ALANGALANG, Leyte– The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO VIII), together with PSA Leyte and in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Alangalang, Leyte, successfully brought public services closer to the people through the conduct of a Colocation activity during the “Munisipyo Ha Barangay” program held at the Barangay Capiz Covered Court, Alangalang, Leyte.

During the activity, PSA delivered essential National ID (NID) and civil registration services directly to the residents of Barangay Capiz and nearby communities. The initiative enabled individuals, especially senior citizens and children, to conveniently avail themselves of PSA services without the need to travel to distant service centers. Residents warmly welcomed the activity as it significantly reduced transportation expenses and waiting time in securing their documents and services.

LGU Alangalang Municipal Mayor Lovell Anne M. Yu-Castro expressed her gratitude to PSA for its continued support and partnership in bringing government services closer to the people. In her message, she stated:

“We just would like to express our gratitude to the Philippine Statistics Authority for being our partners in every conduct of our ‘Munisipyo sa Barangay,’ and they are always with us as we bring all the services to the barangays. Madaling ma-access at madaling naaabot ng ating mga constituents ang ating BRAP. Madali na rin makakuha ng mga birth certificates and other documents from PSA kasi kasama na rin natin sila sa pagbaba sa barangay pati na rin ang National ID registration. With your support and help, everything is accessible for the public para at least hindi na kailangan pang gumastos. Maraming salamat po!”
The caravan provided various National ID services, including National ID registration, printing of National ID in paper format, updating of demographic information, and assistance in accessing the Digital National ID.

An information awareness campaign was also conducted by Registration Officer III Marife R. Molon, highlighting the importance and acceptance of the various formats of the National ID and the government’s efforts in bringing PSA services closer to communities. She encouraged all unregistered residents to participate in the National ID System and emphasized the role of the National ID in improving access to government and private transactions. The campaign also clarified common concerns and misconceptions regarding the use and validity of the Digital National ID and the printed paper format.

Meanwhile, the PSA deployed its Civil Registry System (CRS) Mobile Outlet, which catered to requests and issuance of PSA-issued civil registry documents such as Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, and Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR). The Birth Registration Assistance Project (BRAP) likewise facilitated the listing and processing of requirements for individuals qualified to avail of free birth registration services.

This joint initiative forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to improve the accessibility and efficiency of frontline services, in support of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring government programs and services closer to the people, especially those living in far-flung areas.

For inquiries and further information, you may visit the PSA official website at www.psa.gov.ph or contact our office through telephone number (053) 839-1884 or email address rsso08@psa.gov.ph.. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The city government of Borongan is stepping up its climate resilience initiatives after joining an international training program on climate adaptation technologies organized by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Seoul, South Korea from May 25 to 29, 2026.

The five-day program brought together local government representatives from the Philippines to enhance knowledge and skills on climate change adaptation, innovation, and sustainable environmental planning.

Borongan City was represented by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, City Environment and Natural Resources Office Head Forester Jojito Acla, and City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Maria Anne Lopez, following an invitation under KOICA’s Philippine Climate Resilient Cities Project.

During the training, the Borongan delegation presented its ongoing and proposed climate initiatives, including the project titled “Strengthening Borongan City’s Capacity for Sustainable Integrated Water Resource Management and Climate-Smart Agriculture.”
The proposed initiative aims to improve water resource management systems, strengthen climate-smart agriculture practices, and explore renewable energy solutions such as small-scale hydropower development. It also seeks to enhance irrigation systems and optimize river resources to help ensure stable water supply for communities.

The training included expert-led discussions on climate adaptation strategies, case study presentations, peer learning sessions, action planning workshops, and field visits to key Korean environmental facilities such as the Nowon Eco Center and the Han River Flood Control Office.

Mayor Agda underscored the urgency of proactive climate action, particularly for local government units in the Philippines that remain highly vulnerable to typhoons and other extreme weather events.

“We, the local government units of the Philippines, must be adaptive—we have to be proactive. That’s the most essential part of preventing the damage that climate change threatens to bring to each region,” Agda said.

He also encouraged fellow LGU leaders to pursue stronger investments in climate resilience programs to safeguard communities and ensure long-term sustainable development.
The city government said its participation in the KOICA training reflects Borongan’s continuing commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation, and climate adaptation, as it seeks to build a more resilient future for its residents.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ON its 62nd year, the Philippine Press Institute – the national association of newspapers and online publications – celebrates its milestone of trailblazing initiatives that benefit not just its members but the very communities they serve.

As digital innovations present both challenges and opportunities in terms of how news is produced and consumed, PPI tackles this transformative shift with twin goals – maintaining credibility amid a wave of disinformation and misinformation, and achieving sustainability through expanded revenue streams.

From June 4 to 6 at the Lucky Chinatown Hotel in Manila, PPI will hold its General Membership Meeting, Community Press Awards, National Press Forum, and PPI Media-Citizen Councils Roundtable Discussion.

The Community Press Awards, supported by PPI’s long-time institutional partner Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), will be graced by Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso. It will be followed by a fellowship dinner hosted by Megaworld Corporation, led by Mr. Harold Geronimo, First Vice President of Corporate Communications and Media Affairs.

The Community Press Awards will recognize journalism excellence of community media for the following categories: Best News Website, Best in Photojournalism, Best in Environmental Reporting, Best in Business and Economic Reporting, Best Editorial Page, and Best Edited Community Newspaper.

Finalists for Weekly Category include Baguio Chronicle, Herald Express, MetroPost, Mindanao Cross, Mindanao Observer, and Pahayagang Balikas; while the Daily Category finalists include Daily Guardian, Panay News, Sunstar Daily Cebu, Sunstar Daily Davao, and Sunstar Daily Pampanga.

Finalists for the Best News Website category are Baguio Chronicle, Herald Express and Palawan News for Luzon; Sunstar Cebu, The Freeman and The Visayan Daily Star for Visayas; and Mindanews and Sunstar Davao for Mindanao.

The National Press Forum will focus on the new challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving media landscape. Mr. Jose Bayani D. Baylon, NAC Senior Vice President – Sustainability, Risk Management and Corporate Affairs; Chief Sustainability Officer; and Chief Risk Officer will deliver the keynote address.

Media advisor Jaemark Tordecilla, who has worked with dozens of newsrooms around the world on AI systems and newsroom innovation, will lead the lecture and hands-on workshop on AI use for community newsrooms.

The PPI Media-Citizen Councils Roundtable Discussion will gather heads from the 14 MCCs across the country to discuss pressing issues within their respective communities. The PPI’s 62nd anniversary is also being supported by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, SM Prime, SM Investments, Ayala Corporation, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Japan Tobacco International, Meralco, Veterans Bank, Mondelez International Inc., and Neitiviti Studios.

A special supplement marking this milestone event to be published in Manila Standard is also supported City of Parañaque, City of Manila, Presidential Communications Office, PCSO, Prime Infra, Toyota Motor Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Apex Mining, Camella Homes, Pag-IBIG, Maynilad and Metrobank.