The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) promotes equal opportunity and gender equity by helping young women start careers in Information and Communication Technology (ICT). NCDPHA has teamed up with Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) in Port Moresby to offer hands-on training for ICT students. These on-the-job training (OJT) placements enable students to use their classroom knowledge in real-life situations, providing them with essential practical skills for their careers. NCDPHA is proud to recognize the success of Ms. Serah Bonny, one of its outstanding ICT trainees, who recently received her certificate upon completing her OJT under the Corporate Services Directorate. Acting IT Manager Mr. Samson Raxford Was commended Ms. Bonny’s dedication and professionalism. “At NCDPHA, we are strong advocates for equal opportunity and gender equity, especially in sectors like ICT where female participation has traditionally been limited.” “Empowering women and girls in ICT are essential for building a diverse, innovative workforce that can meet the growing technological demands of our health services and the communities we serve.” In addition to ICT, NCDPHA offers practical training placements for students in nursing and technical colleges, supporting education and workforce development. The management congratulates Ms. Bonny and encourages more young women to explore careers in ICT and all sectors. "Together, we aim to empower everyone to reach their full potential."

A group of teachers along with their families that were left stranded in Port Moresby city for six months have finally been able to return back to their various Local Level Governments (LLGs) in the Goilala District, after Governor for Central Province Rufina Peter chartered three Air Sanga flights for their return. The teachers, who serve at various remote schools in Goilala, travelled to the Nation’s capital during the fourth term of 2024 for administrative duties but were unable to return due to delays in school subsidies and lack of funding. Hence, they remained in the city, living with friends and relatives while waiting for support. Jeremy Tamatai, Education Coordinator for Goilala, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Peter and her office. “Goilala is one of the hardest-to-reach districts, especially when it comes to delivering social services, it’s often forgotten." “When you consider that one-way airfare for a teacher, it is about one thousand kina and when many travel with families, it becomes an expensive journey." “We are thankful to Governor Rufina Peter for stepping in and assisting us financially. We truly appreciate this and look forward to working closely with her office,” he expressed. Deputy Head Teacher for Ononge Primary School, Mr. Michael Ome, further explained that the teachers came down from their respective schools in good faith but were caught in a difficult situation. Governor Peter used over K49, 000 funds that the Central Provincial Government has budgeted in 2025 budget to assist teachers and health workers in rural areas to safely return to their locations of service and resume their vital roles in the classroom.

International Day of the Midwife falls annually on May 5th – a day which recognizes the significance of the role of midwives especially under serious circumstances, and this year’s theme "Midwives: Critical in every crisis," honors midwives as essential individuals involved in emergency response. In Papua New Guinea, organizations involved in health and population marked this day emphasizing the importance of midwifery. On social media platform, Facebook, organizations such as the Catholic Church Health Services PNG made special mention of their midwives in the Kundiawa Diocese who celebrated the day with the Simbu Provincial Health Authority. [caption id="attachment_65097" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Pic Credits: Catholic Church Health Services PNG FB Page[/caption] Likewise, the United Nations Population Fund, who posted on their socials since Friday, May 2nd communicated a statement made by the UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem. “Midwives can provide 90 per cent of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health services, including family planning.” “They also support survivors of gender-based violence, which skyrockets during crises.” “Midwives often put themselves at enormous risk when they venture out to provide care to women and girls in hard-to-reach homes and communities in crisis settings.” “Yet, midwifery is still not always recognized as the vital health profession it is.”

PNG’s team of 13 athletes scored one gold medal, five bronze, as well as a host of personal best times in the Philippine Open Championships which concluded on Sunday. In the full range of events in Open and Under 18 divisions, about 1000 athletes took part over four days with clubs from all over the country being joined by eight international teams including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Athletics PNG President Tony Green commented that the competition was beneficial for the athletes. Elite athletes Daniel Baul and Benjamin Aliel had strong competition as did all the other senior athletes including Dilu Goiye, Siune Kagl , Robert Oa, and Karo Iga. Baul won gold in the 400m hurdles in 52.91 seconds with Sialis Passingan taking third with a personal best 53.55 and William Peka fourth (54.73), again demonstrating PNG’s depth in this event. Aliel won bronze in the 400m with a time of 47.97seconds. The competition was also a great experience for developing sprinter Patricia Kuku who won bronze in both 200m and 400m with personal best times in both events (25.53 and 57.88 seconds). Ray Kumala Heru won bronze in the 3000m steeplechase with a personal best time of 12min 16.75 seconds. Many other personal best performances were recorded, including Robert Oa in the 110m hurdles, Abel Siune, Monica Kalua and Ray Kumala Heru in 1500m, Denlyne Kinbangi in 200m, and Dilu Goiye in 10000m. Overall, it was a very challenging competition at the right level, that propelled the athletes to better performances.

Title: Conclave (2024) Director: Edward Berger Genre(s): Drama/Thriller Run Time: 2hrs Star(s): Ralph Fiennes • Stanley Tucci • Isabella Rossellini After the death of the pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), is tasked with managing the upcoming conclave towards the election of a new pope. However, as the process of electing a new pope occurs, Lawrence finds himself unearthing scandalous secrets among the cardinals and within the Catholic Church. On the surface, Conclave appears to be a religious film, however, there’s themes of politics involved as preferred candidates to be the next pope, strive to keep their supporters loyal and maintain their personal reputation as well as the church’s reputation. Similar in a fight for the highest-ranking office in politics, there are candidates interested in the position, candidates who are not interested, and there are candidates participating as a way to take away votes from a competitor they deem unworthy. Conclave is gripping as it pushes you to question the authorities you serve, your beliefs and confront the harsh truth that not everyone within your community or church is serving for the right reasons. Lessons of maintaining high standards and integrity in leadership are prevalent as Cardinal Lawrence uncovered scandals among his fellow cardinals who aspire to be the next pope. He is faced with the struggle of upholding the virtue of forgiveness while discouraging the cardinals to continue as their appointment could damage the church’s reputation. Conclave gives an uncomfortable reality to individuals in all religious communities. Individuals regardless of their position in any church are not immune to the fallibility of human nature. On the other hand, audiences may be tempted to judge or ridicule the Catholic church based on what the film shows, even though it is dramatized for entertainment. I highly recommend Conclave for entertainment purposes only due to the fact that what is demonstrated in films may not accurately portray reality.

The University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) saw a bigger number of female graduates get certified on Wednesday 1st May 2025 at Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium in Port Moresby, which was a total of 185 against 149 males. UPNG’s Chancellor Sir. Robert Igara confirmed this during the ceremony and offered his congratulations. “I am delighted to receive the report, and I want to congratulate the Executive Dean and the staff of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences that we've produced more women graduates than men.” “This year, 55% being women, 185 against 149 men.” “The award of your degree, certificates, diploma follow the fulfillment of the required academic standards over the course of your study.” He called on the students to be aware of the harsh realities they face in their field of work. “Buses transporting nurses to and from hospitals at night are attacked. Medical staff are attacked even in Port Moresby hospitals by members or friends or relatives of patients, and sadly, in some cases, by our disciplined forces.” “In many parts of our country, you will have to walk quite a few hours to reach a village community.” “Most health workers don't work eight hours a day.” “We've developed a culture in which we see you as just another worker.” In spite of this, he encouraged the students and thanked them for their selflessness in health work. “But as someone who served in the public service and continue to serve in the institution of state.” “There are two professions where our people still hold some respect - these are teachers and health workers.” “I thank you for being able to stand tall and in the eyes of our people and serve them.” A total of 334 SMHS graduates received their certification during the University of Papua New Guinea’s 70th graduation; that is, 72 postgraduate certificates and 262 undergraduate certificates.

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) today witnessed the graduation of 454 graduates from the School of Business and Public Policy (SBPP), during the third day of it's 70th graduation ceremony; 104 postgraduates and 349 undergraduates. Speaking at the ceremony, UPNG Chancellor, Robert Igara encouraged the graduates to take pride in their awards and certificates. "Your award, whether a Diploma, Bachelor's, or Master's, signifies the beginning of a new phase of your professional, academic, and life journey." "Your award also symbolizes freedom and opportunity." "Freedom that comes from becoming a member of the academic community, a privileged community, and a community that goes beyond the boundaries of Papua New Guinea." "Your freedom of opportunity and choice that most of our people, our sons and our daughters, do not and will not have." He also encouraged the students to continue learning and improving after graduating from their studies. “With rapid changes in our country and in the world, if you do not continue to learn and improve yourself and invest in yourself, you can increase the risk of your redundancy and irrelevance.”  “You can take your Diploma and Degree Certificate, frame it, and put it on your wall.” “But it is the application of your qualifications that makes the difference in your knowledge, your competence, and brings out your real value.” “Continue to invest in your continuing education – into your own progress and your growth. To be policy thinkers and architects and builders of our nation.” The School of Medicine and Health Sciences will be graduating tomorrow with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences finishing the ceremony on Friday.

Trukai Industries Limited, in partnership with key stakeholders including the PNG University of Technology, SunRice Group, and the PNG Government, celebrated the graduation of batches three and four of the Smart Farmer Program on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The event marks a major milestone in the country’s ambition to grow local rice production and transform agriculture into a key economic driver. Trukai CEO, Alan Preston, expressed his gratitude during the event. “It’s been a joy to be part of this journey.” “Each year the program grows, and we find new ways to enrich it, share intellectual property, and help people grow rice for both personal benefit and commercial purposes.” “So far, it’s been quite successful, but there’s more work to be done to secure a better future for PNG.” He also mentioned Trukai’s work in Papua New Guinea since pre-independence. “Trukai has been part of the fabric of PNG since 1973.” “We have been here for a long time and maybe be here for another 50, years even 100 years—because we are truly committed.” “Today is an example of that commitment, supported by wonderful partners from the PNG Government, our partner universities, the Government of Australia and SunRice Group.” Vice Chancellor of the PNG University of Technology, Professor Dr Ora Renagi, commended the partnership and emphasized the university’s role in national development. “The success of a university is measured by the success of its graduates. Seeing young men and women equipped with skills to participate in economic growth is satisfying.” “Our goal is to become a world-class institution and programs like these are key drivers of growth.” Smart Farmer graduate Cathy Wanpis from Eastern Highlands Province spoke highly of the program. “We’ve learnt so much and I believe it will help us become better farmers.” “I hope this program reaches more people, especially in rural areas.” Secretary for the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) Dr Sergi Bang, outlined how the program aligns with PNG’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV. Key targets include: Growing the agriculture sector’s GDP from PGK20 billion to PGK40 billion by 2033. Creating 2 million jobs in the sector. Fostering agriculture entrepreneurs to scale from small to medium and large businesses. Improving the Human Development Index and reducing malnutrition by 40%. “The government has set clear goals, and training programs like this help us get there. Trukai’s role is vital, and DAL stands ready to support this initiative through mechanisms like removing import duties on farming equipment,” the Secretary said. Mr. Brenton Kanowski, from the Australian High Commission, reinforced Australia’s continued support. “PNG is blessed with rich soil. Through strong partnerships we can help smallholder farmers improve skills and productivity.” The Smart Farmer Program continues to empower local farmers, particularly those in rural areas who make up 80% of PNG’s population. Rice is fast becoming a staple, and Trukai is leading the charge in building a sustainable, locally driven industry. A ground-breaking ceremony commemorating Trukai Industries' expansion of its commercial rice cultivation was held after the Smart Farmer Program Graduation. The foundation of Trukai's agricultural activities has long been the company's farm in Erap, Morobe Province. Trukai anticipates that it will expand its commercial rice growing from 100 hectares in 2024 to 200 hectares in 2025, with each expansion doubling annually. Customers throughout PNG are currently sharing and enjoying Trukai's Roots Rice product, which is made from its first harvest of locally farmed rice. By 2030, the company hopes to significantly contribute to the government's objective of a contemporary and profitable agriculture sector through its commercial rice growing.

When the K15 million phase two Koki Fish Market extension project begins, Port Moresby residents will have another option for dining by the waterfront. The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the electorate will share funding for the project, which is a brainchild of the Moresby South District Development Authority. In order to get things started, Moresby South has finished designing the new extension project, which will include building a restaurant with 300 seating areas where patrons can enjoy fish and chips or a refreshing beverage while taking in views of Ela Beach and the cool breeze. Moresby South MP and Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko said the idea is to enable the public to come and buy fresh processed seafood including fish fillets, prawns and lobster and squid, octopus and many more. "This is an exciting new development for the electorate, and we are looking forward to it as K10 million has already been committed in this year's budget by the National Fisheries Authority." "We anticipate NFA to ensure they come good with their commitment as it has been budgeted in this year's appropriation, and we would like to see a groundbreaking ceremony and the funds come across to NCDC before June this year." "We would like to see the construction start immediately for phase 2 of this fantastic and exciting project that will enable Papua New Guineans with their families to come and enjoy the beautiful South Side Breeze.” Minister Tkatchenko said once NFA makes the funding available, the NCDC will tender the construction of the project for interested bidders. "We will finalize all the details for NFA to immediately release the funding towards this project as promised by Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong MP.” The project is expected to take about 12 months to construct and if everything goes well and funding goes through before June, we would have it ready to open in June next year.”

Taurama residents in Port Moresby city can now have water connected to their homes and properties at low cost with the assistance of Water PNG. A funding of K3 million for water pipes was done by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) and Moresby South Electorate with support from NCD Governor Powes Parkop MP. The water pipes and system were installed when the road was being constructed through Taurama. Now it's for the residents to tap off professionally through Water PNG and apply to get the water connected to be their properties and house. Moresby South MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Justin Tkatchenko said Water PNG is the sole custodian of water distribution in Port Moresby. “We were very happy that they finally commissioned that water pipes from Taurama roundabout bypass all the way to Tutu Beach.” “We launched the water commissioning for the residents of Taurama with Water PNG and its now in their hands to ensure they connect the commissioned water system to the people of Taurama. “We made it very clear that this is not free, there will be a small charge from Water PNG to the residents for the connection fee.” Residents of Taurama will have to go to Water PNG and register their interest and pay for the connection fee to get water connected with a water meter to their residents. “I urge all Taurama residents to register their interest to Water PNG and utilize these services.”

Kingsley Philip a youngster from Ipiayu village in Rural Kaintiba, in Gulf province was determined to go to school despite challenges. "Any large town is a long way from my village. It might be difficult for students to pay for their education even after graduating from high school or college. To pay for our school fees, we rely on the generosity of churches and non-profit organizations.” “I therefore applied to Port Moresby Technical School (POM Tech) and asked about scholarships after learning that TotalEnergies was financing students. I was aware that I would have to fend for myself and not rely on my parents or the church to pay for my tuition.” Kingsley was born and raised in the village and has only ever left to go to school – first in Morobe province to complete his High School and Secondary schooling and now as a student at POM Tech studying Mechanical, Fitting, Machining (MFM). “My village is in the bush, surrounded by forest so it’s difficult or takes time to get anywhere.” “Often times, we’ve had people die while making their way down to town during storms, or when the weather gets really bad.” “Parents often face difficulties transporting their garden food to the market to sell, for their children’s school fees.” “In the past, during heavy rains, parents have lost their lives while crossing through the bush with their garden food to sell, from the falling trees.” One of two boys in a family of eight, he attended Kaintiba Primary School, then completed his secondary schooling at Menyamya Secondary School, with dreams of one day being a primary school teacher for his community. “There aren’t a lot of teachers in my community, and I noticed that not a lot of teachers want to travel to these remote areas to teach, which is why I wanted to be able to fill that gap especially for primary school students.” “I applied and was accepted to a teacher’s college at Rabaul but on my way there, I was robbed of my school fees and leaver’s certificate at Eriku town, Lae.” “The thieves stole around K6,000 raised by my parents and the church for my schooling.” He had no choice but to return back to Kaintiba. After saving up enough for the PMV from Kerema town to Port Moresby, he walked for three days from his village adamant on getting his leaver’s certificate re-printed at the Department of Education. “When I got my new certificate, I returned to the village and applied for a space at POM Tech in 2023, after hearing that TotalEnergies were sponsoring children from Gulf.” “It took me three days and three nights, to walk down to Kerema town from my village and then I caught the PMV and went to POM Tech.” “I was told, enrolment was complete but the boys from Gulf re-directed me to the TotalEnergies office downtown, so I walked there from POM Tech.” He met with TotalEnergies Workforce Development Coordinator Peter Konaka and explained his story and how he came to be there. “I empathized with him after listening to his story and saw how determined he was to secure post-secondary education despite the odds presented.” "I negotiated with the school to accept him in place of a student who had left earlier,” he said Mr. Konaka. Young Philip sincerely appreciated this opportunity given to him. “I feel like this opportunity has been completely life changing for me. I am glad to have joined this scholarship program because I know that if I had stayed back in the village, I would not have this chance.” “I wouldn’t be in school or have learnt the trade skills I am learning now, so I want to say thank you to TotalEnergies for putting me through school and for the opportunity you have given me. I am extremely grateful and want to say thank you.” Along with the rest of his batch, he will be graduating next March, hopeful to apply his skills, on one of the resource projects, still with dreams of teaching back in his village. TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited (TotalEnergies), as Operator of the Papua LNG project have to date, sponsored a total of 271 students at Port Moresby Technical School (POM Tech), 60 of whom have been female, through the Papua LNG TVET Scholarship Program and Kingsley is part of the current cohort of National Certificate (NC)3 scholarship recipients.

With the passing of Pope Francis, members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands (SI) expressed their condolences and sorrow the Melanesian way at the Vatican Embassy on Thursday, bringing in garden food, store goods, a pig as well as conducting traditional sing-sing. Present at the event was His Lordship, Bishop Otto Separy, President of the CBC of PNG & SI, His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM, Vice President of CBC the CBC of PNG & SI, Reverend, Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of the CBC of PNG & SI and MSGR Federico Boni. His Lordship, Bishop Otto Separy, expressed both deep sorrow about the late Pope’s passing and deep gratitude towards Pope Francis and his recent visit to the country. “Pope Francis was here a few months ago and his presence is still fresh in our minds and hearts.” “We came to pass our condolences and at the same time we are very thankful that he came. It means a lot to us that he visited Papua New Guinea.” “He brought a message of peace and hope.” Leaders of the Catholic church then signed the Book of Condolences, a document which contains all the condolences messages around the world, which will be sent to Rome. Additionally, copy of memorabilia containing photos of Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New Guinea will be brought to the Vatican. In regard to the canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot, His Lordship, Bishop Separy, stated that Pope Francis signed the document for canonization confirming Peter ToRot’s status as a saint. “Everything is prepared; it is just that the ceremony is needed. Documents have been signed confirming his sainthood. We are only waiting for the announcement of the date, and then the ceremony, which will be confirmed by the next pope.”