The World Environment Day celebration at Afore station in Ijivitari District of Oro province, successfully concluded with the planting of 80 trees seedlings to mark their efforts in addressing Climate Change and to help reduce carbon dioxide on Thursday, June 4th, 2026. Before the commencement of the tree planting ceremony, all youth groups were given solar lamps and firewood burners, including World Environment Day merchandise. This was made possible by the European Union and Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR-ICRAF). Oro Deputy Governor Robin Safitoa was part of the afternoon program representing Oro Governor Garry Juffa who was away in Port Moresby for the Parliament Sitting. Speaking during his official speech, Deputy Governor Safitoa, reminded everyone that nature is not only their heritage but also their greatest ally in addressing the challenges of climate change. “The forest that surround us here in Managalas are more than just trees, they are life support systems that provide clean air, water, food, medicine, cultural identity and livelihoods for our people.” He added that for years, their ancestors have lived in harmony with these forests and have understood that the forest does not belong to the people. However, the people do belong to the forest. He reminded all the youths that climate change is no longer a distant threat with its impacts being witnessed daily through the changing weather patterns, prolonged drought, flooding, coastal erosion, and the increased vulnerability in the communities. “As custodians of one of the most biologically diverse provinces, we have a responsibility to protect our natural environment for our future generations.” “The forests of Oro province are among our greater assets. They play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating rainfall, protecting watersheds, and protecting biodiversity.” “Every tree conserved contributes to the global effort to combat climate change. This is why the Oro Provincial Government remains committed to supporting conservative initiatives throughout the province.” “We recognize that conservation is not simply about protecting trees, however, it is about protecting people, culture, livelihoods, and future opportunities.” All youths in attendance were encouraged to become champions of conservation. Ultimately, the World Environment Day celebration at Afore station ended with planting 80 tree seedlings of four different tree species, with the Deputy Governor taking the lead to plant the first seedling in front of the District Administration office.

Over 500 youths, including children and elders of the Managalas Conservation area in Afore Local Level Government (LLG) of Ijivitari District in the Oro Province, gathered yesterday at the Afore station to mark World Environment Day, a day ahead of the actual day on Friday 5th June.Youths came from the 10 zones of Managalas, Managalas East consists of Zones 5,6,7A,7B,8 and 9 and Managalas West consists of Zones 1,2,3,4 and 10, and celebrated World Environment Day under the theme, "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For our Future." The celebrations marked the start of 2 days celebration of Managalas Youth Conservation Camp and Climate Trail program which started yesterday and will end today, Friday 5th June 2026. This is a 3- day camp out program, which saw all participants camping on the main field at Afore station. The program line up consisted of speeches, drama and song presentation including tree planting, and a Trail walk program schedule for today from Afore to Tahama-Korywo and back to Afore, a 4 hour walk around the Managalas Conservation area. The program is purposely to celebrate 9 years of Managalas as a conservation area as well as a preparation program towards their 10th Anniversary next year. This is a first of its kind and the youths of Managalas are hoping for more similar programs to follow. Mr. Brian Kasira who was the founder of the Managalas Conservation during his opening remarks highlighted the struggle and the journey of this conservation area and encouraged youths to carry on the good work their fathers have set to protect their land and environment. Mr. Kasira encouraged the youths of Managalas to abstain from taking part in the consumption of illicit drugs and homebrew and to focus on taking care of their environment as well as their own lives. "Take care of your rainforest, the environment is your future because it will save you." "Managalas conversation will sustain your life, your children's life, it is your future, no foreigner or illegal company will take it away from you." The Managalas Conservation area is about 214,696 hectares of land under conservation and parts of the areas run to Safia, Kokoda, Popondetta Urban and even Oro Bay. The World Environment Day Managalas Youth Conservation Camp and Climate Trail celebration and programs is made possible by the local people of Managalas in partnership with the European Union (EU), Oro Provincial Government, Member for Ijivitari and its DDA, Synergies Development, Managalas Conservation Foundation and CIFOR- ICRAF.

The Ilimo Elementary school in the Hiri Koiari District of the Central Province held a small but significant celebration recently at the school ground to mark the opening of a brand-new classroom.The school's Head Teacher Mr. Wilson Eibe stated that the classroom took exactly 3 years to build and was fully funded with students outstanding tuition money after it was properly budgeted for school operations. “I am extremely proud of this accomplishment, and I thank all who were involved in the decision making and the construction phase.”“The initial shelter commenced in 2023; however, due to funding constraints the project was delayed until this year”. The shelter houses two classrooms; however, only one was opened on Friday and the other is still closed as it is not fully complete.  Ilimo Elementary was established back in year 1998 and located just beside the road along the Sogeri Road at 14- Mile, and since its establishment, the school has not been given any support in terms of classrooms or administration rehabilitations. Mr. Eibe, who has been the school principal for the last 26 years, stated that the school had only 5 classrooms, 2 prep classrooms, 2 elementary 1 and 1 elementary 2 classroom. Thus, opening of the new classroom will bring relief to the overpopulation in prep 2 classroom. Currently the student population stands at 293 students. Mr. Eibe further highlighted that despite being located closer to the Rouna Hydro, the school does not have a power supply or even water supply for children to access clean and safe drinking water. The school also needs an ablution block, but all this can be achieved if one donor is willing to assist the school. The school is seeking individuals, donor partners to assist the school. “All our students are sitting on the floor because we don’t have desks, and we also need to complete the other classroom, which is unfinished, but we can only hope for support to come our way.”

In an effort to be disaster ready, TISA Bank has partnered with the National Disaster Centre (NDC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and delivered a one-day Disaster training to its staff.Staff from the Physical Security department and the property department of TISA Bank were the ones who participated in the Introduction to Disaster Management Workshop on Friday 29th May 2026 at Lamana Hotel. The whole day training was facilitated by Mr. Peter Murorera Emergency Coordinator at IOM PNG. Mr. Murorera delivered a workshop on the introduction to Disaster management, why it mattered, Disaster Management Framework and Actors, Disaster Management Cycle, Community Based- Disaster Risk Management Approach and Preparedness and Basic Planning. The one-day training ended with the presentation of certificates to the participants. Mr. Tony George, TISA's Occupational Health Safety and Wellbeing Officer who was the person in charge of this training, stated that this is first of its kind, and Tisa Bank is happy to partner with NDC and IOM to deliver this critical training to Tisa staff. “Its first of its kind for a banking organization to partner with NDC and IOM to deliver such training”. “Emergency happens, we can’t control that, but the best we can do is get training that prepares us, equips us to Build a Disaster Management Plan to sustain the operation of the Bank during disaster periods.” Mr. George added also that Natural Disasters are not the only disasters to be prepared for; others include fire, civil unrest, and pandemics. All these are disruptions to organizational operation. “It’s about enabling us to get us through the disaster period and attending such workshop and discussion equips us to go back to our office and work together to build a framework on how best we can respond to natural disaster.” TISA is aiming to have more details trainings with partners, and TISA staff were encouraged to attended similar trainings that will follow suit any time soon as all these trainings are Free of charge. “When disaster hits any of our TISA Branch, we want to know how to respond, and everyone, every staff plays and important role when it comes to respond.” "All staff can work together and will know what is required to do so that customer services are not disrupted, there is no loss of business; therefore, such training is vital for preparations for operations during any disaster," said Mr. George.

Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Vice President, Attorney General, and Minister for Independence Mission Implementation, Ezekiel Masatt, recently delivered a ministerial update to Parliament regarding the joint post-referendum consultations between the Government of Papua New Guinea and Bougainville. During his address, Vice President Masatt outlined that there are three main key strategies guiding Bougainville’s political journey towards independence. 1. The Bougainville Peace Agreement (BPA) process which includes the referendum and ratification process, 2. The constitution-making process through the Bougainville Constituent Assembly (BCA), 3. And international lobbying. “Any one of them can happen, however, to give confidence and trust to this preferred option,” Masatt stated. “If we go back to the motion for BCA, we can amend laws, but we will still fall short when it comes to adapting.” Mr. Masatt added that this shows that all three strategies cannot work in this process toward independence because the preferred options for gaining independence through the BPA, were involved in the referendum and the peace agreement, which caused a lot of arguments and friction between the two governments.That was when a moderator was brought in that resulted in the Melanesian Framework agreed to in the Melanesian Agreement signed in June 2025. “This is the pathway forward for Bougainville Independence, now at the stage of Melanesian agreement where it is intendent to find practical model for Bougainville for independence.” “This model must never fall under the definition that falls short of the definition that the people had voted for in the referendum, apart from crafting out a model, focus is also on power and functions, capacity and funding, finding and knowing weakness and strengths.” He further highlighted that the national government has agreed to let Bougainville talk about and with sovereign powers; however, Bougainville still recognized the National Government as the sovereign power. “At most of the time the National Government often says there are no funds available, well Bougainville wants sovereign power so it can make strategic economic decision to solve some money issues faced by the government”, Masatt added. “Discussions are going very well on technical side and hope that in this current autonomous status we assume some sovereign power so we can have the power to make decisions and move peacefully through to independence and self-government.”

The Member for Moresby North- East, John Kaupa, has come out to clear the air on allegations made against him by a fellow Member of Parliament (MP) that had led to the damage of properties belong to his son residing in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province. According to reports, two vehicles with smashed windscreens were impounded on the premises of Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent John Kale in Goroka following a police raid last month on a private property upon a warrant issued by the MP for Sol -Nomane Karamui, Francis Alua. According to Kaupa, the Sol -Nomane Karimui MP obtained a search warrant on the property of the Moresby North- East MP’s son in Goroka upon suspicion that two vehicles parked in John Kaupa’s son’s yard in Asaro belong to the Moresby North- East electorate. John Kaupa in a press conference today clarified all these allegations and rumours surrounding this incident, stating that this was done purely on political interest because his son is intending to run for the Sol -Nomane Karimui seat in the 2027 national election. “I have no personal grudges against my good brother and Member for Sol-Nomane Karamui (SNK) Francis Alua. We are brothers from the same district, and I am surprised that such action was taken against me when Mr. Alua alluded that these two vehicles were sent by me to Goroka.” “Mr. Alua alluded that Moresby North- East (MNE) district vehicles were sent to Goroka is purely false allegations. I do not own a property in Goroka, and these two vehicles were never bought with district funds nor any MNE vehicles.” “I am a second term member of parliament and an accountant by profession, I am not stupid to send a MNE district vehicle to Goroka, we have political boundaries and we are metropolitan city, everything is screened.” Mr. Kaupa further added that Mr. Alua is a Lawyer by profession, and such allegations upon suspicion are not called for. “He should have done proper research with MVIL and check whose vehicles they are, plus check with MNE District office regarding records of these two vehicles.” Kaupa also stated that police have protocols to follow when responding to any allegations against Members of Parliament because it has to go all the way up to the Commissioner of Police before any action is taken; however, that protocol was never followed in this serious matter. “Police in Goroka have acted like criminals, and why were the vehicles locked up on PPC’s yard when they should be impounded at the police station if that was a police matter. All police personnel involve including the PPC will be put under investigation.” “I want to assure the people of Moresby North- East that this is a totally different issue that is not even connected to the Ombudsmen Commission investigation on my side.” MP Kaupa further reiterated that defamation of character is a serious offence one can do against another person, and MP Alua will definitely be charged for defamation of character. “My lawyer is currently working on laying charges regarding defamation of character as well as damage of the vehicles, plus will also look into the conduct of the police.” Meanwhile, the Moresby North- East District Administrator further added that all district vehicles are still in the National Capital District (NCD) engaging in projects and programs run by the district, and no vehicle was put on tender nor any vehicle purchased and sent out of Port Moresby. “Such allegations by Mr. Alua is a serious matter; MNE records are all here. MNE office can justify that no MNE vehicle was sent to Goroka to begin with, these are all false allegations.”

All schools in Milne Bay province remain closed at this time, awaiting all disaster assessments to be completed before taking further action. A team from the Provincial Education Department that was sent to each district is currently assessing all school infrastructures. Mr. Randal Ganisi, the Acting Disaster Coordinator of the Milne Bay Disaster Office says the School Inspectors will decide which schools will reopen and which ones are not, only after determining the extent of damage done by Tropical Cyclone Maila to a school.“Many buildings, especially classrooms, were destroyed, so students and parents are urged to bear with schools at this time as the recovery process is under way”. “Schools with permanent buildings that have not been badly damaged will see resumptions, however, the same cannot be said for the semi-permanent classrooms on the island as most schools will be looking at rebuilding classrooms.” Upon completion of school assessment in the province the Provincial Education Department should put out a formal notice for term 2 resumption.

The much-needed relief supplies for the Murua Island community impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila, arrived last night on board MV Whiskey Sierra, much to the delight of the people. According to the Acting Disaster Coordinator of the Milne Bay Disaster office, Mr. Randal Ganisi, the vessel set sail for Murua on Monday morning on a two-day trip and reached that island last night. “This is our first official respond right after Tropical Cyclone Maila eased down, this is a planned 7-day operations to Samarai- Murua District which is the most affected, 2 days trip on sea to the district, 3 days relief operations and 2 days return trip back to the mainland.” Mr. Ganisi highlighted that this is a joint effort with the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, the Red Cross and the Fire service with a total of 14 first responders led by former Milne Bay Fire Service Commander, Iso Abau. They are right now on Murua Island. “Physical environment assessment will be made and then food items as well and non- food items will be distributed. After distribution of relief supplies, medical services will be made available to those that need medical attention.” After Murua Island, the team will move on to Ego Island and then to Yanaba Island before returning. Mr. Ganisi further stated that at the moment there are two navy ships in Alotau ready to provide aid with disaster relief work on outer islands of Milne Bay Province. “We also have disaster relief supplies of food items and NFI brought in by an Australian Defence Force plane and a New Zealand Defence Force plane, and these supplies will be loaded on to the two Navy ships to be distributed to all the affected communities on all the small islands affected by tropical Cyclone Malai.” “We are grateful for the assistance given to us by our partners and neighbors Australia and New Zeeland through their military, this will definitely bring relief to the affected.” Ganisi added that depending on the severity, the most affected is Budibudi Island in the Samarai- Murua district followed by other islands in the district. Other islands in the Kiriwina Good Enough district and the North Coast of Milne Bay mainland also were impacted. With the disaster assessment underway as well as the disaster relief program, the disaster office acknowledges the Milne Bay Provincial Government for being the first to provide K100,000 disaster funds, also acknowledging Alotau District Administration for another K100,000 for disaster relief, whose contributions have helped kick off the assessment and relief programs right after the cyclone. “Further acknowledgement to the Provincial Disaster Office, the National Disaster Office and partners including the New Zealand Government and the Australian Government for assistance,” Ganisi adds. “We are aware of fundraising for disaster relief happening in Port Moresby and Lae, we acknowledge the strategic approach and the collective efforts put together and we appeal that all proceeds be given directly to the Provincial Disaster office for clear management and fair distributions to affected communities.”

The category 5 Tropical Cyclone (TC) Maila is expected to return to PNG territory in the early hours of Thursday morning and move towards southwest over the next couple of days.According to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Weather Service (NWS) TC Maila is currently in the Solomon Islands territory. Mr. Lusete Laso Mana, the Acting Director, stated that when TC Maila returns, it will be at slow transit speed along its path towards southwest, which will cause catastrophic wind gusts and unprecedented rainfall accumulation and structural fatigue. “This will lead to flash flooding, king tides, landslides, and coastal inundation, while houses, power poles/lines and trees to be blown off and potential communications breakdown to be expected in the outer islands of Milne Bay Province.” Now, the areas under alert include Rossel Island, Sudest Island, Misima Island, Woodlark Island and Kiriwina Island in Milne Bay Province and South Bougainville in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The areas on watch for gusty winds and rainfall include provinces in Southern Region, Momase Region and New Guinea Islands Region. “As such, the National Disaster Centre, with technical advice from the National Weather Service, urgently urges the Milne Bay Provincial Administration to inform people in the above-mentioned islands to move to inland high-grounds and safe places.” “Furthermore, restriction must be made for small crafts or vessels to go out during this time and prepare any emergency kits or life-saving supplies on board when travelling out to sea,” Mr. Mana added. For provinces under watch, take all necessary precautionary measures to minimize potential risks from TC Maila, the National Disaster Centre is issuing this warning to all maritime provinces and calls for immediate preventive action. The Centre will continue to work closely with relevant technical agencies to monitor the situation and provide further updates.

It is nearly three (3) months now since the forced eviction that took place at the 2 Mile Hill illegal settlement in Port Moresby city where thousands of people- mostly families from Goilala in the Central Province, were displaced.The Central Province Disaster office which came to their assistance, confirmed that there are more than 4,000 people that were evicted, 700 of them children and 301 households affected. Central Province Disaster Coordinator Mr. Tamai Ipou stated that the evicted people have settled temporarily at the Moniogo area in Badili under makeshift shelters at the Kassman residence. Mr. Ipou also highlighted that the central provincial disaster office is grateful that the National Disaster Office has taken notice of the displaced people and came on board to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims. In a partnership with the Central Provincial Disaster office, the National Disaster Office presented all non-food Items, humanitarian supplies, blankets and tents as well as food rationing worth K50,000 to assist the displaced people. Speaking at the presentation of the relief supplies at Bautama, Central City on Thursday 19th March 2026, the Acting Director for National Disaster Centre Mr. Laso Mana acknowledge IOM, Red Cross and UNDP for partnering with National Disaster Centre in supporting the humanitarian aid and donations. Mr. Mana said it is devasting to lose a home and when the Central Provincial Disaster Centre took the lead in assessing the damages and providing aid, National Disaster Centre saw fit to come on board and give support as well. By Friday 20th March 2026, all the donated Items were equally divided among the households. The distribution of the relief assistance was done by teams from both National Disaster Centre and the Central Provincial Disaster with the help from youth volunteers.

The National Disaster Centre and the National Weather Service have issued a notice of the formation and movement of tropical cyclone Narelle.The Tropical Cyclone Narelle has developed a few kilometers southwest of the Sudest Island in Milne Bay Province and the system is generating converging winds that are drawing in deep atmospheric moisture from surrounding regions, resulting in very strong winds and intensified weather conditions.  In addition, the cyclone is contributing to increased rainfall during an already wet period currently being experienced across Papua New Guinea. This is expected to lead to flooding and flash flooding in river systems nationwide. Areas under close watch for strong winds and heavy rainfall include Milne Bay— particularly the islands of Rossel Island, Sudest Island, Misima Island, and Samarai Island. Also, other areas that are under surveillance during this period is Central Province and Gulf Province. “The Momase Region and New Guinea Islands Region are also expected to experience strong winds and significant rainfall.” “The Highlands Region is advised to expect continued rainfall, with heightened risks of flooding and potential landslides during this period.” Currently, the National Disaster Centre urges the public to take all necessary precautionary measures to minimize potential risks. “Maritime provinces are strongly advised to suspend the operation of small craft vessels and avoid open sea travel.” Communities in the Highlands and inland areas should remain on high alert for possible flooding and landslides as well. The National Disaster Centre is issuing this advisory to all provinces and calls for immediate preventive action. The Centre will continue to work closely with relevant technical agencies to monitor the situation and provide timely updates. The public is advised to contact National Disaster Centre Operations on 325 2312 or email info@pngndc.gov.pg or visit www.pngndc.gov.pg to report any disaster events. Furthermore, the public is advised and encouraged to visit the nearest provincial disaster offices to report on any disaster situation.

The Mt Bosavi Sustainable Agriculture Development Initiative (SADI) is now focusing on sustainable agriculture and tourism projects for the people of Mt Bosavi.Chairman Mr. Andrew Awabi stated that Mt Bosavi SADI is happy to be the recipient of a four-day training that was held by Tourism Promotion Authority from the 7th -10th of this month March in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province.“Five members of SADI including myself attended that training, and it has help us to understand the opportunity and potential Mt Bosavi has in the space of Tourism”, said Mr. Awabi. MR Awabi also added that the Mt Bosavi SADI has been working very hard to bring in changes, to create sustainable livelihood for the people of Bosavi and develop cash crops. “SADI has introduced cocoa, vanilla, coffee to the people of Bosavi so that they can also earn money through production of cash crops.” “SADI also introduced new methods of farming under the Agri- Tourism, whereby farming is done in a way that it sustains climate change and mitigation changes.” He further noted the lack of road access as one of the biggest struggles for the people of Bosavi to connect with the rest of the world, due to no road, basic services are still inaccessible, and economic opportunity is still difficult. “Financial problem is the biggest issue faced by SADI and the people of Bosavi, we are calling on developers, non-government organizations, partner donors, provincial government and our LLG president to promote and support our local Agri projects as well as our livelihood projects”. “Nipa Kutubu DDA has started road projects to connect Bosavi but was never completed and it’s been years, we want to be seen, we want to be accessed, we want better lives for our children.” “It’s 50 years since Independence, we want road link into Mt Bosavi region so that all our rich agriculture projects and cash crops can find its way to markets, this is SADI’s biggest desire.”