PIA Oriental Mindoro

Around 500 couples, including several from indigenous Mangyan communities, exchanged marriage vows during Bulalacao’s Kasalang Bayan held at the Bulalacao Bay Park.

The mass wedding ceremony, organized by the local government under the leadership of Mayor Lumel Cabagay, marked a significant milestone for hundreds of couples who fulfilled their dream of formalizing and legalizing their unions.

The event brought together residents from different barangays and sectors of the municipality, citing the local government's commitment to promote family welfare and strengthen community ties through accessible civil registration services.

Serving as principal sponsor during the ceremony was Second District Representative Alfonso Umali Jr., while his daughter, Steff Umali, served as principal sponsor alongside him.

The ceremony was marked by colorful celebrations and emotional moments as couples, some of whom had lived together for years without formal marriage, finally received legal recognition of their unions.

Local officials said the annual Kasalang Bayan program aims to help couples overcome financial and legal barriers to marriage while reinforcing the importance of family as a foundation of community development. | via Ace Sapit & Photo and details from Bulalacao PIO

A steady stream of shoppers filled the Pola Community College grounds on Friday, May 29, as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched its “Diskwento Caravan: Balik-Eskwela Edition,” offering discounted school supplies and basic goods ahead of the June 8 opening of classes.

Organized in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Pola led by Mayor Jennifer Mindanao Cruz and supplier Citimart, the two-day caravan features a wide range of affordable and discounted school items, including notebooks, pencils, crayons, bags, uniforms, as well as other basic necessities and essential commodities.

Aside from discounted goods, the DTI’s Negosyo Center in the same town is also distributing information materials aimed at strengthening consumer awareness and providing guidance for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The caravan drew numerous parents and guardians eager to take advantage of lower prices and convenient access to school supplies without traveling to nearby towns.

Among them was Cindy Sadicon, a mother from Barangay Bayanan, who said the caravan provided significant relief for families preparing for the upcoming school year.

“This is a big help for us because we no longer need to go to another town just to buy affordable and value-for-money school supplies like what I purchased, as well as grocery items,” Sadicon said in Filipino.

She added, “These are for my child and my three nieces and nephews. We were able to save money, and you can really see the quality of the products."

Residents and local officials expressed gratitude and appreciation following the successful staging of the first Barangay Information Caravan with One-Stop Shop of Government Services organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Oriental Mindoro in Barangay Wawa here.

The initiative brought together various government agencies to provide frontline services directly to residents, many of whom said the program spared them from costly and time-consuming trips to the town center.

Barangay Wawa Councilor Gemma Carena Magsino, speaking on behalf of village officials, thanked the agency for bringing government services closer to far-flung communities.

“We are very thankful to the PIA because for the first time, different government agencies were gathered and brought here to our barangay. On behalf of our Barangay captain, we sincerely appreciate that despite our distance from the town proper, you still came to serve us,” she said in Filipino.

Among the beneficiaries was 61-year-old Genelita Manalo Amante, who sought assistance regarding her Pag-IBIG membership and loan concerns.

“I currently have a loan with Pag-IBIG, and I asked about my self-employed membership where I pay P200 monthly. They helped clear up my confusion on how to continue my monthly payments. Aside from that, my membership and ID cards are all in order,” she said.

Amante also cited the importance of the services offered during the caravan.

“We are grateful that they came and spent time assisting people who do not yet have PhilHealth, SSS, or Pag-IBIG memberships because these are important for every individual to have,” she added.

Maria Charo Enriquez, 46 years old, meanwhile visited the booths of the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund.

“This program is very beneficial because we saved money on transportation and also saved time. People no longer needed to travel to town, and the offices of these agencies are not even beside each other. We usually need two rides just to get there,” she said.

Enriquez added, “But because of this caravan, we did not spend anything on transportation, and our concerns were addressed quickly since there were no long lines. It was also comfortable because the services were held at the covered court. Thank you to the PIA.”

Another resident, 47-year-old Erwin Jumig, availed himself of several government services during the activity.

“I was able to get my PSA National ID and also update my PhilHealth records. I was also happy to receive vegetable seeds from the Department of Agriculture. These will really be useful,” he said.

Jumig noted that transportation costs remain a challenge for residents living far from the town center.

“It is good that these agencies came here because nowadays, transportation fares to the town proper are already expensive. We only rely on tricycles here, unless you own a motorcycle or vehicle. Otherwise, you really have to spend money on fare,” he said.

“Thank you very much to the PIA, and hopefully more barangays can also be visited by this program,” he added.

Following the conclusion of the first Barangay Information Caravan in Barangay Wawa, several residents from nearby communities immediately sent messages to PIA Oriental Mindoro requesting that similar activities also be conducted in their areas.

Among them was Amara Brielle of Barangay Bayanan 2, who expressed hope that the caravan would soon reach their community. Joy Rivero from the town of Baco likewise called for the program’s expansion, saying, “Hopefully every barangay can also have a caravan.” | via Ace Sapit

Panibagong oportunidad para magkatrabaho ngayong 𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐖 𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐀𝐍, mga Mindoreño! 🇵🇭

Sa darating na Hunyo 12 ay magkakaroon ng 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐉𝐎𝐁 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐑 na gaganapin sa 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱, 𝐁𝐫𝐠𝐲. 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐥, 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲.

𝘐𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘯𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘪 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘮è 𝘥𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘭 𝘥𝘢𝘢𝘯-𝘥𝘢𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘢 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘢𝘢𝘢𝘳𝘪 𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺-𝘢𝘯.

Antabayanan lamang ang mga susunod naming mga post para rito.

Pola Mayor Jennifer Mindanao Cruz has reiterated her administration’s commitment to intensify the anti-illegal drugs campaign in the municipality, warning that no individual involved in the illegal drug trade would be spared from law enforcement action.

In a recent public statement, Cruz said her administration continues to coordinate closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to go after suspected drug pushers in the town.

“I am inviting drug users to change for the better, but those who are selling illegal drugs in our municipality are being arrested,” Cruz said.

She stressed that even individuals personally known to her would not be exempted from anti-drug operations.

“Whoever is selling drugs in our town, we will have them arrested. Even if they are beside me, I will still order the PNP to arrest them. That is my directive,” she said.

Cruz assured residents that authorities are closely monitoring illegal drug activities and vowed that no violators would be allowed to evade accountability.

“Do not worry because no one will be able to get away with it. I do not favor anyone when it comes to those selling drugs,” she added.

The mayor also disclosed that the local government conducts random drug testing among municipal employees as part of efforts to maintain integrity within the local bureaucracy.

“We conduct random drug tests among all employees, and they do not know when these tests will happen,” Cruz said.

While taking a hard stance against drug pushers, Cruz said individuals using illegal drugs are still being encouraged to reform.

“We are inviting drug users to change. Let us give them a chance to reform,” she said.

Cruz also vowed to leave the municipality in better condition before the end of her term.

“I will leave this municipality without leaving problems behind. We are ready to confront anyone if necessary because I am here to fix the town of Pola, not to create disorder,” she said.

The mayor urged residents to continue cooperating with authorities by reporting illegal activities in their communities.

“Just inform me, and I will even help you in apprehending them,” Cruz added. | via Ace Sapit/PIA

A newly established public high school in Barangay Baruyan became the centerpiece of this year’s Brigada Eskwela in Calapan City, citing how community support and volunteerism continue to fill gaps in public education ahead of the opening of classes on June 8.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Calapan City Schools Division will lead the citywide kickoff of the nationwide school maintenance program on June 1 at Vicente and Astronica G***r Samala National High School, a campus still operating with temporary learning spaces while waiting for permanent buildings to rise.

However, the structure reflects more than just infrastructure challenges but also showcases the spirit of bayanihan.

“The idea of Brigada Eskwela is really bayanihan,” said Mark Lester Casapao, senior education program specialist of DepEd Calapan City during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

He added, “We chose the new school as the kickoff venue so that support from local government units, organizations and stakeholders can be gathered where it is most needed.”

Named after the donors of the land where the school now stands, the campus currently uses Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) designed to accommodate around 40 learners per classroom while permanent buildings are still under processing and construction.

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. cited the importance of ensuring that classrooms are “safe and ready” for learners before the opening of classes.

During school inspections in Bulacan, President Marcos stressed the urgency of rehabilitating old school buildings to guarantee safer learning environments for students and teachers.

Casapao said the temporary classrooms may not yet resemble regular school buildings, but community volunteers and partners have already started improving them through repainting, installation of whiteboards, and donations of chairs, school supplies, bags, and uniforms.

“Even if the classrooms are temporary, people continue helping to make them more conducive for learning,” he said.

The June 1–5 Brigada Eskwela activities will simultaneously cover all public elementary and high schools in Calapan City as teachers, parents, students, and volunteers prepare campuses for the opening of School Year 2026-2027.

According to Casapao, Brigada Eskwela has significantly changed how schools prepare for the start of classes.

“Before Brigada Eskwela, students would arrive on the first day and only then begin cleaning their schools. Now, schools are already clean, organized, and ready before learners even enter the classrooms,” he added.

DepEd Calapan City is also appealing for more community participation as schools continue seeking assistance for repairs, classroom improvement and learner needs.

Casapao stressed that ensuring a “malinis, ligtas at maayos na pagbubukas ng taong panuruan 2026-2027” is a shared responsibility between schools and the wider community. | via Ace Sapit/PIA

Bulletin of Procurement Opportunities (Request for Quotation) of the Philippine Information Agency-MIMAROPA Bids and Awards Committee for the following procurement:

SUPPLY & DELIVERY OF MEALS FOR PIA OFFICIALS & STAFF OF PIA CENTRAL OFFICE FOR THE REGIONAL VISIT TO THE PIA MIMAROPA REGIONAL OFFICE IN CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT: ₱91,000.00

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION OF PIA OFFICIALS & STAFF OF PIA CENTRAL OFFICE FOR THE REGIONAL VISIT TO THE PIA MIMAROPA REGIONAL OFFICE IN CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO

APPROVED BUDGET FOR THE CONTRACT: ₱80,000.00

For the general conditions, supplier's quotation form and technical specifications & for further inquiries, please coordinate with Raiza Marie P. Acedillo at cellphone number 0961-827-5681.

The quotation may be submitted through: PIA-MIMAROPA Regional Office, 2/F George Teng Bldg., J.P Rizal Street, Camilmil, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro or email thru [email protected].

For more bidding opportunities, please visit the PIA Bids & Awards Page: https://pia.gov.ph/bids-and-awards or the PhilGEPS website: https://notices.philgeps.gov.ph/

Residents, volunteers, divers and government agencies joined a simultaneous coastal and underwater cleanup activity in Puerto Galera recently as part of the celebration of the Month of the Ocean 2026.

Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the activity aimed to address marine litter, strengthen environmental protection efforts and encourage public participation in protecting coastal and marine ecosystems.

The activity forms part of the agency’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship and raise public awareness on the importance of protecting oceans and coastal resources. A total of 335 participants joined the event and collected 65 sacks of waste weighing 547.50 kilograms. | via Joshua Sugay/PIA