The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCD PHA) has officially launched the second round of the nationwide polio vaccination campaign in the National Capital District and Motu Koita communities.The campaign, which runs from 13th to 31st October, aims to reach the national target of 95% immunisation coverage among children aged 0 to 10 years.In the first round of the campaign earlier this year, NCD PHA successfully vaccinated 133,000 children, achieving a 97.8% coverage rate — a result made possible through the support of partners, health workers, volunteers, and the wider community.NCD PHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robbin Oge, thanked all stakeholders for their efforts and urged families to bring their children forward for vaccination during the second round.“With the continued presence of the poliovirus in Papua New Guinea, it is vital that every child under the age of 10 is vaccinated and protected,” Dr. Oge said.“I assure the public that the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and free. It is our shared responsibility to protect our children’s health and future.”NCD Governor Powes Parkop also commended the health authority’s performance during the first phase and encouraged residents in both NCD and Motu Koita villages to participate fully in the current campaign.Dr. Oge extended his appreciation to Governor Parkop for his continued leadership and support in the health sector. He also acknowledged Health Minister Elias Kapavore and Acting Health Secretary Mr. Ken Wai for their ongoing assistance during the campaign and other health initiatives in the capital.NCD PHA has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering effective and accessible health services to the people of NCD and Motu Koita, with a focus on disease prevention and community wellbeing. 

The Nasfund Contributors Savings and Loans Society Limited (NCSL) has announced the first group of winners in its “Apply & Win” Loan Promotion, launched as part of the organization's 22nd anniversary celebrations.The promotion, introduced in September, aims to reward loyal members across Papua New Guinea while promoting access to affordable and flexible loan options. Five winners, one from each region of Southern, Highlands, Momase, New Guinea Islands, and the National Capital District (NCD) were selected through an online draw. Each received K1,000, credited directly to their NCSL Poro Accounts. Among the first winners was Martha Gani from Buka in the New Guinea Islands Region, who expressed her surprise and gratitude. “I couldn’t believe it when I got the call. This is such a blessing for me and my family,” she said. Another winner, Emmalyn Sapak from Port Moresby, shared similar excitement. “I’m so happy to be one of the winners. Thank you, NCSL, for this amazing promotion!” she said. According to NCSL, members automatically qualify for the draw when they apply for a loan of K1,000 or more. The promotion will continue until the end of November, with additional regional draws offering members more chances to win cash prizes. NCSL has also recently reviewed its loan interest rates to make borrowing more affordable and competitive for its members. Members are encouraged to apply for a loan through NCSL’s online or in-branch services for automatic entry into the remaining draws.

Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra has clarified that the fee linked to the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT-P) applies only to certain Grade 12 students applying for specific higher education programs, and not to national examinations.Dr Kombra said the fee is solely for the administration of the STAT-P test, which is required by some universities as part of their entry process. “This fee does not apply to the national examinations that are conducted for Grades 8, 10 and 12,” he said. He explained that the fee is not collected by the Department of Education or the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), but is instead connected to the institutions that have made the STAT-P a condition for admission. “It is very important that all students, parents, and schools understand this is a selective fee,” Dr Kombra said. “Only a minority of students applying to programs that require the STAT-P test will be affected.” Most higher education institutions in Papua New Guinea do not require the STAT-P test, meaning the majority of Grade 12 students will not need to pay any additional fee when applying. The Education Department has urged students to use the official online Application System, which clearly indicates which programs require the STAT-P test. Programs that do not list the test as a requirement will not have any associated fee. The clarification comes amid public concern and confusion regarding examination and application fees for Grade 12 students nationwide.

Governor for NCD and Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Children and Youth, Powes Parkop, has urged stronger government leadership and accountability in protecting Papua New Guinea’s children and young people.Governor Parkop made the call following serious concerns raised during the Committee’s first-ever public inquiry held on Tuesday, 14 and Wednesday, 15 October 2025. The inquiry exposed major gaps in child protection services, revealing that the National Office of Child and Family Services (NOCFS) has been largely non-functional for the past decade. “The government must be at the frontline providing the basic services for our children and the public at large. NGOs are there to complement, not replace, the role of the state.” The inquiry heard that the lack of coordination and effective leadership from NOCFS has left many children across the country vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Parkop noted that while Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) such as ChildFund PNG have stepped in to fill the gap, the government must reclaim its core responsibility for child welfare. ChildFund PNG highlighted its 1-Tok Kaunselim Helpim Lain (7150 8000) — the country’s only 24-hour, toll-free national service for survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse — which has received over 87,000 calls since 2015. The organization noted, however, that this essential service operates mainly through donor support, particularly from the Government of New Zealand. Governor Parkop commended ChildFund PNG for its contribution but reaffirmed that the NOCFS must lead and coordinate nationwide child protection efforts. The Committee will finalize recommendations for Parliament to ensure child welfare becomes a top national priority. During the inquiry, the Committee also received a comprehensive submission from the Simbu Provincial Government, led by Governor Noah Kool MP, and heard presentations from the Departments of Health, Community Development, Education, and Treasury. However, the Western Highlands, Enga, and Hela Provincial Governments failed to appear despite being invited. Governor Parkop warned that if provincial governments and state agencies continue to ignore future summons, the Committee will be compelled to enforce attendance through parliamentary powers. He emphasized that the establishment of the Committee reflects Parliament’s recognition that more investment is needed in the welfare and development of children and youth. “For too long, we have neglected the foundation of our future. This Committee will ensure that every responsible department and agency plays its role in giving the children of Papua New Guinea a strong foundation for a better future.”

The Papua New Guinea Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) is preparing to lead an investment mission to Japan in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Center (PIC) in Tokyo and the PNG Embassy Tokyo.The mission includes an investment conference to be held at the ANA International Hotel in Tokyo on the 4th of November 2025. Themed as “50 Years of Partnership: Forging the next chapter in trade, investment and shared prosperity”, the one-day program will feature senior government officials, industry leaders, exporters, development partners, and Japanese investors discussing possibilities of elevating trade and investment collaborations in the next fifty years. This year marks PNG’s fifty years of bilateral relations with Japan, and the investment mission focuses on how the partnership can be further improved for the mutual benefits of both countries. The engagement builds on the momentum of Prime Minister James Marape's official visit to Japan in July 2025, where he held high-level business dialogues with Japanese government officials and private sector leaders. It also follows the reciprocal visit of a Japanese business delegation to Port Moresby in February 2024, led by PIC. The highlights of the mission include; • Targeted Business-to-Business (B2B) and Government-to-Business (G2B) meetings • Direct engagement with Japanese companies and institutions • Sectoral presentations and investment opportunity showcase • Networking opportunities with key stakeholders The IPA is extending an invitation to PNG businesses and exporters who are keen on exploring the Japanese market, Japanese investors and trade representatives, development agencies, business chambers and media outlets to join the mission. Interested parties can contact the following IPA officers to register, Mr. Kamis Yalakun, Manager Investment Promotion, on email: kyalakun@ipa.gov.pg, Mr. Ken Pep, Acting Manager Marketing and Export Promotion on email: kpep@ipa.gov.pg, or Stewart Rom, Senior Marketing Officer on email: stewartr@ipa.gov.pg.

Eastern Highlands Provincial Member Sia has acknowledged the concerns raised by Eastern Highlands students attending the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) regarding delays in the provincial government’s education subsidy program.Governor Sia said the students’ concerns were genuine, noting that they are legally entitled to receive the funds allocated under the subsidy initiative. Since taking office, Governor Sia said the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government (EHPG) has invested more than K30 million into education programs across the province — including tuition fee subsidies for tertiary students and infrastructure improvements in schools to enhance the quality of education. “No Governor in Eastern Highlands Province has started a subsidy program. I began this initiative in 2023 after seeing how rural farmers struggle to support their children’s education. “Many dig deep into their pockets to pay school fees, and I felt it was important to help.” He refuted claims that Eastern Highlands students at UPNG were sidelined for two consecutive years, clarifying that the delay in 2024 was due to UPNG’s new policy prohibiting bulk payments. According to Governor Sia a cheque of K339,900.00 was raised to deposit. “They missed out because of their policy. Our officers contacted the university’s bursar’s office to find alternative options, but we received no response. So, who is at fault?” Governor Sia also rejected proposals from student leaders to transfer the subsidy funds into their association account or distribute them individually, calling such suggestions “daylight corruption.” “Those suggestions don’t follow my way of doing things. We don’t have any issues with other universities and colleges, so why is UPNG the only one with this policy?” The Governor explained that delays in 2025 payments were caused by a Department of Finance directive to transition to a new cloud-based financial management system, which required additional time for officers to learn and adapt to. Despite the challenges, Governor Sia confirmed that payments have now been processed online, and student leaders are asked to check with their Finance Team. A total of K343,500.00 was paid for 173 students who applied and met all the requirements. “Student leaders should check with the UPNG Finance Team and confirm with the school bursar that the remittance advice shows the funds deposited into the university’s account.” Governor Sia concluded by apologizing to students and their families for the delays and reaffirmed his government’s ongoing commitment to supporting education in the province. “We must continue to support you with your school fees.”

The villagers at Sirinumu in the Central province are finally getting a clean water supply system for the first time despite hosting a massive dam on their land that was commissioned nine years prior to Papua New Guinea’s independence in 1975.The new water supply system is set to launch tomorrow Thursday 16th October at the Berebei village, made possible solely through the Koiari Local Level Government (KLLG) Special Purpose Authority (SPA) funding. The water supply system, which is in line with the National Government’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV, will benefit Berebei and the surrounding villages with clean fresh water for people’s uses. The new water supply comes as a relief for mothers and daughters whom over the years have had to struggle to walk long distances to fetch clean water with saucepans and containers on their heads. A struggle they had to endure daily. The Sirinumu Dam was commissioned in 1963 by the then Prime Minister of Australia Sir Robert Menzies. The dam supplied the city of Port Moresby with water and electricity over the years. Despite this vital service on their land, the locals in the area had no proper water supply up until now. Koiari SPA Chairman Mr. Paul Noe said the water project was captured under the authority’s Community Development Plan to bring hope to the Sirinumu community and the surrounding communities. The Koiari SPA also plans to create this opportunity for more villagers in Sirinumu. “The Koiari SPA stands ready to partner with the Sirinumu Development Company (SIDCO), the local landowner company representing the local landowners, to carry out more water supply projects to other villages along the lake,” he said. Meanwhile, the launching tomorrow is expected to be attended by dignitaries from the government, the departments, the provincial government and stakeholders.

The Western, West Sepik and East Sepik provinces will soon see the rollout of the Lighting up The West (LTW) initiative to expand rural electrification into the communities in the three provinces.This was made possible when Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) and the National Energy Authority (NEA) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) recently to advance the LTW, a transformative program aimed at expanding access to reliable, affordable, and clean energy into communities.The MoA, signed by Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kedi Ilimbit, and NEA Managing Director Ronald Meketa, establishes a framework for regulatory cooperation, licensing, and stakeholder engagement to deliver rural electrification through decentralized renewable energy (DRE) solutions in the short- to medium-term, and hydropower in the long- term.Mr. Ilimbit said: “The Lighting Up the West initiative is a cornerstone of our Growth 2050 Energy Transition strategy, and this MoA with NEA marks a major step toward delivering clean, reliable electric power to communities across the Western Province and beyond.” The initiative aligns with Papua New Guinea’s national goal to achieve 70% electricity access by 2030 and 100% by 2050, prioritizing renewable energy sources such as solar and hydro.Ok Tedi, through its subsidiary Ok Tedi Power, will champion the deployment of DRE solutions to anchor communities, with feasibility studies underway in Western, West Sepik, and East Sepik Provinces. The program is designed to deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits, including improved quality of life, local enterprise development, reduced emissions, and enhanced energy independence.This partnership underscores Ok Tedi’s commitment to responsible mining and energy transition, and NEA’s mandate to support inclusive, sustainable electrification for all Papua New Guineans.

The canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot is confirmed for Sunday, 19th October 2025, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, and prominent Catholic leaders of Papua New Guinea (PNG) took time to reflect on what this significance occasion meant for Catholic faithful in the country. These leaders are His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, MSC, Archbishop of Port Moresby, Bishop Otto Separy, President of CBCPNGSI, Bishop Rozario Menezes, SMM, Vice President of CBCPNGSI, and Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBCPNGSI. His Eminence Cardinal Sir John Ribat, MSC, highlighted the importance of the canonization, describing it as a pivotal moment for both the country and the Catholic Church globally. He noted that Blessed Peter ToRot, a lay catechist who died for his faith, will become a saint of the universal Church. Cardinal Ribat emphasized that this momentous occasion reflects the maturity of the Christian faith in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region. “The canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot reveals the universality of the Catholic Church and reminds us that holiness is not reserved for the extraordinary.” “It can be lived each day in our families, workplaces, and communities.” Bishop Rozario Menezes, SMM, underscored the role of Blessed Peter ToRot’s life as a witness to Christian marriage and family life. He pointed out that the sanctity of marriage, particularly the bond between one husband and one wife, is increasingly under threat in today’s world. The bishop highlighted that Blessed Peter ToRot’s official portrait, which depicts him holding two rings in his palms, serves as a powerful symbol of the protection of the sanctity of marriage. He believes that the canonization will shine a global spotlight on the country and offer an example of strong family values to the world. Bishop Otto Separy, President of CBCPNGSI, described the canonization as a significant milestone that would inspire Christians to live out their faith despite challenges. “In today’s world, many external influences challenge our Catholic and Christian faith. Blessed Peter ToRot is an example for us all,” said Bishop Separy. “He never compromised his faith, even in the face of persecution.” Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of CBCPNGSI, presented the detailed canonization program, including the national celebrations that will accompany the event. A delegation of approximately 17 bishops from Papua New Guinea and other countries will travel to Rome for the canonization ceremony, along with additional pilgrims from around the world. In addition to the official ceremony in Rome, national celebrations will take place in dioceses across Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Archdiocese of Rabaul, the birthplace of Blessed Peter ToRot. From 11–14 December 2025, daily Masses will be celebrated by bishops and clergy, including His Excellency Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Cardinal Ribat, and Archbishop Rochus Tatamai MSC, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Rabaul. In recognition of the canonization, the Archdiocese of Port Moresby will hold a thanksgiving Mass on 26th October 2025, celebrating the elevation of Blessed Peter ToRot to sainthood.

Prime Minister James Marape has felt the need to fast track the implementation of the Biometric and Technology reforms in the electoral system to ensure a safe election, now that the 2027 National General Elections is just a year away.Speaking at the Transforming Elections Through Biometrics & Technology Workshop in Port Moresby city this morning, Prime Minister Marape called on all state institutions, political parties, and development partners to “connect the dots” and work with urgency to modernize PNG’s electoral processes.The Prime Minister said this is vital to preserving the sanctity of democracy in Papua New Guinea (PNG). PM Marape reminded participants — including representatives from the Judiciary, Electoral Commission, National Statistics Office (NSO), Civil and Identity Registry (NID), and international partners such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and the United Nations — that the integrity of elections underpins PNG’s democracy.“We are not playing monkey business here — the heart of democracy is people’s choice,” he said.“Time is running out. A day wasted in conversation is a day lost for our country. My government is 100% committed to ensuring the people’s choice is protected and reflected in 2027 and beyond.”The Prime Minister said biometric technology — incorporating fingerprint identification and unified national databases — would significantly reduce fraud, double voting, and manipulation in future elections.“Technology is available, and it is time we use it to remove human interference and ensure transparent, credible results.”PM Marape urged citizens not to fear digital transformation, pointing to nations such as India, where technology has enabled single-day voting and near-instant results.He also called for greater coordination between agencies — particularly the NSO, NID, and Electoral Commission — to establish a single national population database that could underpin the electoral roll and all other government services.

The International Training Institute Badili Campus hosted an inspiring session this week featuring Sir Mahesh Patel, OBE, founder of CPL Group and Chairman of CPL Foundation Inc., as part of its TALKING BOOK SERIES.The event, organized under the leadership of ITI Learning and Development Manager Selvendran Nagulendran, is part of an ongoing initiative to reignite students’ passion for reading. The session centred on Sir Mahesh’s autobiography, THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE, which chronicles his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of Papua New Guinea’s leading entrepreneurs. Mr. Nagulendran said the series was launched to remind students of the importance of reading in an age dominated by social media and technology. “With technology and social media pulling attention away from books, we launched this series to encourage students to read more. Learning about someone who had the passion and determination to build something great from a young age is incredibly motivating.” he said. Sir Mahesh, who made time to personally engage with the students, shared lessons from his own life about resilience, focus, and community service. “I am always willing to create time to have conversations, mentor and inspire young people,” he said, highlighting his commitment to helping the next generation reach their full potential. Students described the session as uplifting and empowering, with many saying they were encouraged to pursue their goals with persistence and self-belief. THE POWER OF PERSEVERANCE is available at selected City Pharmacy outlets for K49, with all proceeds supporting the CPL Foundation Inc.’s ongoing community and educational initiatives across the country.

The family members of the late Constable Noah Biape have expressed their deep disappointment and isolation regarding the actions of the Police Minister, the Police Commissioner, and the leaders of Southern Highlands Province (SHP), led by the Governor. This sentiment arose during the receipt of a petition from the Eastern Highlands Faction. The grieving family, along with relatives from Hela, Simbu, and Eastern Highlands Provinces, have been mourning in silence for seven weeks. They are now demanding an explanation for the perceived disregard shown by these leaders, which has only added to their pain. The family is particularly upset that their petition was not received alongside the one presented yesterday. They feel this sensitive issue was not handled with the respect and consideration it deserved. This oversight has been described as a significant insult to the late Constable Noah Biape's father, Sergeant Henry Biape. As the Police Station Commander for Koroba Kopiago, Sgt. Biape has dedicated 37 years of service to the police force. Combined with his late son's 10 years of service, the family has contributed an impressive 47 years to law enforcement. They believe this treatment is unworthy of their sacrifices and commitment. Sgt. Henry Biape had previously called for peace and calm following the tragic incident, showing respect for the work of the police. However, the events of yesterday, when the SHP, Eastern Highlands leaders, and police hierarchy met to present the petition from the Eastern Highlands family, have deeply hurt the Biape family. They were not approached or consulted by the relevant leaders and authorities, which they see as a failure to address their grief and concerns. This lack of engagement has left the family feeling neglected and disrespected. They view the handling of this matter as an example of leaders addressing issues on an ad hoc basis, without giving them the full attention they deserve. The family believes this approach has only exacerbated their pain and frustration during an already difficult time. The family of the late Constable Noah Biape is now demanding answers from the SHP leaders, the Police Minister, and the Police Commissioner. They want to know why they were excluded from yesterday's joint media conference and petition presentation. This exclusion has led them to consider taking the body of their loved one back to Hela for burial, with plans to return to Mendi to continue mourning until justice is served. This situation highlights the need for greater sensitivity and inclusivity when addressing such tragic and emotional matters. The Biape family hopes their concerns will be acknowledged and that the responsible leaders will take steps to rectify the situation, ensuring that all grieving families are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. [video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://pnghausbung.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/482037369_9546910482053527_8191151768045885373_n.mp4"][/video]