Rapids Journal Online News

CaMIA marks 19 years of service in providing a safety net to Filipino families CaMIA officers and staff, together with other CARD MRI leaders, gathered for a Thanksgiving Mass to mark 19 years of providing reliable microinsurance products to Filipino families nationwide.  CARD MRI Insurance Agency (CaMIA), a member institution of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), celebrated its 19 years of securing the lives of Filipino families on August 4, 2026. “As CARD MRI’s insurance arm, our goal is to build resilient communities and provide a reliable safety net for all. We ensure that every client and their family understand the value of insurance so that when unforeseen challenges arise, they are better prepared to cope with and recover from them,” said CaMIA President and General Manager Vener S. Abellera. For almost two decades, CaMIA has dedicated its service to protecting Filipino families. As of June 2026, the Agency has issued 2,418,051 policies amounting...

Free Flu Vaccines and Free Maintenance medicines given and distributed to thousands of Lagunenses as Akay ni Gob Mobile Botika goes to Biñan and San Pedro City Thousands of residents from cities of Biñan and San Pedro receive, not only free flu vaccines, but also free maintenance medicines as simultaneously, two of continously expanding medical and healthcare programs of the Provincial Government of Laguna through the leadership of Gov. Sol Aragones Gov. Aragones was joined by Provincial Administrator Atty. Nathalie Velasquez andProvincial Health Office OIC, Dr. Odilon Inoncillo. The Free vaccination and the Free maintenance medicine distribution through the Akay ni Gob Mobile Botika proceeded with the vaccination drive and distribution in Barangay Platero in Biñan and in PEA 2-B Court in Barangay Langgam, San Pedro City. Thousands of residents from the two cities were able to receive free vaccines and free medicine.  Inoncillo also reiterated the readiness of the Provi...

CHIZ PROPOSES 5-YEAR TERM FOR BARANGAY, SK LEADERS Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has filed Senate Bill No. 2387 to extend barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) terms from four to five years , a move that would also reset their election to November 2028.  Escudero’s bill amends Republic Act No. 12232, which currently provides a four‑year term, and allows incumbent officials to remain in office until 2028 to complete a full term under the proposal, because of the previous two-year extension of their tenure. In his explanatory note, the Bicolano senator said giving village and youth leaders longer cycle in office would allow them to implement programs more effectively with fewer disruptions, cognizant of the central role of barangay governance in frontline service delivery. “Barangay governance plays a crucial role in the effective delivery of public service, peace and order, and community development,” Escudero wrote. A longer cycle, he said, would “ensure stability, cont...

HIGIT 1,600 ANG NAGING BENEPISYARYO NG MEDICAL-DENTAL MISSION SA VICTORIA VICTORIA, LAGUNA — (August 8,2026) Higit 1,600 residente ang nakinabang sa libreng Medical at Dental Mission na isinagawa sa Bayan ng Victoria sa pagtutulungan ng tanggapan ni Laguna 3rd District Representative Loreto “Amben” Amante at ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Victoria. Tampok sa programa ang libreng medical check-up, laboratory tests, ultrasound, ECG, X-ray gamot at dental services kabilang ang libreng pagpapabunot ng ngipin, na naglalayong mailapit ang serbisyong pangkalusugan sa mga mamamayan, lalo na sa mga pamilyang kapos sa buhay. Sa kanyang mensahe, binigyang-diin ni Cong. Amante ang kahalagahan ng kalusugan at maagap na pagpapagamot, lalo na para sa mga pamilyang kadalasang inuuna ang pagkain, edukasyon, kuryente, tubig at iba pang pangunahing pangangailangan kaysa pagpapatingin sa doktor. Aniya, hindi dapat maging hadlang ang kahirapan upang mapabayaan ang kalusugan. Ibinahagi rin ...

 Laguna PPO Strengthens Family Values Through Pamilya ng Pulis Program The Laguna Police Provincial Office under the leadership of PCOL SANDRO JAY DC TAFALLA, Acting Provincial Director, successfully conducted the Pamilya ng Pulis Program on August 1, 2026, at the Multi-Purpose Center, Camp BGen Paciano Rizal, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The program formally commenced with the Invocation, followed by the Welcome Remarks delivered by PLTCOL FRANCO ALLEX M REGLOS, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration. In his message, he emphasized the vital role of the family as the foundation of a dedicated, resilient, and service-oriented police organization. An Audio-Visual Presentation highlighted the importance of maintaining strong family ties and promoting a healthy work-life balance among police personnel. This was followed by the Pledge of Commitment and Inspirational Message from PCOL SANDRO JAY DC TAFALLA, Acting Provincial Director, which was delivered on his behalf ...

forefront: Kahanga-hanga Ka sa Paningin ng Diyos ni Mhadz Sa mundong puno ng paghahambing at kompetisyon, madaling makalimutan ng tao ang kanyang tunay na halaga. Marami ang naghahanap ng pagkilala sa tagumpay, kayamanan, o popularidad. Ngunit ang tanong ay nananatili: Saan ba talaga nakasalalay ang ating halaga? Simple ngunit napakalalim ng sagot ng Biblia. Ang bawat tao ay nilikha sa wangis ng Diyos (Genesis 1:27). Ibig sabihin, walang sinuman ang walang halaga. Mula pa sa simula, itinuring na ng Diyos na natatangi at mahalaga ang bawat buhay. Hindi lamang tayo nilikha ng Diyos. Siya rin ang nagbigay sa atin ng hininga ng buhay (Genesis 2:7). Ang bawat araw na ating ginigisingan ay paalala na ang ating buhay ay regalo ng Maykapal. At sa mga sumasampalataya sa Kanya, ang Banal na Espiritu ang nananahan sa ating puso (1 Corinto 3:16). Kaya’t hindi kataka-takang sinabi ng salmista, “Ako’y ginawa na may takot at kagila-gilalas na paraan” (Awit 139:14). Ang ating halaga ay hindi nakab...

 BRAP Mobile Registration Successfully Conducted in Brgy. Balagtasin and Brgy. Balagtasin I, San Jose, Batangas The BRAP Mobile Registration Team successfully conducted a mobile registration activity in Barangay Balagtasin and Barangay Balagtasin I, San Jose, Batangas, as part of its continuing effort to bring government services closer to the community and ensure greater accessibility for eligible beneficiaries.A total of 23 individuals were successfully assisted and interviewed during the activity. Following the initial assessment and validation, 10 applicants qualified to proceed to the next stage of the BRAP registration process.Among the registrants, 6 were male and 17 were female, demonstrating the active participation of community members in the program. The mobile registration activity provided applicants with guidance throughout the registration process while ensuring that all required information and supporting documents were properly assessed. Through this initiative, th...

 Tree planting activity, matagumpay na isinagawa sa Brgy. Anibong Campsite Pagsanjan, Laguna — Matagumpay na isinagawa ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Pagsanjan ang isang tree planting activity sa Brgy. Anibong Campsite noong nakaraang July 30, 2026 sa pangunguna ni Punongbayan Kgg. Januario Ferry “Jan” Garcia. Nakiisa sa nasabing aktibidad ang Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Pagsanjan Water District, Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), at Laguna Water bilang bahagi ng sama-samang adhikain na mapangalagaan ang kalikasan at maisulong ang pangangalaga sa kapaligiran. Layunin ng programa na makatulong sa pagpapanumbalik ng luntiang kapaligiran sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanim ng mga puno na magsisilbing ambag sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan at sa kapakinabangan ng mga susunod na henerasyon. Ayon sa Pamahalaang Bayan, ang bawat punlang itinanim ay sumisimbolo sa pagkakaisa at malasakit ng komunidad para sa kalikasan. Ipinakita rin ng matagumpay na aktibidad ang kahalagahan ng pagtutulung...

 CARD MBA, nagsagawa ng global seminar para patatagin ang proteksyong pinansyal ng mga nangangailangang komunidad sina CARD MRI Founder at Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip (una mula sa kaliwa) at CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn Dequito (ikaapat mula sa kaliwa) kasama ang iba pang mga pioneer microinsurance leaders habang nagaganap ang isang panel discussion sa Mutual Microinsurance Network Seminar.  Pinangunahan ng CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA) ang kauna-unahang Mutual Microinsurance Network Seminar sa pakikipagtulungan sa International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) Foundation mula Hunyo 17 hanggang 19, 2026 sa AIM Conference Center sa Lungsod ng Makati upang patatagin ang kolaborasyong nakalaan sa pagprotekta sa mga pamilyang may mababang kita. Nakasentro sa temang Replicating Success Globally: Scaling the Mutual Microinsurance Model for the Poorest, ang tatlong-araw na seminar ay nagsilbing plataporma ng pagtutulungan para sa mga kalahok u...

 Enchanted Kingdom unveils a month filled with magic for Eldar the Wizard’s birthday Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, is set to make the entire month magical as it announces the spectacular lineup of enchanting gifts from its iconic Storyverse character, Eldar the Wizard, in celebration of his birthday this July. Kicking off its Love Saribuhay campaign this quarter, EK is showering guests with magical treats both inside and outside the Park as it counts down to Eldar’s Birthday Bash on July 25 at the Spaceport Grounds. The highly anticipated celebration, which coincides with the soft opening of the Park over 30 years ago, will feature enchanting parades, shows, games, appearances, giveaways, and other surprises perfect for guests of all ages. Eldar the Wizard has been the heart of EK’s vibrant Storyverse and has brought magic, wisdom, and inspiration to generations of Filipinos for the past three decades. He embodies EK’s core value...

 Editorial: Buwan ng Wika: Pagpapanatili ng Wika, Pagpapatibay ng Pagkakakilanlan Every August, Filipinos celebrate Buwan ng Wika to honor the Filipino language and the many local languages spoken across the country. This celebration reminds us that language is more than just a means of communication; it is also a vital part of our culture, history, and identity. By speaking and appreciating our own languages, we remain connected to our roots and heritage. Today, many young Filipinos use English and other foreign languages daily due to the demands of education, work, and social media. While learning these languages is valuable and necessary, we must not overlook the importance of Filipino and our regional languages. These languages allow us to express our thoughts, preserve our traditions, and share our emotions in ways that truly reflect our identity as Filipinos. However, Buwan ng Wika should not be limited to wearing traditional attire or participating in school activities...

 "Kadiwa ni AJAM" Parine na sa Kadiwa ni AJAM sa City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas ngayong araw, Hulyo 30. Binibigyang pagkakataon ng pamahalaang lokal ang ating mga magsasaka at mamumuhunan na direktang ibenta ang kanilang mga kalakal sa mga mamimili sa murang halaga.  Tampok dito ang mga local producers sa lungsod hatid ang iba-ibang bilihin o mga pangunahing pangangailangan gaya ng prutas, gulay, itlog at iba pa na mabibili sa abot-kayang halaga! Ito ay regular na programa ng pamahalaang lokal sa pamamagitan ng City Agriculture Office. 

 Calatagan parents, Child Development Workers trained on food safety for feeding programs By John Maico M. Hernandez To strengthen the safety of meals served to young children, the Local Government Unit of Calatagan through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Batangas, trained Child Development Workers and parents who prepare meals for Child Development Center feeding programs on basic food hygiene and food safety hazards, July 21, 2026. The training was conducted in two separate sessions for participants from all barangays of Calatagan held at the National Child Development Center in Barangay Gulod and Pagsasarili Early Childhood Care and Development Center in Poblacion, Calatagan, Batangas, as part of the municipality’s Nutrition Month celebration. The activity aimed to equip participants with science-based knowledge and practical food safety practices that can be applied in prepa...

 GSP-Laguna Council Nagpasalamat Sa Liga Ng Mga Punumbayan Sa paanyaya ni Rizal Town Mayor Vener P. Muñoz, bilang Pangulo ng liga ng mga Alkalde sa Laguna, ay dumalo si Atty. Karen C. Agapay,  bilang Pangulo ng GSP-Laguna Council,  sa pulong ng League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Laguna Chapter na ginanap noong araw ng Huwebes,  Hulyo 30,  sa Bayan ng Santa Cruz sa pagtangkilik ni Alkalde Benjo Agarao, upang pasalamatan ang patuloy na pagsuporta ng mga local government unit sa mga adhikain ng Girl Scouts of the Philippines  na makapagbigay ng mas maraming oportunidad sa mga batang babae na maging matatag,  responsable, at handang mamuno para sa kinabukasan.  (Ruben E. Taningco)

 CALAX Earns Three GREEN Awards for Environmental Sustainability From L-R: Santa Rosa City Councilor Hon. Carmela Rosa Gonzales-Colmenar; MPCALA Holdings Inc. Facilities Management and MEPF Senior Engineer Dhale Angelo D. Santos; MPTC Assistant Vice President for Central Quality, Environment, Safety and Health (QESH) Allan Jeffrey N. Ang; MPTC Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement Arlette V. Capistrano; Santa Rosa City Mayor Hon. Arlene B. Arcillas; Santa Rosa City ENRO Head Engr. Maria Amor A. Salandanan, EnP.; and Santa Rosa City Councilor Hon. Mythor C. Cendaña. Photo credit: Santa Rosa City Environment and Natural Resources Office MPCALA Holdings Inc. (MPHI), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and the concessionaire of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), has been recognized by the City Government of Santa Rosa, Laguna, for its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. This marks the fourth consecutive year the company has been honored...

 PWD Livelihood Bazaar, inilunsad sa Santa Rosa bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng 48th NDPR Week Santa Rosa City, Laguna – Opisyal na binuksan ni Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas ang PWD Livelihood Bazaar 2026 sa City Hall Building B Lobby bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng 48th National Disability Rights (NDPR) Week noong nakaraang July 27, 2026. Pinangunahan ng Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) ang naturang programa na naglalayong mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga persons with disabilities (PWDs) mula sa iba’t ibang barangay na maipakita at maibenta ang kanilang mga produktong sariling likha. Ipinakita rin sa aktibidad ang patuloy na suporta ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Santa Rosa sa pagbibigay ng mga programang nagtataguyod ng inklusibong pag-unlad at pagkakapantay-pantay para sa sektor ng PWD. Sa pamamagitan ng PWD Livelihood Bazaar, muling pinagtibay ng lokal na pamahalaan, sa pangunguna ni Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas, ang kanilang layunin na makalikha ng mas maraming...

 Additional Ventilators Delivered to Laguna District Hospitals Through Gov. Sol Aragones’ Healthcare Initiative Laguna-To strengthen the province’s public healthcare system, Governor Sol Aragones, in partnership with the Laguna Health Team and the Provincial Health Office (PHO), began the distribution of additional ventilators on July 28 to Laguna Medical Center, Dr. J.P. Rizal District Hospital, and San Pablo District Hospital. The initiative aims to gradually address the shortage of essential medical equipment and enhance the hospitals’ capacity to provide critical care services for Lagunenses. Governor Aragones underscored that improving the province’s hospitals is a continuing effort that requires patience and commitment. “Dahan-dahan po natin pupunuan ang mga kulang sa ospital, hindi po natin kaya biglain pero kaya po natin tiyagain,” Governor Aragones said. The deployment of additional ventilators forms part of the Provincial Government of Laguna’s continuing commitme...

 Tahanan ng mga paboritong gawang-bahay Isa sa mga pinakapopular na produkto ni Sahlee ay ang kaniyang gawang-bahay na siomai na paborito rin ng karamihan sa kaniyang mga kustomer.  Sa bilis ng takbo ng panahon ngayon, mas hinahanap ng tao ang mga pagkaing praktikal at madaling iluto katulad ng mga frozen food. Bukod sa nakababawas ito sa oras at gastos sa pagluluto, hindi rin ito madaling mapanis, kaya naman naitatabi pa ito nang mahabang panahon.  Taong 2000 noong pinasok ni Sahlee Quizon, mula sa Sta. Cruz, Laguna, ang paggawa ng mga frozen food. Ang pinakauna niyang produkto ay boneless na bangus. Kilala ang isdang bangus sa pagiging matinik, at ang tinik na ito ang muntik nang kumuha sa buhay ni Sahlee noong minsan siyang nabilaukan. Naroon man ang takot, dito niya rin nakuha ang inspirasyon na gumawa ng boneless bangus.  Sampung taon nang nagtatrabaho si Sahlee sa ibat ibang kumpanya, ngunit napatunayan niya na iba pa rin ang saya kapag may sarili kang nego...

 Laguna Gob. Sol Aragones inilatag ang malawakang programang pangkalusugan, kabuhayan at imprastraktura sa SOPA STA. CRUZ, Laguna — Inilatag ni Laguna Governor Sol Aragones ang mga pangunahing programa at proyektong ipatutupad ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan hanggang 2027, kabilang ang pagpapalawak ng serbisyong pangkalusugan, pagpapaunlad ng kabuhayan, pagpapalakas ng turismo, modernisasyon ng mga ospital, at pagpapahusay ng disaster response system sa kanyang State of the Province Address (SOPA). Isa sa mga pangunahing inihayag ng gobernador ang pagtatayo ng Laguna Mega Clinic, isang ambulatory o outpatient care facility na target na mabuksan bago matapos ang 2027. Ayon kay Aragones, layunin nitong mabawasan ang pagsisikip sa mga ospital at mailapit ang dekalidad na serbisyong medikal sa mga residente ng lalawigan. Kasabay nito, sinabi niyang palalawakin pa ang libreng serbisyong pangkalusugan, kabilang ang maintenance medicines para sa diabetes, hypertension, sakit sa puso at ...

 forefront: Ang Kaibig-ibig na Panginoon ni Mhadz Batay sa Mateo 3:13–17 Marami ang nag-aaral tungkol sa Kristiyanismo, ngunit ang sentro ng pananampalatayang Kristiyano ay hindi isang relihiyon, tradisyon, o sistema ng paniniwala. Ang tunay na sentro nito ay si Jesu-Cristo. Habang mas nakikilala natin ang Kanyang katauhan, mga katuruan, at mga ginawa, lalo tayong umiibig sa Kanya. Isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit nanlalamig ang pananampalataya ng isang Kristiyano ay hindi dahil sa kakulangan ng kaalaman, kundi dahil unti-unti niyang nakakalimutang patuloy na umibig kay Jesus. Kapag humihina ang ating pakikipagkaibigan sa Panginoon, unti-unti ring nawawala ang sigla sa panalangin, paglilingkod, at pagsunod. Makikita sa Mateo 3 ang isang napakagandang larawan ng karakter ni Jesus. Bagama't Siya ang Anak ng Diyos, naglakbay Siya mula Galilea patungong Jordan upang magpabautismo kay Juan. Hindi Niya kailangan ang bautismong iyon sapagkat wala Siyang kasalanan. Gayunman, pinili Niyang...