Sa pamamahala ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Aurora, nakiisa ang Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) sa ginanap na Rescuelympics La Niña Challenge (LNC) ng Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 3 nitong Martes, Hulyo 2, 2024 sa San Rafael River Adventure, San Rafael, Bulacan. Ang National Disaster Resilience Month 2024 ay may temang “𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘰𝘨 ð˜¯ð˜¨ ð˜’𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯 ð˜¢ð˜µ ð˜¢ð˜¯ð˜¨ ð˜—𝘢𝘨𝘣𝘶𝘣𝘶𝘬𝘭𝘰𝘥 ð˜´ð˜¢ ð˜“𝘢𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 ð˜’𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘢𝘯” kung saan isinagawa naman sa pangunguna ng OCD3 ang Rescuelympics La Niña Challenge (LNC). Bukod sa mga local disaster risk reduction management offices sa Aurora, nakasama din ang mga lalawigan ng Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, at Tarlac sa aktibidad na may tatlong kategorya: Water Search and Rescue (WASAR), Mountain Search and Rescue (MOSAR), at Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Management. Ayon kay Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Region 3 Chairperson at OCD3 Regional Director Amador V. Corpus, ang LNC ay isang testamento ng walang humpay na dedikasyon at pasyon ng mga Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Offices at local rescue teams upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng kanilang mga komunidad. Ayon pa kay Corpus, ang aktibidad ay hindi lamang sa magandang pagsasama-sama bagkus ay naipapakita ang kanilang mga kakayahan pagdating sa mga emergency scenarios. Sa nasabing aktibidad, nasungkit ng lalawigan ng Bulacan ang best in MOSAR samantalang ang team ng Palayan City, Nueva Ecija ay napanalunan ang WASAR category. Nakuha naman ng team ng Pampanga ang best in MCI Management. Idineklarang overall champion ang Pampanga na sinundan ng lalawigan ng Aurora, Bulacan, at Tarlac. Nabatid na ang mga naging evaluators ng aktibidad ay mula sa Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard at Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD). Pinuri ng mga naging hurado ang mga ipinakitang kakayahan ng lahat ng nakiisa at tinawag na local heroes.     Ang LNC ay isinagawa bilang suporta ng OCD3, lalawigan ng Bulacan at RDRRMC member agencies para sa observance ng NDRM. (By PG Aurora page)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT —Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recently recognized for its best efforts to upcycle wastes from among other contenders in Central Luzon. Themed “Celebrating the Excellence and Partnership of Environmental Champions,” the Environmental Summit 2024 was held on June 28 at the Widus Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga to give recognition to local government units (LGUs), industries and stakeholders with best practices in waste management. OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Group and SBMA Ecology Center manager Amethya Dela Llana-Koval personally received the agency’s award for its “Outstanding Practice in Upcycling Operation” from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Central Luzon. Dela Llana-Koval acknowledged the various departments and offices of the SBMA and its stakeholders for its all-out support that largely contributed to the success of Ecology Center’s events and activities. “We are very grateful to the EMB for recognizing our efforts in solid waste management, especially in recycling and upcycling. It is with pride and honor that the Ecology Center shares this award to the entire agency. It is only through the support of other SBMA departments and offices and our stakeholders that we are able to achieve this,” she said.   The Environmental Summit was attended by representatives of various agencies and LGUs in Central Luzon–EMB regional director, DENR assistant regional executive director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director, Provincial Environmental Management Unit (PEMU), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and awardees from Region 3, governors, mayors, barangay captains, SBMA, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and industries, to name a few. The accolade is attributed to the Ecology Center’s continuous conduct of Recyclable Collection Events, Scrap to Craft contest in collaboration with schools within the SBF, Green Runway Fashion competition, and other related environmental activities, to reduce, recycle and upcycle wastes, which are regularly witnessed by EMB R3 personnel from the Waste Management Division.   Other awards which gave cognizance to other entities for their efforts to promote environmental protection and waste management were, “Most compliant in Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementation,” “Best Materials Recovery Facility,” “Best Composting Innovation,” “Outstanding Support in Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementation,” “Industry Partners in Environmental Protection, Enhancement and Restoration,” to name a few. Meanwhile, Dela Llana-Koval assured that the Ecology Center, together with the entire agency, will always do their best and further innovate to address solid waste management concerns. The Environmental Summit is the culminating event for the Environment Month, which is conducted annually by the Environmental Management Bureau-Region 3. (PR)

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Pride Celebration 2024 culminated with five LGBTQIA+ couples who affirmed their commitment to each other during the Couple Mass Commitment Ceremony at the Subic Park Hotel on June 27. SBMA Gender and Development Executive Committee Chairman Amethya Dela Llana-Koval said that this year’s celebration of pride month was themed “Pride: Empowering Commitment & Unity.”  She added that the commitment ceremony aims to show that two people could love each other regardless of gender.  She said that the SBMA’s LGBTQIA+ Commitment Ceremony was led by the LGBTS Christian Church Inc. and was celebrated by both Reverend Cresencio Agbayani Jr. and Pastor Macario Sangcap.    The five couples were: Allen Dampil and Katherine Morales; Mavel Pascual and Maria Ana Liza Cruz; Nigelle Pedrosa and Clyde Canlas; Angel Villanueva and Kert Baugan; and Cristina Karen Cruz and Danna Marie Bautista. The said commitment ceremony is in cooperation with the SBMA Employees Association, the Olongapo City-Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Association, and Barangay Gordon Heights led by Chairperson Priscilla Ponge, who is a member of the LGBTQ community herself. The ceremony also simulated traditional wedding rituals such as exchanging of vows, placement of ring, bible, cord, veil and wedding tokens, as well as cake cutting, and wine toasting.  The Pride Month celebration in Subic Bay Freeport is a testament to the inclusivity in this premier Freeport where everyone is welcome, regardless of religion, race, language, physical or mental ability, or gender.

BONGABON, Nueva Ecija – Five out of seven Communist Terrorist Group personalities belonging to the members of the Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon who were killed in an armed encounter with the soldiers of 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, Philippine Army in Barangay Malbang, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija yesterday, June 26.   As of 11:00 in the morning today, June 27, the five were identified as Hilario Guiuo alias ‘Berting’, Acting Secretary of KRGL, and Commander, Regional Operational Command; Harold Sarenas Meñosa alias ‘Luzon’, Commander, Pltn Silangan Gitnang Luzon; Pepito Trinidad Bautista alias ‘Dylan’ Team Leader, Sqd Tersera, Pltn Silangan Gitnang Luzon; Reynan Mendoza alias ‘Mel’, and Archie Anceta alias ‘Joel’. The authorities are trying to identify the remaining two (2) personalities who also died during the encounter. During the encounter, soldiers recovered 10 high-powered firearms, one low-powered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings from the encounter site. Meanwhile, upon the troops’ continuous search in the area this morning, they found three more female cadavers and four (4) firearms. Two of them were identified as Andrie Dela Cruz alias ‘Lay/Rowen/Lunti’, Political Instructor of Platun Silangan Gitnang Luzon; and Azase Galang alias ‘Cha’; while the other female was yet to be identified by the authorities. These female casualties were found a few meters away from the exit route. Troops’ believed that they were abandoned by their comrades when they withdrew from the encounter site. Brigadier General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte PA, Commander, 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, commended the Victorious Battalion for their victory against the CTG in Nueva Ecija and for their commitment to preserve the peace and security in the area. “We would like to express our sympathy to the bereaved families of those who died and I am saddened that they reached to this point. Hindi nagkukulang ang gobyerno sa panawagan na sumuko na at magbagong buhay. Handa ang gobyernong tanggapin ang may gustong yakapin ang kapayapaan para makapiling ang kanilang pamilya. Nawa’y magsilbi itong aral sa mga natitirang CTG na ipinaglalaban ang kanilang huwad na ideolohiya. Tama na po, bumaba na kayo,” BGen. Pasamonte said. As of this writing, all casualties were brought to the nearest funeral homes in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija to give them proper burial and later to be turned over to their respective families.   BGen. Pasamonte then reiterates his call to the remaining members of the CTG to surrender and give peace a chance.

BONGABON, Nueva Ecija – At least seven members of the Komiteng Rehiyong Gitnang Luzon of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were killed in an armed encounter with the soldiers of the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, Philippine Army in Barangay Malbang, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija on June 26.   The combat operations followed after the soldiers of the 84IB conducted a hot pursuit following an aerial operation held in the hinterlands of Sitio Marikit East, Barangay Abuyo, Alfonso Castaneda, Nueva Vizcaya last June 20. Initial information disclosed that upon clearing the area, operating troops recovered three M14 rifles, six M16 rifles, one M16 with M203 attached rifle, one low-powered firearm, subversive documents, and personal belongings from the encounter site. No casualty was recorded on the part of the operating troops, while the seven CTG personalities were yet to be identified. According to Lieutenant Colonel Jerald Reyes, Commanding Officer, 84IB, the hot pursuit operation was part of the unit’s efforts to immediately locate and run after the enemy after they spread fear among the people of Alfonso Castaneda. “Mayroon po tayong nakuhang pitong bangkay mula sa mga CTG at naka rekober po tayo ng sampung mga matataas na klase ng armas. Napigilan po natin ang kanilang planong maibalik ang kanilang impluwensiya sa komunidad gamit ang pananakot. Actually, hinabol namin ang mga ito galing Aurora to Nueva Vizcaya ngayon dito sa Nueva Ecija. Kaya naman po lubos ang aming pasalamat sa mga tao sa kanilang suporta sa mga kasundaluhan. Tinitiyak din po namin ang kaligtasan ng mamamayan ng Nueva Ecija laban sa banta ng mga teroristang grupo,” pahayag ni Reyes. Brigadier General Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte PA, Commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, Philippine Army, attributed the success of the operation to the active cooperation of the peace-loving community in Pantabangan who work hand-in-hand with the security sector to preserve the peace. “The community’s active cooperation has a big impact on the results of this operation. Their full support to the Army has paved the way to more significant peace and security accomplishments in our Area of Operations. We assure you our strong commitment to the community in preserving the peace that we have been working on for years,” Pasamonte said. He then called on the members of the CTG to surrender and grab the opportunities offered by the government to live a new life.   “I am deeply saddened that our brother Filipinos died because of the trickery of the CTG. We can prevent further loss of lives if the remaining members would only join us in our mainstream society. Nandito kami handang ipagtanggol ang ating mga kababayang ang nais lamang ay kapayapaan at katiwasayan,” he added. (84th Infantry Battalion, 71D Philippine Army post)

DILASAG, Aurora – Pinangunahan ni Gov.Reynante Tolentino, kasama ang Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) at mga iba pang opisyal sa pamamahagi ng ‘social pension’ sa 485 beneficiaries sa bayan ng Dilasag, na ginanap sa LGU Sports Complex at sa Barangay Esperanza Covered Court, noong Hunyo 24.     Ang 485 beneficiaries ay kinabibilangan ng 363 senior citizens at 45 persons with disabilities (PWD), 28 solo parents, na tumanggap ng kanilang social pension para sa unang kalahating taon ng 2024. Tinanggap naman ng 23 Day Care Workers ang kanilang honorarium, samantalang sa mga senior citizens na may edad 85 hanggang 99 ay binigyan ng ‘age bonus benefit’ na bagong programa ng PSWDO mula sa  tulong at suporta ni Gov. Tolentino. Bukod dito ay nagbigay din ang gobernador mula sa kanyang sariling bulsa ng tig-₱10,000.00 sa samahan ng nasabing apat na sektor bilang dagdag tulong para sa kanilang mga pangangailangan.   Sinabi ni Ryan “Yam” Tolentino, Chief Nurse ng Aurora Memorial Hospital (AMH) at Executive Assistant ng Office of the Provincial Governor na kasamang dumalo sa nasabing aktibidad, isa raw sa mga una sa mga programa ng gobernador ang mga senior citizens. Ang ama ng lalawigan, bilang bahagi ng senior citizens group ay nauunawaan ang pakiramdaman at mga pangangailangan sa ganoong edad kung kaya lahat ng mga maaring ibigay na ayuda mula sa pamahalaang panlalawigan ay ihahatid sa kanila ng gobernador. Hinikayat din ni Yam Tolentino ang mga matatanda na gamitin at pakinabangan ang libreng laboratory tests sa AMH na bahagi ng medical assistance program ng lalawigan para sa kanila.   Ayon kay Gov. Tolentino, tuluy-tuloy ang tulong na ibibigay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa mga mamamayan lalo na sa mga wala o limitado ang pinagkukuhanan ng kabuhayan tulad ng mga senior citizens, PWD, at mga solo parents. Patuloy din magtatrabaho ang pamunuan upang mas palawigin pa ang sakop ng ganitong mga programa at madagdagan pa ang kanilang natatanggap. Pinuri din niya ang kasipagan ng PSWDO at siniguro ang kaniyang buong suporta sa mga program nito.   Nagpaabot naman ng pasasalamat si Konsehal Leah Gorospe, bilang kinatawan ni Mayor Joe P. Gorospe, sa gobernador at kay Yam sa paglalaan ng panahon upang personal na ihatid ang ayuda sa kanilang bayan. Malaking bagay daw na hindi na kailangan pang bumiyahe ng mga benepisyaryo papuntang sentro-Aurora para kunin ang kanilang social pension. Pinasalamatan naman ni Paulino ang MSWDO ng Dilasag sa pamumuno ni Jessamin T. Llave, na nakatuwang nila sa nasabing aktibidad lalo na sa pagsisigurong mga karapat-dapat na benepisyaryo ang tatanggap.   Malugod namang tinanggap ng mga benepisyaryo gaya ni Lolo Eduardo Subang, isa sa mga senior citizens at Nanay Julieta Seradoy, isa naman sa mga solo parents ang tulong na inihatid sa kanila at magagamit nila ito nang buo para sa kanilang pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. (By PG Aurora Official Page)

SAN LUIS, Aurora – Malugod na naisagawa ng iba’t ibang ahensya sa pangunguna ng Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) ang selebrasyon ng Environment Month at Arbor Day na may temang “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience” sa pamamagitan ng tree planting na isinagawa sa Barangay Diteki, San Luis Aurora, Hunyo 25.   Lumahok sa aktibidad ang iba’t-ibang kawani at kinatawan ng mga ahensya tulad ng 91st infantry sinagtala battalion Philippine Army, Philippine national Police, Bureau of Fire Protection at mga empleyado ng iba’t-ibang tanggapan ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan, na pinasiwaan ni Ma. Teresa De Luna, ng ENRO at sa pakikipagtulungan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) sa pamumuno naman ni Forester G.Alfredo kasama ring nakiisa ang Local Goverment Unit ng bayan ng San Luis. Ayon kay Luna, “Ang pagtatanim ng mga puno ay nakakatulong upang mapanatili ang ganda ng kalikasan at sa pamamagitan nito ay maitataguyod ang biodiversity at malabanan pabago-bagong klima gayundin ay mabawasan ang epektong kalamidad ating lalawigan. Sa pamamagitan ng aktibidad na ito ay makakatulong ang mga lumahok para sa kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon.”   Ipinahatid naman ni Punong Lalawigan Reynante A.Tolentino ang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng mga kawani ng pamahalaang panlalawigan na nakiisa at nagbigay ng oras upang bigyang halaga ang pagtatanim ng puno kasabay ng pagpapakita ng pangangalaga sa kalikasan. (By PG Aurora Official page).