OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines — Nearly a century of faith, history, and community life in Zambales took center stage as the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Museum opened a special public exhibition at SM City Olongapo Central from June 19 to 23, 2026.
Presented in celebration of the 95th anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in the province, the five-day exhibit invited visitors to explore a collection of immersive multimedia presentations, historical photographs, rare documents, and unique artifacts that chronicled the Church’s growth in Zambales and the lives of individuals who helped shape its story.
Open free to the public, the exhibit transformed a familiar community space into a journey through local history that spanned generations and reflected the experiences, sacrifices, and aspirations of people whose stories became part of the province’s heritage.
Mounted in collaboration with Christian Family Organizations and Christian Era Broadcasting Service International, Inc., the museum presented visitors with accounts of perseverance and conviction that traced back to the early years of the Church’s presence in Zambales. This offered a glimpse into how faith and community-building evolved alongside the province itself.
For students, the exhibit provided an opportunity to engage with historical materials seldom encountered in classrooms. For families, it offered a space for intergenerational conversations about heritage, identity, and the values that continued to shape communities.
The special pop-up exhibit reflected INC Museum’s broader mission of making history more accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences through engaging and interactive experiences.
Brother Angelo Eraño Manalo, Deputy Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, emphasized the importance of understanding history as a guide for the future. “A society that understood its roots gained a clearer vision of where it had to go. History was not merely a record of the past; it was a source of wisdom that helped people make principled decisions to strengthen communities and contribute to national progress,” he said.
The initiative formed part of INC Museum’s continuing effort to bring historical and cultural learning beyond traditional museum settings, and closer and more accessible to the public.
According to Bro. Cornelio N. Cortez, Jr., Director of the INC Museum, “As cultural workers, it was imperative that as time advanced, we nurtured a generation deeply aware of its historical roots, inspired to uphold the same vision, and committed to passing on the torch of remembrance and reflection on where we came from—even when we were no longer with them.”
The INC Museum hoped that visitors left not only with a deeper appreciation of local history, but also with a renewed understanding of how enduring values could influence future generations.

ABOUT US
Owned and operated by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ), the INC Museum was a non-profit cultural and educational institution in Quezon City, Philippines. The museum was established in 1984 at the INC Central Temple and was later relocated to its purpose-built facility, where it was officially inaugurated on August 26, 2019.
Through fine art, historical artifacts, immersive multimedia, and interactive exhibits, the museum presented the history, beliefs, and global presence of the Iglesia Ni Cristo. Open to both INC members and the general public, the INC Museum was managed by the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, the Church’s socio-cultural arm, and served as a center for heritage preservation, education, and public engagement.
For more information, visit https://incmuseum.net.

The Zambales Provincial Government, led by Governor Jun Ebdane, commemorated the 128th Philippine Independence Day in a ceremony held today, June 12, 2026, at the Capitol Grounds in Iba, Zambales.
With the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” the celebration highlighted the importance of independence, patriotism, and unity as foundations for a more prosperous future for every Filipino.
In his message, Governor Ebdane paid tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of Filipinos who gave their lives for the country’s freedom. He emphasized that Independence Day is not only a remembrance of history, but also a reminder of our shared responsibility to stand united, to serve, and to actively participate in building a stronger and more progressive Philippines.
Joining the celebration were Vice Governor Jaq Khonghun, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, department heads, the Zambales Provincial Police Office, the Philippine Army, SWAT, BSP-Zambales, Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Prince Billy Ecalnir, representatives from various CSOs, and staff and employees of the Zambales Provincial Government.
In conclusion, Governor Ebdane stressed that through unity and love of country, Zambales will continue to strive for greater progress and contribute to a stronger, more resilient Philippines.

Muling napabilang ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales at lahat ng 13 munisipalidad nito sa mga nakapasa sa 2025 Good Financial Housekeeping (GFH) Assessment ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Kabilang sa mga kinilalang LGU sa lalawigan ang:
Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales
Bayan ng Botolan
Bayan ng Cabangan
Bayan ng Candelaria
Bayan ng Castillejos
Bayan ng Iba
Bayan ng Masinloc
Bayan ng Palauig
Bayan ng San Antonio
Bayan ng San Felipe
Bayan ng San Marcelino
Bayan ng San Narciso
Bayan ng Sta. Cruz
Bayan ng Subic
Ipinapakita ng pagkilalang ito na patuloy na naipatutupad ng Zambales at mga bayan nito ang mataas na pamantayan sa maayos at responsableng pangangasiwa ng pondo ng bayan. Layon ng GFH na tiyakin na ang mga lokal na pamahalaan ay sumusunod sa mga alituntunin sa tamang pagba-budget, maayos na bookkeeping, at tapat na paglalathala ng mga impormasyong pinansyal para sa kaalaman ng publiko.
Sa pamamagitan ng parangal na ito, muling pinagtitibay ang kahusayan ng Zambales sa transparency, accountability, at good governance—mga haliging nagbubukas ng daan tungo sa mas mahusay, episyente, at makabuluhang serbisyo para sa bawat Zambaleño.
Nagpaabot ng pagbati ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales sa pamumuno ni Gobernador Jun Ebdane sa lahat ng opisyal at kawani ng lalawigan at ng 13 munisipalidad, gayundin sa mga Zambaleño na katuwang sa pagpapanatili ng tapat at maayos na pamahalaan.
“Ang pagkilalang ito ay hindi lamang para sa pamahalaan, kundi para sa bawat Zambaleño na patuloy na nagtitiwala, nakikilahok, at nakikibahagi sa pagtataguyod ng mabuting pamamahala,” pahayag ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.

IBA, Zambales — The Provincial Government of Zambales has officially partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to construct new classrooms across the province, directly targeting the local school infrastructure shortage.
Zambales Governor Hermogenes “Jun” Ebdane Jr. led the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on June 2 to implement the National Government’s Basic Education Facilities Program locally. Under this partnership, DepEd will manage the technical standards and funding allocation, while the Provincial Government of Zambales will oversee the actual procurement and construction phases to accelerate project delivery.
Addressing the Classroom Shortage
The initiative forms part of a broader national directive under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara. Backed by the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the program aims to systematically reduce the estimated 145,000 classroom backlog across the Philippines.
In Zambales, three public schools have been selected as the initial beneficiaries for the structural expansion:
• Panan National High School (Botolan)
• Bancal Integrated School (Botolan)
• San Agustin Integrated School (Iba)
Key Officials Present
The high-level meeting was attended by key education and local government leaders to formalize the implementation framework.
Representing DepEd were:
• Atty. Mel John Versoza, Undersecretary for Administration
• Atty. Peter Irving Corvera, Undersecretary for Senior Personnel Oversight and HOPE
• Aurelio Paulo Bartolome, Assistant Secretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development
Governor Ebdane was joined by Botolan Mayor Jun Omar C. Ebdane, Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) William Roderick Fallorin of SDO-Zambales, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Emmanuel Adaoag, and Provincial Engineer Domingo Mariano.
Governor Ebdane expressed strong optimism for the project, noting that the building of these modern learning spaces represents a vital step toward securing safer, more conducive educational environments for Zambaleño students.

“If Saudi became a rich country, as long as we manage it properly, why can’t we?”, ito ang naging pahayag ng inyo pong lingkod, Gob. Jun Ebdane, sa isinagawang pagpupulong kasama ang mga opisyal ng Department of Science and Technology (DOST) kasama sina Mayor Dok Arvin Antipolo ng San Antonio, at Mayor Jun Omar C. Ebdane ng Botolan na ginanap ngayong araw sa Conference Hall ng Bayan ng San Antonio.
Sa nasabing pagpupulong, ipinaliwanag ni Dr. Karmina A. Aquino, Project Leader ng Hydrogen SEEP ng DOST, na batay sa kanilang isinagawang pag-aaral ay may malaking hydrogen gas reserve sa Bayan ng San Antonio, partikular sa Nagsasa Cove, at sa Brgy. Poonbato sa Bayan ng Botolan.
Ang Hydrogen SEEP: Sustainable rock-derived Energy Exploration in the Philippines Project ay bahagi ng malawakang pag-aaral ng DOST upang tukuyin ang mga lugar sa bansa na may potensyal na pinagkukunan ng hydrogen gas, isang malinis at alternatibong mapagkukunan ng enerhiya.
Ayon sa pag-aaral, ang Nagsasa seep ay naglalabas ng tinatayang 808 tonelada ng geologic hydrogen kada taon—isa sa pinakamataas na naitalang hydrogen emissions mula sa ophiolites sa buong mundo, na mas mataas pa sa naitalang rekord ng Albania noong 2024, na maaaring magdulot ng malaking pakinabang sa mga bayan, sa lalawigan, at maging sa buong bansa.
Patuloy naman ang isinasagawang pag-aaral ng DOST sa mga nasabing lugar at ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan para sa mga posibleng proyekto at programang maaaring maisakatuparan sa hinaharap.
Samantala, “If Zambales becomes the center of all of this, we really need to work this out. We need local geologists. Gaya ng ginawa natin sa PRMSU kung saan nagkaroon tayo ng Mining Engineering course, bakit hindi rin magkaroon ng kurso para sa geology? Kailangan natin ng mga eksperto,” dagdag pa ng Gobernador.
Mahalagang makapaghanda ang lalawigan ng sariling hanay ng mga eksperto upang maging katuwang sa pagpapaunlad at pamamahala ng mga proyektong may kaugnayan sa hydrogen gas kung ito ay maisakatuparan sa hinaharap.
“We appreciate your efforts, Kung ano ang maitutulong ng probinsya, magsabi lamang kayo,”dagdag na pahayag bilang suporta sa patuloy na pananaliksik ng DOST sa lalawigan.
Kasama sa pagpupulong sina ARD Romeolito G. Tacbian ng DOST Regional Office III, OIC Clarissa G. Villanueva ng Geosciences Division ng MGB Regional Office III, PD Bernardita D. Montevirgen ng DOST-Zambales, Acting ENROZ Liberty P. Hilario, Acting Assistant Provincial Engineer Julio Arbolante, G. Emmanuel C. Adaoag ng PPDO, mga opisyal ng LGU San Antonio at LGU Botolan, mga Punong Barangay, at Ms. Larraine B. Rico, Executive Asisstant to the Governor.
Makakaasa ang DOST na ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Zambales, sa pamumuno ng inyo pong lingkod Gob. Jun Ebdane, ay patuloy na magiging katuwang sa pagsusulong ng mga programang makatutulong sa pagpapaunlad ng ekonomiya ng lalawigan at ng buong bansa. (ZambalesForThePeople)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409) promptly responded to a distressed fishing boat (FFB) Maria Luisa in the waters off Palauig Point, Zambales, on June 1, 2026.

At approximately 7:02 PM, BRP Cabra arrived at the distressed vessel’s location and immediately coordinated with its crew. A skiff boat was subsequently deployed to transport PCG personnel onboard to conduct an inspection and assess the condition of the vessel.
During the inspection conducted at around 7:20 PM, the PCG team found that the vessel’s propeller shaft bushing was severely worn, causing significant water ingress through the shaft. As an immediate safety measure, the crew applied sealant to temporarily contain the leak and prevent further flooding.
Following the assessment, FFB Maria Luisa was declared unserviceable at sea and required afloat repairs and towing assistance to ensure of the boat safety and its crew.
At about 10:21 AM June 3, 2026, FFB Maria Luisa and its nine (9) crew members safely arrived in Silanguin Isalnd, Zambales and were turned over to Coast Guard Station Zambales for appropriate disposition and further assistance.
The PCG remains steadfast in safeguarding lives at sea by ensuring timely maritime response operations, in support of the Bagong Pilipinas vision of responsive public service and national resilience.
[Photos by: ASN Balita PCG/CGPAS]

The National Task Force (NTF) – West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Wednesday reported the movement of a small Chinese structure to a lagoon inside the Bajo de Masinloc (BJDM).
In a press conference in Quezon City, NTF–WPS Spokesperson, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela, said the structure was first spotted being moved by two boats on May 31.
Through an aerial survey of the structure, the NTF-WPS confirmed its presence and found it had a deck area of 30 square meters, surrounded by fenders, possibly anchored and floats, or supported by metal stilts when stationary.
According to their investigation, two Chinese research vessels—Yue Xia Yu Zhi 20028 and Yue Zhan Yu Ke 6—were first spotted in the southeast entrance of BJDM on May 21.
By May 25, satellite imagery captured an unusual square object in the same location, with a maritime domain awareness (MDA) flight by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, confirming the structure and reported that one person was onboard the structure on May 26.
On May 28, a PCG MDA flight confirmed the structure and spotted a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) helicopter operating in the vicinity.
On May 30, another MDA flight of the PCG saw six personnel aboard the structure, including the installation of an antenna on a rock near the entrance to the BJDM lagoon. A PLA fighter intercepted the PCG aircraft during its MDA flight.
As of May 31, the NTF-WPS said there were eight unknown structures and objects in the BJDM, including buoys, antennas, and the square structure.
The BJDM is located 119.65 nautical miles from Palauig, Zambales, and is around 500 nautical miles from Hainan, China.
During the conference, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Deputy Assistant Secretary Rogelio Villanueva Jr. expressed concern over the presence of the platform, saying it violates Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction as well as international law.
To date, the DFA has also filed diplomatic protests, called for the removal of the structure, and the cessation of similar activities in the area. (PNA)

Investing in a Stronger and More Progressive Central Luzon

Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Chairperson of the Regional Development Council in Region III (RDC III), has welcomed the approval of the proposed ₱197.64 billion FY 2027 Tier 2 budget for Central Luzon.
The proposed budget represents programs and project proposals from 32 national government agencies and 12 state universities and colleges, all aligned with the Central Luzon Regional Development Plan 2023–2028.
According to Gov. Ebdane, more than the size of the allocation, the priority is to direct resources to sectors that matter most to the people of Central Luzon: food security; agriculture and agribusiness modernization; trade and investments; education, health, housing, and employment; research, technology, and innovation; and environmental protection and climate-resilient development.
These programs are designed to accelerate inclusive economic growth, strengthen social services, modernize infrastructure, improve governance, and build a more sustainable and resilient future for the region. Gov. Ebdane emphasized that the goal is not just to spend, but to invest wisely, efficiently, and equitably where it matters most for the people of Central Luzon.

IBA, Zambales — Pormal nang inilunsad sa President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital ang kauna-unahang artificial intelligence (AI)-powered 2D echo machine sa Gitnang Luzon, bilang hakbang upang higit pang mapahusay ang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga Zambaleño.
Ito ay alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na gawing mas abot kaya at dekalidad ang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa bawat Pilipino.
Sinabi ni Gobernador Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. na sa pamamagitan ng bagong pasilidad ay mababawasan ang gastusin, hirap, at mahabang paghihintay ng dinaranas ng maraming pamilya sa pagpapagamot.
Aniya, bahagi ang AI-powered 2D echo machine ng mas malawak na programa ng pamahalaang panlalawigan upang palakasin ang kakayahan ng mga pampublikong ospital, gawing moderno ang mga kagamitang medikal, at mapalawak ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan.
Ang makabagong 2D echo machine ay gumagamit ng AI technology upang mapabilis at mapahusay ang pagsusuri sa mga pasyenteng may karamdaman sa puso.
Ito ay isang paraan ng pagsusuri gamit ang ultrasound upang makita ang istruktura, galaw, mga balbula, at pangkalahatang kondisyon ng puso.
Sa tulong ng AI, inaasahang mas mapapabilis ang pagbasa at interpretasyon ng resulta ng pagsusuri na magpapaikli sa oras ng paghihintay ng mga pasyente.
Sa pamamagitan ng bagong teknolohiya, inaasahang mas maraming pasyente ang mabibigyan ng agarang cardiac examination, na makakatulong sa mas maagang pagtuklas, deteksyon, at agarang paggamot sa sakit sa puso. (PIA R3-Zambales)

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines hosted the closing ceremony of Exercise Balikatan 2026, May 8, marking the successful completion of the largest annual military exercise between the Philippines and the United States.
The ceremony was a celebration of a successful exercise and a reminder of the shared values that underpin it. This 41st iteration of the exercise proved to be the most expansive Balikatan to date. Five ally and partner nations joined the Philippines and United States – Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand – bolstering the shared knowledge, capabilities, and momentum of the exercise from start to finish.
“Balikatan 2026 marked a strategic evolution from a bilateral exercise to a full-scale, multinational mission rehearsal for the defense of the Philippines,” said U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. “That growth reflects the security environment. It reflects the sovereign choices of free nations.”
The 19-day exercise highlighted the combat credibility, crisis readiness, and spirit of cooperation forged over decades of U.S.-Philippines bilateral training and reinforced by a growing coalition of like-minded partners and allies.
Combat credibility starts with detailed planning and strategic logistics. Long before the opening ceremony, service members dedicated months to the tactical plans, life support considerations, and safety precautions, paving the way for operations to begin. In March, AFP and U.S. forces, alongside civilian entities, conducted a Maritime Prepositioning Force offload to prepare equipment and sustainment for the exercise, strategically moving items from Mindanao through Subic Bay and onto training areas.
With combat power in position, the combined and joint force conducted complex all-domain live-fire events, enhancing air and missile defense, counter-landing, and maritime security and strike capabilities. These events integrated advanced capabilities into realistic scenarios across the archipelago, demonstrating how combat power becomes credible when applied by a capable, multinational force.
Combat credibility was also on display at sea – the Philippines, United States, Australia, Japan, and Canada conducted a Multilateral Maritime Event off the western coast of Luzon, featuring training inlive-fire gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, and replenishment at sea as well as deck landing qualifications.
“Balikatan was never simply about conducting activities,” said Philippine Army Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “It was about strengthening the ability to respond together in real, complex conditions. And that matters because in today’s security environment, readiness cannot be improvised.”
Crisis readiness was built as partner forces conducted advanced aeromedical, combat search-and-rescue, and mass casualty training. And readiness was called upon the first day of the exercise when AFP and U.S. forcesresponded to a vehicular accident, extracting multiple injured civilians from a ravine while aviation units coordinated rapid helicopter medical evacuations. Their coordinated response highlights that this year’s events are a product of decades of military cooperation.
Throughout the exercise, the spirit of cooperation extended directly into local communities. At five sites across the archipelago – from Mindanao to Palawan to Northern Luzon – service members worked alongside local leaders, barangay rural healthworkersand community partners to support medical and dental exams, health education, classroom technology, infrastructureprojectsand community engagements tailored to local priorities; lasting impacts of health engagements and engineering projects will provide value to the lives of more than 60,000 Filipinos.
The exercise’s success in enhancing combat credibility, crisis readiness, and the spirit of cooperation represents a shared commitment to regional peace and stability that is the foundation of the 1951 U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, stronger than ever 75 years after signing.
“These anniversaries remind us that our alliance is not merely a matter of treaty obligations. It is a living partnership, designed and strengthened across generations, and grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and common purpose,” said Y. Robert Ewing, chargé d’affaires, a.i., at the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. “Exercise Balikatan serves as a powerful testament to our alliance in action. It demonstrates our collective commitment to prepare together, alongside other like-minded nations, to deter common threats and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.”