The Central Provincial Government has presented its 2026 Budget of K345 million to Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, outlining plans to strengthen governance, expand rural development and boost financial independence.The budget was presented by Governor Rufina Peter accompanied by Acting Provincial Administrator Bala Kapa, Finance and Administration Advisor Tony Gamata and Provincial Finance Manager Walis Imbal. The team highlighted priorities focused on improving service delivery while reducing reliance on national government funding. Governor Peter said the 2026 theme, “Going Rural Remote for Security and Growth,” reflects the province’s commitment to extending development into rural and remote communities. “This budget underscores our priority to connect remote communities, create sustainable jobs and build financial resilience for our people,” she said. The budget allocates K21.5 million for education, skills training and vocational programs across the province, including Rigo District. A further K20.4 million is set aside for infrastructure development in growth centres across Koiari, Rigo North, Kuni, Amazon Bay, and the Goilala District Local Level Governments (LLGs) of Woitape, Guari, and Tapini. Another K12 million will support economic initiatives such as markets and church infrastructure, while K24 million has been earmarked for security, policing, and community safety. Governor Peter also acknowledged the government’s K25 million Public Investment Program (PIP) funding for Central Provincial Hospital and called for its full release, assuring that the Provincial Executive Council will oversee its use. Key projects highlighted include the planned Central Province Police Headquarters and Barracks at Bautama, with eight hectares of land already allocated, and the proposed Seat of Government at Sabusa.Treasurer Ling-Stuckey commended the provincial leadership for delivering a budget focused on governance and service delivery. During the presentation, Governor Peter raised concerns over outstanding national government commitments, including funding for the Edevu Road project promised by Prime Minister James Marape. Of the K10 million pledged, only K5 million was released in 2025, leaving the remaining balance pending. “This concern is noted and I have asked my office to take note of your concern and to commit to the outstanding,” Treasurer Ling-Stuckey said. She also raised the outstanding K27 million for the 36-kilometre Rigo ring road, with the Treasurer advising that a formal submission be made to his office. The 2026 budget signals Central Province’s intent to drive development deeper into rural areas while strengthening governance and economic capacity with leaders aiming to build a foundation for long-term growth and improved service delivery.

Residents of Lababia Village in Ward 7 of Salamaua Local Level Government (LLG) in Morobe Province, are now benefiting from newly installed solar streetlights, following an official ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Jason Peter, Member for Huon Gulf and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion.The solar lighting project was funded through the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGD-DDA) under the government’s Bottom-Up Planning (BUP) initiative. Through this program, each of the 65 ward councillors in Huon Gulf District receives K100, 000 to implement priority development projects in their communities. For Lababia Ward 7, the BUP allocation has been used to install solar streetlights and support maintenance of the local rural aid post, measures aimed at improving community safety and ensuring continued access to basic health services. Speaking at the launch, Minister Peter announced that an additional K100, 000 has already been approved by the HGD-DDA for the construction of a new double classroom at Lababia Primary School. Construction is expected to begin in early March 2026, providing improved learning facilities for local students. The Minister also highlighted the District Community Development Church Partnership Program, through which the HGD-DDA funds 30 churches across the district. Each selected church receives K5, 000 and, in turn, distributes support to 10 churches within its respective LLG to assist with maintenance, renovations and church activities. The initiative which began in 2023, continues to support churches throughout Huon Gulf District.

The National Youth Development Authority (NYDA) has launched a pilot youth engagement program in Vanimo Green District to address rising numbers of out-of-school youth and link them to skills training and livelihood opportunities.Implemented from 23rd-26th of February, in partnership with the West Sepik Provincial Administration and Vanimo Green District Administration, the initiative targets youths in Vanimo Urban Local Level Government (LLG). Participants will be mobilized into pathways including TVET training, agriculture (oil palm, cocoa, livestock, fisheries), SME activities and town beautification. Four District Community Development Advisors were trained and equipped with laptops to register youths through the NYDA’s online platform, enabling real-time data collection and referral to empowerment programs. NYDA Director-General Joe Itaki, said coordinated action is vital to identify and support out-of-school youth and connect them to existing opportunities. The program was launched by Vanimo Green MP and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah, who said the district will establish a Youth Resource Centre to support training and engagement. He thanked NYDA for selecting Vanimo Green as the country’s first pilot district. Furthermore, NYDA stated that the initiative places young people at the center of sustainable development through stronger partnerships and targeted engagement. 

On the eve of a significant national milestone, Prime Minister James Marape made an address calling on the citizens of Papua New Guinea to pause and reflect as the nation marks the fifth anniversary of the passing of the “father of the nation,” Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.The anniversary, falling today, coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th year of independence- a moment Marape described as a “milestone moment, a moment in which the entire nation must pause to come to reflection.” Invoking the legacy of global and local leadership, Marape challenged every citizen- from the highlands to the islands- to adopt a mindset of service. “As forever ingrained in the pronouncements, John F. Kennedy is enumerated. Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you must do for your country.” He emphasized that the responsibility of nation-building does not rest on the Prime Minister alone, stating, “The prime minister alone can do what I have to do, but I am only one man.” PM Marape specifically called for a reset in the individual mindset of those serving the public. “Reset it must start in our individual mindset. And we commit to work better. We commit to give a full day’s effort to the salary that we earn.” He reminded the nation that while the generation of 1975 just looked into time and hoped for political independence, the current generation must now deliver economic independence. Reflecting on his final moments with the late Grand Chief, PM Marape shared a personal account of visiting the Grand Chief’s residence just eleven days before his death in 2021. “He told me that he was passing on. He spoke to me in the presence of his dear wife, Lady Veronica.” “He was in a state of consciousness of his responsibility as the father of this country,” PM Marape recalled. The Prime Minister highlighted the late Grand Chief’s character as a roadmap for modern leadership, particularly his ability to choose forgiveness over division, hatred, and stress and strife. He also noted that even when his government was challenged in 2011, the late Sir Michael forgave those who took over his government illegally. He added that the late Grand Chief example of service was lifelong. “When you are appointed as Prime Minister, you are Prime Minister for life, in terms of your duty to the country.” Acknowledging the country’s fragility, the Prime Minister cited the need to unbundle the economic potentials of the nation’s land and sea. He pointed to forestry, fisheries, agriculture, and tourism as the keys to moving from a lower-middle-income-earning country to a higher-income-earning country. He also announced upcoming programs to help landowners borrow against their assets to grow the economy. Amidst these goals, PM Marape’s singular request to the public was a commitment to the rule of law. “The least I ask of our people is respect the country’s laws wherever you are.” “You can save your country by living lawfully wherever God has placed us in our country.” As the nation enters its 50th year of independence, PM Marape announced that the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Administration (PILA) will be renamed the Somare Institute of Leadership and Administration (SILA) to honor the “Somare mindset.” He concluded by reminding the nation that the Grand Chief “united our country in life and in passing,” and continues to call for unity from his resting place in Wewak. “Together, we can make our country a better place.” Furthermore, the Prime Minister is expected to visit East Sepik Province next Tuesday to personally pay his respects to the Somare family and the people of the region.

More than 15 lead farmers under Shadowes Cocoa Reviver Limited- an organization established in partnership with the NGIP-Agmark Group of Company based in Kabaira, Gazelle District, East New Britain province, have successfully completed a Quality Cocoa Assessor Course Training.The one-week program began on February 9th and concluded on February 13th, 2026. This initiative was co-funded by the PACD project, the Cocoa Board of PNG, and the organization itself, serving as a key component of the Shadowes Matching Grant under the PACD Cocoa project. The participants represent various zones across three local-level governments in the Gazelle District including, Livuan, Inland Baining, and Lassul Baining. Facilitated by the Cocoa Export and Quality Assurance Section of the PNG Cocoa Board, the course covers essential topics such as cocoa inspection and regulation, registration requirements for fermentarians and exporters, cocoa production, the Cocoa Act, and processing techniques. Following the theory sessions, participants will engage in hands-on practicals to reinforce their learning. The core focus for Shadowes Cocoa Reviver Limited is to teach farmers how to evaluate cocoa beans, enforce quality standards, and identify defects to ensure a high-value product. During the opening ceremony, Albina Rarau, the NGI Regional Coordinator for the Cocoa Board of PNG, commended the farmers for their dedication. She noted that the training was a direct result of the farmers’ interest and commitment. “We all know that cocoa is an export commodity, and it is enacted and the government has recognized these works and put in some laws or policies that we officers like us to enforce to the farmers levels,” Ms. Rarau stated. She further explained that the training equips farmers with skills ranging from nursery establishment to post-harvest processes. “It is vital that our farmers use quality planting materials certified by the Cocoa Board and apply proper fermentation and drying techniques to produce fine-flavour cocoa that can compete in the niche market,” she added. Upon completion of the course, participants received certificates and returned to their respective cluster groups to share their newfound knowledge with other growers. Ms. Rarau expressed her gratitude to the PACD Cocoa project, the Cocoa Board team, and the post-harvest team for supporting programs that sustain the growth of the industry in Papua New Guinea. Meanwhile, Chairman Nicholas Kola, highlighted that the organization aims to export directly to international markets in the future, making this training a significant milestone. He observed that the participants are deeply engaged and appreciative of the information. “The farmers find the sessions very interesting, and they have learned many things they did not know before.” “The organisation will reschedule their programs and move the lead farmers to different zones so more farmers can benefit and learn from them as well.” “This will help them produce quality cocoa and bring the shared vision of exporting closer to reality.”                     

The 2026 SP Sports Awards were officially launched in Port Moresby city recently, marking the beginning of the 34th edition of Papua New Guinea’s premier sporting recognition event.The awards, an initiative of South Pacific Brewery in partnership with the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation, celebrates outstanding sporting achievements across the country under the theme “Celebrating Diversity, Honoring Unity and Inspiring Dreams.” The annual awards recognize athletes for their performances in both domestic and international competitions throughout 2025, with nominations now open across 12 categories. Speaking at the launch, SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Manager John Nilkare reaffirmed the company’s long-standing support for sports development in Papua New Guinea. “SP Brewery has long been a proud supporter of sport because we see its unique ability to bring people together,” Mr. Nilkare said. “Guided by the vision of unity and inspiration, SP Brewery joined forces with the PNG Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation 34 years ago to create a platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating outstanding athletes, teams, and sports officials.” Athletes, teams and contributors to sport can be nominated through the official online portal, via mail, or by hand-delivered entries to the PNG Olympic Committee office or SP Brewery offices in Port Moresby, Lae, Kokopo and Goroka. The 2026 award categories are: Male Athlete of the Year Female Athlete of the Year Carbine Club – Team of the Year Brands Pacific – National Performance of the Year Community Sports Initiative Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG – Junior Male Athlete of the Year Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG – Junior Female Athlete of the Year CPL – Para-Athlete of the Year Trukai Industries Ltd – Sports Official of the Year Trukai Industries Ltd – Sports Media of the Year Sports Photo of the Year People’s Choice Award PNG Olympic Committee Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu said the theme reflects the deeper role sport plays in nation-building. “The 2026 SP Sports Awards theme, ‘Celebrating Diversity, Honoring Unity and Inspiring Dreams,’ captures the true spirit of sports in Papua New Guinea,” he said. “Through sport, we celebrate the extraordinary range of talent, cultures and communities that make up this nation. We honour unity and strengthen national identity. And we inspire dreams, especially for our young people, who need to see living proof that discipline, dedication and self-belief can create real opportunity.” He encouraged the public to participate in recognizing the athletes and officials who continue to elevate PNG sport. “Join us in celebrating the dedication, talent and perseverance that drive PNG sport forward,” Mr. Kaviagu added. PNG Sports Foundation Director of Sports Operations and Development Geoffrey Gideon highlighted the broader social impact of sport. “Sports is a tool for empowerment, inclusion and transformation,” Mr. Gideon said. “Let us continue to invest in our youth, empower our women, and uphold the values that make sport a force for good.” Since its inception in 1992, the SP Sports Awards have grown into one of the country’s most significant sporting platforms, recognizing excellence and inspiring athletes nationwide to pursue higher achievement. For more information, the public can contact the SP Brewery Corporate Affairs Department on 302 8349 or via email at Jana.Zoriry@sp.com.pg or Angela.Peng@sp.com.pg.

Men and women in Ragiampun Village in the Umi Local Level Government (LLG) area in the Morobe province, have come together to prepare their land for a new cocoa project supported by the South Pacific Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (SPISARD).Villagers cleared overgrown grass and rehabilitated old cocoa garden sites ahead of the arrival of cocoa seedlings. The project is expected to benefit both Ragiampun and neighbouring Tumua Village.The program is implemented through the Papua New Guinea University of Technology in Lae, which houses SPISARD. The institute provides farmers with technical support on cocoa planting, farm management and sustainable agriculture practices.Women’s leader Susan Sima said the community is excited about the opportunity to revive cocoa farming.“This project will help us earn income and support our families,” she said.The community is now waiting for the cocoa seedlings so planting can begin.

The prime minister has said that the recent record performance of the BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) is a direct reflection of the good performance of the country’s economy.Prime Minister James Marape when welcoming the recent announcement of record financial results by BSP for the 2025 financial year, described the performance as clear and independent confirmation that Papua New Guinea’s economy is growing and economic activity is strengthening.The BSP Financial Group on 20th February released its financial results for the year ended 31st December 2025, delivering another year of solid profitability underpinned by disciplined execution and a clear focus on long-term value creation. BSP has announced a statutory net profit after tax of K1.17 billion for FY2025, representing a 13 per cent increase on FY2024. “This is not just a banking milestone. This is an economic validation,” Prime Minister Marape said. “When banks grow, it is because businesses are borrowing, trading and investing, households are transacting, and confidence is returning to the economy.” Prime Minister Marape said BSP’s profit history provides a reliable long-term economic indicator, reflecting key phases of Papua New Guinea’s economic cycle. He pointed to BSP’s profit performance over the past decade: 2014: Approximately K507 million, during the year PNG LNG commenced production and Ok Tedi and Porgera were in full operation. 2018: Approximately K844 million, reflecting peak investment, construction activity and strong domestic demand. 2020: Approximately K806 million, during the COVID-19 shock, demonstrating resilience in a global economic downturn. 2022: Approximately K1 billion, marking a strong post-pandemic recovery. 2023: Approximately K890 million, reflecting consolidation amid global inflationary pressures. 2025: K1.17 billion, the highest profit in BSP’s history. “When you place these figures side by side, the trend is undeniable,” the Prime Minister said. “The growth in recent years is stronger, more consistent and more resilient. Under our government, the recovery curve is steeper and the expansion more sustainable.” He said critics who deny economic growth must reconcile their claims with the hard-financial data produced by the country’s largest bank.

Road maintenance works have resumed across key feeder roads in Bulolo District of Morobe province as authorities push to improve access for rural communities following the wet season.The Bulolo District Road Maintenance Project (BDRMP), led by the district works unit with support from local contractor RJ Construction, has begun patrol grading along the feeder road linking wards one, two and three in Buang Local Level Government (LLG). The stretch from Mambumb village through Wagau to Bugiau is considered a vital transport link for villagers and small businesses.According to the BDRMP team, the road enables farmers to transport fresh produce and coffee to markets by connecting to the Buang back road, which links to Lae.It also provides essential access to Buang High School, Wagau Junior High School and the Wagau Community Health Post, which serves a catchment population of more than 5,000 people.Bulolo MP, Sam Basil Jr. confirmed that similar maintenance works are underway across the district. He said the district works unit recently completed diversion works at Snake River in lower Buang, placing the section under a bridge to allow smoother and safer crossings for PMV trucks servicing lower and middle Buang communities.The team has also completed patrol grading of the Manga Ring Road, improving travel conditions for residents in wards 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. Plans are in place to reopen access into ward 19 in Buang in the coming weeks.Meanwhile, another BDRMP team has been deployed to the Kumalu area in middle Mumeng to reopen a feeder road connecting three wards to the Bulolo National Highway.District officials confirmed that the current road maintenance program began in 2024 and remains ongoing, with the sealing of more than 12 kilometres of the Buang Back Road standing out as one of the project’s signature achievements.

The Road Traffic Authority (RTA) is taking steps to increase the safety of the public on the roads by cracking down on unregistered vehicles and those fraudulently operating as public transport vehicles, by taking them off the roads.RTA acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. John Avira said this while announcing this week the impounding of two buses in the National Capital District (NCD) and many more in Lae city.“These include buses who do not have their route numbers painted on their vehicle bodies permanently and switch route numbers at will to transport passengers in other routes,” said Mr. Avira, who is also a mandated Superintendent – Motor Traffic by RTA legislation.“The sweeping net will also include vehicles painted in taxi colours but are not registered, and do not carry appropriate yellow T registration plates in both the front and the back of their cars.”Mr. Avira stated this today following reports from the public sighting and reporting of several unlicensed buses' crew in the National Capital District putting up temporary route numbers and picking up passengers and vehicles with taxi colours but without yellow T license plates.His comments also follow the impounding of defective buses operating as PMVs in Lae with suspicious registration and safety stickers.Meanwhile, RTA Lae-based Traffic Enforcement Officers are investigating how the impounded vehicles’ owners were able to obtain valid safety stickers, valid Compulsory Third Party stickers from Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited and valid registration stickers from traffic registry.Mr. Avira said that they are intensifying operations on all illegal and unsafe passenger transport services."The law is clear. Only passenger endorsed/permitted vehicles, driven by appropriated licensed drivers, are allowed to ferry the public; and PMV buses are to operate in the specifically authorized and allocated routes," said Mr. Avira."The rationale for this law is so that appropriately licensed and road worthy vehicles - and appropriately licensed drivers - ferry the public with safety."Additionally, it is unfair for unlicensed passenger PMV and taxi services to steal business of those appropriately licensed and registered to provide that service.“Offending drivers will be issued Traffic Infringement Notices, fined and the vehicles impounded. The drivers and owners will also be referred to police for arrest and prosecution.Mr. Avira warned the public to avoid hitching rides on unlicensed passenger vehicles as their safety cannot be guaranteed and they are breaking the law."RTA is committed to ensuring that the travelling public are safe. That begins with ensuring public transport vehicles are road worthy through passenger transport licensing - and drivers are appropriately licensed to ferry passengers safely."Safety is everybody's responsibility. So, passengers too need to be choosy on their rides,” said Mr. Avira.

The Division of Lands and Physical Planning in Central Province has been strengthened with the addition of two new double-cab vehicles, survey equipment and office uniforms to improve land administration and service delivery.The handover ceremony at Konedobu, led by Acting Provincial Administrator Bala Kapa highlighted government support in building institutional capacity with the equipment blessed by Rev. Roger Joseph and prayers offered for responsible land management. The new resources are expected to boost mobility for officers conducting surveys, resolving disputes and delivering services across remote areas while also improving accuracy in planning processes. Acting Lands Advisor Mr. Kila Bae welcomed the investment, describing it as timely and strategic. “This is an important investment demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to strengthening institutional capacity within Central Province,” Bae said. He added that while the support may seem small, its long-term impact will be significant. “Our land and our integrity must never be compromised,” Mr. Bae said. “Providing mobility and technical tools will greatly enhance field operations, improve land surveys, and fast-track the resolution of long-standing land issues affecting our people.” With land disputes remaining a key challenge, the support is expected to improve planning systems, resolve conflicts and promote sustainable development across the province.

The Governor for Madang province, Ramsey Pariwa, recently delivered K50,000 to remote Tangu Aid Post in ward 30 of Yawar Local Level Government (LLG) in Bogia District. Chief Steven Ikupak on behalf of the people of Tangu situated in the hinterland of Bogia District described Governor Pariwa's return to Tangu colorfully as going back with 'han mak'.Ikupak said the Governor's earlier visit to Tangu was as only the 'lek mak' and his now honoring of his commitment as 'han mak'.Governor Pariwa last year during one of his electoral visits to Bogia gathered with the Tangu people from wards 29, 30 and 31 where he announced his commitment. During the gathering he also announced that the road project to Josephstaal LLG in Middle Ramu district would pass through Tangu.Chief Ikupak said Tangu people are very grateful and appreciative of the financial assistance. Chairman of Tangu Aid Post, Barry Gagau, thanked Governor Pariwa on behalf of his executives, stating that the funding would be utilized wisely in upgrading the aid post in preparation for the facility to be granted a health post status later. He said Tangu aid post has been serving wards in both Yawar LLG and Josephstaal LLG in Middle Ramu. He said the aid post has an ambulance presented by the Bogia MP, Robert Naguri, and also uses a VHF radio communication service that was installed during the time decades ago when former governor late Peter Barter was in office.Mr. Gagau requested if the Governor could intervene to seek assistance from the Madang Provincial Health Authority to assist Tangu Aid Post. Governor Pariwa said he would inform the Madang PHA regarding the request by the chairman of Tangu Aid Post. Governor Pariwa was inspired by the turn out of school children from Tangu Primary School who turned out in numbers with their bright yellow and brown uniforms to welcome him.The children lined up from the Heli-pad area at the Tangu Primary School and led a procession covering over half a kilometer singing and praising Governor Pariwa. During his address Governor Pariwa made a commitment of K70,000 to Tangu Primary school. He urged the school board chairman, who happens to be Chief Ikupak, and the head teacher to do a follow-up letter with his office so funding arrangement would be prepared.