CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — The Clark International Airport (CRK) Station of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension Project is being developed as the country’s first modern underground railway station directly connected to an airport, with operations targeted by 2028.
During a joint briefing and inspection of the station and other key NSCR facilities, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto underscored the NSCR’s role in strengthening connectivity and supporting economic activity along the Luzon Economic Corridor.
“Lahat ng ito ay 147 kilometers. It’s a major infrastructure, major logistics infra for the Luzon Economic Corridor. Napakahalaga niyan,” he said.
Recto also noted the potential of improved transport connectivity to support manufacturing and semiconductor activities in Clark and other parts of the corridor.
The 147-kilometer NSCR is designed to connect 22 local government units across Central Luzon, the National Capital Region, and Calabarzon through 35 stations.
As of August 2026, Contract Package N-04 of the NSCR Extension Project, which covers about 6.5 kilometers of railway infrastructure, including the underground station at CRK, has reached 87.34 percent overall progress, while the CRK Station itself is 73.29 percent complete.
Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan disclosed that the project will also feature an airport express service, with seven airport express trains designed to travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
The service is targeted to connect CRK to Makati in 55 minutes without intermediate stops.
In addition, DOTr Secretary Banoy Lopez said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the agency to expedite the completion of major transport infrastructure.
“Ang sabi po ng ating Pangulo, kailangan matapos itong proyekto. This is not simply for DOTr, this is not simply for our Cabalens or kababayans, but this is for the entire Filipino people,” he stated.
Lopez also emphasized the importance of collaboration among contractors, consultants, the DOTr, local government units, and local leaders in addressing site challenges, securing community support, and keeping construction on track.
Supporting the project, Recto assured that the administration is addressing past implementation concerns and providing full financial support to expedite construction and ensure the project’s uninterrupted completion.
Batan said the first partial NSCR operations are targeted by the end of 2027, covering the initial 28-kilometer segment with seven stations from the city of Valenzuela to the city of Malolos in Bulacan.
An additional 53-kilometer segment from Malolos to Clark is targeted for completion by the second half of 2028, with the CRK Station among the segments expected to be completed early.
Upon completion, the NSCR is also expected to provide an alternative to road travel, helping ease congestion and improve access between communities, employment centers, and major transport gateways.
The NSCR forms part of the government’s efforts to promote inclusive growth, improve transport and logistics services, and contribute to the country’s climate change action agenda by supporting lower greenhouse gas emissions through expanded rail transport. (PIA Reg3)

The New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, has once again earned Class 1 certification from World Athletics, reaffirming its standing as one of the Philippines’ premier athletics facilities.
On September 30, 2026, the international governing body for athletics renewed the stadium’s Class 1 Athletics Facility Certificate, confirming that its track and field facilities meet all technical requirements for international-level athletics competition.
The certificate is valid until June 2029 and was received by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) as the owner of the facility.
“Maintaining the World Athletics Class 1 certification reflects our commitment to provide Filipino athletes with facilities that meet international standards. As stewards of this facility, we will continue to maintain and improve the New Clark City Athletics Stadium so that it remains a reliable venue for athletes to train, compete, and represent the country,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang.
“The BCDA also thanks the Philippine Sports Commission for providing strong support and guidance in ensuring that the New Clark City sports complex continues to serve our Filipino athletes at the highest level of standard,” he added.
The stadium first received its Class 1 certification in 2019. The renewal followed an inspection and technical assessment of the facility, including the track’s dimensions and geometry, surrounding infrastructure, competition equipment, and synthetic track surface.
The 20,000-seater New Clark City Athletics Stadium features a nine-lane, 400-meter track and field, as well as a four-lane warm-up track. It is one of three major sports facilities in New Clark City’s sports complex, alongside the New Clark City Aquatics Center and the Athletes’ Village.

Camiguin, Philippines – The island province of Camiguin takes center stage this weekend as it hosts the inaugural 5150 Camiguin, bringing together more than 300 athletes from 15 countries in a celebration of triathlon, tourism, and Filipino hospitality.

Set against one of the Philippines’ most iconic island backdrops, the Olympic-distance race marks another milestone in the continued expansion of IRONMAN-branded events across the country. Known as the “Island Born of Fire,” Camiguin offers a distinctive race experience where volcanoes meet the sea, combining natural beauty with a technically engaging course.

Athletes will begin with a 1.5km swim at the historic Sunken Cemetery, followed by a 40km bike along the island’s scenic circumferential road, and a 10km run that finishes inside the Camiguin Sports Complex in a festive, community-driven atmosphere.

Strong International and Local Field

The race has attracted participants from 15 countries, underscoring the Philippines’ growing reputation as a premier destination for triathlon in Asia. The international field is complemented by a competitive lineup of Filipino athletes, including standouts in the Philippine Sports Commission-supported Filipino Elite category.

Leading the charge are top local names such as Bea Quiambao and John Edsille Hamlan, alongside emerging talents identified through the Filipino Elite program. The category continues to serve as a platform to elevate homegrown athletes and discover the next generation of triathlon stars in the country.

Expanding the Islands of the Philippines Campaign

5150 Camiguin is part of the broader “Islands of the Philippines” campaign, a multi-race initiative designed to showcase the country’s diverse island destinations through sport. The campaign invites athletes to race across multiple locations, combining endurance competition with immersive travel experiences unique to each island.

From Guimaras to Camiguin and beyond, the series highlights the Philippines as a multi-stop racing destination where each event offers a distinct course, culture, and community.

A Growing Sports Tourism Destination

With the support of the local government and stakeholders, Camiguin continues to position itself as an emerging hub for sports tourism. The staging of 5150 Camiguin reflects the province’s commitment to hosting world-class events while promoting its natural attractions, including White Island, Katibawasan Falls, and its rich cultural heritage.

The event not only delivers a high-quality race experience but also contributes to the local economy by drawing athletes, supporters, and visitors to the island.

As the race unfolds, 5150 Camiguin reinforces the Philippines’ standing in the global triathlon scene, where island racing meets international standards, and where every finish line is powered by community and culture.

For more information about the event, https://www.ironman.com/races/5150-camiguin.

For more information on the IRONMAN brand and global event series, please visit www.ironman.com or email or email sai.mayol@sunriseevents.com.ph.

Subic Bay Freeport – The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship docked at th Freeport on Tuesday morning as its maiden ship call here.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials and employees were present to welcome the passengers and crew of the Villa Vie Odyssey, along with representatives from the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, and other stakeholders.
Some 650 passengers disembarked from the cruise ship as the Villa Vie Odyssey will be staying until tomorrow, while her passengers visit the many tourism destinations inside Subic Bay Freeport.
The Villa Vie Odyssey is a residential cruise ship offering a unique, full-time world cruise experience for residents, or “global residents,” who purchase cabins for long-term stays, rather than traditional shorter cruises.
Once known as the Braemar, the 924-passenger ship was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023 and underwent a significant refurbishment before its 2024 launch.
The ship is designed to be smaller than mega-ships, allowing access to smaller, unique ports, and features a variety of amenities, including dining, pools, a gym with Peloton bikes, and community spaces for activities like art and fitness classes.

Subic Bay Freeport – The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship docked at this Freeport on Tuesday morning as its maiden ship call here.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) officials and employees were present to welcome the passengers and crew of the Villa Vie Odyssey, along with representatives from the Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Quarantine, and other stakeholders.
 
Some 650 passengers disembarked from the cruise ship as the Villa Vie Odyssey will be staying until tomorrow, while her passengers visit the many tourism destinations inside Subic Bay Freeport.
 
The Villa Vie Odyssey is a residential cruise ship offering a unique, full-time world cruise experience for residents, or “global residents,” who purchase cabins for long-term stays, rather than traditional shorter cruises.
 
Once known as the Braemar, the 924-passenger ship was purchased by Villa Vie Residences in 2023 and underwent a significant refurbishment before its 2024 launch.
 
The ship is designed to be smaller than mega-ships, allowing access to smaller, unique ports, and features a variety of amenities, including dining, pools, a gym with Peloton bikes, and community spaces for activities like art and fitness classes.

The Kneeling Carabao Festival in Pulilan, Bulacan is more than just an annual tourism event as it seeks to preserve traditional rice farming and develop a dairy industry in the agro-industrial town.
Municipal Tourism Officer Josef Christian Navarro shared that the festival started in the 1920s.
“Consistency of conducting the Kneeling Carabao Festival serves as the vibrant symbol of bounty farming amidst modernization and mechanization of the agricultural sector,” he said.
Farmland in Pulilan comprises around two thousand hectares that produce approximately 10,000 metric tons of rice annually.
This year, about 427 carabaos owned by farmers joined the parade wherein they kneeled in front of the Pulilan Church in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the revered patron saint of farmers, peasants and agricultural workers.
“The participating carabaos this year is higher compared to the 277 who joined in 2024, and 266 in 2023. This is a positive indication that farming in Pulilan is still alive and can nurture potential in developing a local dairy industry,” Navarro added.
The municipal government provides subsidies to farmers who bring their carabaos to the annual festival. This is one way for them to increase the population of carabaos in their villages.
The local government is now seeking the assistance of the Department of Tourism in including the Kneeling Carabao Festival to its Philippine Experience Program to bring back foreign tourists to Pulilan, similar to what happened during the 2000s under the Wow Philippines Program. (PIA Region 3-Bulacan)

OLONGAPO CITY, Zambales – Filipino Darell Johnson Bada captured the men’s junior elite title at the 2025 NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay here Sunday.
Bada clocked 1 hour, 1 minute and 45 seconds to beat Japan’s Main Takata (1:02:10) and compatriot John Michael Lalimos (1:02:26).
He credited his victory to a strong breakaway during the run after a tough swim and bike leg.
“I really wanted to win so I did my best. The swim was very hard, the bike was challenging. I broke away early in the running stage,” Bada, who finished third last year with a time of 1:03:22, said.
Euan Arrow Ramos, the Under-15 super sprint champion last year, settled for eighth place in 1:07:38.
Despite dropping one of his shoes after the swim phase, he still managed to dominate the bike phase. But he ran out of energy in the run stage.
In the women’s junior elite, Japan’s Yukiho Okuma ruled with a time of 1:08:13, ahead of Filipinos Anisha Eunice Caluya (1:11:18) and Aira Danara Gregorio (1:12:17).
Meanwhile, national athlete Kira Ellis did not finish the race due to a shin injury, withdrawing after the bike leg on the advice of her coaches and therapist.
In the sprint age-group race, Dustine Dan Eslay of 2600 Tri Team North Pine Aquatics won the men’s 16-19 division with a time of 1:07:24 in his triathlon debut.
A Grade 12 student from University of Baguio, Eslay said he looks forward to joining more competitions in the future.
Other winners included Andie Jimeno (18-24), Rafael Sawali (25-29), Tristan Rene Santos (30-34), Mike Kramer (35-39), Craig Douglas (40-44), Marvin Baldemor (45-49), Junrox Roque (50-54), JT Gonzales (55-59), and Cristobal Olivas (60-over) in the men’s standard age group.
Para triathlon champions in the event supported by the Philippine Sports Commission were Edison Badillo (PTS2), Raul Angoluan (PTS3), Alex Silverio (PTS4), Jerome Nelmida and Shyrnel Amiladjid (PTVI), and Steven and Audrey Coleman (special category). (PNA)

Ayl Xyza Gonzaga of Olongapo City is back in training as she prepares for the Central Luzon regional qualifying for this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
Laoag City, the capital of Ilocos Norte, will host the Palarong Pambansa from May 24-31.
The 13-year-old Gonzaga was named Most Valuable Player for winning three titles at the Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas National Juniors Tennis Championships in Digos City, Davao del Sur last Sunday.
In the singles category, Gonzaga beat Princess Placa, 6-2, 6-0, in the U14 final and annexed the U16 title after prevailing over Mariam Mokalam, 6-0, 6-3.
She teamed up with Sanchena Francisco to capture the U18 doubles title over Camille Jhed Clar and Dhea Angelica Cua, 8-4.
“I am super happy and thankful to God, and my family and friends for their support. I also want to thank coach Richard Cunanan for the hard training,” Gonzaga said in an interview on Wednesday.
The Grade 7 student at Olongapo City National High School won the team silver at the Batang Pinoy National Finals in Puerto Princesa, Palawan last year.
“I hope I can play in the Palarong Pambansa again,” said Gonzaga, who bagged the mixed doubles bronze medal with Anthony James Cosca at the 2024 Palarong Pambansa in Cebu.
Gonzaga is a member of the Philippine team which placed fourth in the World Juniors U14 tournament in Bahrain last February.
Meanwhile, Julius Otoc defeated Gil Niere, 6-3, 6-3, to secure the boys U14 title in Digos City.
Other winners were Dhea Cua (girls U18), Maria Shan Tuyor (girls U12), Stephen Fuertes (boys U18), Iñigo Barrios (boys U16), Pete Niere (boys U12) and KC Rabino (unisex U10). (PNA)

Subic Bay Freeport – Subic Bay Freeport plays host once again to the NCAA Season 99 Beach Volleyball Tournament, the host of the prestigious collegiate event since 2012.
The tournament will be held at the Subic Bay Sand Courts from January 24 to 28, utilizing the area that was once the battleground of the best beach volleyball players from Southeast Asia during the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in 2019.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Administration Atty. Ruel John Kabigting cited that admission is free for any beach volleyball fan who wish to root for their teams during the games. He added that the continued hosting of Subic for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Tournament is a testament of the agency’s thrust to help budding athletes become part of the national talent pool.
“Subic Freeport is incomparable to any other place in the country. The sand, sea and mountains are great venues for various sporting events such as triathlons, duathlons, epic bike races, marathons, and of course, beach volleyball,” he said.
“We are proud and honored to be the host of the event, and I hope that Subic Freeport remains the host for this event for the centennial season next year. It is also a great honor for us to cultivate the younger generation of athletes and make Subic their second home,” he added.
The official thanked the tournament organizers for promoting Subic Bay Freeport as their preferred sports destination, citing that their continued patronage of the area shows how much they trust the agency. He added that the SBMA is complete in terms of emergency responders, as well as competent security officers that keep the event safe and secure.
Jose Rizal University is the host of the tournament with Management Committee chairman Paul Supan leading the organizing of the event. Supan said, “We have an exciting tournament ahead of us. This year, we brought back our junior division so there are now three divisions: mens, women’s and junior.
He added that the reason why the organizing committee chose this Freeport is that Subic provides the appropriate atmosphere and ambience of holding the beach volleyball event. He added that one of the players to look out for is Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Louie Ramirez who is a promising talent to become part of the national team.
According to NCAA Beach Volleyball Event Chairman Peter Cayco, 12 persons represent each of the 10 schools. However, since some schools brought their staff along with them, the delegation is now at 200, yielding a full capacity for billeting hosts Bayfront Hotel and Terrace Hotel. This also caused a spill over to nearby hotels such as Subic Park hotel and Seorabol Grand Leisure Hotel.
“The spill over to other hotels happened since some of the players came along with their family and friends. This is certainly good for the economy since Subic Bay Freeport is a brand name in the sports tourism sector,” he added.