To accelerate the 3-Million-Home Program, the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs' BSKDN promotes central-regional synergy and easier access for low-income households.

Jakarta, Indonesia August 20, 2026 – The Agency for Domestic Policy Strategy (BSKDN) of the Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs held an Actual Discussion Forum titled "Implementation Strategy of the 3 Million Houses Program in Regions" on Thursday (20/8/2026) at Hotel Horison Ultima Menteng, Jakarta. The forum, conducted in a hybrid format (in-person and online via Zoom Meeting and YouTube Live), formulated breakthrough steps to accelerate the provision of decent and affordable housing for Low-Income Communities (MBR) across Indonesia.

Head of the Center for Policy Strategy on Regional, Population, and Public Services at BSKDN, Dr. T.R. Fahsul Falah, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that housing provision is a national agenda requiring close synergy and collaboration among all stakeholders at both central and regional levels.

"Housing provision is a shared responsibility requiring synergy among the central government, local governments, the community, the business sector, developers, banking institutions, and the media dissemination ecosystem. With strong collaboration, various regional housing issues can be handled much more effectively," emphasized Fahsul Falah.

In this forum, BSKDN formulated 5 (five) strategic key takeaways serving as crucial notes for local governments in executing the 3 Million Houses Program:

1. Cross-Sector Synergy and Collaboration: Addressing housing challenges in the regions cannot be done in isolation; it requires an integrated role among central and regional governments, banks, developers, and the private sector.

2. Strengthening Inclusive Financing: Housing programs focus not only on physical construction, but also on ownership accessibility and sustainability. Easier financing, renovation assistance, and credit schemes tailored to informal-sector and variable-income workers are essential.

3. Strategic Role of Local Government Regulations: Local governments play a key role in facilitating access for low-income communities (MBR), including through the acceleration of Building Approvals (PBG), adjustments to Duties on the Acquisition of Land and Building Rights (BPHTB), and the harmonization of local regulations.

4. Strengthening Data & Integrated Information Dissemination: Data accuracy regarding housing needs from regional levels to the central government must be improved. Furthermore, utilizing information systems and digital publication platforms is necessary to ensure policies and incentives from the central government are thoroughly communicated to the public without information asymmetry.

5. Commitment to Concrete Actions in Regions: All discussion points are expected to be acted upon promptly through the drafting of regulations, program allocations, and field execution in each region.

The Actual Discussion Forum featured various keynote speakers and leaders from ministries/agencies, academia, and policy practitioners, including:

- Brig. Gen. Pol. (Ret.) Prof. Dr. Hoidruddin Hasibuan, S.H., M.Hum. (Rector of Universitas Harapan Medan) 

- Raden An’An Andri Hikmat SR, Ap, MM (Director of Rural Housing Financing, Ministry of PKP)

- Alen Ermanita, S.Sos., M.Sc (Director of Control and Evaluation of Strategic Policies I, Bappenas)

- Sastrodirjo (Central and Regional Financial Analyst, DJPK Ministry of Finance)

- Luthfi Firdaus, S.T., M.Si. (Head of the Department of Housing, Settlement, and Land Services of Bandung City)

- Ferry Bayu Nirwono (CEO of VRITIMES)

- Gatot Tri Laksono (Indonesian Public Policy Society)

The involvement of VRITIMES in this forum provided insights into the importance of digital information dissemination technology infrastructure, ensuring that national housing policies and local government incentives are transparently socialized and reach the public down to the grassroots level.

Enthusiastically attended by over 200 in-person and online participants from BAPPERIDA, BRIDA, and Local Housing Departments across Indonesia, this event is expected to serve as a primary benchmark for local governments to accelerate the realization of decent, affordable, and sustainable settlements.

Occupational Health Experts to Convene for 27th PCOM Mid-Year Convention in October

 

Occupational medicine specialists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the country are expected to gather in Muntinlupa this October for the 27th Mid-Year Convention of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM), a three-day event focused on advancing workplace health and safety in the Philippines.

Occupational medicine specialists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the country are expected to gather in Muntinlupa this October for the 27th Mid-Year Convention of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM), a three-day event focused on advancing workplace health and safety in the Philippines.

Hosted by the PCOM Parañaque–Las Piñas–Muntinlupa (PaLM) Chapter, the convention will be held from October 8 to 10, 2026 at The Filinvest Tent in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. This year's gathering carries the theme, "Protecting All Labor Force through Multifaceted Occupational Safety and Health," highlighting the need for multidisciplinary approaches to safeguarding workers amid evolving workplace environments and emerging occupational health challenges.

The convention will bring together occupational physicians, medical practitioners, public health professionals, safety officers, corporate leaders, government representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss current issues affecting worker health and well-being.

Scientific sessions, expert lectures, and technical discussions are expected to cover emerging workplace health concerns, updates in occupational medicine practice, and developments in occupational safety and health policies. Organizers said the event will also provide opportunities for professional networking and knowledge exchange among practitioners and allied professionals nationwide.

Occupational safety and health continue to be a critical concern as organizations navigate changing work environments, technological innovation, and evolving regulatory requirements. The convention aims to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, employers, and policymakers to strengthen workplace health programs and promote safer, healthier working conditions for Filipino workers.

This contextual statement is an inference based on the event's stated theme and objectives; the announcement itself emphasizes collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches to occupational safety and health.

Registration for the convention is now open. Interested participants may register through the event's official registration platform and contact the PCOM PaLM Secretariat by sending an email to pcompalm.cme@gmail.com  for additional information.

The Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the practice of occupational medicine in the Philippines through continuing medical education, research, professional collaboration, and advocacy for healthier and safer workplaces.

About Creative Point

Creative Point International Inc. is the partner of this organization for their communications and creative initiatives. It implement strategic communications, public relations, branding, digital storytelling, and integrated campaigns, and also provides end-to-end event management and production, handling corporate, industry, community, and advocacy events from concept development and planning to execution and communications.

 

Zeinab Harake Parks, Magbabalik-Davao sa Kadayawan 2026 Kasama ang Casino Plus

Magbabalik-Davao City ang sikat na vlogger at digital content creator na si Zeinab Harake Parks para sa Kadayawan Festival 2026 kasama ang Casino Plus, isa sa mga nangungunang responsible digital entertainment and gaming platforms sa bansa na lisensyado ng Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Alinsunod sa layunin na maghatid ng saya sa publiko, dala ng Casino Plus ang isang festival showcase sa Davao na siksik at umaapaw sa live performances, masasayang activities, games, at prizes sa Davao Whisky Park mula August 14 hanggang 16. 

Tampok sa three-day event ang isang appearance mula sa “Reyna ng Good Vibes” sa Biyernes, August 14, kung saan magkakaroon din ang ilang suwerteng “Zebbies” na ma-meet ang sikat na online personality. 

Sa isang social media post, sinabi ni Zeinab na excited na siya sa ikalawang beses na pagbisita niya sa Davao City at hinimok ang kanyang followers na sumama sa Kadayawan celebration.

“Kadayawan na! Marami kaming hinandang prizes at gagawin nating sobrang saya ito. Bonggang-bonggang kakulitan ang dadalhin ko. Excited ako makita at makasama kayo especially this is my second time in Davao kaya ano pang hinihintay n’yo? Arat na sa Kadayawan!” sabi ni Zeinab. 

Dadalhin din ni Zeinab hindi lang ang kanyang candid personality at humor, kundi pati na rin ang kanyang signature energy at kakulitan sa Kadayawan celebration. 

Kasama din sa jam packed lineup sa Davao Whisky Park ang ilan sa mga kilalang content creators at performers sa bansa, tulad nina "Daddy Blue" at Maritoni Fowler, Baby Giant, Joanna Lara, Lhevin Andal, at Miro Macs.

Ginaganap tuwing Agosto, ang Kadayawan ay isang pagdiriwang ng pasasalamat, kasaganaan, at mayamang pamana ng lungsod na nagbubuklod sa komunidad sa pamamagitan ng mga tradisyon, pagtatanghal, makukulay na eksibit, at iba pang kasiyahan. 

Sa pamamagitan ng pagdiriwang na ito, patuloy na naghahatid ang Casino Plus ng ligtas at masayang digital entertainment habang nakikiisa sa mga pinakamalaking kaganapan at kultura ng mga Pilipino sa iba't ibang dako ng bansa. Sa pagtatagpo ng saya, aliw, at pamayanang Davaoeño, inaasahang magiging mas makulay at hindi malilimutan ang karanasan sa Kadayawan Festival 2026.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means. 

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

Casino Plus is a PAGCOR-licensed online casino platform in the Philippines, providing secure, regulated, and responsible online gaming experiences for Filipino players. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Zeinab Harake Parks Heading to Davao for Kadayawan 2026 Celebration with Casino Plus

  

Popular vlogger and digital content creator Zeinab Harake Parks is heading back to Davao City for the Kadayawan Festival 2026 celebration with Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Guided by its mission to bring fun to people, Casino Plus is bringing a special festival showcase to Davao featuring fan interactions, interactive activities, contests, and exciting prize giveaways for local attendees and online followers.

The celebration will take place from August 14 to 16, 2026 at Davao Whisky Park in Davao City. The three-day Casino Plus activation will feature a lineup of entertainment and community activities, with Zeinab making a special appearance during the festivities.

Fans, affectionately known as "Zebbies," will have the chance to meet Zeinab in person. 

Her return to Davao comes as the city celebrates Kadayawan, a festival that holds a special place in Davao’s cultural identity. Held every August, Kadayawan is a celebration of thanksgiving, abundance, and the city’s rich cultural heritage, bringing communities together through traditions, performances, colorful displays, and festivities.

In a dedicated social media announcement, the “Reyna ng Good Vibes” shared her excitement about returning to Davao City and invited her followers to join the Kadayawan celebration:

“Kadayawan na! Marami kaming hinandang prizes at gagawin nating sobrang saya ito. Bonggang-bonggang kakulitan ang dadalhin ko. Excited ako makita at makasama kayo especially this is my second time in Davao kaya ano pang hinihintay n’yo? Arat na sa Kadayawan!” she said. 

Known for her candid personality, humor, and strong connection with her online community, Zeinab is set to bring her signature energy and "kakulitan" to the Kadayawan celebration. 

Joining her at Davao Whisky Park are some of the country's most popular content creators and performers, including "Daddy Blue" and Maritoni Fowler, along with actors Baby Giant, Joanna Lara, Lhevin Andal, and Miro Macs.

The Casino Plus activation complements the festive atmosphere of Kadayawan by creating an opportunity for fans and festivalgoers to share an experience with Zeinab while celebrating the spirit of one of Davao City’s most anticipated annual events.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

About IGO Digital High Technology, Inc.

ABOUT CASINO PLUS

Casino Plus is a PAGCOR-licensed online casino platform in the Philippines, providing secure, regulated, and responsible online gaming experiences for Filipino players. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.