We are now in the recovery of the pandemic response, it is undeniable that the experience of COVID-19 to Papua New Guinea, has created a firm understanding of gaps within the national health system that can be better managed, to create resilient health systems in the future. These are several key elements that allow for the better management of health systems; however, one that is Command Control, based on the experience learned throughout COVID 19. To achieve Command Control, the Joint Agency task force at the National Control Centre was established on 24th March 2020, with the assistance of government agencies and partners- a fundamental strategy to have in managing a country's disasters  or pandemic with the leadership of the pandemic controller- David Manning. The 'Niupela Pasin', being implemented  and rolled out as a New Normal Strategy was similarly a good outcome from the pandemic that greatly complemented command control and  compliance to the measures and directives given out by the controller. Speaking at the Resilient Health Systems Workshop recently in Port Moresby, was Dr Daoni Esorom, Deputy Controller of the National Control Centre of COVID 19 and Executive Director to the COVID 19 Vaccine taskforce, who shared challenges achievements and experiences learned through COVID 19 that could be practical solutions to some of PNG's life-threatening diseases. " COVID 19 gave us the opportunity to be realistic about our approaches to managing some of our ongoing health management issues and challenges", said Dr Daoni Esorom. He added, " Some of our airborne diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB) can be better managed similar to ow we managed and controlled the spread of COVID 19 through effective quarantining and isolation and their contacts. Dr Daoni Esorom further stated that it is through the sharing of the experiences and learning among Health Care Workers, international partners, the National Control Centre and the National Department of Health (NDoH) that resilient health systems can be effectively developed to safeguard PNG's economy from any future pandemic or disaster. COVID 19 has created a solution to some of its challenges through the establishment of the Ministerial Vaccine Taskforce with the introduction of COVID 19 Vaccines. Vaccines can help prevent hospitalization, severe illness and death. It is important to continue communicating to people and vulnerable groups the risks of COVID-19 and to be fully vaccinated. The uptake of COVID vaccination is the best way to ensure the protection of one's health and that of their families.

Alang Vinnie Issac is the younger sister of the famous PNG singing sensation Honlly Issac from the Jokema Band. Alang Vinnie followed the path of her brother ringing bells with her melodic voice and winning the Digicel Stars contest back in 2012. She continues to be an entertaining singer today and maintains her love for singing on stage. Apart from her stage presence, she has a rising talent of flaunting the fashion parade boardwalks in PNG and overseas modeling. Alang Vinnie Isaac now takes up new career in a man dominated role in the sport of AFL PNG, back home in Lae City as the new President of Lae AFL Association. Last weekend saw her first official duty conclude with the successful pre-season grand final of Lae AFL season 2023. Ms Isaac is no stranger to the sport of AFL having played for the PNG Flames at the AFL International Cup in Sydney and Melbourne. She was selected into the open woman’s World Team as center half forward (CHF) in 2011. “I feel empowered to be the president for Lae AFL Association,” Ms Isaac said. Into her 30s, Ms Isaac is driven by the quality that humans posses and to collaborate with different human beings can be challenging but rewarding to see change in human development. “What drives me as a woman is human quality,” Isaac said. She is the first women AFL President in Lae and Papua New Guinea, and as a Morobean, is proud to embrace a piece of history that AFL was first played in Lae by big name Victorian Football league players when it was first introduced to PNG in 1944. She added that as President of AFL Lae, she wants to take ownership of that and celebrate AFL heritage in Lae through promoting healthy lifestyle and developing young AFL ambassadors. Ms Isaac confirmed that the Lae AFL seniors pre-season finals ended on a high note last weekend with guidance from a strong game's committee and assistance from AFL Development in Lae working side by side. She said proper season starts in two weeks’ time and is urging stronger engagement with the existing five clubs in the competition. “We hope to get more engagements with sponsors for our five existing teams including Cobras, Swans, Tigers, Crows and Bombers. Ms Isaac said these teams are made up of school students who are eager to play quality footy that they have as well put together a young Lae AFL Association Executives to lead as Vice President in Freeman Keno, Secretary Joyce Mettakaisava (PNG Flames) and Treasurer-Kepas Matrus (PNG Binatang). “Team Lae will work with one goal to revive the code through unity and discipline,” Isaac said.

The announcement was made yesterday when a cheque was presented by the Company's Executive Director, Patrick Labongis, to the New Ireland Rugby League Union (NIRFU) Present, Charlie Melachon and his tournament affiliates on Lihir Island. Melachon in thanking Anitua Ltd for taking up the naming rights sponsorship, described the support as a milestone partnership between the landowner company and the NIRFU. "The partnership is significant as it reiterates Anitua Ltd as a truly 100% landowner company , supporting not only the people of Lihir but also New Ireland." "This commitment will also go a long way to support our youth as well the development of rugby league union on Lihir, New Ireland and Papua New Guinea as a whole. "This is the start of a partnership that will evolve to bigger results in the future but for a start, it is with so much anticipation that we acknowledge Anitua Ltd for its commitment as this tournament is its first in Lihir ," he said. Labongis when presenting the cheque to the NIRFU, said the commitment is in the line with Anitua's vision to create sustainable opportunities for future Lihirians, as guided by the Lihir Destiny. " The future of Lihir lies in the youth. Sports as we know, is a tool to drive positive change in the communities," he said. "The tournament is a great way to support our young people so they can develop all aspects of their life. This is one of many community initiatives Anitua Ltd will support this year." The company hopes to use sports as a platform top encourage its values, which includes respect, accountability, integrity and One Team. The Anitua Lihir 7s tournament will see will a total of 18 clubs competing for K15,000 as the top prize. The tournament will be staged from Friday 24th Feb to Saturday 25th Feb. The NIRFU will host the  tournament at the Londolovit Sports Field, Lihir.

In 2022, there were about 63, 000 students enrolled to study at Flexible Open and Distance Education centers around Papua New Guinea. FODE principal, Mr Anthony Rayappan said that this year, they have seen a 10% increase in enrolment. “I am unable to give an actual figure as registrations are still on at this time.” “Registration closes on the 1st of March, 2023.” Mr Rayappan said that more and more people are now enrolling at FODE now that they know you can attain the same certificates as those that complete their education in normal schools. "People that haven’t completed their formal education can do so through FODE." "FODE offers full time correspondence for students from Grade 7 through to Grade 12. Students who want to upgrade their marks for Grade 10 and Grade 12 can also do so at FODE centers." He said that initially students were asked to pay K100 registration fees however, as of the 20th of February, 2023 students register for free and for full correspondence students, they won’t be paying any fees. "Their fees are included in the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy. A fee of K150 per subject is charged for students that wish to upgrade their marks." Mr Rayappan added that they will be piloting the new online Learning system for FODE starting with NCD and central next month for people that have access to smartphones and reliable internet service. "Students that enrol for online learning will be able to receive their lessons, submit their work and have teacher-student interactions online. Fees for online learning will be same." "This will be rolled out for the rest of the provinces by next year."

ExxonMobil PNG and LiteHaus International have partnered to connect young Papua New Guineans through digital learning in schools across PNG LNG Project areas. Following the successful rollout of the program in Hela Province, digital support will be provided to 18 schools in Central Province. In officially announcing the partnership at Papa Junior High School, Justin Cloutier, ExxonMobil PNG’s LNG Plant Asset Manager, said the partnership with LiteHaus International has enabled many schools to receive computers. “In three short years since we partnered with LiteHaus International, we’ve supported the digital learning needs for more than 13,000 students and teachers in Hela Province. “This is important because we want to see more young, bright, and hardworking students from across the project impact areas come and work at the PNG LNG Project after graduating from university or college. That is our dream,” he concluded. Jack Growden, LiteHaus International Founder and Chief Executive Officer said the partnership with ExxonMobil PNG has made education accessible. “The profound support LiteHaus International has received from ExxonMobil PNG has enabled us to reach more remote parts of the country. “A quality education can only be a digital education in today’s world. LiteHaus International is on a mission to ensure that every school in the country can offer a quality digital learning experience to its students,” he said. ExxonMobil PNG’s ongoing investment to education across schools neighbouring the PNG LNG Plant site, has also included the construction of staff houses and double classrooms, along with the provision of white and brown goods.

The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) continues to go rural and reach the unreached, this time, providing funding to build a new community hall for the people in Naringel community of Los Negros LLG in Manus Province. Having limited access to rural development, the people of Naringel and surrounding communities in the Los Negros LLG, will finally have a newly established infrastructure that will serve as an avenue for bringing the community together and discuss important issues affecting their communities. Naringel community ward councilor Chapapeu Mespal, was speechless when the NGCB team visited his community and presented the cheque in front of his ward members and the people. “I am deeply and truly honored by the assistance from the NGCB under its give back program and what is rather captivating is the presence of NGCB in my community to present this cheque. “Your presence in our community not only signifies your support towards this worthy project, but also indicates your corporate drive to reach the unreached in the rural and remote places in our country through the give back program. “The Naringel community highly acknowledges the support from NGCB to build a new community hall – an infrastructure that we are in dire need of because it will be an avenue for the community to come together and discuss matters concerning the community”, Mespal said. NGCB Chief Executive Officer Imelda Agon said the establishment of a community hall in a rural community is vital as it becomes a focal point for all age groups in a locality which promotes social relationships and mutual support; develops a sense of self- reliance and cohesion within the community. “The NGCB under its give back program is pleased to provide funding to establish a new community hall for the rural people in Naringel because we believe this development will improve the overall health of the community, taking pressure off social services and other facilities”, Mrs. Agon said. The cheque was presented by Acting Director Community Benefit Fund Tere Alex on behalf of the CEO Imelda Agon to Chapapeu Maspel and his committee at Naringel village in Manus Province.