The Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), the Department of Transport (DoT), and with technical support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), today hosted the inaugural Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) Meeting for the Public Investment Management (PIM) Project. Senior officials present at the event included DAL Deputy Secretary for Policy and Corporate Services, Mr. Frank Daink, and DoT Deputy Secretary for Planning, Budget, and Implementation, Mr. Philip Habon. In his opening remarks, DNPM Deputy Secretary for Programming and Monitoring, Mr. Roger Kara, acknowledged JICA’s support and noted the significance of the project’s multi-departmental engagement. “We’ve successfully completed the first phase of the program and are pleased to now be progressing into the second phase. In our mandate of planning, programming, and reporting, this initiative stands out as a key achievement. We thank JICA for reinforcing the responsibilities we hold as a government,” Mr. Kara said. Also speaking at the event, JICA PNG Office Chief Representative, Mr. Matsuoka Hideaki, underscored the importance of sound public investment management as a cornerstone of sustainable development. “In countries like Indonesia, we have seen how strong public investment systems can attract foreign investment and drive economic transformation. We hope to support PNG in achieving similar success,” Mr. Matsuoka said. The PIM Project directly supports Papua New Guinea’s long-term development objectives as outlined in the Development Strategic Plan 2010–2030 and Vision 2050, by promoting a results-oriented, transparent public investment ecosystem that delivers tangible benefits for all Papua New Guineans.

TE PNG Limited officially opened its new showroom at Gabaka Street in Port Moresby yesterday. Chief Executive Officer Robbie Huxley said 2025 marks 70 years of TE PNG operations in Papua New Guinea, and they are very proud of it as they opened their new showroom for their clients. “TE (PNG) is a unique and diverse company with years of experience in six key areas – communications, hospitality equipment, information technology, broadcast and professional audio, electrical & hardware, and security systems – all under one roof. Established in 1955 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, we are proud to be a PNG company operating at international standards. We stand by our quality product partners, our local workmanship and highly responsive in-country support,” Mr. Huxley said. He said TE PNG has come a long way from their humble beginnings to now a technology group of business that do consultancy, professional services and project solutions right across all their departments through hospitality, IT, broadcasting audio electrical & hardware, and security systems. “Our role is not to just sale products, but it is to solve problems whether it has done with radio infrastructure, integrating security systems or installing Aircons. That is where the showroom is and that is to give customers the best retail experience and continue to support our teams, clients and supporters. Our biggest asset is our people, and we pride ourselves on professionalism. Our staff here has more than 10 to 20 years of experience with over 35 years of experience, and I think that is a true testament to what this company represents,” Mr. Huxley said.

The first Coordination Committee (JCC) Meeting for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Public Investment Management Project in Papua New Guinea (PNG) aims to review the progress of the implementation of the project undertaken from December 2024 to May 2025 and to discuss a way forward. JICA stated that the JCC includes reviewing the Project Design Matrix (PDM) or logical framework and the plan of operation (PO) modified in line with findings or the baseline survey and reviewing the progress of the presentation of sector-wide approach in the agriculture and transport sectors for the 2026 budget formulation and monitoring. "The Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) has been implementing the Public Investment Management (PIM) Project in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) and the Department of Transport since December 2024. This project is supported by JICA. The project aims to enhance the efficiency of public investment by strengthening capacities in project proposal, appraisal, selection, monitoring and evaluation in accordance with the Public Investment Program (PIP) Managment Guidelines,” JICA stated. JICA said over the past six months, the project has carried out several key activities including: Conducting the baseline survey. Delivering training courses on logical frameworks, project monitoring and evaluation, life cycle cost analysis and Excel. Designing a pilot PIP data platform and preparing the sector-wide approach in the agriculture and transport sectors for the financial year 2026 budget formulation and monitoring. The proposed agenda for the meeting includes, Reviewing project activities undertaken, including the baseline survey, Discussing proposed modifications of the Project design Matrix and the Plan of operation, Reviewing progress of the preparation of the sector-wide approach in the agriculture and transport sectors for the FY2026 budget formulation and monitoring, and

Two students sponsored through the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) Education Subsidy Program, were awarded Council Medals for their outstanding academic excellence during the 57th Graduation ceremony of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology in April. Joel Iamo, graduated with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering with Merit and attained Upper Second-Class Honours. He was sponsored through Gas Resources Plant Site Limited. Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Iamo stated, "The sponsorship was a game changer for me. It lifted a huge financial burden and allowed me to focus entirely on my studies. Receiving the Council Medal is an honour I share with my sponsor and families.” Junior Wafi earned the Bachelor of Communication for Development Studies with Merit. He was a beneficiary of sponsorship from MRDC and a member of the pioneering cohort of the Late Imbi Tagune Scholarship. He remarked, “The support from MRDC enabled me to pursue my passion and achieve these results. I am incredibly grateful and excited to use my knowledge to contribute to our communities." MRDC stated that among the other high-achieving sponsored graduates were, Gau Taumaku, Master of Engineering in Communication Engineering, successfully completed a thesis titled: "Application of Advanced Technologies to Enhance the Resiliency of Smart Grids Against Cyber and Physical Attacks." Alexandria Gabrial, Upper Second-Class Honours and a Degree with Merit in her Bachelor of Civil Engineering. Mea Maba, Lower Second-Class Honours and a Degree with Merit in Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. Gege Toea Arere, Degree with Merit in her Bachelor of Applied Economics. Goasa Kila, Degree with Merit in Bachelor of Surveying. Leroy McLance, Degree with Merit in Bachelor of Business in Accountancy. Taumaku Taumaku, Degree with Merit in Bachelor of Applied Chemistry. Vincent Nanai, Degree with Merit in Electrical Engineering. Renee Ofae, Degree with Merit in her Bachelor of Communication for Development Studies. “A total of 17 graduates were sponsored by various MRDC subsidiaries under the Education Subsidy Program. The Education Subsidy Program is managed by the MRDC on behalf of its subsidiary companies, benefiting students from mining, oil, and gas project areas,” MRDC said.

After two decades of dedicated service to the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), long-time employee Arua Kwariwai bid farewell to MRDC staff and management. MRDC Managing Director Mr. Augustine Mano paid tribute to Arua, thanking him for his long and dedicated service to the company. "Arua has been part of the journey, the evolution and growth of MRDC. As part of the finance/accounts team, he has seen the change, from paper to the digital age. "We have been privileged to have him as a member of our team. Now that he has called time on a wonderful career, we wish him well in his retirements," Mr. Mano said. Mr. Kwariwai, from Kemabolo in the Central Province, first joined MRDC in 1992. He handled a range of accounts responsibilities, from accounts receivable and payables to taxation. "Everything in terms of internal and external processes was done manually back in those days," Mr. Kwariwai recalled, reflecting on his early years as part of a small team managing crucial financial operations by hand. Detailing his initial role, Mr. Kwariwai said, "I started in accounts as an accounts officer, and in that section, there were only two of us. I was doing all the accounts duties to the treasury, and everything in between. It was all done manually. We were writing information payment instructions. The cheques were written manually. I was doing the cheque raising, reconciling accounts payments, and paying by cheque." His career saw a few transitions. "I continued in that role until the formation of Origin Minerals Limited in mid-1996, when I transferred," he explained. "Shortly afterwards, in mid-1999, I moved to Oil Search Limited (now Santos) following the merger between Oil Search and Origin Minerals." A period of change followed. "However, at the end of 2000, I was made redundant. I returned home to my village, leaving behind the bright lights of Port Moresby." The call to service came again. "In July 2005, I was recalled, rejoining MRDC, a call I was proud to answer," Mr. Kwariwai shared. Among his memorable experiences, Mr. Kwariwai recounted the immense responsibility of transporting substantial sums of cash, often in the millions, for distribution to landowners. "My journey with MRDC came to an end on April 11, 2025, due to health reasons," Mr. Kwariwai said. "Throughout those years, I took great pride and joy in serving as an accounts person. I would like to thank all those I have had the privilege to work with in my 20 years of service to the company." During his farewell, Mr. Kwariwai told his colleagues: "There will always be good and bad times at the workplace. The difference lies in the choices we make. I encourage each of you to be wise in your decision-making."

NCSL Savings and Loan empowers its members with an information session with the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA). “In our ongoing mission to financially empower members and the broader community with NCSL Savings & Loan financial products and services, we recently held an information session with the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA). The aim of the session was to instill a savings mindset and culture in the workforce,” NCSL stated. The session was met with enthusiasm, as TPA employees expressed a strong interest in the information presented. Mr. Vapol Pose, PNG TPA Senior Human Resources Officer, said that the information presented was timely, especially during these challenging economic times when saving is crucial. "As advocates of savings culture, the benefits of savings money enable members to have financial security for future needs and opportunities including achieving personal and financial goals. Having savings can help you pay off debts, freeing up more of your earned income. It is also important to continuously educate yourself to learn about personal finance strategies to make informed decisions about your money. We welcome memberships from employees in the private and public sectors of employment. Our services are easily accessible through various digital channels such as Mobile USSD (*628#) and using the App MyNCSL Online, which are designed to provide members with quick and efficient access to financial information or to perform transactions without having to leave your office or queuing up in a branch,” NCSL said. NCSL added that to arrange an information session about the financial products and services, contact the Call Centre at 207 2000, or email callcentre@ncsl.com.pg or contact the Head of the Relationship Management team Lawes Omeri at 82207483. “We are committed to bringing our services directly to our registered employers and members,” NCSL said.

NCSL Savings & Loan contributed positively towards its community at the recent Water PNG Open House Day, held at the Filipino Association Hall in Gordons. The event brought together a diverse array of financial institutions and home and building companies, creating a dynamic atmosphere of learning and networking. NCSL representatives were readily available and interacted with Water PNG employees, introducing them to the Society’s extensive range of products and services. New members received detailed information about lending options, including strategies to use savings for securing higher ratio loans to purchase homes and other essential utilities. “The half-a-day event was marked by numerous attendees receiving assistance with new membership registrations, general account inquiries, membership ID cards, and signing up for digital services like MyNCSL online. Elina Kelekai, Water PNG Payroll Officer, expressed her enthusiasm. "It was great to learn about the various services NCSL offers. The digital platforms will make managing my accounts so much easier." MyNCSL online offers members convenient access to their savings and loan accounts anytime, anywhere. "You can easily track your savings contributions, transfer funds within MyNCSL or to commercial banks, apply for loans, and even reach out to our support teams whenever you need assistance,” NCSL said. NCSL said that they continue to demonstrate their commitment to serving its members by bringing services directly to them. “NCSL encourages its members to do utilize its digital platforms, ensuring members can access their savings and loan accounts conveniently, anytime and anywhere,” NCSL said.

In a dynamic roadshow organized by DT Global recently, NCSL Savings & Loan connected positively with over 300 employees and members. NCSL stated that the event was a vibrant hub of member interaction and engagement, where NCSL representatives assisted attendees with new membership registrations, member detail updates, free membership ID cards, and general account inquiries. “With the recent introduction of MyNCSL, employees and members were eager to learn the practical applications of these services. The MyNCSL online features enable accessibility to financial services, communication with call centre team and application tracking. These notable features were intriguing as the service truly met the demand of members who particularly worked in remote areas of the country. NCSL continues to prioritize the needs of its members, ensuring that they have access to convenient and efficient services,” NCSL said. NCSL added that by participating in events like the DT Global roadshow, NCSL reaffirms its dedication to fostering strong community ties and supporting its members in every possible way.

The National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) is pleased to announce the successful applicant each for its commemorative Book and Documentary Film projects, developed to mark Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. NICTA stated that following a thorough evaluation process, the following proposals have been selected: Book Writing, Editing & Publishing Services: Tolhurst Creative Documentary Film Production Services: Screencraft Media Pty Ltd “These landmark projects will chronicle PNG’s telecommunications journey and highlight milestones from colonial-era postal and telegraph systems to modern-day digital infrastructure. Scheduled for completion by 31 August 2025, the book and documentary film will premiere as part of the official Independence Day commemorations in the months commencing September 2025,” NICTA said. NICTA CEO Kila Gulo-Vui congratulated Tolhurst Creative, and Screencraft Media Pty Ltd, praising their creativity, technical capability, and appreciation of the national significance of the subject matter. “We are proud to support works that honour our past while inspiring our digital future. These projects will give life to the untold stories of those who built, connected, and transformed Papua New Guinea through telecommunications,” Mr. Gulo-Vui said. The CEO also thanked each unsuccessful bidder, noting that while their proposals were not selected on this occasion, he wished them every success in their ongoing projects and encouraged them to remain engaged with future opportunities at NICTA and the UAS Secretariat through the UAS website: https://uas.nicta.gov.pg/index.php/programs/ict-platform-for-future-growth NICTA acknowledges the high level of interest and effort received across both Request for Proposals and reaffirms its commitment to supporting creative, educational, and locally grounded content in the ICT sector.

A week-long Debt Operations and Collections training facilitated for Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) staff by ATO Consultant and Trainer Ms. Sara McKenna, with the support of the Debt Collection and Operations Division (DCOD) Management, successfully concluded yesterday Revenue Haus in Port Moresby. The training was held from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23, the training brought together officers from across the Regional Operations – including officers from the Highlands Region, Southern Region, Kokopo, NCD Central Tax Centre (NCTC), and HQ DCOD. IRC stated that the program aimed to enhance technical knowledge and soft skills essential to the effective recovery and management of tax debt in Papua New Guinea. “The training commenced with a focus on communication skills, emphasizing the importance of tailoring engagement strategies based on taxpayer behaviour and improving the way officers' approach and interact with taxpayers. Participants were equipped with tools to improve communication effectiveness and build stronger taxpayer relationships. Throughout the week, sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including: - Understanding the various business entity types in PNG, - Strengthening decision-making processes in tax debt handling, - Exploring debt recovery options and how best to assist taxpayers, - Analyzing financial statements and assessing business viability. Interactive case scenarios, practical examples, role plays, and group discussions were embedded throughout the program to reinforce learning and encourage collaborative problem-solving among participants. The training really opened our eyes to the need for a shift in how we engage with taxpayers," one participant noted. "It reinforced the importance of delivering quality service to encourage voluntary compliance and reshape public perception of the Internal Revenue Commission,” IRC said. IRC stated that the training concluded with a closing dinner hosted by the Regional Operations Management to formally thank Ms. McKenna for her expertise and commend the active participation and contributions of all attendees. “The event also served as a moment to recognize the vital support of DCOD Management in facilitating the successful delivery of the program. The IRC remains committed to capacity building for its workforce and looks forward to more collaborative training opportunities with the ATO and other development partners in future,” IRC added.

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the new Resident Judge for Hela Province, Justice Andrew Kostopoulos in Tari, as he stressed to the people the importance of respecting the Rule of Law. PM Marape, while addressing the people, said bringing judges and court officers into provinces was not an easy task, and thanked the Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and his Deputy CJ Ambeng Kandakasi for showing respect and having faith in improving Law and Order and justice services in Hela Province. Justice Kostopoulos has taken up his role in Tari on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, where he is judge for the Tari National and District Courts. PM Marape appealed to his people to respect such initiatives and respect the rule of law and officers of the Court. “The greatest gift we can give is to be law-abiding citizens. This country an only be better place if we all follow the laws of our land,” PM Marape stated. He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Magistrate for sending magisterial staff to the Tari District Court, reinforcing the need for adherence to legal protocols. “The Chief Justice has already challenged us to change our ways and respect the rule of law." "Similarly, the Chief Ombudsman has called on us, the Hela people, to be good law-abiding citizens and respect one another,” he added. Marape urged the community to show respect for police, military personnel, magisterial staff, and the newly appointed resident judge. “To the people of Tari, if you create trouble, be aware that the police will be on the lookout for you." "Respect the new resident judge and allow him to perform his duties and hear court cases." "If I hear of any further disturbances, it will reflect poorly on all of us." Marape further issued a call for a collective effort to demonstrate respect and make peace in the community.

This May, over 2,000 high-quality hybrid cocoa seedlings, propagated at Omati Cocoa Project in Kikori, Gulf Province, were successfully transported to communities in Gobe in Southern Highlands Province (SHP).  This expansion is part of Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC) program to establish sustainable agricultural economies beyond the lifespan of regional along its oil and gas footprints. MRDC stated that The Omati Cocoa Project, a collaborative venture between MRDC and its subsidiary Gas Resources Pipeline Limited (GRPL), serves as the nucleus of this agricultural program. “Initiated with a K1 million investment in 2022 by MRDC through the PNGLNG Pipeline Limited board, the project has demonstrated the viability of large-scale, quality-focused cocoa production as a sustainable ‘life after mine’ strategy. The Omati nursery, initially stocked with 1,000 select cocoa seeds from proven genetic lines from East New Britain, has evolved into a significant propagation center. It currently maintains a capacity of 50,000 seedlings, with plans for expansion to 100,000. This capacity is important for meeting the growing demand from local farmers. A three-year period of development included the testing of up to 18 distinct cocoa varieties, evaluating them for yield potential, disease resistance, and suitability to the specific agro-ecological conditions of the region,” MRDC said. Augustine Mano, Managing Director of MRDC, emphasized the strategy of the agricultural program and said that MRDC’s investment in the Omati Cocoa Project and its expansion to Gobe reflects their community investment commitment to their project communities. “We understand that sustainable economic development must look beyond resource extraction. By fostering agricultural enterprises, centered on high-value crops like cocoa, we are helping communities with the tools and resources for self-sufficiency and building a resilient future.” The project’s agricultural integrity received a significant endorsement in 2024 with the official certification by the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea, affirming its adherence to national quality standards and best practices. Ongoing technical collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) further provides farmers with access to essential agronomic expertise and extension services, ensuring the adoption of optimal cultivation techniques,” he said. In Kikori, the project has already made substantial inroads, with over 85,000 seedlings distributed. Mr. Wauro Oumabe, PNGLNG Pipeline Ltd Director for Segment Seven in Kikori, outlined the local impact. “Approximately 500 farmers are now actively engaged in cocoa cultivation in Kikori, each receiving quality seedlings and support. The positive response and the evident success have fueled demand, leading to this expansion to Gobe. We anticipate further interest as communities witness the benefits of high-quality cocoa farming.” The Gobe expansion has been met with strong local commitment. Mr. Matthew Sisimolu, Chairman of Petroleum Resources Gobe (PRG), a key landowner company whose community benefits the MRDC helps manage, views the initiative as vital for the region’s agricultural future. “My primary objective as a leader is to steer our communities towards sustainable agricultural development as a primary economic driver. This cocoa project is a practical and promising pathway for our landowning communities,” Mr. Sisimolu said. Chairman Sisimolu invested K6,000 towards the acquisition and distribution logistics of the initial 2,000 seedlings for Gobe. These seedlings are being distributed across several communities in Gobe Oil Project area, including Kaiam 1 and 2, Kaiam Ferry, Done, Siawiti, Waterfront, Baina, and Kantobo, targeting areas with suitable agricultural potential. A core driver for participants is the shift from reliance on resource-related payments to the consistent, renewable income stream that well-managed cocoa farms can provide. Mrs. Kila Oumabe, who plays an active role in farmer mobilization and training in Omati, particularly for women, stressed this economic transition.  “Revenue from resource projects has a lifespan. Cocoa, however, is a perennial crop; it offers a sustainable income stream that can support families year after year,” she said. She elaborated on the socio-economic benefits from an agricultural perspective, “Access to consistent income from cash crops like cocoa directly impacts household food security and the ability to invest in education and health. For many women and marginalized households, who may have limited access to benefits from larger resource projects, cultivating their own cocoa plots offers a direct pathway to improved livelihoods. The initial nursery establishment saw a significant contribution from local women, who recognized the long-term potential of cocoa.” Mr. Wauro Oumabe also highlighted the practical needs driving community interest and said in areas like theirs, reliable income is essential for covering school fees, healthcare, and other basic necessities. The rising global market price for cocoa has further enhanced its appeal as a viable cash crop, capable of transforming local economies if grown to quality standards.” Future for the cocoa initiative focuses on strengthening the entire agricultural value chain. “A comprehensive five-year development plan has been submitted to MRDC,” Mr. Wauro Oumabe said . He noted that a key feature of this plan is the proposed establishment of a processing facility. “Our aim is to empower communities to move up the value chain from merely selling raw beans to producing processed cocoa, thereby retaining more value locally.” Such a facility would not only improve post-harvest handling and quality control but also create new employment opportunities, skills development in processing and grading, and open avenues for niche marketing of regionally branded cocoa products. This aligns with broader national goals of increasing domestic value-addition in the agricultural sector.” Mr. Wauro said.