Inside Laguna

𝟏𝟏 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐠𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞

NAGCARLAN, Laguna — At least 11 families were left homeless after a fire razed a residential area in Barangay Taytay, Nagcarlan on Sunday, January 25.

Based on the latest report from the local government, around 10 houses were destroyed by the blaze, leaving several residents with little time to save their belongings. The fire quickly spread through the tightly packed homes, causing extensive damage.

Affected families are now temporarily staying at the Taytay barangay hall, where the municipal government has begun providing immediate assistance, including food, shelter, and basic necessities.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the fire, while local officials are coordinating additional aid for displaced residents.

Photo credit: page of Mayor Elmor “Vita” Vitangcol Vita.

𝐏𝐒𝐀 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐃 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐚

LAGUNA, Philippines — Residents no longer need to travel far to apply for a Philippine National ID, as the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has expanded registration sites across several cities and municipalities in Laguna to make the process more accessible.

Designated registration venues are now operating in nine locations throughout the province, allowing applicants to complete their registration closer to home.

Among the fixed and scheduled sites are:

San Pablo City – Fixed registration center along Maharlika Highway

Calamba City – SM City

Santa Rosa City – City Hall (Monday–Wednesday), Victory Mall (Thursday–Saturday)

Biñan City – City Hall (Monday–Wednesday)

San Pedro City – City Hall (Monday–Tuesday)

Siniloan – Municipal Hall (Monday–Tuesday)

Mabitac – Municipal Hall (Wednesday)

Pangil – Municipal Hall (Thursday)

Cabuyao City – Retail Plaza (Monday–Wednesday)

The PSA also continues to conduct mobile registration drives in various barangays to reach more residents, particularly those in remote communities.

Officials encourage unregistered individuals to follow their town or city’s schedule and take advantage of the convenient services. Those who have already registered are advised to check on the status and release of their physical National ID cards.

The initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen identification services and ensure broader access to public and financial transactions.

𝐁𝐢ñ𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄-𝐁𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬, 𝐄-𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐬

BIÑAN CITY, Laguna — The Biñan City government has released updated traffic restrictions and designated routes for electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) to regulate their use and improve road safety.

Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) head Rommel Lim announced the new guidelines following a directive from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) that initially sought to ban e-bikes and e-trikes from major national roads, although implementation has since been deferred.

Under the updated rules, the city identified “blue lanes” as alternative routes where e-bikes and e-trikes may pass and safely cross the National Highway. Meanwhile, “red lanes,” including the stretch from the University of Perpetual Help to Pasong Kabayo, are strictly off-limits to all types of e-bikes.

Electric vehicles classified as Category L2B will be allowed to travel along the National Highway, provided they are registered with the Biñan local government. On the other hand, Category L2A and below units will not require registration or a driver’s license but will only be permitted to cross — not travel along — the highway. Riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets.

Lim emphasized that enforcement will remain strict, warning that violators may face citations under City Ordinance No. 21-2023.

City officials said the updated measures aim to balance mobility and safety while addressing the growing number of e-vehicles on local roads.

𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐮𝐩𝐢 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐧

LUMBAN, Laguna — A boat reportedly sank while carrying passengers during festivities for the annual Lupi celebration in Lumban, causing alarm among residents and festivalgoers.

According to initial reports, the small vessel encountered trouble while navigating the lake at the height of the celebration, which draws crowds for cultural activities and community gatherings. Witnesses said the boat began taking in water before eventually submerging.

Local authorities and nearby residents quickly responded to assist those onboard. Passengers were rescued and brought safely to shore, and no immediate fatalities were reported as of this writing. Some individuals were checked for minor injuries.

Officials are investigating the cause of the incident, including the possibility of overloading or rough water conditions. The local government reminded the public and boat operators to observe safety regulations, particularly during large events when waterways become crowded.

The Lupi Festival is one of Lumban’s well-known traditions, celebrated with music, dance, and various lakeside activities. Authorities said additional safety measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents during future events.

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬

CALAUAN, Laguna — The Sangguniang Bayan of Calauan has moved to declare a provincial board member persona non grata following controversial remarks allegedly directed at the town’s mayor, a decision local officials say reflects growing concerns from residents and civil society groups.

During an en banc meeting held on January 22, 2026 at the municipal session hall, council members gathered to hear complaints and sentiments from various sectors of the community. The consultation was attended by Municipal Administrator Atty. Reiner John G. Brofar, Human Resources Department Head Atty. Alnee Joy Cariño, and MLGOO Loida Vista, who served as resource persons for dialogue and coordination with the public.

At the meeting, the council endorsed calls to declare Board Member Karla Monica Adajar-Lajara persona non grata over statements made against Mayor Roseller “Osel” G. Caratihán, which several groups described as inconsistent with the standards of ethical conduct and professionalism expected of elected officials.

Local authorities emphasized that the proposed action aims to uphold discipline, respect, and ethical leadership in Calauan’s public service. Officials said the move reflects the community’s desire to maintain the dignity of local governance.

Further steps and formal resolutions regarding the declaration are expected to be discussed in upcoming council sessions.

𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚, 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

Several areas in Metro Manila and Laguna are set to experience scheduled power interruptions as the electric utility carries out preventive maintenance and system upgrades aimed at improving the reliability of the power grid.

According to an advisory, specific circuits in Laguna will be temporarily shut down to allow crews to conduct inspections, repairs, and equipment upgrades. The planned outages are part of ongoing efforts to prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure a more stable electricity supply for households and businesses.

Affected residents are encouraged to check the detailed schedules released by the power distributor and prepare for temporary service disruptions by charging devices, storing water, and planning activities ahead of time.

Officials clarified that the interruptions are maintenance-related and not caused by weather disturbances or emergencies.

Further announcements, including exact barangays and outage times, are expected through the utility’s official channels.

𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐢ñ𝐚𝐧, 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚, 𝐒𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨

LAGUNA — Continued construction of the North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and related rail modernization efforts are shaping developments in several Laguna cities, including Biñan, Santa Rosa, and San Pedro, as part of the national push to improve rail connectivity across southern Luzon.

In Biñan City, the historic Biñan station — originally part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Main Line — has been closed since March 28, 2024 to make way for rail modernization works. The facility is being rebuilt as an elevated station, with plans to relocate it slightly to align with the new NSCR design.

Similarly, the Santa Rosa station on Rizal Boulevard has also been temporarily closed to accommodate construction of the NSCR’s elevated rail system. The upgraded station is expected to improve accessibility and commuter experience once the rail line begins operations in the future.

In San Pedro City, the Pacita Main Gate station — another former stop on the South Main Line — ceased operations in March 2024 and is slated for redevelopment into an elevated NSCR station, consistent with the larger project’s plan to modernize rail infrastructure throughout the southern corridor.

The NSCR project, a major rail initiative designed to improve connectivity between Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Laguna, aims to significantly cut travel time and support economic growth. Right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocation work in key areas — including Laguna — remain ongoing as construction advances toward partial operations.

Officials say these rail developments are part of a long-term strategy to enhance commuter accessibility, reduce road congestion, and modernize the country’s aging rail system.

𝐏𝐂𝐒𝐎 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐚

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has announced the expansion of its public health outreach program to include the province of Laguna, reinforcing its commitment to bringing essential medical support and services to communities in need.

Under the initiative, PCSO is stepping up medical assistance efforts across underserved areas of Laguna, providing support alongside other provinces such as Nueva Ecija. The program focuses on strengthening access to healthcare through donations of medicines, medical supplies, and community health interventions, in partnership with local government units and health stakeholders.







Health advocates say the enhanced outreach aims to reach residents who might otherwise have limited access to primary care and treatment services, particularly in rural barangays. The program supports existing medical missions, community clinics, and free medical services coordinated between PCSO and local partners.

In related outreach efforts, the PCSO has been actively providing medicine donations to local government units, including Laguna communities, to bolster their health programs. For example, earlier this month, various LGUs — including Barangay Lamot 2 in Calauan, Laguna — received essential medicines to aid in scheduled medical missions and public health activities.

PCSO officials said expanding health outreach to more regions reflects the agency’s broader mission to improve community health outcomes nationwide by supporting local health systems and vulnerable populations.

“The goal is to bring help closer to the people,” a PCSO representative said, emphasizing that such partnerships contribute to a more responsive and equitable healthcare landscape for Filipinos.

𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐧𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬

STA. CRUZ, Laguna — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has confirmed that a district jail in Sta. Cruz, Laguna is prepared to accommodate businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang should he be arrested in connection with the high-profile missing sabungeros case.

BJMP officials said the facility has begun logistical and security preparations in anticipation of Ang’s possible transfer, even as concerns remain about overcrowding inside the jail. Authorities acknowledged that congestion remains a challenge but assured the public that necessary adjustments will be made to ensure safe and secure detention.

The preparation follows ongoing nationwide efforts to locate Ang, who remains the only major accused still at large among several suspects linked to the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts between 2021 and 2022. Law enforcement agencies continue to conduct search operations while coordinating with immigration and other security units.

BJMP said it is standard procedure to designate holding facilities early for high-profile detainees to ensure orderly processing and tighter security measures once an arrest is made.

The Sta. Cruz district jail serves as one of the primary detention facilities for court cases filed in Laguna, including those connected to the sabungeros investigation.

𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐚ñ𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐢ñ𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

BIÑAN CITY, Laguna — Malacañang has issued an official memorandum declaring the suspension of classes and a special non-working day in Biñan City in celebration of Araw ng Biñan 2026.

According to the memorandum, February 2, 2026 (Monday) has been declared a school holiday, suspending classes at all levels in the city. Meanwhile, February 3, 2026 (Tuesday) has been designated as a Special Non-Working Day, allowing residents to fully participate in the city’s anniversary celebrations.

The declaration aims to give Biñanenses the opportunity to commemorate their history, culture, and civic pride through various activities and events prepared by the local government.

City officials encouraged the public to join the festivities and celebrate the shared heritage and identity of the people of Biñan.

𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟏–𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna — The City Government has announced a planned lifting activity that will take place along Rizal Boulevard from January 21 to January 24, 2026, as part of ongoing infrastructure work related to the Philippine National Railways (PNR) project.

According to a city advisory, the work will be conducted daily from 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM throughout the four-day period. Motorists and pedestrians using Rizal Boulevard are urged to exercise caution, maintain a safe distance from the work zone, and follow all safety instructions posted by authorities.

Officials emphasized that the activity is essential to support the implementation of the broader PNR infrastructure project — a key transportation initiative aimed at improving rail services and connectivity in southern Luzon. The PNR South Main Line and related construction activities have involved right-of-way adjustments, utility relocation, and other preparatory works in various parts of Laguna and neighboring provinces.

The public is advised to:
Stay alert in the vicinity of the work zone;
Keep a safe distance from equipment and construction personnel;
Adhere to posted safety guidelines and any traffic advisories.

City officials thanked the public for their cooperation and patience while the activity is ongoing, noting that temporary inconvenience from early-morning work is part of efforts to improve infrastructure and transportation.

The PNR has been actively addressing right-of-way and preparatory work for its various rail projects across the region. These activities are part of larger plans to enhance mobility and connectivity, including the South Long Haul and commuter rail improvements.