Tarlac Insider Weekly Newspaper

31/10/2025

31/10/2025

*Cayetano: K-12, nawala sa focus at hindi tumama sa layunin*

Sinabi ni Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano na ang K-12 education program ng pamahalaan ay malinaw na halimbawa ng magandang ideyang nawala sa focus at hindi nakamit ang tunay na layunin.

Sa pinakabagong episode ng kanyang vlog na “CIA 365 with Kuya Alan,” ipinaliwanag ni Cayetano na nagsimula ang K-12 sa magandang pananaw ngunit kinulang sa pondo at maayos na pagpapatupad.

“Maganda ang intensyon, maganda ang K-12. Pero ang problema, hindi pinondohan ng husto ng gobyerno,” aniya.

Ayon kay Cayetano, isa siya noon sa mga tumutol sa pagpapatupad ng K-12 dahil alam niyang hindi pa kayang pondohan ito nang maayos ng gobyerno.

“I was saying we can’t afford it, but of course now na may flood control scandal, we can see nariyan ang pera, ang problema napupunta sa corruption,” sabi niya.

Binanggit din niya na dahil sa kakulangan ng suporta ng pamahalaan, maraming paaralan ang napipilitang magpatakbo ng dalawang shift, na nakaaapekto sa kalidad ng pag-aaral ng mga estudyante.

“Sa highly urbanized cities, more than 2,000 schools na ang two shifts. K-12 ka nga, half day ka naman,” ayon kay Cayetano.

Dagdag pa niya, kahit maganda ang layunin ng mga reporma sa edukasyon, mabibigo pa rin ito kapag naliligaw sa tunay na direksyon.

“Ang ganda ng objective, pero hindi makafocus. Walang masamang proposal sa education, pero kung hindi fully funded, hindi maaabot ang target,” sabi ng senador.

Hinimok ni Cayetano ang mga ahensya ng gobyerno na muling ituon ang pansin sa resulta, tiyaking sapat ang pondo, at ibalik ang mga reporma sa orihinal na layunin ng mga ito.

Binigyang diin din niya na ang laban sa korapsyon ay hindi lang dapat nakasentro sa mga polisiya kundi dapat magsimula sa sariling pagpapahalaga.

“Lahat naman ng pwedeng idagdag sa anti-corruption [drive,] gagawin. Ang problema ay y’ung values. Kailangan maging core value natin ang integrity at honesty,” wika ni Cayetano.

Ang “CIA 365 with Kuya Alan” ay ang daily vlog ng senador kung saan tinatalakay niya ang mga isyung panlipunan gamit ang mga aral na nakabatay sa biblical principles. # # #

31/10/2025

Tarlac Leaders Unite Behind Senator Bam Aquino's CAP Act

Governor Christian Yap and Mayor Noel Villanueva are spearheading a coalition of Tarlac officials in supporting the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act, championed by Senator Bam Aquino. The proposed legislation aims to expedite classroom construction nationwide through partnerships with local government units and NGOs.

Senator Aquino highlighted the urgency of the issue, citing the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) limited capacity to address the country's 145,000-classroom backlog. The CAP Act has garnered widespread support from nearly 500 local officials, including governors, mayors, and barangay officials.

Governor Yap and Mayor Villanueva, along with other Tarlac leaders, are urging President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to certify the CAP Act as urgent to fast-track its passage into law. The growing alliance underscores the need to address the classroom shortage and improve learning facilities for Filipino students.

28/10/2025

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS AT SM CITY TARLAC

A burst of fairytale magic was seen at the unveiling of the Christmas Centerpiece of SM City Tarlac.

The stunning 32-foot Christmas Tree features a giant red ribbon at its top center. Gold carriage and Towers enhance their magical appeal, complemented by vibrant lights and red ornaments that create a warm and sparkling atmosphere.

Located in the mall atrium, this year’s display invites everyone to embrace the magic of a fairytale Christmas. Capture the moment with a selfie and enjoy the festive warmth with family and friends.

What are you waiting for? Visit the SM City Tarlac Fairytale Christmas, and together, let’s celebrate the magic of giving.

28/10/2025

28/10/2025

28/10/2025

FROM ONE BOOK TO THOUSANDS; SM CITY TARLAC TURNS OVER DONATED BOOKS TO THE CARLOS P. ROMULO LIBRARY

Sharing the magic of stories, over a thousand books donated to the SM City Tarlac Book Donation Drive have been turned over to the Carlos P. Romulo Library, Tarlac City, spreading the magic of reading.

Mall Manager Rina M. Castro led the turnover activity, along with mall admin volunteers.

Started last July 7, 2025, the SM Book Nook Book Donation Drive, with the theme, “Under the Same Sky: Share the Magic of Stories”, aims to gather 40,000 books nationwide that will be donated to various communities, including the National Library of the Philippines.

This initiative highlights the SM Cares’ long-term vision to make every SM mall a hub for inclusive learning, community engagement, and share hope---especially for young readers.

SM City Tarlac Book Nook Book Donation Drive collected 1,387 books from donors throughout the province of Tarlac.

28/10/2025

28/10/2025

FROM ONE BOOK TO THOUSANDS; SM CITY TARLAC TURNS OVER DONATED BOOKS TO THE CARLOS P. ROMULO LIBRARY

Sharing the magic of stories, over a thousand books donated to the SM City Tarlac Book Donation Drive have been turned over to the Carlos P. Romulo Library, Tarlac City, spreading the magic of reading.

Mall Manager Rina M. Castro led the turnover activity, along with mall admin volunteers.

Started last July 7, 2025, the SM Book Nook Book Donation Drive, with the theme, “Under the Same Sky: Share the Magic of Stories”, aims to gather 40,000 books nationwide that will be donated to various communities, including the National Library of the Philippines.

This initiative highlights the SM Cares’ long-term vision to make every SM mall a hub for inclusive learning, community engagement, and share hope---especially for young readers.

SM City Tarlac Book Nook Book Donation Drive collected 1,387 books from donors throughout the province of Tarlac.

27/10/2025

Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap Vows to Continue Serving Despite Disqualification

Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap has expressed determination to continue serving her constituents despite the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) disqualifying her from her post. Yap emphasized her commitment to public service, stating, "I am not worried, but rather determined".

Yap's disqualification stems from a residency issue, with petitioners claiming she did not meet the mandatory one-year residency requirement in Barangay Tibag, Tarlac City. The COMELEC annulled her proclamation, sparking widespread concern over the decision's impact on local democracy.

Support from Constituents and Allies

Yap's supporters gathered at the Tarlac Cathedral and Mayor's Office, showing solidarity with the embattled chief executive. Her son, Tarlac Governor Christian Yap, led the supporters, joined by Vice Governor Lita Aquino, several board members, and town mayors.

Yap's Statement

Yap addressed the crowd, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to public service: "I've always served the people of Tarlac, not with myself in mind. Hindi ko iniisip ang sarili ko. Kaya itong laban — what we're going through now - is not about me. I cannot let your voices and your confidence, iyong trust na ibinigay niyo po sa akin go to waste. Boses niyo ang ipinaglalaban ko"

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Tarlac Chapter has expressed support for Yap, urging the COMELEC to respect the voters' mandate. By Dina Diaz

26/10/2025