As Tuberculosis continues to increase on a daily basis with over 120 people getting infected every single day, Minister for Health Elias Kapavore launched the “PNG National TB Summit 2025”, declaring the country at war to fight and eliminate TB in PNG by 2035. The TB summit scheduled for August 12-14th of this year, will start of firstly with a TB fundraiser dinner that’s set for the 30th of July as a start towards the TB program to address it and reduce it. “So why not, on the 30th of July, all the members of parliament and partners show up and let's talk about TB. Its serious enough and we need to end it!” He said, the statistics are seriously alarming and called for urgency and a collaborative effort from the government down to the communities to combat this together. According to statistics from NDoH, an estimation of about 226, 712 cases of TB were recorded from 2020-2024, 187 128 (82%) patients are on treatment, a total of 62% of people successfully treated, 24% of children infected with TB and a total of 57% patients tested for HIV with 8% of them positive. He said, TB is a top killer in PNG and in 2024, a total of 46, 016 patients and families suffered from this infectious disease with an estimation of 3, 400 people dying from TB alone in the same year. Under his watch, Minister Kapavore challenged the public health team to have intervention plans in place to seriously address this issue. “We have enough partners in the group, all we need is the helping hand, and to establish the way forward to end TB in the country.” He stated that, though the stats are alarming, it shows a clear way forward on what the department, partners and the country as a whole need to do to bring the numbers down and eventually, eliminate and eradicate TB in PNG. Minister Kapavore said, the vision to end TB by 2035 is a very long period and called on the department to come up with 2-year short-term strategies along with 6-month clear-cut approach for all 22 provinces to provide a way forward to end it. Furthermore, to tackle this issue, he announced that through the NCD Governor’s Office, a sum of K6 million will be invested to build a state-of-the-art TB Hospital located at 6mile.

In celebration of World Environment Day (WED) recently, 340 students from Rumginae Primary School in the Western province took part in a massive clean-up and awareness drive, encouraging locals to take responsibility for their rubbish and reduce pollution. The students participated in a cleanathon, tree planting, and showcased drawings and sculptures using recycled plastic to promote this year’s global theme: "Ending Plastic Pollution." Their efforts aimed to inspire the Rumginae station and surrounding communities to adopt better waste habits. Teacher in charge of WED program Ms. Natasha James said clean environment can be maintained if people change their attitudes and behaviors when in public places or in community by not throwing their rubbish. “Do not litter in our towns and community that we live in; control your rubbish. Involving students in such event broadens their minds to inform and educate people in the community on how things around us help us to live,” she said. She noted that students gained valuable lessons from the event, which can help promote a cleaner learning environment and a safer community. Under the theme "Ending Plastic Pollution," both Lower and Upper Primary students from Rumginae showcased their creativity through drawings, plastic-based sculptures, and poems, highlighting ways to reduce plastic waste. Students with the best drawings reflecting the World Environment Day theme were also awarded for their efforts. Children from Rarengre, Rudmesuk, Briompenai, Rumginae, and Menumsore villages — all located along the Kiunga-Tabubil Highway — took part, encouraging their communities to learn from them and join the fight against plastic pollution.

The National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) joined forces with staff and students of New Erima Primary School to commemorate World No Tobacco Day recently, spotlighting the dangers of tobacco and the tactics used by the tobacco industry targeting young people both nationally and globally. Tobacco is a harmful product that poses serious health risks. Director of Public Health Services, Dr. Amos Lano, explained that nicotine is highly toxic and dangerous. “Nicotine builds up in the lungs over time, causing lung cancer, contributing to hypertension, slowing a child’s growth and development, and leading to other diseases,” Dr. Lano said. The more cigarettes a person smokes each day, the more their life expectancy is shortened. Our health—and the health of those around us—is important, so it’s everyone’s responsibility to prevent passive smoking and eliminate tobacco-related diseases. Sr. Ileen Thomas, Manager of the Non-Communicable Disease program, highlighted that tobacco is deliberately harmful to health. “Tobacco kills around 8 million people in the world every year,” said Sr. Thomas. Sr. Thomas further elaborated that Tobacco is designed to have a negative impact on the overall health of a person. She emphasized that students and staff who smoke should gradually reduce their daily cigarette intake to successfully quit smoking. The CEO of NCD PHA, Dr. Robin Oge, urged students, staff, and residents of NCD to abstain from smoking. “Let’s all promote a healthy lifestyle and live happy, healthy lives,” he said. Dr. Oge added, “Change begins within each of us—we must choose a nicotine-free life.”

With support from developing partners, the national Department of Health lunched today the National Health Digital Strategy 2025-2023, the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Digital Toolkits, the national ICT Policy 2024-230 and the certification presentation of PNG’s Elimination of Trachoma ceremony. Minister for Health Elias Kapavore began by thanking key partners — including WHO, the Australian High Commission, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and other donors — for their continued support. He urged all PHA leaders to work together to ensure vital medical services are accessible and that every patient receives the care they deserve. He emphasized that during the three-day program, all PHA CEOs and board members should empower each other with the tools and skills needed to strengthen health services and deliver positive outcomes. He stated that, the toolkits launched today will track service delivery. He said, with the health system that’s already in place, this will enable all PHA’s to strengthen the health supply chain system. “The PHA Digital Toolkits will help improve transparency and standardize operations, strengthen resources and increase collaboration, ultimately improving health outcomes across provinces.” Meanwhile, Minister Kapavore announced that Papua New Guinea has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem that causes blindness and was awarded the Trachoma Elimination Certification on the 19th May 2025 in Geneva. “This milestone reflects the power of public health at its best. Bringing services to those in rural areas. It is a reminder that, equity, visibility and prevention must be at the heart of our health system. We have eliminated Trachoma, our efforts to eliminate other tropical disease are also making strong, we have reached over 1.2million people and sitting at about 77% coverage in key province.” Furthermore, Minister Kapavore encouraged all health workers, the citizens and partners, stating; “This victory belongs to you. Let’s carry It forward with purpose and determination.”

With child malnutrition and violence at alarming levels in Papua New Guinea, a new partnership between UNICEF and the Papua New Guinea Council of Churches (PNGCC) aims to bring hope and action to families across the country. UNICEF’s Dr Veera Mendonca says the country is at a tipping point with over 80% of children face violence at home, half are malnourished, and too many lack access to vaccines and basic services. In response, UNICEF and PNGCC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to mobilize churches nationwide. Through their powerful networks, churches will promote positive parenting, support child nutrition, push for birth registrations, and raise awareness about vital health services. It’s a faith-led movement to protect and uplift PNG’s most vulnerable — its children. “If we do not act now, this generation will be left behind,” said Dr Mendonca. “But if we invest in them today, this country can build a future full of opportunity.” “Half of all children are malnourished. Eighty-five per cent (85%) experience violence at home. Forty per cent (40%) of sexual violence cases involve children. Only two in 10 progresses to secondary school.  Vaccination coverage is below 50 per cent (50%). Birth registration is just 13 per cent (13%)," Dr Mendonca said. “These indicators are unacceptable. We must act with urgency.” Churches have a vital role to play in that response, according to Dr Mendonca. “Wherever you go in PNG — from cities to coastal villages to remote mountain areas — there is a church,” Dr Mendonca said. Churches are trusted.” “They shape attitudes. They can influence behaviors faster and deeper than almost any other institution.” Rev. Roger Joseph, General Secretary of PNGCC, echoed the urgency and the churches’ commitment. “We have a responsibility to care for the wellbeing of our people,” Rev. Joseph said.   “The churches reach every part of the country. We can drive the message that children must be protected and given the opportunity to thrive.” The new Gutpla Pikinini, Gutpla Kantri (Thriving Children, Prosperous Nation) partnership initiative will see targeted workshops with church leaders and community representatives in Port Moresby city, Morobe province and Mt Hagen city. UNICEF will also equip churches with mobile kits to support birth registration efforts and provide technical support on child nutrition, immunization and positive parenting messages. PNGCC — formerly the Melanesian Council of Churches — represents the nation’s major Christian denominations, with a combined membership of 7.8 million people. Its members include the Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic, United, Baptist and Salvation Army churches, supported by 16 associate members and strong interfaith ties. Dr Mendonca said that investing in children now is PNG’s greatest opportunity. “Papua New Guinea has 43 per cent (43%) of its population under 18. This is a gold mine for the future,” she said. “But only if we invest in children now.” “If churches embrace and lead on key messages — children must not be hit, fathers must engage in parenting, every child should be vaccinated, communities must demand better services — we can shift these terrible indicators and give children the futures they deserve." Dr Mendonca said the new partnership built on the Government’s recent move to establish PNG’s first-ever Parliamentary Committee for Children and Youth — a critical step in building national momentum for reforms. “Together with PNGCC and the Government, we can turn this partnership into real progress for children — in 2025 and beyond,” Dr Mendonca said. The partnership will mobilize churches across the country to promote positive parenting, improve child nutrition, increase demand for immunization, and support families to register children at birth. Through workshops, mobile outreach, and trusted community networks, the initiative aims to shift harmful behaviors, increase access to essential services, and help create safer, healthier environments for every child in PNG.

With the deadline fast approaching for the submission of the 2024 Annual Provincial Performance Reports (APPRs), the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) has mobilized officers to assist provinces that are behind in their reporting responsibilities. As part of this initiative, DPLGA Technical Officer Anton Make is currently in Wabag, providing week-long technical assistance to the Enga Provincial Administration. His mission includes delivering refresher trainings, conducting induction sessions, and facilitating one-on-one consultations with key public servants to enhance their capacity in compiling and submitting the APPRs, as mandated under Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local-Level Government. DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo explained that the effort goes beyond meeting compliance requirements. The primary goal is to strengthen the quality, accuracy, and integrity of provincial service delivery data and ensure provinces fulfil their statutory obligations. “This engagement is about more than compliance. It’s about equipping provincial administrations and sector officers with the skills and tools necessary to produce accurate, timely, and meaningful reports that will inform better decision-making and public service outcomes,” Mr. Leo said. The DPLGA team is working closely with officials from the governance sector, particularly staff from the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Office and the Office of the Deputy Provincial Administrator – Corporate Services. These consultations aim to validate sector performance data for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, which will be used to complete the Section 119 reporting templates. Refresher trainings commenced on Monday, focusing on the reporting process, performance indicators, and technical use of standardized templates. Special emphasis is being placed on helping the Enga Provincial Administration finalize its outstanding reports for both 2023 and 2024. “Our goal is to build internal capacity, improve data accuracy, and ensure that the reports meet all legislative requirements under the Organic Law,” Secretary Leo stressed. In a recent parliamentary session, the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Soroi Eoe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with all provinces to improve national reporting standards. He stressed the importance of reliable provincial performance data in shaping national planning and policy. Meanwhile, Secretary Leo has issued a strong reminder to all provinces yet to submit their 2024 APPRs, urging them to complete their reports by the end of this month. “Timely and accurate reporting is not just a legal requirement — it’s a governance imperative,” he said, adding that Section 119 reports are critical for monitoring service delivery and holding all levels of government accountable. To date, only four provinces have submitted their 2024 reports. The DPLGA remains committed to providing technical support to all provinces to ensure compliance with reporting obligations and to enhance public sector performance for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) announced today the re-appointment of Tahnee Norris as the head coach for the PNG national women’s team, the Santos Orchids. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina expressed his enthusiasm for Norris’ return, confirming that she will continue in the role for an extended two-year term leading into the world cup 2026. He stated that Tahnee’s appointment is not only for the week of the campaign for the Pacific Championships or the 2026 Rugby League World Cup but the commitment to growth. “The Board had a meeting and vetted and she has the full support to lead our Orchids into the next world cup 2026, where a couple of matches will be hosted in PNG and in other parts of the world as well.” “Tahnee brings her skillset of what’s she’s got and what she’s done and her experience across the game.” “It is not about one coach but building the pathways in the department that will allow our own coaches to come into the system.” He further stated that, for this year, with Tahnee’s input and working with their Performance & Pathway Department, the Santos PNG Orchids are confirmed to play two-trial matches to get more exposer and do well by the end of the year. “So, we’ve got the first game against the Australian Défense Force on the 15th of June here in Port Moresby, next weekend that will be a curtain-racer to the Hunters game as an international hit-outs.” “And there’s another match in Brisbane as a lead-up match, playing the Australian NRLW team trail-match as a lead-up to the Pacific Championships in October-November.” Norris, who is currently in Port Moresby attending the Santos Cup Football Conference, expressed her enthusiasm about continuing her role with the national side. She said she is energized by the opportunity to lead the team forward, building on the foundation that has already been laid. Santos PNG Orchids Chairlady Celestine Ove congratulated Tahnee Norris on her extended appointment. She stated that the re-appointment not only ensures continuity in the Orchids’ development but also provides an opportunity for Norris to share her extensive experience with the national coaching staff, team trainers, and PNGRFL personnel. Ove added that the team looks forward to continued progress under Norris' leadership as the Santos Orchids prepare for their campaign towards the next Rugby League World Cup. As part of their preparations, the Santos PNG Orchids will play two trial matches in June: • 15 June: Against the Australian Defence Force in Port Moresby • 22 June: Against the Brisbane Broncos NRLW team in Brisbane PNGRFL remains confident that, with the right support systems in place and strong leadership, the Santos PNG Orchids will continue to rise, representing Papua New Guinea with pride on the international stage. Both the Santos PNG Orchids and the PNG LNG Kumuls are scheduled to compete in the 2025 Pacific Bowl Championships later this year. Tahnee Norris will lead the Orchids as they prepare for future test matches and major tournaments, including qualifiers for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Her leadership is expected to play a vital role in continuing the progress and professionalism of the team, while further contributing to the overall growth of women’s rugby league in PNG.

The 2025 Santos Cup pre-season officially began this week with the inaugural Santos Cup Football Conference, held from 3–5 June in Port Moresby. This milestone event brings together key personnel involved in the competition, including coaches, team managers, referees, medical trainers, and physiotherapists, for capacity-building workshops ahead of the season. Santos has retained the naming rights sponsors for 2025 Season and the Santos Cup competition is set to begin on 02nd of August to the 14th of September. Club Franchises participating in the 2025 season include Bintangor Goroka Lahanis, Gas Resource Central Dabaris, Lae Snax Tigers, Moni Plus Port Moresby Vipers, Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles and ENB Agmark Gurias women’s team. The Santos Cup Football Conference was officially launched by Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Hondina, alongside Santos's representatives: Leon Buskens (Country Chair, PNG), Wayne Kasou (Senior Vice President, PNG Stakeholder Management), and Celestine Ove (Senior Communications Manager and Chairlady of the Santos PNG Orchids). Mr. Hondina expressed his gratitude to Santos for its continued support of rugby league in PNG, with particular acknowledgment of its commitment to the development of women’s rugby league. “On behalf of PNGRFL and the board I’d like to thank Santos for the continued support for the development of PNG Rugby league and women’s rugby league. Santos and everyone involved, you’re apart of PNG history of rugby league and breaking barriers to allow our women’s team to have a national competition that provides a pathway to represent PNG in the International arena.” Mr. Hondina further emphasized that the Santos Cup’s pre-competition recruitment and capacity-building initiatives align with PNGRFL’s vision of "Better People, Better Sports, Better Nation." He encouraged participants to take the knowledge and training gained from the conference back to their respective communities and organizations, promoting the same vision and level of professionalism across PNG. “This is our contribution to nation building; PNG Rugby league was not at the point it was 50 years ago. Just some years ago we weren’t able to play rugby league without people jumping high fences with barbwires and families weren’t able to attend to watch a game." "Today we have first class facilities and a safe environment. It is all about mindset and attitude change, if your able to come here and see the level of professionalism that needs to be maintained in the competition and pass that on into your communities we will see the Better People, Better Sports and a Better Nation," said Mr. Hondina. Santos Country Chair, PNG Mr. Leon Buskens congratulated PNGRFL and PNG National Rugby League Competition on the Inaugural Santos Cup Football Competition. “This is the first ever national women’s competition football conference, and I must say, when I walked in, I expected to see all women but there is an equal number of men and want to say that it is all about partnership and equal opportunity.” “I’m encouraged by these words in our vision to be better people – better sport – better nation, our values, believe, empower, trust, together, and excellence. These are really empowering words and so, I ask that you take a step back and reflect on what these words mean for you as an individual here today. "For us at Santos we share the same values and that shows through our sponsorship. We’ve been here from the beginning with the construction of Santos National Football Stadium at K260 million through the tax credit scheme and our naming rights of the Stadium, is valued at K17 million." "We have also invested another K12 million in the Santos PNG Orchids and Santos Cup. But it goes beyond branding and today you are all a part of the journey of changing mindsets and building a better future.” The Santos Cup will have 7 Rounds in which round 6 and 7 will be Semi-Finals and Grand Finals. The Santos Cup allows a pathway for the women who participate in the Affiliated League competition, that is run by PNRFL Community Rugby league, to play national and onwards to the Santos PNG Orchids.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of only ten countries globally-and the only one in the Pacific region-that has yet to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT), a deadly but vaccine preventable disease. With efforts to begin to eliminate this deadly disease through immunization and vaccination, the National Department of Health (NDoH) and the National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) in partnership with UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO) and key stakeholders, launched the first phase of the Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination (MNTE) Campaign today, Wednesday 4th June 2025. NDoH Acting Deputy Secretary Dr. Penial Boas when officially launching the campaign, encouraged everyone that in order to eliminate tetanus and other disease, everyone is responsible to get themselves and their young ones immunized and vaccinated. Tetanus can be effectively prevented through timely immunization, quality antenatal care, and safe, supervised birth deliveries. This nationwide initiative will also provide integrated health services to women and children, with the first phase targeting seven provinces: National Capital District (NCD), Central, Milne Bay, West New Britain, Southern Highlands, East Sepik and Manus, while the remaining provinces will be covered in the second phase. The campaign will be implemented in three rounds in each province. During the campaign, all girls and women aged 15-44 years, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, will receive three doses of tetanus vaccine in three campaign rounds, regardless of their previous immunization status. Timely vaccination for adolescent girls is especially important for long-term and maximum protection. The vaccine used in this campaign is the same SAFE and EFFECTIVE Tetanus vaccine that is already included in PNG's national routine immunization program, commonly administered during pregnancy and childbirth. While many women may have received this vaccine in the past, immunity decreases over time, making repeat doses is essential for lasting protection. All eligible girls and women must receive all THREE DOSES during the three campaign rounds to ensure full immunity. Free services offered during the campaign include: Girls and Women (15-44 years): Free Tetanus vaccination during three campaign rounds.  Pregnant Women: Free distribution of Mama Books, Iron and Folic Acid tablets, and vital information on antenatal care and safe birth deliveries. Children under 2 years: Routine immunization against 10 vaccine-preventable diseases, including Tetanus, polio, measles, rubella, TB, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Pneumonia etc. ALL GIRLS and WOMEN (15-44 years) in the target age group are strongly encouraged to visit their nearest health facility, outreach team, or mobile team site in their communities to receive their Free Tetanus immunization during the campaign. The department is calling on all husbands, partners, parents, caregivers, and community leaders to play a supportive role in ensuring every Girl and Women are fully immunized against Tetanus.

As of Monday 2nd June, 2025, all motor vehicle registrations and driver’s license services in the National Capital District (NCD) will be handled by the Road Traffic Authority (RTA). This change is part of the Marape-Rosso Government’s reforms to align with the Road Traffic Act 2014 and the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act 1974. According to John Avira, Acting CEO of RTA, this shift will simplify the process for motorists and clarify where to access key services. “This reform will enable the RTA to focus on our core functions for the public, and Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited’s (MVIL) will focus solely on providing Compulsory Third-Party motor vehicle insurance,” Mr. Avira said. “We all want to ensure that motorists know where to go for the services they need and make life easier in complying with legal requirements. MVIL has done a great job in administering these responsibilities since 1996.” RTA is stepping up and taking up these important licensing and registration functions. “The transition begins in the National Capital District and will expand around the Nation.” As of 2nd June 2025, the RTA is the sole authority for: New and renewed vehicle registrations; Issuance of number plates and changes to ownership, colour, engine or chassis; Licensing of all vehicle classes, including PMVs and taxis; Driver’s license issuance, upgrades, renewals, and reprints; Provision of registration-related consumables (e.g., handbooks, special plates) All driver licenses and vehicle registration certificates previously issued by MVIL will remain valid until their current expiry date. After that, renewals must be completed through the RTA. Before registering or re-registering a vehicle with the RTA, owners must first obtain Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance from MVIL. This legal requirement remains unchanged. Please note: CTP insurance only becomes active once vehicle registration is successfully completed. At this stage, the transition applies only to the National Capital District (NCD). In other provinces, MVIL will continue to manage registrations and licenses in partnership with provincial governments, except in areas where the function has already been transferred to local authorities, such as Morobe, Milne Bay, and West New Britain.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) officially launched the inaugural Pacific Women Leaders Program (PWLP) this morning in Port Moresby city, with the week-long program running until Friday 6th June. Supported by ADB, the initiative aims to address the significant gap in women’s leadership across the Pacific region, including in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It is specifically designed for women in senior roles or those aspiring to take on leadership positions that can influence public finance, policy making, and service delivery in their respective countries. “Promoting gender equality and empowering women is a strategic priority for ADB,” said Said Zaidansyah, the Country Director of ADB’s Papua New Guinea Resident Mission. “Through the capacity development offered by the Pacific Women Leaders Program, we aim to support participants in PNG to become transformative leaders. Our goal is to build their capabilities, inspire them, and enhance their ability to motivate and empower other women to step into leadership roles.” The PWLP is part of ADB’s flagship Asia Women Leaders Program, which, over the past decade (2014–2024), has trained nearly 300 women leaders from 31 countries across Asia and the Pacific. This regional initiative focuses on strengthening women's leadership by offering capacity-building in areas such as the links between gender equality and inclusive growth, communication and negotiation skills, and peer networking. The 2024 cohort in PNG includes 24 women from state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the private sector. In recent years, PNG has seen progress in women’s representation within SOEs. Between 2021 and 2024, female board membership increased from 6% to 18%. However, women still occupy only 7% of board chair roles and 9% of CEO positions—both figures below the regional average. Despite these challenges, efforts to improve women’s participation in SOE leadership are gaining momentum, according to the report PNG: Leadership Matters (2024). Additionally, women in PNG play a crucial role in the informal economy. According to Women’s Economic Empowerment in the Pacific Region (2023), nearly 90% of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in PNG's informal sector are owned by women. ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members-49 from the region.

In a milestone move toward greater accountability and transparency, the Jiwaka Provincial Administration has submitted its first-ever Comprehensive Section 119 Reports. This submission, made recently, fulfills a key legislative requirement under the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments. The reports, covering the 2023 to 2024 fiscal period, were officially handed over to the Department of Provincial and Local-level Government Affairs (DPLGA) by Jiwaka Provincial Administrator, Mr. Rick Kogen. The reports were received on behalf of Secretary Philip Leo by Mr. James Agigo, Deputy Secretary for the Provincial and Local Level Services Monitoring Authority (PLLSMA). In his remarks, Mr. Kogen acknowledged the collaborative efforts of technical officers from both the Jiwaka Provincial Administration and the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA), who worked diligently to compile the reports in compliance with Section 119. He emphasized that this submission represents a significant milestone for the province since its establishment in 2012. “From 2012 to 2022, no Section 119 reports were submitted to the DPLGA or the Minister. Under the current government and administration, we have produced and submitted our first comprehensive report for the 2023 to 2024 fiscal years. This is a proud moment for Jiwaka,” Mr. Kogen said. He affirmed the province’s commitment to strengthening governance systems and advancing infrastructure development across key sectors such as education, health, law and justice, transport, and economic development. These efforts are aligned with the 21 Strategic Areas, 12 Specific Areas, and 71 Deliberate Intervention Programs outlined in Papua New Guinea’s Medium Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV) 2023–2027. “We have made notable progress over the last two years, and I am proud to report our achievements. This report is not just a compliance measure—it is a reflection of our service delivery and commitment to the people of Jiwaka,” Mr. Kogen added. Deputy Secretary Agigo reiterated the importance of timely submissions, emphasizing that June 30th is the annual deadline for all Provincial Governments to submit their Annual Provincial Government Performance Reports (APGPR). “These reports must reflect performance across six key Minimum Priority Areas: Education, Health, Transport and Works, Primary Industry, Law and Justice, and Governance. They provide crucial insights into how provincial administrations are delivering essential services,” Mr. Agigo said. He commended Jiwaka’s leadership and urged other provinces to follow its example. During the recent May Parliamentary sitting, DPLGA Minister Soroi Eoe tabled a consolidated Annual Provincial Government Performance Report (APGPR) covering the years 2018–2022, drawing attention to widespread non-compliance with Sections 114 and 119 of the Organic Law. He stressed that these reports are not mere formalities, but vital instruments for measuring the effectiveness of government interventions, particularly in rural and underserved communities. “For far too long, many provinces have neglected this responsibility. This has contributed to the ongoing lack of vital services like health clinics, functioning schools, and safe roads in remote communities. We must do better,” said Minister Eoe. Jiwaka’s submission sets a new benchmark for provincial accountability and underscores the vital role of reporting in promoting inclusive and sustainable development throughout Papua New Guinea.