Subic Bay Freeport Zone- A momentous tribute to Filipino-American sailors was unveiled on January 14 with the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Filipino Shipmate Monument here at Subic Freeport. The monument honors the dedication and service of tens of thousands of Filipino American men and women who have proudly served in the United States Navy and Coast Guard from 1901 to the present.
The ceremony brought together veterans, government officials, community leaders, and families to commemorate the enduring legacy of Filipino sailors sacrifices, loyalty and gallantry in defending world peace and freedom. The monument stands as a lasting symbol of gratitude and recognition for their sacrifices and patriotism and will serve as a powerful reminder of the strong friendship and alliance between the Philippines and the United States of America.
Distinguished guest speakers during the event led by CDR Ryan Newmeyer, from the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) Philippines, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino Jr and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Alino, highlighted the historical ties between the Philippines and the U.S. Navy, emphasizing the courage and commitment of Filipino shipmates over more than a century of exemplary and faithful service. The monument also serves as an educational landmark, inspiring future generations to remember and honor the shared heritage and valor of Filipino-American service members.
“These statues embody the collective contributions of Filipino sailors, their sacrifices made far from home, their unwavering loyalty to the United States Armed Forces & their gallantry in the face of adversity,” said Doce Salazar, United States Sailors Alliance of the Philippines (USSAP) Chairman.
The Subic Bay Freeport Zone, with its rich naval history and once the home of the largest overseas American naval base until its closure in 1992, was chosen as the fitting site for the monument , bridging past and present connections between the two nations maritime forces.
The eight feet tall Filipino Shipmate monument modeled after the likeness of Fireman Second Class Telesforo Trinidad, the lone Filipino US sailor who received the Medal of Honor, is the flagship project of the 1000 strong USSAP and will now stand as a proud emblem of friendship, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between Filipino sailors and the United States Navy and Coast Guard.

New Clark City has geared up to welcome the 26th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF) from February 13 to 15, 2026, promising not only stunning balloon displays but also a boost to Tarlac’s economy, tourism, and youth aviation education.
‎Held annually, the festival has consistently drawn large crowds, filling hotels and restaurants in the Clark area and providing a significant economic lift to the area.
‎Governor Christian Tell Yap underscored the economic and social benefits of the festival in the province.
‎“This will help the province economically and socially. There is a trickle-down effect on hotels, tour operators, and cottage industries. We want to promote this for better tourism and economic activities in Central Luzon,” he said.
Known as “A Weekend of Everything that Flies,” the 2026 festival will feature 22 special-shaped hot air balloons from seven countries.
‎During the event, visitors can enjoy free morning flights, a night glow experience, a 550-drone show, and a Hoverbike demonstration (flying man-carrying drone) by Filipino inventor Kyze.
‎The festival will also host competitions in Paragliding Accuracy, Paramotor Beach, FPV Drone Racing, Drone Soccer, Paper Airplane, and Kite Flying.
Additional attractions included RC Airplanes, Games, Ultra Lights Flying, and a helicopter flight demonstration by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy, offering both entertainment and educational value.
‎PIHABF Lead Organizer Captain Joy Roa said that the event also aimed to inspire young people to consider careers in aviation.
‎”We need to start young kids to think of aviation as a career—whether in management or administration. It educates us, helps build the industry, and creates a better career,” he said.
Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang added that the festival has become a highlight for the public each year.
”It reinforces our facilities as a venue not just for sports but also for tourism. Every February of each year, people would look for balloons. Nakatatak na ito sa isip nila (It has really stuck in their minds),” he said.
‎The 26th PIHABF is expected to bring color and excitement to the skies over New Clark City, reaffirming its status as a widely known aviation sports event in the Philippines. (PIA Region 3-Tarlac)

Subic Bay Freeport – Dito Telecommunity signed an agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to undertake the repair and construction of law enforcement outposts within this Freeport.
The agreement was formalized through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and DITO Community President and CEO Ernesto Alberto at the SBMA Corporate Boardroom on November 24, 2025.
SBMA Chief of Staff Atty. Von Rodriguez and Dito Telecommunity Chief Commercial Officer Atty. Adel Tamano stood as witnesses to the signing.
According to the agreement, DITO Telecommunity will replace eight existing outposts currently utilized by the Law Enforcement Department (LED), rehabilitate two container vans used as police outposts, and construct three additional outposts within the Freeport area.
Aliño thanked DITO Telecommunity for its commitment to the construction and rehabilitation of the LED outposts,
noting that these will serve as deterrents to criminal activities in the area.
Alberto said that the company supports the safety and security of Subic Bay Freeport by rehabilitating and constructing law enforcement outposts and providing law enforcement visibility.
The said outposts will also be used to promote their business within the Freeport.
DITO Telecommunity is the newest major telecommunications provider in the country. It began commercial operations in March 2021 and aims to reinvent the industry by providing secure, fast, and high-value 4G and 5G connectivity.
DITO is a joint venture company composed of Udenna Corporation, Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp., and the state-owned China Telecommunications Corporation.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) locked in a Php5.1-billion deal with one of South Korea’s leading real estate investment management firms, Korea Real Estate Investment & Trust (KOREIT) Asset Management, and Sky Blue New Clark City Golf & Resort Corp. for a premium golf course and residential villa estate in New Clark City—a development set to create 1,200 direct and indirect jobs and boost the Philippines’ sports and tourism infrastructure.

KOREIT, through its Philippine subsidiaries Eagle-K GC Corp. and Eagle-K RV Corp., will enable its subsidiaries to fully develop and manage the 150-hectare estate. The project covers about 77 hectares for an 18-hole championship golf course and clubhouse, and 52 hectares for a 9-hole extension, along with supporting facilities. The remaining areas will host residential villas and related amenities. Commercial operations of the golf course are targeted to begin by the first quarter of 2026.

BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang said the partnership reflects growing interest from international institutional investors in New Clark City’s long-term development plan.
“KOREIT’s entry shows the level of confidence that major global investors place in New Clark City. This strengthens our investment pipeline and supports our goal of building competitive, sustainable growth centers,” Engr. Bingcang said.
The Php5.1-billion investment is expected to generate significant economic activity in Tarlac and nearby areas, supporting tourism, local businesses, and employment. The development is also projected to attract both domestic and international visitors, positioning New Clark City as a rising sports and lifestyle destination.
“This project goes beyond building new facilities. It creates jobs, opens opportunities for local communities, and supports regional growth. It is another step in making New Clark City a world-class, sustainable district,” Engr. Bingcang added.
The project adds to New Clark City’s expanding portfolio of public and private investments in sports, tourism, and real estate.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Regional Development Council (RDC) has approved the midterm update of the Central Luzon Investment Program (CLIP) 2023—2028, reaffirming the region’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
In a statement, the RDC said the updated CLIP serves as the region’s consolidated public investment blueprint, which aligns national and local development priorities across Central Luzon’s provinces and cities.
It now includes a total of 7,498 programs and projects (PAPs), reflecting the region’s development agenda across key sectors.
Of the total PAPs, 242 have been completed, while 982 are currently being implemented. The remaining 6,274 PAPs are proposed for implementation by 2027 or 2028.
By sector, social development accounts for the largest share, with 4,119 PAPs focused on improving education, health, and social protection services.
Infrastructure development follows with 2,417 PAPs, highlighting the continued push to expand and upgrade its physical infrastructure and improve connectivity, logistics, and basic facilities.
The economic development sector comprises 503 PAPs aimed at modernizing agriculture and agribusiness, strengthening food security, promoting trade and investments, and advancing research, technology, and innovation.
Meanwhile, remaining PAPs support climate action and disaster resilience, as well as initiatives to promote good governance.
The midterm-updated CLIP 2023–2028 will serve as a key review reference for Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposals for line agencies in Central Luzon so that funded projects are aligned with the region’s medium-term development plans and strategic priorities. (PIA Region 3-Pampanga)

The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), the country’s longest-running aviation sports event, is set to mark its 26th year with its grandest edition yet, now taking flight in its new home at New Clark City.
Themed “A Weekend of Everything that Flies,” the festival will run from February 13 to 15, 2026, offering families, friends, and aviation enthusiasts an exciting opportunity to witness non-stop flying exhibitions. The three-day showcase will feature regular and special-shaped hot air balloons, helicopters, skydivers, paragliders, radio-controlled aircraft, kites, and drones—all soaring across the sky in one vibrant venue.
“Bringing all these aerial spectacles together within a three-day celebration reminds us how meaningful it is to keep offering a true airshow experience—one we’ve honed and shared with the public for more than two decades,” PIHABF Event Director Capt. Joy Roa said.
This year, the festival raises the bar once again with the largest display of special-shape balloons in its history—22 colorful, creative, and crowd-favorite designs flown by pilots from the United Kingdom, United States, Belgium, Netherlands, Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil.
For this edition, the PIHABF will take place in New Clark City, a premier sports hub developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The venue features a 20,000-seat Athletics Stadium, a world-class Aquatics Center, and expansive open grounds ideal for large-scale outdoor events.
“We are always delighted and honored to host events like this. For New Clark City to welcome and witness this amazing festival is truly special. It deserves to be celebrated in our world-class facilities, which are comfortable, spacious, and accessible to ensure an exceptional experience for all who come to enjoy it,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang added.
For more than 25 years, the festival has grown into a beloved celebration of aviation and culture. Since Capt. Joy Roa and his team of passionate aviators took the helm in its third year, PIHABF has evolved into an annual showcase of the very best in flying activities, sports aviation, and international camaraderie.
It has also thrilled audiences with aerobatic superstars like the Breitling Jet Team, Wing Walkers, and world-renowned stunt pilot Mark Jeffries; welcomed international air rallies; staged skydiving exhibitions and tandem jumps; and celebrated Filipino artistry through cultural exchanges and iconic poster designs.
Like and follow us on our website to get updates on all the activities in the “Weekend of Everything that Flies” www.philballoonfest.net

Philippine health authorities are poised to tap into a wealth of invaluable data that could potentially leapfrog universal health care (UHC) across the country: in 2024 alone, PhilHealth processed some 15 million claims, a rich source of potential health care insights.
“Claims data tell a much bigger story than just the cost of care,” explained Dr. Valerie Gilbert Ulep, Program Director of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies’ Health Economics and Finance Program (PIDS-HEFP). “They show us not just who gets sick, but how the country’s health care system responds, and whether that response is fair and effective.”
Smarter, better health claims
At a recent workshop co-organized by PIDS-HEFP and the World Bank Group, with support from the Australian Government through the Advance UHC partnership, health sector policymakers and data experts explored how health insurance claims data can drive smarter, evidence-based decisions for universal health care as the Philippines transitions to a new provider payment mechanism mandated by Republic Act No. 11223, or the UHC Law.
Held at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, “Data-Driven Decision-Making for UHC: Leveraging Health Insurance Claims Data” highlighted how PhilHealth’s vast trove of claims records could become a powerful tool for improving efficiency, accountability, and equity in healthcare delivery. The workshop provided insights into how healthcare claims data can be used when conducting health systems analysis.
Connecting statistics with patients’ stories
The goal of the workshop is to equip health-sector policymakers and data analysts with the capacity to “see beyond spreadsheets,” to connect statistics with patient stories and policy outcomes.
According to World Bank Lead Economist Dr. Ajay Tandon, analyzing PhilHealth claims can reveal where hospitals are efficient or overburdened, and whether patients are receiving timely, appropriate treatment.
Preliminary analysis showed that one in three inpatient PhilHealth claims are for ambulatory-care-sensitive conditions—that is, conditions for which timely and effective primary care can help reduce the risks of hospitalization. This pattern possibly points to both supply- and demand-side issues in primary healthcare access, according to PIDS analysts.
For example, by examining trends in key areas and procedures such as cesarean deliveries, readmissions, and tobacco-related illnesses, policymakers can spot inefficiencies and redirect resources to where they matter most.
Moving forward with DRGs
The workshop built on the HEFP’s broader initiative to institutionalize Diagnosis-Related Groupings (DRGs), a new payment mechanism mandated under the UHC Law that rewards hospitals for quality and efficiency rather than volume of services. The same data analytics underpinning the training will be essential for calculating fair DRG rates and monitoring their impact once implemented.
Over the past year, PIDS-HEFP has led a series of high-level engagements with PhilHealth, the Department of Health, and professional medical societies to prepare hospitals for the upcoming DRG pilot tests. The new claims analytics effort forms part of that continuum, transforming raw administrative data into insights that can potentially shape long-term policies.
The workshop is the latest in a line of capacity-building and stakeholder events spearheaded by PIDS-HEFP this year, from the nationwide rollout of the DRG awareness campaign to technical briefings for hospital administrators and policy forums with medical societies. Each initiative reflects a shared vision: a transparent, data-driven health financing system that delivers “Dapat, Sapat, Tapat” care for every Filipino. PIDS-HEFP