PHLPost, iSON Tower Sign Deal on telecom infrastructure at Philippines-India CEO Forum

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Postmaster General Maximo Sta. Maria III of the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and ISON Tower LTD. Inc., represented by its Chairman Mr. Vivek Gupta have signed the Memorandum of Understanding under which PHLPost properties will be leased for the establishment, maintenance and operation of tower facilities.

The signing was witnessed by DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda together with other business leaders on the sidelines of the Philippines-India CEO Forum where DICT Secretary Aguda and Postmaster General Sta. Maria is part of the delegates joining President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during his State Visit in India from 4 to 8 August 2025.

Ison Towers is a large conglomerate and investment holding company, accredited by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to provide common towers in the Philippines, engaged in providing passive infrastructure solutions for network coverage and connectivity.

Both parties recognize the need to upgrade telecom infrastructure to world-class standards, particularly for 5G and beyond services in the Philippines. This will help PHLPost sustain the development of its digitalization roadmap as part of its modernization program.

Postmaster General Sta. Maria noted that the partnership commits Ison Towers to contribute in the rehabilitation of the physical premises of a specific PHLPost branch office within which the tower is built to enhance public service delivery.

These Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), allow the private sector to contribute their expertise, resources, and technology to modernize postal operations and expand digital services, thereby contributing to connectivity and development especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his State Visit in India has emphasized opportunities for stronger trade and investment ties, particularly in sectors like ICT, semiconductors, infrastructure, and clean energy.

UP: When Running into Conflict—Respect, Rivalry, and Responsibility

Wazzup Pilipinas?!

Inside the heart of UP Diliman—an academic sanctuary, a symbol of Filipino excellence, a public space that generously welcomes the masses—tensions are quietly mounting.

On a recent Reddit thread capturing the UPCAT weekend scene, frustration poured in from outraged constituents:

“Some kids were late because of the crazy traffic, and then these proud UPCAT runners had to add to the problem.”

“Herd mentality … students need the space more, especially when there are events.”

“We runners should know the etiquette … and not be dismissive of the signs and announcements.”

Elsewhere online, UP’s social media stir confirms the sentiment: constituents of the university have “called out joggers and cyclists who were seen during the two-day UPCAT,” a time traditionally sacred to serious examinees. 

Sunflowers & Symbolism: A Silent Request

Meanwhile, on University Avenue, rows of sunflowers bloom in golden tribute to graduating iskolar ng bayan—symbols of hope, transformation, and the campus’s cherished graduation tradition. 

These radiant blooms are more than picturesque—they're planted for a purpose. Past directives from university authorities make it clear: respect the space, allow graduating students their moment, avoid tampering or stepping on the flowers. 

Yet that simple request often goes unheard.

The Larger Picture: Campus as Shared Stage

What’s unfolding is not merely a clash between runners and students—it’s a mirror to broader values:

UP exists first and foremost as a university—a home for learning, sanctuary for students. Running and leisure should not eclipse academic solemnity or disrupt institutional needs.

For Iskolar ng Bayan, the priority is clear: safety, order, and respect during critical times. A single misplaced step or burst of energy can disrupt exams, ceremonies, or communal harmony.

Yet, many runners—perhaps unconsciously—carry a sense of entitlement: public space, after all, is open to everyone. But with openness comes responsibility.

Toward a New Ethos: Grace, Not Guilt

Your observation—“sometimes we runners… kinda get ahead of ourselves… we don’t respect simple requests”—strikes a chord. This isn't about condemnation. It’s a wake-up call.

Imagine instead:

Shared calendars, clear signage, social media alerts letting runners know when to pause.

Empathy instead of entitlement: runners giving way, students reciprocating with courtesy.

Community ownership—seeing the campus not just as open, but as cared for by all.

Conclusion: We Are UP’s Living Story

This isn’t just about UPCAT weekends or sunflower pathways. It’s a narrative of respect—of how we, as a university community, learn to coexist: students, runners, faculty, visitors, all under one canopy of purpose.

Let UP be more than “open”—let it be considerate. Let runners be proud—but humble. Let graduates claim their spotlight—but not at the cost of others. In that balance, this university truly becomes a model of shared sovereignty and collective heart.

When the Storms Came, the Yangil People Planted Hope

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

While much of the Philippines in July was drowning under the weight of relentless floods, with homes submerged and dreams swept away by the current, a small indigenous community in Yangil, Zambales was doing something that defied both logic and the weather forecast — they were planting life.

Not just a few seedlings.

Not just in a safe, sunny clearing.

They planted 10,000 new trees — in the middle of three storms.

Raf Dionisio's team had been scheduled to visit that week to help plant and document this extraordinary effort. But when the skies opened and rivers swelled into dangerous, raging torrents, we made the difficult call over the phone to postpone.

On the other end of the line, Yangil’s chieftain, Erese, was calm and resolute.

“Tuloy kami,” he said.

“It’s a good time to plant because of the rain.”

No hesitation. No waiting for perfect conditions. For the Yangil people, the rain wasn’t an obstacle — it was a blessing.

And so, on July 21 and 22, while much of the nation sheltered from the storms, the community climbed the mountains to tend to the more than 40 hectares they had already planted in 2024, adding another 10,000+ saplings to the slopes. They waded through soaked earth, breathing in the damp scent of renewal, each seedling a quiet defiance against climate collapse.

Today, on Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor their courage, strength, and timeless wisdom. In the days when millions were immobilized by the storm’s fury, the Yangil community was working — not for themselves alone, but for all of us.

Because the trees they plant will not just live in Yangil.

They will live in our air, our water, our shared future.

They will hold the soil so our mountains stand strong.

They will feed the rivers that quench our thirst.

They will breathe life into the very air we inhale.

Perhaps it is time we celebrate them not just once a year, but every day — for they are planting the lungs of our nation while the rest of us are still catching our breath.

Mabuhay ang Sitio Yangil.

May their roots, like their spirit, grow deep and unshakable.

Photos by Raf Dionisio