Mahinang pagyanig ng lupa, naramdaman sa Gasan

GASAN, Marinduque -- Naramdaman ang mahinang pagyanig ng lupa sa may bahagi ng Gasan matapos maitala ang 1.4 magnitude na lindol, hapon ng Biyernes, Pebrero 13.

Ayon sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), natunton ang sentro ng lindol sa layong 018 kilometro Hilagang Kanluran ng Gasan bandang 1:30 ng hapon.

May lalim ang lindol na 031 kilometro at tectonic ang pinagmulan nito.

Wala namang naidulot na pinsala ang naturang lindol.

Sinabi rin ng Phivolcs na walang inaasahang aftershocks matapos ang pagyanig. -- Marinduquenews.org

Tulfo, bumisita sa Marinduque; Pagsasaayos ng mga silid-aralan sa higit 10 paaralan, popondohan

BOAC, Marinduque — Bumisita sa lalawigan ng Marinduque si Senador Erwin Tulfo para sa isang produktibong konsultasyon kasama ang mga lokal na opisyal na pinangunahan ni Gobernador Melecio Go, mga kinatawan ng lokal na pamahalaan, at iba pang stakeholders, bilang bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap na ilapit ang serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga mamamayan.

Sa isinagawang Stakeholders Consultation, tinalakay ang ilang mahahalagang panukala kabilang ang isinusulong na Simplified Government Aid Access Act na layong pabilisin ang pamamahagi ng ayuda sa pamamagitan ng one-day processing, pagbawas ng requirements, at mas maayos na daloy ng tulong para sa mga nangangailangan.

Kasama rin sa mga napag-usapan ang pagpopondo ng karagdagang school buildings sa lalawigan. Ayon kay Sen. Tulfo, nakapaloob na sa General Appropriations Act (GAA) ang pondo para sa konstruksyon ng mga silid-aralan st school building sa higit 10 paaralan sa Marinduque, kabilang ang tatlong-palapag na gusali na may sapat na pasilidad tulad ng palikuran at suplay ng tubig. Mayroon din umanong naka-line up na pondo para sa classroom construction hanggang taong 2031.

Binigyang-diin din ng senador ang kahalagahan ng pagpapabuti ng access routes at interconnectivity sa rehiyon upang mas marami pang turista at mamumuhunan ang makadayo sa tinaguriang “Heart of the Philippines.” Kasama sa mga isinusulong ang Mimaropa interconnectivity sa susunod na GAA at ang suporta sa planong Diamond Route na pinangungunahan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.

“Patuloy tayo sa ginagawa natin na paglapit ng serbisyo ng gobyerno sa tao, lalo na sa mga rehiyon tulad ng Mimaropa. Maraming salamat sa mainit na pagtanggap, Marinduque,” pahayag ni Sen. Tulfo.

Nagpasalamat naman si Go sa pagbisita ng senador at binigyang-diin ang kahalagahan nito para sa lalawigan. “Kayo po ang kauna-unahang senador na bumisita sa aming lalawigan sa ilalim ng aking pamumuno kaya lubos ang aming pasasalamat sa inyong pagdating,” wika ng gobernador.

Ipinahayag din ni Tulfo ang kanyang personal na pag-unawa sa kalagayan ng mga probinsya, dahil siya ay lumaki sa Palawan. Aniya, batid niya ang pakiramdam ng mga lalawigang napag-iiwanan ng kaunlaran, kaya’t patuloy niyang isusulong sa Senado ang mga programang tutugon sa pangangailangan ng mga rehiyon.

Bilang pagtatapos, sinabi ng senador na patuloy niyang susubaybayan ang mga isyung kinahaharap ng Mimaropa at target niyang bumisita sa Marinduque kung may pagkakataon, upang mas mapalakas pa ang ugnayan ng pambansang pamahalaan at ng lalawigan. -- Photo courtesy: Marinduque Tourism and Cultural Office/Marinduquenews.com

Ambulansya na reresponde sa naaksidenteng SUV sa Boac, nahulog sa palayan

BOAC, Marinduque — Nahulog sa palayan ang isang ambulansya sa Brgy. Cawit, Boac, sanhi ng madulas na kalsada dulot naman ng patuloy na pag-ulan, umaga ng Linggo, Pebrero 1.

Ayon sa ulat, reresponde sana ang ambulansya ng Marinduque Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) sa isang pulang SUV na nauna nang naaksidente sa kaparehong lugar bandang alas-8:17 ng umaga.

Batay sa paunang imbestigasyon, ang pulang SUV ay patungo sana sa Brgy. Duyay nang mawalan ng kontrol ang driver, dahilan upang mahulog sa isang maliit na bangin. Driver lamang ang sakay ng SUV sa oras ng aksidente.

Samantala, habang patungo sa lugar ng insidente, nadulas din ang ambulansya at tuluyang nahulog sa palayan. Sakay ng ambulansya ang isang driver at isang rescuer.

Sa kabutihang-palad, ligtas at walang naiulat na malubhang pinsala sa lahat ng sakay ng parehong sasakyan. Patuloy namang pinaaalalahanan ng mga awtoridad ang mga motorista na mag-ingat sa pagmamaneho, lalo na sa mga madudulas na kalsada tuwing may masamang panahon. -- Marinduquenews.com

Romeo Mataac Nat'l HS malaking tulong para sa mga residente ng Ilaya II - Go

BOAC, Marinduque -- Personal na binisita ni Gov. Melecio Go nitong Sabado, Enero 31 ang kasalukuyang ginagawang bagong paaralang pansekondarya sa Brgy. Poctoy, Boac — ang Romeo Mataac National High School (RMNHS).

Inumpisahang itayo nito lamang Agosto 2025, magagamit na ng Grade 7 learners ang naturang eskwelahan sa pagbubukas ng Taong Panuruan 2026-2027 sa darating na Hunyo.

Ayon kay Go, malaking tulong ang RMNHS sapagkat hindi na kakailanganin pang mamasahe at gumastos ng malaki para lamang pumasok sa bayan ang mga high school students na residente ng Ilaya Cluster II.

Pinasalamatan din ng gobernador ang pamilya Mataac na naging instrumento para maitayo ang paaralan lalo na sa mag-asawang Celso Jr at Vilma Mataac kasabay ang panawagan sa mga mamamayan ng Brgy. Poctoy at karatig barangay na tangkilikin ang RMNHS.

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa pamilya Mataac dahil sila ang nagdonate ng lupa na pinagtayuan ng paaralang ito. Sila rin ang nagbigay ng pondo para maipatayo ang apat na classroom ng RMNHS na umabot, I understand sa humigit ₱5-milyon," wika ng punong lalawigan.

Malugod namang ibinalita ni Go na naglaan din ng pondo ang pamahalaang panlalawigan para maipatayo ang karagdagang silid-aralan kung saan taon-taon ay inaasahang madaragdagan ang antas hanggang makompleto ang senior high school.

Ang Romeo Mataac National High School ay mayroong apat na silid-aralan kung saan ilan dito ay magsisilbing library at computer laboratory. Kompleto na sa mga upuan, lamesa at libro ang bagong tayong istruktura. May nakalaan na ring 15 computer sets, electric fans, microscope, Smart TV at iba pang gamit pang-eskwela.

Ito ay ipinangalan sa dating guro sa bayan ng Boac na si G. Romeo Mayorga Mataac o mas kilala bilang Tiyo Roming tanda ng pagkilala sa kanyang natatanging kontribusyon sa sektor ng edukasyon.

Samantala, tumatanggap na ng Grade 7 learners ang RMNHS para sa SY: 2026-2027, magtungo lamang sa tanggapan ng punong guro at hanapin si Nelsie Mampusti. -- Marinduquenews.com

Marinduque Day initiative aims to build collection for community museum

BOAC, Marinduque -- In celebration of the 106th anniversary of Marinduque’s reestablishment as a province, the Provincial Government of Marinduque has launched a call for public contributions to support an initial community museum exhibition titled “106 Years, 106 Stories.”

The initiative invites all Marinduqueños—both those residing on the island and those currently living elsewhere—to contribute photographs, artifacts, documents, and personal narratives that reflect the province’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Contributions are welcome from individuals, families, schools, organizations, and barangays.

Accepted materials include family portraits, records of historical events, documentation of community gatherings and cultural practices, as well as heirlooms such as tools, clothing, coins, books, and other objects of historical or cultural significance. Written materials such as letters, certificates, journals, records, and archival documents, along with personal recollections and family histories, are also encouraged.

According to the Marinduque Provincial Tourism and Cultural Office, the activity “106 Years, 106 Stories” seeks to honor the island’s heritage by curating stories and artifacts shared by the community. The project aims to strengthen cultural identity, promote historical awareness, and foster unity by building a living museum of collective memories.

The objectives of the initiative include commemorating Marinduque’s 106 years of provincial history, collecting and showcasing family photos, heirlooms, and stories that reflect the island’s heritage, establishing a community-led museum exhibit centered on shared narratives, and encouraging public participation and intergenerational engagement in cultural preservation.

Submissions will be organized according to four historical periods: the early years (1919–1940), mid-century (1941–1970), modern era (1971–2000), and contemporary period (2001–2026). Organizers emphasized that as preparations continue for the 106th Founding Anniversary of Marinduque, stories from across generations are being gathered, underscoring that every voice, memory, and legacy matters.

As part of the Marinduque Day celebration, the Provincial Government invites all residents and families to take part in the commemorative exhibit, which aims to highlight the cultural and historical journey of the province from 1920 to 2026 through a curated display of photographs, artifacts, and personal narratives.

The community-led museum installation is set to be unveiled on February 21. Those interested in contributing are encouraged to coordinate directly with the Provincial Government of Marinduque.

“Let us build this museum together—one story, one memory at a time,” the organizers said. -- Dr. Randy T. Nobleza/Marinduquenews.com

MarSU, kinilala ng PRC bilang top-performing school pagdating sa LET

BOAC, Marinduque -- Kinilala ng Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ang Marinduque State University (MarSU) bilang isa sa mga top-performing school pagdating sa licensure examination for teachers (LET).

Sa ginanap na Oathtaking Ceremony para sa Newly Licensed Professional Teachers nitong Sabado, Enero 17 sa Quezon Convention Center, personal na tinanggap ni MarSU president Diosdado P. Zulueta kasama ng iba pang opisyal ng unibersidad ang plaque ng pagkilala.

Ayon sa PRC, nakamit ng MarSU ang 94 percent passing rate sa September 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LET) matapos makapasa ang 47 sa 50 examinees, dahilan upang mapabilang ito sa Rank 10 sa buong bansa sa kategoryang may 50–99 examinees.

Sa pahayag ni Zulueta, higit pa sa estadistika ang nakamit na tagumpay dahil ito ay bunga ng masinsinang paghahanda, puno ng inspirasyong paggabay ng mga guro, at matibay na ugnayan ng akademya at mag-aaral sa iisang layunin: ang kahusayan sa edukasyon. -- Marinduquenews.com

Ex-bokal Dindin Mercado, pumanaw na

BOAC, Marinduque -- Pumanaw na si dating first district board member, Bernadine Opis-Mercado o mas kilala bilang Bokal Dindin.

Ayon sa post ni Teacher Romelie Mangui, "May your soul Bokal Dindin Opis rest in peace. Nakakabigla naman po. Isa sa napakabait na parent ng aking estudyante sa ICC before, napakalambing at 'di makalimot."

Nagpaabot din ng pakikiramay si dating Vice Governor Adeline Angeles, na nagpahayag ng pasasalamat sa naging serbisyo ni Opis-Mercado sa lalawigan. Ayon sa kanya, mahalagang bahagi ng pamana ng 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Marinduque ang mga makabuluhang panukalang batas na inakda ni Bokal Dindin.

"Thank you Bokal Bernadine "Dindin" Opis-Mercado for your service to our province and communities. As part of the 16th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque, the numerous important provincial legislations you authored are important part of the legacy of our leadership," wika ni Angeles.

Samantala, sa isang opisyal na pahayag, sinabi ni Boac Mayor Armi Carrion, “Sa ngalan ng pamahalaang bayan ng Boac, lubos po ang aming pakikiramay sa pamilya, kaibigan, at lahat ng minamahal ni Bernadine ‘Dindin’ Opis Mercado. Isa siyang tapat at masipag na lingkod-bayan na buong pusong naglingkod sa lalawigan at bayan ng Boac.”

Nahalal si Opis-Mercado bilang bokal ng unang distrito noong May 2022 national and local elections. Bago ito, nagsilbi siya bilang barangay captain ng Mataas na Bayan at kalaunan ay naging konsehal ng bayan ng Boac.

Ang kanyang malasakit, integridad at dedikasyon sa serbisyo-publiko ay mananatiling inspirasyon ng bawat Marinduqueno at ang kanyang iniwang halimbawa ng tapat na paglilingkod ay hindi malilimutan ng mga mamayang kanyang pinaglingkuran. -- Marinduquenews.com

Diamond route sea network set to transform inter-island travel in Mimaropa

BOAC, Marinduque — Traveling across the islands of Mimaropa may soon feel as seamless as island-hopping in the Caribbean, following the formal endorsement of the proposed Diamond Route Inter-Island Sea Transport Network by the Regional Development Council (RDC).

The initiative was presented by Marinduque Governor Melecio Go during the RDC Full Council Meeting, where he serves as chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee. The proposal received full backing from Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor, RDC Chair, and unanimous support from all Mimaropa provinces.

“Ito ang maagang pamasko ng RDC sa Mimaropa," Governor Go said, describing the project as a timely and transformative gift for the region.

The Diamond Route aims to address long-standing challenges in inter-island travel, which residents and businesses have long described as slow, costly, and poorly connected. By creating a seamless maritime loop linking Batangas–Marinduque–Romblon–Oriental Mindoro; Batangas–Oriental Mindoro–Romblon–Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro–Marinduque as well as Occidental Mindoro–Palawan, and vice versa, the project envisions faster ferries, coordinated schedules, and modern vessels that will significantly improve mobility, trade, and tourism.

Under the proposed network, travel time between islands could be cut dramatically—making it possible, for example, to visit relatives in Mindoro in as little as two hours instead of six, or to deliver fresh produce from Marinduque to Palawan within the same day.

The plan was formally endorsed to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) during the 2nd Quarter Full Council Meeting of the Mimaropa RDC on June 11 in Pasay City. The proposed expansion is designed to reinforce regional integration under the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) and further stimulate economic growth, tourism, and trade across the region.

Governor Go said the Diamond Route will utilize modern, world-class vessels capable of ensuring safe and efficient travel even amid challenging sea conditions. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s transport modernization agenda and was recently discussed in a meeting with Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“This is about connectivity and unlocking the full economic potential of Mimaropa," Go said. “Reliable, modern inter-island transport means better market access for our farmers, safer travel for our residents, and greater tourism opportunities across all four provinces.”

Go also revealed that several major shipping lines have already expressed interest in participating in the project, signaling strong private-sector confidence in the initiative.

Senator Zubiri voiced his support for transport, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism programs aimed at accelerating regional development. He invited Governor Go to attend the opening of the Senate session on January 26 to further discuss regional priorities. In response, Governor Go welcomed the senator to visit Marinduque to see firsthand the province’s development initiatives and tourism potential.

Once implemented, the Diamond Route is expected to complement existing maritime transport systems, offering more frequent, reliable, and integrated services. Regional leaders believe it will redefine Mimaropa—from a collection of isolated islands into a dynamic, interconnected growth hub, often described as the “Caribbean of the Philippines.” -- with reports from April Pagaling and Romeo Mataac Jr./Marinduquenews.com

Young performers shine as Mogpog hosts Tubungan and Kundiman competitions

MOGPOG, Marinduque — In a strong effort to preserve and promote local heritage, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mogpog, through its Tourism and Cultural Office, successfully held the Tubungan (Putong practice) and Kundiman competitions on December 30, showcasing the island’s rich musical and performing arts traditions.

At least 17 participants joined the Kundiman competition, while the Tubungan contest featured eight groups—five from the high school division and three from the elementary level—who competed for well-coveted cash prizes. The events drew enthusiastic participation from various schools across the municipality.

According to the Mogpog Municipal Tourism and Cultural Office, the competitions highlighted the creativity, discipline, and cultural pride of young performers. “Through this event, students are given the opportunity to express their artistry while preserving and promoting the traditional music and performing arts deeply rooted in local culture,” the office stated.

The Tubungan Competition began with the High School Division at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Elementary Division at 6:00 p.m., giving both age groups the opportunity to shine in their respective categories. The performances reflected not only talent and teamwork but also a deep appreciation for Mogpog’s cultural heritage. LGU Mogpog emphasized that the Tubungan Competition serves as both a contest and a celebration of tradition, encouraging the youth to value their roots while building confidence and stage presence.

In the evening, the municipality also presented Himig Mogpog: Season 1, a Kundiman Competition held at 6:00 p.m., celebrating the timeless beauty of Filipino music and the emotional depth of the kundiman. Based on the municipality’s official social media page, the event aimed to preserve and promote the kundiman as a treasured musical heritage, reflecting themes of love, patriotism, and Filipino identity.

Participants were required to wear Filipiniana or Barong attire, symbolizing elegance, respect for tradition, and pride in Filipino culture. The combination of visual grace and soulful performances created a meaningful and memorable experience for both performers and the audience.

Himig Mogpog: Season 1 served as a platform for local talents to shine, foster cultural appreciation, and strengthen community pride. The public was invited to witness an evening of heartfelt melodies, cultural expression, and artistic excellence as voices came together in celebration of the municipality’s musical heritage. (Photo: Yen Logmao Garcia) - Dr. Randy Nobleza, Marinduquenews.com

Pampasaherong bangka mula OrMin, nagkaaberya; 50 indibidwal pa-Marinduque nailigtas ng PCG

GASAN, Marinduque -- Mabilis na rumesponde ang Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)–Gasan sa isang pampasaherong bangka matapos magkaaberya ang makina habang bumibiyahe mula Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro patungong Gasan, Marinduque bandang 12:00 nitong Biyernes, Enero 9.

Ang MBCA Emarsan, na may sakay na 50 pasahero at 250 sako ng bigas, ay nakaranas ng engine trouble sa layong humigit-kumulang 5.5 nautical miles mula sa baybayin ng Barangay Bachao Ibaba, Gasan. Ayon sa ulat ng purser ng bangka, nagkaroon ng sira sa mechanical transmission na naging sanhi ng pagkamatay ng makina ng sasakyang pandagat habang papalapit sa Gasan Pier.

Matapos matanggap ang ulat, agad na isinagawa ng PCG ang beripikasyon at rescue protocols. Isang rescue team na may kasamang motorbanca ang ipinadala sa lugar at matagumpay na nahila ang MBCA Emarsan patungong Gasan Port. Isa pang motorbanca ang nagbigay-tulong upang masigurong ligtas ang operasyon at ang pag-asikaso sa nasirang motorbanca.

Ligtas at nasa mabuting kalagayan ang lahat na mga pasahero habang nanatiling buo at walang pinsala sa mga kargamento. Kinumpirma ng kapitan ng bangka na ang aberya sa makina ay sanhi ng pagkasunog ng clutch lining, na nagresulta sa pagkawala ng propulsion. Inatasan ng PCG ang may-ari ng bangka na tiyaking maisagawa ang kinakailangang pagkukumpuni at siguraduhing magkaroon ng sea trial bago muling pahintulutang bumiyahe ang MBCA Emarsan.

Patuloy na pinananatili ng Philippine Coast Guard ang mahigpit na pagbabantay at mga operasyon sa kaligtasan sa karagatan upang matiyak ang proteksyon ng mga pasahero, kargamento, at sasakyang pandagat sa katubigan ng bansa. -- Marinduquenews.com