A locally owned and registered tour operator is taking steps to protect their natural resources and the backdrop to their eco-tourism business, the Busamang Coastline in the Morobe Province. Connect Local PNG is partnering with Eagle Vetiver Systems Ltd, to carry out scoping and assessment of coastline erosion and to explore the viability of using Vetiver grass to address and prevent further erosion along the Busamang Coastline. Owner of Connect Local PNG, Davinia Illumpui, gave a bleak recount of the escalating erosion that was eating away at the Busamang Coastline at an alarming rate. “The sea is breaking the sand banks and houses are being washed away." "And we see changes to the coastline every day. It is very worrying.” But this is not a totally lost and hopeless situation, as Ms. Davinia explained to PNGHAUSBUNG, now that they’ve secured this partnership with the country’s only known bio-tech engineer of Vetiver grass. Vetiver grass is considered one of the best natural solutions to soil erosion, due in large part to its deep and thick root system that makes it both drought tolerant and highly resistant to pest, diseases and fire. “What we are doing now, is trying to find enough those bale like bags." "This will be used to make sand bags that we will fill with soil, rock, sand and coral, to place along the seashore." "Thereafter, we will replant Vetiver grass from a planned nursery." "This initial part of this initiative is expected to take 3-6 months.” Funding for this initiative will come from a grant from the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Pacific Greenpreneurs Program 2022 and of which Connect Local PNG and Eagle Vetiver Systems are proud winners of.

Trukai Industries visited the Cheshire Disability Services to celebrate Christmas with a special lunch, a third time this year where they announced this will now be an annual event. Trukai’s Brand Ambassador Chef Julz Henao was on hand to dish out this special lunch to the staff and residents of the Cheshire Disability Home. He was joined by Peak Fitness, Florence Daple East Street Fitness and weightlifting gold medallist Dika Toua. This event was welcomed by the Cheshire’s Program Support and Operations Officer Tom Sarwon, who thanked Trukai for bringing Christmas to Cheshire and commended the company’s continued support in various forms of donations. “Trukai has always been a part of Cheshire for many years and this support can be seen through the lives of our people living with special needs." Cheshire’s General Manager, Benson Hahambu thanked Trukai for bringing Christmas to Cheshire Disability Services describing the company’s support as a blessing. “From the initial creation of our signage to concluding another successful year, Trukai has been the backbone of Cheshire and our people." Trukai Industries Marketing Manager Maryanne Tom, said they were pleased to support organizations like the Cheshire and emphasized on Trukai’s continued support in areas of nutrition and its annual donations towards the charity. “Our first Christmas luncheon was hosted in 2021 and it was a great success especially with the residents so we pledged to make it an annual event" We hope we can make it bigger every year and have more supporters come share the Christmas cheer and spirit with us,” said Tom. “Trukai has been a supporter of Cheshire for 18 years and this is because of the work that they do – they care for the less fortunate especially people living with special needs and we will continue to support them for many more years to come,” Tom added. Through Cheshire’s community-based rehabilitation programs, the organization reaches more than 1,000 people living with a disability, changing the lives of families and communities. The Sales & Marketing program ensures that people living with special needs get the proper medical rehabilitation through trained physiotherapists and nurses at Cheshire’s clinic. The centre is also proud of its education program, facilitating the learning of more than 50 children with special needs. Cheshire has a school-based program, where students attend classes, and its home-based education program, where teachers facilitate learning to the students at their respective homes. Through its Corporate Social Responsibility Program, Trukai Industries has demonstrated its commitment to helping empower people with special needs through their support of organisations like the Cheshire Disability Services. The rice company donates 100 kilograms of rice every month to Cheshire and donates cash towards the annual Red Feather charity event hosted by the Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae who is the Patron of the Cheshire Disability Services.

Kokosan Village in Wain Erap Local Level Government area in Nawaeb District, Morobe demonstrated its seriousness to have a new primary school built in the area. The seriousness is shown through its commitment by hosting a fundraising event to help commence building teachers houses and classrooms by next year, 2024. The area which is geographically very difficult to access basic public services like road, transport health, education and other vital services is situated at upper part of Erap. The area is not far from accessing Okuk National Highway but it remains one of the very remote places with lack of access to basic services. Community members in the area are workaholic. They have a long history of breaking barriers to build permanent church building and permanent houses back in early 1980s and 1990s by loading materials through bush tracks. Most of their children attend Rabbishap Primary School which takes four hours to walk. Over four to five decades, their kids have been attending that school. Their forefathers had plans to establish a primary school in the area but up to this day, they never made requests to district education and the provincial education board to consider issues they face. Good news about them is they’ve managed an elementary school within the area very well. They’ve built four in one double story classroom and three permanent teachers houses themselves. Upon these the district education inspection inspected and recommended that they have the ability to look after little stuffs and expand it hence they deserve a primary school to be built in the area. Following the reports, the Provincial Education Board (PEB) made an endorsement that the community can go ahead to commence building the school. Community then mobilized and started organizing. This led up to first stage of fundraising event which started over the weekend.

The Department of Lands, Physical Planning & Urbanization (DLPPU) will be trailing a new digital self-service kiosk next year; a key part of the eLand Project. This was announced by Papua New Guinea Acting Prime Minister and Minister responsible for the DLPPU, John Rosso. He said these self-service kiosks are custom designed and built in country by NiuPay and the start of its trial period, will mark a leap in land management services across Papua New Guinea. Minister Rosso said this is in line with their commitment to make land services accessible to all. “These kiosks offer a practical option for citizens who prefer in-person interactions over online transactions.” “This initiative bridges the gap in digital literacy, allowing every citizen, regardless of their comfort with technology, to easily access and engage with eLands services.” Built specially to meet the unique needs of PNG, the kiosks will include and accept all locally issued bank cards. They will also have an intuitive and user-friendly interface, designed to make land-related transactions easier, while also reducing wait times and enhancing efficiency of service delivery. “Following the trial, there is a comprehensive plan to expand these kiosks regionally, integral to the strategic enhancement of land management services under the eLands project.” “This expansion is not just a technological upgrade but a reflection of our commitment to modernizing land services, making them more accessible and efficient for the public.” “This innovative project represents a key milestone in the Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanization's ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline land services.” “By integrating cutting-edge technology with our service delivery, we are setting a new standard for public sector efficiency and customer service.”

50 students that have been nominated by schools across all regions of Papua New Guinea, will be going through the 12th Mike Manning Youth Democracy Camp (MMYDC) that will be hosted by the Transparency International PNG from the 15th to the 24th of January 2024. The MMYDC is a ten-day intensive event that balances hands on simulation activities on principles of democracy and good governance such as conducting fair elections, drafting, debating, and passing laws, human rights, budget tracking and many other topics. TIPNG Chief Executive Officer, Ms Arianne Kassman said the MMYDC supports TIPNG’s mission to empower Papua New Guineans to act against corruption. “It is our hope at TIPNG that participants of the camp become more proactive citizens in advocating for a less corrupt society.” To be held at the Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby, the 2023 MMYDC has been supported with financial assistance from the US Embassy of Port Moresby, ExxonMobil PNG and the UNDP through the European Union funded PNG Anti-Corruption Project. Initiated In 2007, the Mike Manning Youth Democracy Camp has empowered young people to become champions of good governance and integrity. The COVID-19 pandemic put an end to this impactful program from 2020-2023. However, the 2024 camp will see it rise again and welcome a new generation of passionate young leaders to its transformative experience. This year’s camp is themed “Rise to the Occasion” and it will seek to inspire and motivate young Papua New Guineans to take ownership of the fight against corruption and become active participants in building a more transparent and accountable nation.

A small stationary firm has sponsored awards for schools in Madang Province for almost six years now and pledge to continue in the coming years. Zunizephs Office and IT Supplies owner and director Kiring Zephaniah said this year, his firm sponsored academic awards worth K35,000 for 11 schools in the province. Mr Zephaniah said these schools include two tertiary institutions which is Madang Teachers College and Madang Technical College, two secondary schools of Good Shepard Lutheran Secondary and Tusbab Secondary, two high schools which are Dangsai and Bugati and three primary schools which are Uletapun, Tabele and Nimsi. He said this is not the first time for his firm to sponsor academic awards and Zunizephs Office and IT Supplies has been doing it since 2018 for schools that do business with them. “My small to medium entrepreneur provides services of stationeries supply, IT gadgets, uniforms, secretary services, tailoring and other school needs to help our schools maintain the teaching and learning of our children.” “For the past seven years in Madang Province, I have seen the need and struggle our schools encountered daily to ensure teaching and learning of our students are not disrupted and affected due to unavailability of teaching and learning materials.” Mr Zephaniah said government tuition fee subsidy (GTFS) funding to schools remains an issue every academic year and many schools faced financial difficulty to maintain school operations including teaching and learning so his firm establishment was to address this need. Thus, he said his firm focused on delivering school supplies to schools apart from other little income opportunities tapped into so most of his client are schools. “We have an understanding with schools that order school supplies from us and once they make their payment and submit orders, we procure materials listed, make payment and deliver their materials at their schools.” “When they don’t have money, we use our own money to buy materials according to their order and deliver it to them to use and once they received their GTFS, they settle their debts.” Mr Zephaniah said schools in Madang owed him more than K500,000 but this did not stop him from helping schools in need when they approach him for either financial assistance or school supplies. He said he has assisted more than 15 schools so far and many still have debts, but he understands that schools rely heavily on government funding for its operation, and they don’t give additional charges to schools for the prolonged delay in settling their debts.,   “I have the heart to help our schools in need because it is through education that grooms the future human resource of this country. “Also, my firm motto states that learn to help others and with this main purpose, we give to change the mindset of our students so they can value their education and change their attitude in their community.”

The mothers of the Deka Circuit of Lutheran Church in Nawaeb District in the Morobe Province, received an early Christmas Present of sorts, when presented with SME Start Up Kits. This was made possible by the Nawaeb MP, Theo Pelgen, who explained that these kits consisted of sewing machines and material (laplap rolls). The mothers are expected to utilize these kits to create and sell various products. These SME Kits are an initiative of the MP and he expressed that he was glad to see this rolled out so far in the district. Most of the Wain/Erap Local Level Government (LLG) has already been covered in this rollout. “What we are trying to do is empower the women right at village level, so they have something to start business in.” “From the sales of this kolos, bedsheets, pillow sheets, etc the mothers can work on business profiles, register associations, and then open bank accounts.” MP Pelgen said this should set the foundation for the mothers to secure bigger loans to boost their SME interested activities. Nawaeb District Development Authority (NDDA) Women’s Representative Rebecca Michael said that the mothers must take good care of the support since this is the start to empower them and more support will come if they build from this support given. Ms Michael said the MP had chosen to work through the link of the Lutheran Church Parrish since Nawaeb is dominated by Lutheran Church Members. “MP Pelgen will work with other Pentecostal and mainstream churches in Nawaeb District onwards beginning next year.” “For convenience sake we have piloted the SME support roll out first with Lutheran church.” Ms Michael said the Parish were given support included Caperak Corner Parish, Busung Parish and Boac (Yambo, Wideru & Boac Villages). Distribution of SME Kits in the Laulu Circuit is expected to start tomorrow and will include the Labuta LLG.

The CPL Group of companies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mama Bank, enabling Mama Bank Customers comfortable level of access and affordability for quality home improvement products and healthcare products. In addition, customers can access discount partnership program in CPL Hardware Haus Outlets and City Pharmacies around PNG. The Memorandum of Understand was signed by Mama Bank CEO Mr. Gunanidhi Das and CPL Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Navin Raju with relevant executives and representatives from both organisations. Mr. Raju expressed his hopes for customers to feel more comfortable for transactions towards both establishments. “CPL happily hopes customer take full action on the discount program as it extends to the Mama Bank.” “And also hopes that our products can bring significant relief value to customers of Mama Banks customers in the nation and the discount program is extended to Mama Bank and will support by providing customer service support for any queries and concerns.” Mr. Das expressed his gratitude on behalf of the management to CPL for the partnership program and stated the benefits to be mutual for all parties. “Mama Bank members can show their membership card and access the discount program with ease,” said Mr Das. Following 10% discount of all Hardware Haus products excluding products on special, Cement and roofing products. Members can access a 10% discount on all purchases at Hardware Haus, with the exclusion of cements, roofing products and items sold on special. Mama Bank reaffirms their partnership and vision to help Papua New Guineans lead and live a better and healthier life.

“The time and effort you put into training on the field and in the gym preparation counts.” These were the word of young 18-year old Palais Representative, Magdelyn Swaki or “Magster” as she is known by her team. Hailing from West Sepik Province, she has been playing with the Southern Chiefs Rugby club in the past two years while she trained with the train on squad for the Palais 7s team. Earlier this year, I had asked her about her experience on the train-on squad and she proceeded to describe how it felt to be on the train-on squad but be under aged as well. Swaki stated that it was tough on her as she felt down at times but she had family and friends who always pushed her to give her best at training and to not give up on the opportunities coming her way. “Yes, I was under aged last year but I never put my head down, my coach kept encouraging me that even though I was under aged, I had a long way to go and to so not put my head down as well as to keep on working hard.” “Olgeta support blo ol friends and families [All the support I got from my friends and families], I took it and gave my all at training. At that moment when I got that jersey, I felt relieved.” She mentioned that this accomplishment meant a lot to her and thatit was just the beginning for more great opportunities to come. She talked about how it felt standing in the field at the Oceania Qualifiers and also at the recent Pacific Games. “Standing in the field, you’re not only representing yourself but your country, your province, your families, the people behind you like your friends, supporters and your sisters in the clubs that you play for as well. It meant a lot to me and I was excited as a teenager representing my country.” During the Oceania Qualifiers, Magdelyn recounts that she was nervous at first but then she remembered that she had her sisters playing on the same team and that thought kept her going. She reflected on the verse, Philipians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, and said that through that text, running onto the field, even if she was nervous, she felt confident. “In our first game against Solomon Island when I scored my first try against them, I felt so happy because it was my debutant try. I had tears of joy. I kept telling myself, if they can play, then we can play too. And after that I wasn’t nervous anymore in our other games against the other countries.” “We put our bodies on the line for our country and played our hearts out." "We played for our friends and families and the support that they showed for us.” The youngster was over the moon and shared about her experience at the Pacific Games as well describing it as a joyful moment for her and one she would never forget as the walk into the stadium in front of a crowd was nerve-wrecking but an amazing experience. We bonded with our team PNG athletes and athletes from the other provinces as well. “Pacific Games when we went for the ceremony and each of the countries were going out, I had tears of joy in my eyes because it was my first time at an event like this and having to represent my country alongside my fellow athletes from other codes was amazing.” She explained that she always pushed herself to work hard all through- out the games with the support of her coaches and team mates in her game, she learnt things like discipline, respect, trust. “I learnt to be open and come out of my comfort zone because I’m not someone who necessarily talks too much." "I can say a lot of good things happened for me at that time like when I made a mistake in the field, my team mates encouraged me to keep my head up.” “It was a tough game against the Fijians but when I scored the only try, even when we lost, it was a big win for me because I always heard them talking about the flying Fijians and I scored against them." "It was a great experience." "We had so much fun.” Swaki is encouraging other teenagers out there not to give up on life and to get themselves into a sporting code and work hard to represent the country because she believes that other young people out there have the talent and the potential to do so. “There are a lot of opportunities out ahead waiting for you, like playing sports can take you to places you would not expect to be in so I encourage everyone of you to stop violence and other activities that are bad and come play sports." "Come together and let’s fly our country’s flag high." "I know for a fact that we have a lot of talented boys and girls in the country and now is the time to show that we exist in this country, it’s time to give your best and let the spotlight be shone on you.” “To be the best, you have to make sacrifices, your commitments to the training not only in sports but also in your education as well, time effort, as the saying goes, the hard work you put in training and in your studies showcases great results.

One of China’s two largest airlines, the China Southern Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner will be making its maiden flight to the Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby in the coming days, on the 20th of December, 2023. This maiden flight is part of plans aimed at boosting mutual tourism and business opportunities between China and PNG especially Amazing Port Moresby, and realizing the city's vision to become the gateway to Asia and the Pacific, Governor Parkop is making significant efforts to tap into the Chinese tourism market. NCD Governor Powes Parkop, who is spearheading this initiation, has been actively engaging in extensive dialogues with key stakeholders in preparation for this maiden flight. Governor Parkop was recently hosted a dinner, by the Chinese Ambassador to PNG, His Excellency Zeng Fanhua, at his Gordons Embassy. This dinner served as an opportunity for the duo to exchange ideas for new collaborations while exploring opportunities on how China and Port Moresby can enhance existing partnerships. The Chinese Ambassador explained that Chinese tourists are ready to come to the country in big numbers but their only concern is safety and security, with the preferred transiting destinations for Chinese tourists are Mt Hagen, Goroka, Lae, Kavieng, and Kokopo. Governor Parkop said that, seeing the tourism and business opportunities it creates, the city residents and the indigenous people will help the municipal government and police address it. He said he was also considering the introduction of the tourist-police idea. The city currently offers only 5,000 accommodation spaces, which are insufficient to meet the high demand from Chinese tourists. He called for increased investments in this sector to fully harness the economic potential presented by the China-PNG direct flight. According to the NCD Governor, comprehensive preparations with relevant Government Agencies, including PNG Tourism Promotion Authority, NCDC, and the Government of PNG, are making for the flight and work undertaken thereafter on the China Ready initiative in the city. Governor also shared that an audit was conducted into the tourism spots, so the audit report will be presented during a China Ready workshop planned for early next year. A roadshow is also planned to market PNG in China together with PNGTPA. The Ambassador was informed that Governor Parkop would lead State Ministers and Government officials to Guangdong in China where they will be returning to the country on this maiden flight.

Prime Minister James Marape reaffirm PNG’s Significant progress since 2019. PM Marape stressed the need to share effective public service issues such as political instability at all government levels, law and order fragile economic fundamentals and exposure to global economic inflation. Following the acknowledgment and frequent significant challenging. Furthermore stressing to influence a long term goal of trade relations with Australia and United States America of processing resources like such major market PNG associates with such as Japan, China, India, Indonesia and Korea. Additionally, expressing his previous presence on July 25th 2019 conversing on Papua New Guinea's New Book and the Nation’s steadfast progression and how PNG will ignite as it ends its historic chapter of corruption and complacency and open a new chapter in the life of the Nation. "Papua New Guinea is still emerging as I speak," said Prime Minister Marape. Following a report on the 2019 growth of economy from K79mil reaching K110mil currently gesturing a positive turn of events. Further acknowledging the transparency and accountability from the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) since 2019. Prime Minister Marape emphasized concentrating on public efficiency, 20% in Port Moresby City and 80% in rural areas as the government’s commitment and the strategies to restructure the budget to navigate economic challenges effortlessly. “The economy was declining when I took the office in 2019, 2020 Covid19 stretched aour budget to defict but sustained our nation." "We now plan to have a balanced budget in 2027 and to eliminate our debts by 2030.” Marape further highlighting reconstructing foreign relations as a government commitment and preserve core values, also discovering untapped concepts such as green economy. Additionally, to regain the nations natural resources and lure genuine investors, like lead miner Newmont, Australia telco Telstra, Santos, among others.

Food rations that were supplied to the care centers holding an estimated 15 800 people that were displaced by the Mt Ulawun Volcano Eruption, are dwindling. This was revealed by Care Taker District Administrator Hubert Kava, when receiving a timely donation of four tonnes of rice from Trukai Industries recently. “The disaster team will have the donation arranged and transported to Bialla where our forward base operations centre is. From there they will have the rice distributed accordingly as we move forward in monitoring the food supplies in the care centres. Thank you for the support that Trukai Industries has given to us, this will help our people.” The rice donations were presented by the Trukai Industries to the West New Britain Provincial Disaster team on behalf of the displaced population who are currently residing in the nine care centres that have been set up. Trukai Industries CEO Alan Preston said they have always been there for the people of PNG, especially during times like this. “Through our Corporate Social Responsibility Program this donation will help sustain the affected population that have had their gardens and cash crops destroyed by the Mt Ulawun volcanic eruption.” Trukai Industries’ support highlights the company’s strong culture and values built on the responsibility to humanity, the environment, and ethical standards. Throughout Trukai Industries’ long history, they have come to the aid of Papua New Guineans, which is evident through the 1997 El Nino drought, the drought in 2015, the earthquake in 2018, recent floods and landslides.