DepEd, Land Bank join hands to repair classrooms in 12 last-mile schools

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The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to repair classrooms in 12 schools located in disaster-affected areas.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara and LBP President Lynette V. Ortiz led the signing ceremony of the MOU, which outlines LBP’s commitment to fund the repairs with Php 500,000 per school for the duration of the two-year partnership.

In addition, LBP President Ortiz also shared that the LBP Leasing and Finance Corporation and the LBP resources and development corporation has contributed an extra P1 M in funding and construction assistance for the selected schools.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami ng lubos sa inyong generosity at kagandahang loob. Ramdam na ramdam po namin ang inyong malasakit and it is clear that you have chosen communities that will really benefit from the donations,” Secretary Angara said to Land Bank partners.

In the MOU, concerned Schools Division Offices (SDOs) will oversee adherence to government standards and facilitate learning continuity during repairs. School heads, meanwhile, will manage documentation and updates, while Schools Division Engineers will coordinate with LBP’s technical team for the repair activities.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, LBP will also mobilize its employees as volunteers, promoting a culture of community service.

“We are introducing this volunteerism component that will mobilize employees to participate in repair and renovation efforts as well as support activities for both communities and learners involved,” Ortiz said.

LBP President Ortiz also committed to help DepEd in connecting with other banks to include Adopt-a-School Program of DepEd as part of their CSR.

Sec. Angara applauded this commitment, citing that the Department welcomes other partnerships to improve the delivery of basic education services in the country. "If we put together the combined CSR of all the banks, we will make a dent. We are looking forward to more partnerships in the future," he said.

LBP Executive Vice President Alex A. Lorayes, Senior Vice President Catherine Rowena B. Villanueva, Senior Vice President Marilou L. Villafranca, Senior Vice President Atty. Joselito B. Vallada, Mr. Ricardo C. Juliano, President and CEO-LBP, Resources and Development Corporation, Mr. Michael P. Arañas, President and CEO, LBP Leasing and Finance Corporation, and members of the DepEd Executive Committee witnessed the said partnership.

Newly opened “The Mansion” Museum in Baguio features PHLPost Postage Stamps

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The newly opened “The Mansion Museum” in Baguio City now offers a glimpse of Philippine History and Culture including collections of PHLPost Postage Stamps issued featuring Philippine Presidents.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the ceremonial opening to the public of the Presidential Museum in Baguio City’s Mansion House. The Museum is expected to boost the tourism industry in the country.

“We would like to thank the first couple, especially First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for opening the Mansion and bringing these vast collections of stamps and memorabilia on display at the Museum, for the public especially the youth to appreciate the country’s rich heritage, culture and history”, Postmaster General Luis D. Carlos said.

The public can experience firsthand some of the most valuable stamps ever created for Philippine Presidents starting from General Emilio Aguinaldo (1869-1964), the first and youngest president of the Philippines up to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr., the 17th and current President of the Philippine Republic.

Along with PHLPost Postage stamps are detailed information that tells the story of the Philippine Presidents throughout the history of the country.

The late former President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) was an avid stamp collector who was instrumental in the interest of Philately or Stamp Collecting. He signed Proclamation No. 494 declaring every November as the National Stamp Collecting Month.

The Mansion initially served as the summer residence for American governors-general before World War II, which was constructed in 1908.Currently, it functions as the official summer residence of the President. The Mansion is located along Romulo Drive, just across Wright Park in Baguio City.

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CALAX Governor’s Drive Interchange reaches 25%, to open by Q1 2025

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MPCALA Holdings Inc., the concessionaire of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), announced that the CALAX Governor’s Drive Interchange has reached its 25% completion milestone. The interchange, slated to open by the first quarter of 2025, is expected to decongest traffic on major roads in Cavite, specifically Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, and help spur economic activities for the cities and municipalities along the alignment in the province of Cavite. 

Spanning 7.8 km from the Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Governor’s Drive, this segment will be the longest operational section of CALAX by the first quarter of 2025, while the two remaining segments are still under construction. Currently, ongoing work includes excavation works, bridge and drainage construction, and installation of fences.  

Governor’s Drive Interchange

Governor's Drive Toll Plaza (from Silang)

Raul Ignacio, President and General Manager of MPCALA Holdings Inc., acknowledged construction challenges by the recent typhoons but affirmed the company’s commitment to deliver this vital segment within schedule.  

"Despite the challenges faced in construction brought about by the recent typhoons, we are pressing forward to ensure the timely delivery of the Governor’s Drive Interchange. Once operational, this vital infrastructure will ease traffic congestion, provide a faster route for thousands of motorists, and stimulate economic growth across Cavite and CALABARZON." Ignacio stated. 

In addition to the Governor’s Drive Interchange, two other major segments of CALAX, Subsection 2 (Open Canal Interchange) and Subsection 1 (Kawit Interchange), are progressing steadily, with 15% and 25% completion, respectively. Both segments are expected to open by the third quarter of 2025 and will eventually connect CALAX to the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) via the CAVITEX-CALAX Link. Currently, the overall completion rate of the entire CALAX project stands at 64%. 

Subsection 2 - Open Canal Interchange

Subsection 2- Open Canal Interchange

Subsection 1 - Kawit Interchange

At present, CALAX serves over 45,000 motorists daily. Once the full expressway is connected to CAVITEX, it will serve at least 95,000 motorists daily, significantly improving traffic flow and accessibility between Cavite, Laguna, and the greater Manila area.

About CALAX  

CALAX is a 45km 4-lane expressway with eight interchanges with operational segments at Laguna Technopark, Laguna Boulevard, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang East, and Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange, with remaining segments Governor’s Drive, Open Canal and Kawit still in construction. When fully completed, CALAX will reduce travel time from CAVITEX (Kawit) to SLEX (Mamplasan Interchange in Biñan, Laguna) from 2 hours to 35 minutes enhancing connectivity between NCR and the CALABARZON region. 

About MPCALA Holdings Inc. 

MPCALA Holdings Inc. is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation. Aside from CALAX, MPTC ‘s domestic portfolio also includes Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the NLEX Connector Road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.