ASF Hits Mabini and Lila
The towns of Mabini and Lila in Bohol have been hit with African Swine Fever (ASF) infection, confirmed Provincial Veterinarian’s Officer-in-Charge Maydailyn Paman.
In response, teams from the Capitol have been deployed to the affected towns to help contain the spread of the virus.
Paman expressed gratitude for the cooperation and assistance extended by the local government units concerned, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in preventing the virus from spreading to other areas.
She also acknowledged the crucial role of residents in containing the virus.
According to reports, around 10 pigs in Lila have died due to ASF, prompting the implementation of border control measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
The goal is to contain the infection and protect other areas that have not yet been affected.
Alturas Group of Companies prioritizes customer safety and security
The Alturas Group of Companies (AGC), operator of several malls in Bohol, emphasizes customer safety and security as its top priority, both within its malls and in the surrounding areas.
According to Ariel Fullido of AGC, the company has invested significantly in ensuring the safety of its customers.
Fullido highlighted AGC’s extensive use of CCTV cameras to monitor its malls, with coverage of almost all areas to prevent dead spots.
The company also employs security guards and has policemen on site, given that malls are considered public spaces.
These measures demonstrate AGC’s proactive approach to protecting customers’ interests and safety.
Fullido responded to a recent incident involving Dr. Arthur Bagcat, who lost cash and valuables from his deposited luggage in a mall.
Fullido clarified that the incident did not occur in any AGC mall and assured the public that AGC has measures in place to ensure the safety of properties deposited at its courtesy counters.
In addition to its mall operations, AGC is also involved in real estate, providing office spaces to business process outsourcing firms.
The company is expanding its presence, with a new Jollibee store set to open in Tubigon soon.
Mallgoer loses valuables, P49,000 worth of cash allegedly in Tagbilaran City Mall
A mallgoer, Arthur Bagcat, has raised concerns about the safety and security in a mall in Tagbilaran City after losing P49,000 worth of cash and valuables from his luggage deposited at the mall’s courtesy counter.
According to Bagcat, he deposited his luggage at the mall’s courtesy counter before embarking on a trip to attend a relative’s funeral in Mindanao.
When he returned to claim his luggage, he noticed that it had been ripped open, and his valuables, including pieces of jewelry and cash, were missing.
Bagcat alleged that someone might have taken the valued items from the pouch inside his luggage.
He reported the incident to the mall attendants and officials, but they denied any involvement in the loss.
The incident was also posted on the police blotter.
Bagcat and mall officials reviewed the CCTV footage, but unfortunately, the courtesy counter where the luggage was deposited was in a blind spot, making it impossible to identify the suspect.
Bagcat wants to share his experience as a warning to others to be cautious when depositing valuables in courtesy counters.
He is also scouring pawnshops in Bohol to track down the stolen articles and tag them as fenced goods.
The loss has caused Bagcat significant distress, especially since he is also dealing with the loss of a relative.
He hopes that his experience will serve as a reminder to others to be vigilant about their belongings.
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Bohol Light urges consumers to settle electric bills promptly
Bohol Light is reminding its consumers to settle their electric bills promptly to avoid inconvenience and disconnection of service.
According to Sheryl Paga, spokesperson for Bohol Light, consumers have 10 days to settle their bills after receiving their statement of account, which includes a grace period to pay without incurring penalties or surcharges.
HOW YO AVOID DISCONNECTION
Paga emphasized the importance of prompt payment, especially for those with a notice of disconnection attached to their bill.
If the bill is not settled, a disconnection team will execute the disconnection of service.
To avoid this, consumers are advised to pay their bills as soon as possible.
WHERE TO PAY
Bohol Light offers various payment channels for consumer convenience, including:
– Banks: First Consolidated Bank, Bank of Commerce, Security Bank, BDO, Philippine National Bank, Unionbank, Metrobank, and BPI Quick Pay
– Remittance centers: M Lhuiller and Palawan Express Pera Padala
– E-wallets: GCash and Maya
– Convenience stores: 7-11
DISCONNECTION POLICY
For those slated for disconnection, Bohol Light will give a 24-hour notice before executing the disconnection. Disconnections can only be done during daytime hours, up to 3 pm, to allow for reconnection when the bill is settled.
Additionally, no disconnections are allowed before a holiday.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Consumers can contact Bohol Light’s 24/7 hotline at 038-427-2372 or 0920-960-2372, or visit their social media page for more information.
Paga emphasized that the firm is pushing for prompt payment due to the increasing number of delinquent accounts.
Mallgoer loses valuables, P49,000 Worth of Cash allegedly in Tagbilaran City Mall
A mallgoer, Arthur Bagcat, has raised concerns about the safety and security in a mall in Tagbilaran City after losing P49,000 worth of cash and valuables from his luggage deposited at the mall’s courtesy counter.
According to Bagcat, he deposited his luggage at the mall’s courtesy counter before embarking on a trip to attend a relative’s funeral in Mindanao.
When he returned to claim his luggage, he noticed that it had been ripped open, and his valuables, including pieces of jewelry and cash, were missing.
Bagcat alleged that someone might have taken the valued items from the pouch inside his luggage.
He reported the incident to the mall attendants and officials, but they denied any involvement in the loss.
The incident was also posted on the police blotter.
Bagcat and mall officials reviewed the CCTV footage, but unfortunately, the courtesy counter where the luggage was deposited was in a blind spot, making it impossible to identify the suspect.
Bagcat wants to share his experience as a warning to others to be cautious when depositing valuables in courtesy counters.
He is also scouring pawnshops in Bohol to track down the stolen articles and tag them as fenced goods.
The loss has caused Bagcat significant distress, especially since he is also dealing with the loss of a relative.
He hopes that his experience will serve as a reminder to others to be vigilant about their belongings.
BWUI, PTO to determine qualified consumers for refund
The Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) and the Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO) are working together to identify consumers who are eligible for a refund due to excess payments made to the former Provincial Public Utilities Department (PPUD) from 1997 to 2000.
The refund is in compliance with a court order that declared the charges made by PPUD during that period as illegal.
According to Governor Aris Aumentado, the provincial government has decided to allow the refund and forego any further legal action.
Victor Tambis of BWUI said PTO will determine the qualified consumers and the amount of refund they will receive, based on their actual consumption and payments made to PPUD during the specified time period.
REFUND PROCESS
The PTO will refund the excess charges through BWUI, and the process is expected to start in January 2026.
The list of qualified consumers will be provided by the PTO, and the refund will come from the provincial government.
BWUI took over the operation of the waterworks in Tagbilaran from PPUD on December 28, 2000, following a joint venture agreement between Salcon and the Provincial Government.
As a result, BWUI was able to lower the water rates charged to consumers from a minimum of P72 for 10 cubic meters to P65 per 10 cubic meters as the minimum charge.
The Provincial Government continues to receive dividends from its 30% stake in BWUI and Bohol Light.
Catigbian Mayor Cracks Down on Employees Drinking During Office Hours
Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva has announced a strict one-strike policy for local government unit (LGU) employees and workers caught drinking liquor during working hours.
In a recent radio interview, Oliva emphasized the need for discipline among LGU personnel to ensure they provide professional and responsive service to the public.
Oliva stressed that as government employees’ salaries come from taxpayers’ money, they should focus on their tasks and demonstrate discipline in their work.
He cited Civil Service Commission Resolution No. 110039, which prohibits drinking liquor during working hours, especially within government offices.
Under this policy, violators may face suspension and potential dismissal from service for subsequent offenses.
The mayor warned that those who cannot adhere to his directive are free to resign, underscoring his commitment to enforcing a strict policy to uphold professionalism in the LGU.
Three Boholano Bishops elected to key CBCP roles
Three Boholano bishops have been chosen to chair important committees within the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The elections took place during the 130th CBCP retreat and plenary assembly held in Anda town earlier this month.
Bishop Cerilo Alan Uy Casicas of Marbel, a native of Duero, will head the Commission on Doctrine of the Faith.
Bishop Socrates Mesiona of Tagbilaran City will chair the Pontifical Council of Migrants and Itinerant People.
Meanwhile, Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao, from Loay, will lead the Episcopal Commission on Mutual Relations.
In other leadership changes, Bishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa was elected as the new CBCP president, succeeding Caloocan Bishop Virgilio Pablo Cardinal David.
Archbishop Julius Tonel of Zamboanga was chosen as vice president.
The new set of CBCP officers will serve from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2027.
Bohol pork prices more stable compared to Manila
According to Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) Officer-in-Charge Maydailyn Paman, Bohol’s pork prices are more stable compared to those in Manila.
Paman stated that the prices in Bohol remain lower, ranging from P320 to P400 per kilo, based on the office’s weekly monitoring amidst the ongoing threat of African Swine Fever (ASF), a viral disease affecting swine that does not pose a risk to human health.
The prices had surged from January to May due to ASF and increased demand during the fiesta season.
Paman emphasized the importance of monitoring prices to identify and address any sellers charging outside the normal price range.
In contrast, reports indicate that pork prices in Manila reach P420 to P440 per kilo.
Fences being constructed around future solar farm site in Sikatuna
Sikatuna Mayor Justiniana Ellorimo has announced that fences are currently being built around the future site of the solar farm in Sikatuna town.
According to the mayor, a bunkhouse has already been constructed by the contractor to serve as shelter for the workers during the construction phase.
The solar farm will be hosted by barangays Can-agong and Bahay-Bahay, and will be managed by Bohol Solar Power Inc.
This project is the third solar farm planned during the term of Governor Aris Aumentado.
Bohol already has one operational solar farm in Dagohoy, managed by PetroGreen Energy Corp., which produces 27.5 megawatts of power.
A second solar farm is planned in barangay Dampas, under Urban Energy Development Corporation and Mabuhay Energy Holding Corp., with an expected output of eight megawatts.
The development of solar farms is seen as a welcome move in Bohol, as it harnesses renewable energy.
Farmer rushed to hospital after poisonous snake bite
A farmer was rushed to the hospital after having been bitten by a poisonous snake locally known as “ugahipon” in Mabini town on Tuesday morning.
The victim, Basilides Vallespin, a resident of barangay San Isidro, Mabini, was on his way home from his farm when he was bitten.
Initially taken to a hospital in Ubay, Balistin was later referred to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran City due to the lack of antivenom at the Ubay hospital.
Prompt treatment with antivenom saved his life, and he is now in stable condition.
Tagbilaranon chef competes in US culinary reality show
A native of Tagbilaran has made it to an American culinary reality show, becoming the only Filipino among the contestants.
According to an interview on Bombo Radyo Cebu, Rex Alba, a chef and physical therapist based in Columbus, Ohio, was unexpectedly selected as a contender.
Alba, who has been pursuing his culinary dreams in the US, went through a rigorous selection process, including psychological tests and personal interviews, over a period of three months.
He will compete in Season 4 of “The Great American Recipe” alongside seven other contestants from around the world, vying for a spot among the top three finalists.
Alba’s signature dish is the traditional Filipino Dinuguan, a pork blood stew with innards, which holds sentimental value as it reminds him of his Filipino roots.
He hopes to advance to the top three in the competition.
ASF Hits Mabini and Lila
The towns of Mabini and Lila in Bohol have been hit with African Swine Fever (ASF) infection, confirmed Provincial Veterinarian’s Officer-in-Charge Maydailyn Paman.
In response, teams from the Capitol have been deployed to the affected towns to help contain the spread of the virus.
Paman expressed gratitude for the cooperation and assistance extended by the local government units concerned, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in preventing the virus from spreading to other areas.
She also acknowledged the crucial role of residents in containing the virus.
According to reports, around 10 pigs in Lila have died due to ASF, prompting the implementation of border control measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
The goal is to contain the infection and protect other areas that have not yet been affected.
Cobra bite claims woman’s life in Sevilla
A 52-year-old woman died after being bitten by a cobra in Sevilla town on Monday.
Analinda Polinar-Dultra of barangay Kabangkalan was rushed to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center in Tagbilaran City but unfortunately succumbed to the venom.
However, she wasn’t brought to the hospital until almost 5 pm.
According to reports, Polinar was feeding rabbits at her mother’s home when the snake bit her around 2 pm.
Despite doctors’ efforts to save her life using anti-venom, the venom had already spread throughout her body, leading to her death.
The incident highlights the dangers posed by venomous snakes in the area.
Sand Erosion worsens in Alona Beach, Panglao
Concerns are mounting over the increasing sand erosion at Alona Beach in Panglao.
The renowned beachfront has been gradually eroding into the sea, resulting in a lower volume of sand and earth along the shoreline.
Former Panglao Mayor Doloreich Dumaluan expressed worry over the condition, citing studies that suggest some of the sand on the shore has fallen into an underwater precipice and been siphoned away.
Dumaluan advocates for a beach nourishment project to replenish the lost sand, a plan that has garnered support from Alona stakeholders.
Without shore restoration, Dumaluan warns of potential issues.
Alona Beach is a key attraction in Panglao, with numerous resorts and businesses catering to locals and tourists.
The beach was named after the late actress Alona Alegre, who helped boost national and international awareness of the area’s beauty through a film shoot.
Barangay Kagawad arrested in Carmen buy-bust operation
A barangay kagawad was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Carmen municipal drug enforcement team in Barangay Buenavista on June 5, 2025.
Nicodemus Subsuban, 55, also known as Nico, a barangay kagawad of Poblacion, Dagohoy, was identified as the suspect.
The operation, supervised by Maj. Robert Lucernas, chief of police of Carmen municipal police station, and assisted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), was conducted after the team detected Subsuban’s alleged involvement in illegal drug trade.
A poseur buyer purchased alleged drugs worth P500 from Subsuban, leading to his arrest.
Seized from the suspect were approximately three grams of alleged shabu, valued at P20,400.
The inventory was witnessed by barangay officials and the media.
Subsuban, tagged as a high-value individual, faces charges of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Charges filed against swertres suspect
Charges have been filed against John Michael Bondal, 43, of Barangay Poblacion 3, Tagbilaran City, for his alleged involvement in an illegal numbers game known as swertres.
The charges were filed on Monday before the City Prosecutor’s Office, citing violations of Republic Act No. 9287, which increases penalties for illegal number games.
The suspect was linked to illegal gambling activities after effects were recovered from him.
The crackdown on illegal gambling in Bohol is ongoing, prompted by concerns from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and its private partner that illegal numbers games are impacting their legal operations.
Authorities have been targeting illegal numbers game operators in the province.
Catigbian Mayor Oliva unveils development plans
Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva has outlined several projects aimed at improving the lives of his constituents as he begins his term as mayor.
In a meeting with reporters, Oliva emphasized his focus on infrastructure projects, as well as initiatives in tourism, agriculture, and waterworks.
Oliva’s goal is to secure P1 billion in funding for various infrastructure projects in the town, with potential funding sources including Senators Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, and Rodante Macoleta.
Leveraging his experience as former administrator of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Oliva is confident in his ability to network with leaders to achieve his goals.
Oliva took over as mayor of Catigbian after former Mayor Elizabeth Mandin-Pace decided not to seek a third term, opting instead to return to private life and focus on her business.
Richli Water to waive charges for unavailable service
Richli Water is considering waiving charges to consumers when water service is unavailable, as assured to Gov. Aris Aumentado on Monday.
The company’s president, Ralph Miguel Lim, led the officials in visiting the governor at the Capitol.
This development comes after complaints surfaced about the firm charging minimum fees to consumers despite no water being available.
Richli Water plans to identify areas with no water service and waive charges, subject to certain conditions.
According to reports, the firm is conducting bill adjustment activities.
Governor Aumentado quoted Richli executives as saying that consumers will only be charged based on actual water consumption.
During the visit, Lim was accompanied by General Manager Alfredo Calinawan and Maria Ann Torrejos.
As one of Bohol’s water concessionaires, Richli Water operates in several towns, including Panglao, Dauis, and Tagbilaran City.
The firm also serves other areas through its subsidiary, Loctob Water Inc., which draws water from Loctob Spring in Loboc.
Richli Water is among the water service providers in Tagbilaran, alongside the City Waterworks and Bohol Water Utilities Inc., which is partly owned by the provincial government of Bohol.
Yap pledges to enhance waste management in Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran Mayor Jane Yap is prioritizing the improvement of garbage sorting and recycling systems in her second term as mayor.
The city is grappling with an increasingly pressing garbage problem, exacerbated by the influx of new residents.
Mayor Yap has requested the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) to review the ordinance on residential and commercial waste disposal.
She also plans to deploy personnel to each barangay to inspect rental homes, boarding houses, and commercial establishments as part of the waste management group.
According to Raul Aparicio II, chief of the City Environmental Management Office, the city has received a new batch of garbage trucks, with 10 units ordered in total.
These trucks are expected to enhance garbage collection efficiency when deployed to clustered barangays.
As Tagbilaran continues to grow, managing waste disposal has become a significant challenge.
Mayor Yap’s initiatives aim to address this pressing issue and promote a more sustainable waste management system in the city.
New SP holds first session with fresh faces
The 30th Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol convened its inaugural session on Tuesday, welcoming three new board members who joined the returning members led by Vice Governor Nick Besas.
The new members include Mutya Macuno (1st district), Fernando Estavilla (2nd district), and Kien Garsuta, who also serves as the interim president of the Philippine Councilors League Bohol chapter.
The board members will serve until 2028.
Returning board members are Lucille Lagunay, Benjie Arcamo, Jamie Villamor, Tomas Abapo, DJ Balire, Nathaniel Binlod, Greg Jala, Romulo Cepedoza (Liga ng mga Barangay Bohol president), and Lawrence Ancla (Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president).
Key priorities include passing the Bohol Tourism Code and establishing the Bohol Water Management Council.
During the session, the SP approved a resolution organizing the chairmanships of its 30 standing committees.
Loctob Water’s new WTP now operational
Loctob Water has successfully commissioned its water treatment plant (WTP) in Loboc after completing the electrical connections, allowing the plant to deliver water to consumers.
The electricity is supplied by Bohol 1 Electric Cooperative (BOHECO1).
The company conducted a leak test before commissioning to ensure the system’s safety and reliability, addressing minor issues promptly.
Repiping activities have also begun to maintain the water distribution system’s safety and quality, with completion expected within this month.
Loctob Water, a subsidiary of Richli Water, thanks consumers for their patience as it implements critical improvements.
Richli Water serves several towns in Bohol, including Tagbilaran City, with Loctob Water serving additional areas.
The WTP was commissioned on June 13, 2025.
Bohol aims to become key IT-BPM hub
The Provincial Government of Bohol is positioning the province as a promising destination for IT-BPM investments, hosting a stakeholders’ meeting at the Capitol Building in Tagbilaran City.
According to global real estate and investment firm CBRE, several IT-BPM companies are considering relocating to Tagbilaran City.
CBRE Country Head Jie Espinosa stated that the firm’s goal is to create value for clients and drive growth for Bohol.
The meeting, attended by key stakeholders, including the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bohol ICT Council, and national government agencies, aimed to promote Bohol’s potential in the IT-BPM sector.
The meeting was organized by CBRE and the Provincial Government through the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (BEDIPO).
Major IT-BPM companies have already shown interest in setting up operations in Bohol, particularly in Tagbilaran City.
Four fishermen arrested for alleged dynamite fishing
Four fishermen were arrested for alleged illegal fishing using dynamite in the waters of barangay Jagoliao, Getafe, on July 6, 2025.
The suspects, identified as Casimiro Ilaya Jr., Benjamin Turubia, Alejandro Candelansa, and Ramson Ilaya, all from Lapu-Lapu City, were caught in the act by operatives from the Bohol Maritime Police, assisted by the Buenavista Maritime Team.
Seized from the suspects were a motorized banca, a compressor, and other items.
The use of dynamite in fishing is prohibited under Section 92 of Republic Act No. 10654.
The confiscated items will undergo proper disposition.
Sandugo Trade Expo showcases local talents
A one-town-one-product trade expo is one of the highlights of the Sandugo Trade Expo, set to run from July 15 to 20, 2025, at the Island City Mall Activity Center.
According to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Vierna Ligan, the expo has evolved into a regional trade fair, showcasing products from craft makers across the region.
The expo will bring together suppliers, manufacturers, exporters, and high-end buyers of home decors, furniture, and other items.
Featured products include home essentials, clothing, furniture, decors, personal effects, health products, processed food, and pasalubong items crafted by artisans from Bohol and other parts of the country.
Motorcyclist hurt in a bus collision
A 29-year-old motorcyclist, John Chris Betonio from barangay Caungawan Norte, Guindulman, was injured on Monday after colliding into a bus in barangay Villalimpia, Loay.
According to Betonio, the incident occurred when the bus in front of him stopped suddenly to drop off a passenger, and he was unable to stop his motorcycle in time, crashing into the rear of the bus.
Betonio sustained injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Tagbilaran City for medical attention.
He is currently receiving treatment for his condition.
Bohol hosts successful Sandugo job expo
The Sandugo Local and Overseas Job Fair was successfully held on July 5, 2025, at the Bohol Cultural Center, facilitated by the Bohol Employment Placement Office-Public Employment Service Office (BEPO-PESO) under the leadership of its chief, Maria Vilma Yorong.
The one-day event was made possible through the collaboration of national agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PAG-IBIG Fund, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), and Social Security System (SSS), among others.
PESO offices from various towns also participated in the event.
The job fair featured 34 recruitment agencies, including eight overseas placement agencies, offering hundreds of local and overseas job openings.
Out of over 500 registered applicants, 52 were hired on the spot, while others were shortlisted for further processing.
Local companies that participated in the event included Alturas Supermarket, Bohol Quality, Community Economic Ventures, Concentrix, DES Strong Motors, and Du Ek Sam, among others.
Tagbilaran City, NGCP Break Ground on P32-M School Building Project
City officials and representatives from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) held last week a groundbreaking ceremony for a two-story, six-classroom school building for Tagbilaran City National High School.
The P32-million project, located in Purok 2, Barangay Cabawan, is funded by NGCP as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. It aims to improve the quality of public education by providing a cleaner, safer, and more conducive learning environment for students.
Mayor Jane Yap, who led the groundbreaking, lauded the partnership between the local government and the private sector, describing it as a strong example of collaboration for community development. She thanked NGCP for its continued support for education and youth welfare in the city.
The project site falls under the jurisdiction of the Tagbilaran City School Board and lies along the route of NGCP’s Maribojoc-Corella 230KV Transmission Line Project. In exchange for the perpetual right-of-way granted by the city, NGCP committed to constructing the school building under a memorandum of agreement with the city government.
The building will feature six classrooms equipped with restroom facilities, a water system, and a fire alarm system.
Mayor Yap noted that the Yap-Jala administration continues to prioritize education as a foundation for the success of the city’s youth.
Among those present at the ceremony were City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Wilfreda Bongalos, NGCP Construction Manager Engr. Ian Husain, Congressman-elect Baba Yap of Bohol’s First District, Vice Governor-elect Nick Besas, city councilors, department heads, barangay officials, and representatives from the Department of Education.
Engr. Husain said NGCP eyes to complete the school building before the end of 2025.
Bohol SP Committee Probes Newborn’s Death at Loon District Hospital
The Bohol Provincial Board’s Committee on Health held its second round of inquiry regarding the death of a newborn at the Cong. Natalio Castillo Sr. Memorial Hospital in Loon.
Board Member Romulo Cepedoza, chair of the health committee, said the parents of the infant were invited to the meeting held Monday afternoon to hear their account of the incident.
Also summoned were officials from the Provincial Health Office, including Provincial Health Officer Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy.
Cepedoza clarified that the investigation, conducted in aid of legislation, is not meant to determine guilt or innocence, but to examine the quality of service at the Loon District Hospital and identify areas that may need improvement to prevent similar cases.
He added that the committee’s findings and recommendations will be compiled in a formal report, which will be submitted to the 30th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Lila Mayor Highlights Development Goals, Poverty Reduction in 2025 SOMA
Mayor Arturo Jed Piollo of Lila delivered his 2025 State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) on June 30, coinciding with the ceremonial oath-taking of newly elected town officials.
In his address, Piollo cited the town’s development priorities and social welfare programs, particularly the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). He clarified that graduating from the 4Ps should not be a cause for concern but a sign of progress.
“The goal is for our constituents to eventually move beyond 4Ps—not because they are left behind, but because they have gained stable employment and sustainable livelihoods,” Piollo said.
The mayor also called for long-term solutions over short-term relief programs, voicing reservations about reliance on temporary work initiatives such as the TUPAD program. He underscored the need to create lasting economic opportunities to empower residents.
Among the accomplishments he cited was the town’s declining poverty incidence, which he said reflects economic growth.
On the governance front, Piollo highlighted the digitalization of the Municipal Treasurer’s Office and the rollout of the Link.Biz online payment system to improve efficiency and transparency in public transactions.
He also reported growing investor confidence in Lila, attributing it to the local government’s firm stance against corruption. One of the municipality’s upcoming major projects is the construction of the San Miguel Cold Storage Plant, expected to boost local employment and economic activity.
Mayor Piollo concluded his SOMA by urging residents to take pride in self-reliance, hard work, and education, which he described as the true foundations of a progressive community.
NGCP, SGCC discusses RE, grid policies with DOE Usec. Guevara
NGCP, SGCC, and DOE Meet in Shanghai to Advance Grid-Forming and Green Energy Strategies.
A productive meeting was recently held in Shanghai, China between representatives of NGCP, the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC)—NGCP’s technical partner—and Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Rowena Guevara. Discussions focused on grid-forming policies and other strategies essential to supporting the integration of renewable energy.
NGCP and SGCC have consistently championed technologies and solutions that enable the reliable integration of variable renewable energy (VRE) sources. Leveraging SGCC’s technical expertise, NGCP is well-positioned to implement these strategies, and awaits the needed supporting policy and regulatory framework, especially in view of the influx of projects under the DOE’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) Phases 1, 2, 3, and the upcoming Phase 4.
As the world’s largest power transmission and distribution utility, SGCC operates across 88% of China’s territory. With renewables comprising approximately 30% of China’s energy mix, SGCC remains at the forefront of renewable grid integration—both domestically and through international partnerships.