Kalang News

11/11/2024

Madang Pikinini Basketball Tournament

MADANG PIKININI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT CONCLUDED YESTERDAY

By SHARON AGAVI

Madang Pikinini Basketball Interschool Tournament 2024 concluded the yesterday with Six Madang schools competed on saturday in an intense Round Robin showdown, playing five high-energy games each from dawn to dusk and concluded their Finals on Sunday 10th.

The tournament organising committee extended their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible sponsors and contributors who made this event a success.

Ms Stephanie Siou, the secretary of Madang Town Basketball Association, and an organising committee of Madang Pikinini Basketball says real change happens when people take 'Action' (not just nice speeches) but with abilities, using resources and skills to do good.

She says to change Madang to move forward with togetherness they can show the children that positive change is possible when everyone plays their part.
This way it creates a province they’ll be proud to call home.

Community development work in Madang is essential for creating a better future for children by building stronger communities, by helping them learn values like kindness, honesty, and working together, the qualities that will shape them into leaders for tomorrow.

The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) indoor basketball court came alive with cheers, laughter, and pure excitement as players, coaches, referees, parents, and fans were captivated by the action.

RSEA Limited, Pyramid Shipping Services Limited, Andersons Foodland Limited, Golden Rise Investment and Ayang Bus Service are some supporting hands of this tournament.

In attendance at the the Tournament, was the BFPNG Content and Female Engagement Lead,Ms. De'Lisha Koime, which was a bonus for good exposure for the young players

Picture Caption: Participants of Six Competing Schools taking part in the 2024 Madang Pikinini Basketball.

11/11/2024

New Recruits commenced trainings.

NEWS RECRUITS TO RESUME TRAINING THIS MONTH

TWO hundred and twenty- one (221) new recruits of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary will resume training this week at the Bomana Centre of Excellence.

This was confirmed today by Deputy Commissioner of Administration Dr. Philip Mitna, when he formally officiated the commencement of the trainings.

The second batch of the 2023 recruitment already started a month ago, however due to administration, medicals clearances and other issues delayed the trainings, until it was given the Green lights to let the intensive trainings to begin.

Dr. Minta said the training will take only 6months.

Dr. Minta commended the new recruits, those that were selected amongst the 8000 plus applicants to do their best, put discipline first and pass out with flying colours to serve the people of this nation.

Dr. Mintna added the tomorrow (Tuesday) will be the induction of the new recruits before heading into the programs.

Picture: Police recruits at the Bomana Centre of Excellence.

11/11/2024

03/11/2024

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KALANG ADVERTISING LIMITED LAUNCHED NEW WEBSITE.

By RICKY ISRAEL

KALANG Advertising Limited, trading as FM100, Hot 97 FM and Kalang Events Management, launched its Website, marking a mile stone achievement for the company.

The website aims to expand Kalang’s reach by providing news, information, and entertainment to a wider audience while strengthening relationships with business partners.

The website was officially launched by Mr Molean Kilepak, Chief Commissioner of the Lands Commission of Papua New Guinea.

This launch complements Kalang's active, engaging presence on social media and radio app, further enhancing its digital footprint.

CEO Bill Wartovo highlighted the company’s dedication to innovation in the advertising and broadcasting sectors.

“Our goal is to reach those further away, ensuring fair information sharing for all audiences. This website reflects our commitment to enhancing the digital experience for clients and partners across Papua New Guinea and beyond,” he said.

The site features user-friendly navigation, showcasing Kalang’s services and keeping visitors informed about the latest developments.

Mr Waratovo noted, “This platform is not just a digital presence; it represents our brand's dynamic nature.”

Luanne Borle, Kalang's ICT Manageress, emphasized that the new website supports the Department of Information and Communication Technology’s digital transformation efforts in PNG.

“ Kalang Advertising Limited is the only radio broadcaster in PNG that has a five-year digitalization plan and this marks a significant milestone as we adapt to the changing digital landscape,” she stated, thanking her team for their hard work over the past six months.

A standout feature of the new website is online radio streaming, which allows listeners to enjoy FM 100 from anywhere in the world.

The website was officially launched at the Gateway Hotel on Saturday.

01/11/2024

WESTERN Highlands Province Governor Wai Rapa and Public Service minister Joe Sungi in Mt. Hagen to open the new Public Services Commission Regional Head office.

01/11/2024

WESTERN Highlands Province, Governor Wai Rapa, including Public Service minister Joe Sungi and other invited guests and dignitaries arriving at the new Public Services Commission Regional Head office at Kagamuga along the Highlands Highway for the official opening and commissioning of new duplex staff house, a stand alone Regional Manager's house and Office.

01/11/2024

PREPARATIONS underway with singsing groups, testing their kundu drums and songs to welcome the important dignitaries of the Public Services Commission, including the arrivals of the Prime Minister James Marape, WHP governor Wai Rapa, State Enterprises Minister and Hagen Open MP William Duma and Public Service minister Joe Sungi.

The official opening is coming up shortly.

01/11/2024

PREPARATIONS underway for the commissioning and opening of the new and first Public Services Commission Regional Head office in Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

The official opening is today at the Kagamuga, next to Kui Wamp Nga Secondary school and former Resources Centre along Highlands Highway.

Opening of the new duplex staff and office and a stand-alone Regional Manager's house will be officiated by Prime Minister James Marape, WHP governor Wai Rapa, State Enterprises Minister and Hagen Open MP William Duma and Public Service minister Joe Sungi.

31/10/2024

NEW and first duplex Public Services Commission Highlands Regional head office in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

The new duplex staff house, a standalone manager's house and office will be commissioned today by Prime Minister James Marape, Hagen Urban MP William Duma, WHP governor Wai Rapa and Public Service minister Joe Sungi.

The new office is located at Kagamuga, next to Kui Wamp Nga Secondary school and former Resources Centre along Highlands Highway.

More updates to come.

31/10/2024

NEW Duplex staff house of the first Public Services Commission Highlands Regional Head Office.

The Office is located along the Highlands Highway, next to Kui Wamp Nga Secondary school and former Resources Centre at Kagamuga, Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

The commissioning and opening of the new duplex staff house, stand alone manager's house and office will be today, while Prime Minister James Marape, WHP governor Wai Rapa, Hagen Urban MP William Duma and Public Service minister Joe Sungi will do the honours.

31/10/2024

THE first Public Services Commission Regional Head office is set to open today at the outskirts of Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province.

Prime Minister James Marape, WHP governor Wai Rapa, Hagen Urban MP William Duma and Public Services Minister Joe Sungi will all present today to commission and open the new duplex staff house, duplex Highlands Regional head office and standalone manager's house.

The office is located next to Kui Wamp Nga Secondary school and formerly Resources Centre, along Highlands Highway.

25/10/2024

SANTOS ANNOUNCE 3-YEAR SPONSORSHIP FOR THE PNG ORCHIDS

SANTOS today announced their continued naming rights sponsorship of Papua New Guinea's national women’s rugby league team, the Orchids.

The 3-year sponsorship investment by Santos begins this year and will also cover the junior and school rugby league development programs, technical, coaching and support staff, travel and accommodation and international fixtures for the Orchids such as the current Pacific Championships leading up to the World Cup in 2026.

Santos Country Chair PNG, Leon Buskens, said Santos was proud to be associated with the women’s game in PNG as an advocate of women’s empowerment and in line with its values in building a better future.

“At Santos, our purpose is about creating a better world for everyone by delivering positive outcomes in the areas where we operate, and the Orchids provide a great platform for our young women and girls to realise their full potential and grow as better individuals in their communities through the sport of rugby league.

“Our sponsorship goes beyond the logo on the jersey, it’s about advocating for all the women and girls in our families, our communities and our country using our national sport.”

Santos has been a leader in elite women’s rugby league in PNG, starting with their sponsorship in 2017 under Oil Search when the first ever Orchids team was selected.

This year, Santos became the naming rights sponsor to the first ever national women’s competition, the Santos Cup.

CEO for PNGRFL, Stanley Hondina, was grateful for Santos being such a great supporter of our women’s game.

“On behalf of the PNGRFL Board, I want to say thank you to the Board, Management and Staff of Santos for their continued belief and support of our women’s game in PNG. We are truly grateful, and it is through partners such as Santos that make our game better and allows us at PNGRFL to deliver our women’s programs.

“The start of the Santos Cup this year gave us a platform for our women and girls to aspire to, with the Orchids being the ultimate goal.”

The Santos PNG Orchids are currently taking part in the Pacific Cup Championships against Australia and New Zealand.

Picture: Supplied.

24/10/2024

PNG PORTS ANNOUNCES PROFIT OF OVER K100m

PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) has announced a net profit of over K100 million, for the third consecutive year.

The State Owned Enterprise announced a total of around K110,053,586 as Net Operating Profit after Tax (NOPAT) for the 2023 fiscal year, showing positive growth, after recovering from the significant impact the COVID pandemic had on the entire maritime industry.

From this profit, PNG Ports has declared a dividend of approximately K27.5 million to Kumul Consolidated Holdings, for the 2023 fiscal year.

In 2021 and 2022, PNG Ports made profits of K102.6 million and K104.5 million respectively.

Together with the 2023 profit, this represents a total of almost K320 million in profits over the past three years. CEO of PNG Ports, Neil Papenfus, has attributed the 2023 profit to efficiency improvements and prudent financial management with regard to PNG Ports’ core revenue streams of wharfage, berthage, storage, pilotage and terminal leasing, as well as an increase in vessel traffic.

PNG Ports operates in a demand-driven industry where an increase in the demand for trade causes higher vessel calls and greater cargo volumes in and out of a port.

However, PNG Ports’ overall capacity to generate a profit is impacted by its requirement to operate and look after its 12 Community Service Obligation (CSO) ports, which all run at a loss.

“These CSO ports,” says Mr Papenfus, “are essentially subsidized by the profitable ports of Lae, Port Moresby and Kimbe.”

“To continue to generate profits and simultaneously operate and maintain all 15 ports, PNG Ports is developing new revenue streams such as a Pilotage School, embarking on a program of process improvement and re-engineering, with plans to overhaul its IT system.

He said these initiatives would improve PNG Ports’ efficiency as well as customer experience, whilst positioning PNG Ports to meet the current and future industry demands. Mr Papenfus, who took on the role of CEO in May, commended Chief Commercial Officer, Ian Hayden-Smart, who looked after the SOE, after the shock passing of late CEO, Fego Kiniafa, in 2022.

He also paid tribute to the late Kiniafa for the decisions made which were now producing results, and the guidance of the Board, as well as the management and staff for the hard work and commitment in PNG Ports’ ongoing profitability and success.

He added that the 2024 fiscal year had started off strong, with good results also expected as the SOE reviews its corporate strategies to strategically align itself to continue serving this nation.

Picture: Supplied.

24/10/2024

PNGDF PROMOTES SIX OFFICERS TO THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL

THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) promoted six senior officers and confirmed them to positions yesterday at HQPNGDF, Murray Barracks.

The officers promoted were Major Andy Napi, Major Simon Nogfa, Major Jefford Baea, Lieutenant Commander Douglas Inau, Major Joshua Dopar, and Lieutenant Commander Roy Dromenge.

Major Napi was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and confirmed as Staff Officer Grade One (SO1), Reserve Force; Major Nogfa was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and confirmed as Director of Intelligence Services and Major Baea was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and confirmed as Director Education.

Lieutenant Commander Douglas Inau was promoted to the rank of Commander (Navy) and confirmed as SO1, Force Capability Development; Major Joshua Dopar was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and posted at Coordination Branch, seconded to the office of Director of National Intelligence Organization as Director General; and Lieutenant Commander Roy Dromenge was promoted to the rank of Commander (Navy) and appointed as Commanding Officer of HMPNGS Tarangau Naval Base.

All officers have served in various senior posts within the force and have completed necessary qualifying courses for the promotions.

Picture: Promoted officers Lt Col Napi (front, second left), Lt Col Nogfa, Lt Col Baea, Cmdr (Navy) Inau, and Lt Col Dopar with senior officers after their promotions yesterday at HQPNGDF, Murray Barracks.

Picture Supplied.

22/10/2024

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TO ADDRESS CAUTION BAY ALLEGATIONS.

BY NIGEL MADO

THE Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP, John Rosso who is also the Minister for Lands, has advised that he will be releasing a statement shortly to address the issues and allegations raised by the Hiri-Koiari MP, Kieth Iduhu on Sunday 19th October 2024.

The Hiri-Koiari member alleged that according to a statement from the Ialibu-Pangia MP, Peter O’niell, over 280 hectares of land in caution bay was appropriated by the Department of Lands through questionable means and listed as prime land before being exempted.

FM100 when speaking to the Minister’s office was advised that the minister is set to address these allegations through a statement and hope this will be able to clear the air on a number of issues highlighted by the MP.

22/10/2024

230 SMEs Upskilled with Invest and Grow Money Concept

BY SANDRA ULG

The Small and Medium Enterprises Corporation (SMEC) for the first time has introduced the Invest and Grow Money Concept under the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) training Program that has seen 230 participants graduate on Friday October 18th.

The 230 participants (213 women and 17 men) are from five church-based groups in NCD are the first batch to go through this concept that was conducted in 2weeks.

SMEC Director of BACB Division Ms. Diane Guria whilst giving the keynote speech said it is anticipated that with the new concept participants will start their own micro to to small businesses immediately after the training unlike in the past because this time soft loans will be made available.

Ms. Guria says SMEC has committed K100,000 for the roll out of this Invest and Grow Money in NCD. From this funding K20,000 each will be made available to the five church groups and it will be disbursed to individual members in the groups so that each member will receive K500 each as start-up capital to start their businesses.

She explains that after the participants receive their soft loans, they will than undergo 16 weeks of intensive business start-up program on how to start their business and on how to manage their income with close supervision from SMEC.

She says this is a revolving fund concept where the funds will be recouped from the first group and will be used again to fund the next groups in NCD and eventually it will be rolled out to other provinces as well.

She adds that the focus of the concept is to maximize the opportunity gaps in Business Start Ups by providing the soft loan. There was never an opportunity provided in the past trainings except through bank arrangements but those funds parked in the banks were not accessible to SMEs to start up their businesses. SMEC anticipates that this new approach will pave way forward for the promotion and development of businesses to thrive in a sustainable MSME sector.

Meanwhile, participants acknowledged SMEC for rolling out this new concept under the SIYB training programme.

22/10/2024

DOCTOR CONFIRMS NO ILLEGAL KIDNEY HARVEST CASES IN PNG

By Vonu LIBITINO

A kidney special or nephrologist at the Port Moresby General Hospital, confirmed that there have been no recorded instances of illegal kidney harvesting in Papua New Guinea.

Dr. Steven Bogosia, Papua New Guinea's only leading nephrologist, made this statement, in response to a screenshot of a message, that is being shared on social media, in which the sender discussed harvesting kidneys from school children for money.

“You can’t just go and harvest kidneys from people, because that would mean killing and stealing and these are all illegal activities.

There are laws in place that [prohibit] this from happening and if you are found doing this, you will be arrested and charged,” Dr Bogosia said, to dispel rumors of illegal kidney harvest.

The kidney doctor explained the procedure of kidney donor in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

“When a patient has kidney failure due to diabetes and requires a kidney donor for transplant, we usually ask the patient’s family member to be the donor.

The patient and relative (donor), will then have to travel together, to places like Manila, to get the kidney transplant done.

And we only do the transplant, when both [parties] have agreed.

We cannot force someone to [donate] their kidney and the patient should not have to pay for a kidney as that would be illegal,” Dr Bogosia said.

He did admit that there is illegal kidney harvesting happening elsewhere in the world however, this has never happened in PNG.

We did have similar rumors of this kind of thing in the past, but I have never seen this happen in the wards in the hospital or heard of a report of this in PNG,” Dr Bogosia reiterated.

22/10/2024

FIREWORKS ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON SIGNIFYING THE END OF THE 2024 MOROBE PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW

THE first fireworks heard, seen and set to the skies was on Friday at around 7pm at the Lae Show Ground and the final was witnessed by those who came to watch and witnessed the eventful Provincial mouthpiece occasion at 4pm on Sunday.

See you all again in 2025, for bigger and better Morobe Show.