Informer Newspaper Publishing

16/02/2026

DENR, group to reforest Bulacan town
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
16 February 2026

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Central Luzon office has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with V On Wings, Inc. to boost reforestation in Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan.

Under the agreement, V On Wings will adopt a 32.51-hectare National Greening Program (NGP)-graduated site in the town and reforest it with fruit and timber trees and indigenous forest species.

The group will lead the rehabilitation, protection, and conservation measures needed to implement the partnership.

V On Wings will also oversee planting, maintenance, and protection of the adopted site and ensure at least 85 percent survival rate of planted trees for five years.

Meanwhile, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) Baliuag will provide technical and scientific assistance in nursery establishment, seedling production, and maintenance.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized that collaboration with private stakeholders in adopting NGP-graduate sites supports nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and mitigation.

“The adoption of a graduated NGP plantation is a significant step toward ensuring continuity of care for reforested areas. It emphasizes not only tree planting, but also maintenance, protection, and long-term stewardship,” he said.

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Central Luzon office has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with V On Wings, Inc. to boost reforestation in Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan.

14/02/2026

Look: PRU LIFE UK. joins the 26th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta at New Clark City Capas Tarlac.

14/02/2026

TSU, NCIP forge deal to uphold IP rights
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
14 February 2026 #❤

THE Tarlac State University (TSU) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Region 3 (Central Luzon) signed a memorandum of agreement on Thursday, establishing a unified front to uphold the rights of Indigenous cultural communities across the province.

13/02/2026

CELEBRATE LOVE THIS FEBRUARY WITH SM SUPERMALLS VALENTINE’S BAZAAR

Love is in the air ----- celebrate love this February and Valentine’s Day at SM City Tarlac, SM City Urdaneta Central, SM City Rosales, and SM Center Dagupan Valentine’s Bazaar, featuring cute finds and gift ideas for all the kilig vibes of the month of love.

Buy fresh flowers from Sweet Stem, and add fun, trendy picks from RBFF charms. Bring the classic romance with teddy bears and cute pillows from Blue Magic and SM Store Toy Kingdom.

Don’t forget to choose thoughtful gifts with Playthread, Onesimus, Simply Shoes, and Bagel Girl. And make sure to add a sweetness to your plans and date with a variety of cakes from Red Ribbon and Angel Bites.

All of this is waiting for you at SM Supermalls Valentine’s Bazaar until February 28 ---- the home of celebrations.

11/02/2026

Farmers discouraged to spray vs rice stem borer
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
12 February 2026

RICE farmers are advised to avoid unnecessary insecticide spraying on rice leaves to better manage rice stem borer infestation.

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Crop Protection Division Chief and Science Research Specialist Genaro Rillon noted that leaf spraying is often ineffective because stem borer larvae feed and develop inside the rice stem.

Rillon said that stem borer infestation may occur from the vegetative stage until flowering, causing deadheart in young plants and whitehead during the reproductive stage.

“Female stem borers lay eggs that hatch into larvae, which bore into the rice stem; when infestation occurs at the early growth stage, the central leaf dies, a condition known as deadheart, while infestation during the reproductive stage damages the panicle, resulting in empty grains or whitehead,” he explained.

Rillon noted that severe infestation can reduce rice yield by one to 20 percent, or even higher, especially in fields with a high number of whiteheads.

Instead, Rillon emphasized that monitoring stem borer egg masses on rice leaves is a more reliable basis for control decisions than visible damage such as deadheart or whitehead, which already indicates crop loss.

He added that many beneficial insects and parasitoids naturally attack stem borer eggs that significantly reduce pest populations in the field.

Rillon also warned that unnecessary insecticide spraying may kill these natural enemies and disrupt the balance of the rice ecosystem, leading to pest resurgence.

“Second, farmers should observe natural enemies, particularly the many parasitoids that attack stem borer eggs, and avoid unnecessary insecticide spraying; after harvest, rice stubbles should be plowed under to remove food sources and habitats, helping reduce stem borer populations in the next cropping season,” he pointed out.

On the other hand, Rillon encouraged farmers to practice synchronous planting and proper field sanitation, including plowing under rice stubbles after harvest, to reduce stem borer population in the next cropping season.

PhilRice said it will continue to provide guidance and promote proper pest management practices to help farmers protect rice yields and minimize production losses, particularly in Nueva Ecija.

RICE farmers are advised to avoid unnecessary insecticide spraying on rice leaves to better manage rice stem borer infestation.

09/02/2026

DAR launches farm business school in Aurora
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
10 February 2026

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has rolled out its Farm Business School in Aurora that teaches both farming techniques and business management.

Farmers then take a leap from traditional farming into sustainable businesses as 30 agrarian reform beneficiaries from the Samahan ng mga Settlers ng San Luis, Aurora, Inc. are now undergoing 17 learning sessions designed to increase productivity, develop market-ready products, and grow income.

Aurora Agrarian Reform Program Officer Ferdinand Poblete said the program guides participants into agricultural entrepreneurship, taking them from producing raw materials to developing value-added products and strengthening their role in the local supply chain.

“The program builds farmers’ capacity to form structured groups, enter marketing agreements, and gain access to institutional buyers, supporting long-term competitiveness and economic resilience,” he added.

Among the sessions is cluster formation – a key strategy that organizes small-scale farmers into cooperative business units capable of meeting market demand, maintaining steady supply, and negotiating better with buyers.

The participants are currently in their fourth session and are set to graduate on June 13.

Poblete noted that DAR plans to expand the program to equip more farmer organizations with the skills to operate sustainably and contribute to Aurora’s agricultural development.

He said the agency continues to provide agrarian reform beneficiaries in Aurora with understanding of cooperative principles, governance, and the roles and responsibilities of members.

The initiative will also cultivate a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs who can strengthen local food security, increase household income, and drive inclusive growth in the province.

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has rolled out its Farm Business School in Aurora that teaches both farming techniques and business management.

06/02/2026

PSC announces major sports facility expansion in Tarlac
By JERRY M. HERNANDEZ
The Manila Times
6 February 2026

New clark city, tarlac — the philippine sports commission (psc) and the bases conversion and development authority have established partnership for a 20-hectare sports development area here.

06/02/2026

FUR BABIES FOUND THEIR FUREVER HOME WITH SM’S PET ADOPTION DRIVE

Rescued dogs and cats found loving families during the recent Pet Adoption Drive held at SM City Tarlac, SM City Urdaneta Central, and SM City Rosales.

In partnership with Animal Kingdom Foundation, Luca’s Sanctuary and Cawa’s Gang, the adoption drive encouraged responsible pet ownership and promoted adoption over buying.

Many fur babies had happily gone to their “furever” homes, thanks to the overwhelming support from the community.

Through initiatives like this, SM continues to create meaningful celebrations not just for people but for pets too.

At SM City Tarlac, SM City Urdaneta Central, and SM City Rosales—the Home of Everyday Celebrations —meaningful moments like these bring people—and pets—together.

05/02/2026

'26issue

04/02/2026

A Century of Faith, History, and Tarlac Pride
Comes Alive in a Rare Museum Exhibit

History steps out of the textbooks and into public view as “INC Museum Exhibits: TARLAC 100” opens its doors to families, students, and history lovers from February 4 to 7, 2026 at the SM Tarlac City Events Center.

Created to mark the 100th anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) in Tarlac, the exhibit unites the three INC Ecclesiastical Districts of Tarlac City, Capas, and Paniqui in a powerful visual narrative of faith, resilience, and community.

“TARLAC 100 was created with families in mind,” said INC Deputy Executive Minister Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo. “We hope parents and children will visit to discover history together so conversations about faith, courage, and community continue even after they leave the exhibit,” he said.

Organized by the INC Museum, in collaboration with Christian Era Broadcasting Service International, Incorporated and Christian Family Organizations, TARLAC 100 is the museum’s first major exhibit in 2026 where visitors get to experience a century of faith and local heritage through stunning, immersive displays.

Visitors can expect compelling historical attractions that trace INC’s humble beginnings in Tarlac alongside stories of perseverance through social upheavals and war. Beyond Church history, the exhibit also highlights Tarlac’s critical role during World War II, offering a broader lens on the province’s place in Philippine history.

“As much as this exhibit is about remembering the past, it is also about inspiring the next generation to value faith, perseverance, and service,” Brother Angelo added.

Designed to be educational, interactive, and family-friendly, TARLAC 100 invites students, parents, and friends to rediscover Tarlac’s past together - one story, one artifact, one moment at a time.

04/02/2026

Happening now at SM City Tarlac. Opening of INC Museum Exhibit: The Sugarlandia of Central Luzon.

03/02/2026

Tarlac Police Provincial Offcie Turn Over of Office Ceremony with outgoing Provincial Director (OIC) PCol.Frank Estoro and incoming Provincial Director PCol. Joel Mendoza held at TPPO Patrol Hall,February 02,2026.