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.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines announces three new cohorts of the English Access Program Scholarship in Davao City, Bohol, and Bataan, benefiting 150 high-achieving Filipino students. The program is a partnership between the U.S. Embassy’s Regional English Language Office, the Philippine Department of Education, and public schools in each location.
Students and teachers selected through a competitive, merit-based process gain invaluable skills from American innovation and excellence in English language content and instruction, preparing them to enter the workforce.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the two-year, intensive after school program strengthens English proficiency while building digital, leadership, and critical thinking skills among public school students aged 13 to 15. Participants also participate in cultural activities, including celebrating American excellence in partnership with U.S. officials as part of America’s 250th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic relations in 2026.
“By focusing on advanced literacy and professional-level communication, we are preparing these high-achieving students for the demands of the global workforce,” said U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna. “Their success is a direct investment in the future of the U.S.-Philippine relationship and our shared goals—ultimately making both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
On January 8, the Regional English Language Office launched the first 2026 cohort at Pablo M. Piatos Sr. Integrated School in Bunawan, Davao City, with 50 exceptional students joining from various schools across the area.
“The English Access Scholarship Program plays a significant role in raising the English proficiency of learners, especially those from far-flung schools. Through well-structured weekly lessons, interactive, learner-centered activities, and support from mentors, the program builds learners’ confidence and communication skills in English, empowering them to express themselves more effectively and opening wider academic and future opportunities,” said Department of Education Davao City Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Sagot.
The second cohort launched on January 10 in Panglao, Bohol, with 50 students at Lourdes National High School.
The third cohort, also with 50 students, will launch on January 17 at the City of Balanga National High School in Balanga City, Bataan.
Since its inception in 2004, over 200,000 students in more than 85 countries have received the English Access Program Scholarship, including nearly 1,500 alumni in the Philippines. Educators in the program also join a global network of Access teachers to strengthen their instructional skills through American English excellence to better serve their communities.

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday announced that one of the six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) it ordered from South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the prospective Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), arrived in the country on Jan. 17.
The vessel is scheduled for technical inspection and assessment before it is commissioned and officially accepted into service.
“The PN’s newest OPV, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), has arrived in the country from South Korea, which marks another significant addition to the Navy’s growing modern fleet, on January 17, 2026,” PN public affairs office chief Commander Marie Angelica Sisican said in a statement.
South Korean media earlier reported that the ship departed Ulsan on Jan. 13 for its voyage to the Philippines. Upon entering Philippine waters, the vessel was met off the coast of Zambales by the country’s first guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), in accordance with standard naval protocols.
“After completing coordination and meeting procedures at sea, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman will begin post-delivery activities and technical checks,” Sisican said.
She added that BRP Rajah Sulayman is scheduled to undergo acceptance and pre-commissioning processes before its formal entry into active service.
“(This) underscores the PN’s commitment to strengthening its maritime defense and law enforcement capabilities through a modern, multi-domain, and self-reliant force,” Sisican said.
BRP Rajah Sulayman was launched on June 11, 2025, at the HD HHI shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.
The BRP Rajah Sulayman is the first of the six OPVs ordered from shipbuilder HD HHI, worth around PHP30 billion in 2022. (PNA)

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 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