recovered illegal drugs have been turned over to the Batangas Provincial Forensic Unit for laboratory examination and proper disposition.

By Roselle R. Aquino CAMP BGEN VICENTE P. LIM, Calamba City — Balayan police recovered suspected dried marijuana/kush worth ₱20,250,000 that was found floating off the West Philippine Sea and later washed ashore in Barangay San Piro, Balayan, Batangas on the morning of November 2, 2025. Balayan ...

04/11/2025

LGUs advised to check rainfall, storm track before suspending work, classes

https://thewednesdayherald.net/news/lgus-advised-to-check-rainfall-storm-track-before-suspending-work-classes/

CALAMBA CITY (PIA) – The CALABARZON Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has advised local government units to check rainfall warnings and projected paths before deciding on work and class suspensions.

Carlos Eduardo Alvarez III, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense and chairperson of CALABARZON RDRRMC, issued the guidance as several LGUs under the path of typhoon Tino suspended classes on Monday, November 3 in preparation for the storm’s effects.

“Consider not only rainfall warnings but also the projected paths of tropical cyclone Tino when deciding on the suspension of work and classes,” Alvarez said.

He also advised LGUs to conduct pre-emptive evacuations in flood prone and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

“Draw from past typhoons such as Yolanda, Odette and strictly enforce no sail and no swimming policy.” Alvarez said.

Alvarez also advised LGU’s to work with port and transportation authorities when deciding on sea travel suspension.

“Coordination with PPA, MARINA and LTFRB is likewise advisable for the possible suspension of travel and to prevent congestion in ports. Let us maintain our commitment to zero casualties.”

Several vessel trips in some ports in the region are already suspended. Earlier, Asian Terminals Inc. had announced trip cancellations at the Batangas Port bound to Caticlan, Sibuyan-Roxas-Culasi,Odiongan, Calapan, and Abra de Ilog.

“Although our region will not be directly hit [by typhoon Tinio], still let’s not be complacent.”

The Southern portion of Quezon province, including the municipalities of San Francisco and San Andres, have been placed under tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1 based on laterst weather bulletin. (PB-PIA4A/RDRRMC)

By Patricia Bermudez CALAMBA CIT, Laguna – The CALABARZON Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has advised local government units to check rainfall warnings and projected paths before deciding on work and class suspensions. Carlos Eduardo Alvarez III, regional director ...

04/11/2025

20 pamilya sa San Pablo City na in-evacuate, maayos at ligtas
https://thewednesdayherald.net/.../20-pamilya-sa-san.../

Ligtas at nasa maayos na kalagayan ang nasa 20 pamilya na binubuo ng 105 indibidwal sa isinagawang preemptive evacuation ng San Pablo City Social Welfare and Development Office at City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office kagabi, Nob. 3, 2025 dahil sa patuloy na buhos ng ulan.

Ang mga evacuees na ngayon ay nasa mga evacuation centers sa mga barangay ng San Marcos, San Bartolome at Del Remedio ay may sapat na suplay ng pagkain, inumin at iba pang mga basic needs.

Sa atas ni Mayor Najie B. Gapangada, Jr., ang preemptive evacuation ay isinasawa ng pamahalaang lunsod upang iligtas ang mga mamamayan bago pa dumating ang nakaambang panganib.

Ligtas at nasa maayos na kalagayan ang nasa 20 pamilya na binubuo ng 105 indibidwal sa isinagawang preemptive evacuation ng San Pablo City Social Welfare and Development Office at City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office kagabi, Nob. 3, 2025 dahil sa patuloy na buhos ng ulan. Ang mga evacu...

29/10/2025

P25 to P100 daily wage hike OK’d in CALABARZON
https://thewednesdayherald.net/.../p25-to-p100-daily.../
By Charmaine Odong
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna ) – Minimum wage earners in CALABARZON can now expect a higher salary following the recent approval of Wage Order No. IVA-22 by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productive Board (RTWPB).
According to lawyer Rio Arnel Soriano, Board Secretary of the RTWPB Region IV-A, the Wage Order provides that minimum wage earners will receive an increase of P25 to P100 in their daily salaries, which will be given in two tranches effective on October 5, 2025 to April 1, 2026.
The adjustment was the result of the efforts of the board, composed of representatives from government agencies including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDEV), along with representatives from the management and labor sectors.
“In the exercise of their powers and functions as board, we had an adjustment again on the minimum wage. Of course, this also include the feedback we gathered during our public consultations and public hearings, as well as the position papers submitted and the petitions for minimum wage adjustments we received,” Soriano explained.
Based on Wage Order No. IVA-22 approved on September 3, the daily minimum wage in the non-agricultural sector will increase from ₱525 to ₱600, in the agricultural sector from ₱508 to ₱525, and in the retail and service sector employing not more than 10 workers to ₱508.
For Jodimar Glindro, 25, a working student earning minimum wage, the new order is a helpful development, as the RTWPB fulfill its mandate to protect vulnerable workers from low pay, inflation, and to help narrow the gap between the wage rates in Calabarzon and those in Metro Manila, which are generally higher.
“This will be a big help in coping with the rising cost of living in the region. As a student worker, it will greatly contribute to supporting my educational needs. At the same time, it may also have a significant impact on my working days, since instead of working for a full week, the company might implement cost-cutting measures,” Glindro added.
Meanwhile, Soriano emphasized that the current official poverty threshold in the region is pegged at ₱508. However, since some minimum wage earners still receive ₱425 and ₱450 at the time of review, the wage board is working closely to continue to address this concern.
At the same time, the wage increase has made a significant difference for many, as it now at least meets to the poverty threshold, marking the first time that the RTWPB has achieved this in the region.
“This time, with the new wage order, it its revolutionary in a way because currently we no longer have the previous setup. In short, our minimum wage rates as of now are at least equal or above the poverty threshold. This is the first time we have achieved this in Region 4A, and I think I can say that as of now, we are on par with NCR, where minimum wage rates are not based on a poverty threshold,” he said.
RTWPB IV-A estimates that there are 1.3 million minimum wage earners in the region. Since the new wage order takes effect this October, the adjustment is expected to be integrated in the next payroll or pay period, according to the Board.

By Charmaine Odong CALAMBA CITY, Laguna ) – Minimum wage earners in CALABARZON can now expect a higher salary following the recent approval of Wage Order No. IVA-22 by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productive Board (RTWPB). According to lawyer Rio Arnel Soriano, Board Secretary of the RTWPB Re...

29/10/2025

Science-based disaster plan vital to earthquake preparedness
https://thewednesdayherald.net/.../science-based.../
By Kristianne Andrade
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — An expert from the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) said that earthquakes cannot be predicted, emphasizing preparedness should be part of daily life since it is a natural phenomenon in the Philippines being within the Pacific ring of Fire that is prone to seismic activity.
Dr. Decibel V. Eslava Geologist and Dean at the UPLB School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), said that knowledge and constant preparedness is essential to minimize disaster risks.
“It is natural in our region, a reality that we should have long accepted so that our decisions and preparedness are aligned in that situation,” she said.
The Philippines is situated in the Pacific ring of fire including the region from East Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Japan, Russia and the west coast United States.
Eslava emphasized that because the country has active fault lines and an earthquake can’t predict when it will move, people need to be always ready for the possibility of earthquakes.
“Because of this geographical reality, we need to learn how to adapt,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Perez, geologist at Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the West Valley Fault (WVF) has moved four times in the past 1400 years and movement interval to 400 to 600 years. The last major earthquake from the valley fault was 1658.
“The west valley fault has been accumulating strain for about 357 years. It could move before it reaches 400 years, It could also occur within 600 years — it may happen in our generation or the next,” Perez said.
“What we are saying in Phivolcs is that we need to be prepared. We don’t want to cause alarm, what we are saying, let’s use the term – ripe. But we cannot still predict when it will happen,” he added.
Eslava highlighted the importance of designing houses and infrastructure that can withstand natural phenomena. She also emphasized having regular earthquake drills to help the masses know where to go during an earthquake, to reduce panic and to lessen disaster.
In Calabarzon, local government units are conducting infrastructure assessments of school buildings and other facilities to ensure their structural integrity.
Meanwhile, Dr. Eslava shared that UPLB takes initiatives to reassess the integrity of campus buildings, revive evacuation drills and sites and safety protocols.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Council has also urged local government units to strengthen earthquake preparedness and contingency plans and to conduct large-scale practical earthquake drills that focus on public facilities including schools, government offices, and places of mass gathering.

By Kristianne Andrade CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — An expert from the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) said that earthquakes cannot be predicted, emphasizing preparedness should be part of daily life since it is a natural phenomenon in the Philippines being within the Pacific ring of Fire ...

25/10/2025

Free ambulance services for all Laguna patients
https://thewednesdayherald.net/news/free-ambulance-services-for-all-laguna-patients/

25/10/2025

The Wednesday HERALD October 22-28, 2025 Issue

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