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City Social Workers in Action

Baguio City
Baguio City /

Despite the rains and perils posed by the weather disturbance, the dedicated staff of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) under CSWD Officer Liza Bulayungan and Asst. Cynthia Langagan worked tirelessly to provide immediate assistance to the families affected by howlers “Crising” and “Emong” in Baguio City. They go about their duties — going on the ground assessing the situations, distributing family food packs and hygiene kits, monitoring evacuation centers and providing emotional and all kinds of support. “All these showing once again that in times of crisis, compassion knows no rest.” – Aileen Refuerzo 📸CSWD

AuroraPH Project of Aboitiz connects Aeta learners in Bataan to www.com

Environment
Environment /

By Ruben A.Veloria BATAAN,Philippines – Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. and Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through GNPower Mariveles Energy Center (GMEC) and GNPower Dinginin (GNPD), turned over an AuroraPH package to Biaan Aeta Integrated School (BAIS) in Mariveles, Bataan. AuroraPH is the Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship education initiative, done in partnership with non-profit GivePower, private companies Starlink and Huawei, and the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The project aims to bridge the digital and educational divide in last-mile schools by equipping them with sustainable power and internet access through a solar power system setup and Wi-Fi. While the program typically targets off-grid schools, BAIS represents the first on-grid school to benefit from the initiative, further enhancing its existing infrastructure to reduce electricity costs and vastly improve internet connectivity for both students and teachers. Mariveles Mayor Ace Jello Concepcion said, “The additional power supply and stronger internet will greatly improve how our students learn, prepare, and dream for their futures.” Adding that partnerships with the private sector, like what they have with AboitizPower, can be transformative. “BAIS, once a remote and overlooked school, now stands as a model of what’s possible when we work together,” Mayor Concepcion said. Meanwhile, DepEd officials lauded the project, as BAIS Principal Mariquita Banal said, “This support means everything to me, our teachers, and our learners. BAIS used to be an overlooked school, but now we can perform side-by-side with the rest.” For Dr. Carolina Violeta, DepEd Bataan Schools Division Superintendent, the Aboitiz Foundation and AboitizPower don’t just offer short-term help, “They plant the seeds for long-term progress.” “The solar panels and enhanced internet connection they’ve provided are more than infrastructure— they are sources of inspiration and catalysts for educational transformation,” Violeta said. AuroraPH began in 2024, powering 11 schools and benefiting nearly 2,000 students from Benguet, Bataan, Cebu and Davao City to date. AuroraPH targets 100 schools by end-2025 and 300 by 2027. “We want to help more and more schools. It’s a promise to illuminate pathways and unlock opportunities for both learners and educators,” said Aboitiz Foundation’s Impact Lead for Education Jowelle Ann Cruz. Following the turnover, school personnel underwent an operations and maintenance training facilitated by a team from AdventEnergy, a retail energy arm of AboitizPower, to ensure the longevity and efficiency of the solar panels and internet system. Teachers will also undergo a financial literacy session conducted by City Savings Bank on managing personal and community finances called “Project Pera-parasyon.” GMEC and GNPD are private limited partnerships. AboitizPower has a 78.3% effective partnership interest in GMEC and a 70% effective partnership interest in GNPD.    

Cayetano gustong ibasura ang travel tax

NCR
NCR /

Gustong ibasura ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano ang travel tax para gawing mas abot-kaya ang pagbiyahe ng mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa, pagaanin ang kanilang gastos, palakasin ang turismo, at patatagin ang ugnayan ng Pilipinas sa mga bansa sa ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). “All Filipinos, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities, must be able to travel freely, without any form of hindrance. This is a right guaranteed by the Constitution,” pahayag ni Cayetano sa explanatory note ng Senate Bill No. 424 nitong July 10, 2025. Unang ipinataw ang travel tax sa bisa ng Presidential Decree No. 1183, na nilagdaan halos 50 taon na ang nakakaraan. Giit ni Cayetano, masyado na itong luma at hindi na akma sa kasalukuyang realidad ng ekonomiya at rehiyon. Sa ilalim ng panukala, hindi na rin sisilingin ng travel tax ang mga kapitbahay nating kasapi sa ASEAN, bilang suporta sa mas matibay na pagtutulungan ng mga naturang bansa. Ayon kay Cayetano, ito ay bilang pagtupad sa nilagdaang ASEAN Tourism Agreement noong 2002, na layong unti-unting alisin ang mga travel tax sa pagitan ng mga kasaping bansa. Binanggit ng senador ang pag-aaral ng isang lokal na airline, kung saan tinatayang maaaring mawalan ang gobyerno ng halos P4 bilyon na kita mula sa travel tax. Gayunman, ang kapalit naman aniya nito ay P299 bilyon na posibleng kitain ng buong ekonomiya ng bansa dahil sa pagdami ng turista at spending. “By abolishing the travel tax, we inch closer towards realizing the freedom of movement that our fundamental law envisions for every citizen,” pahayag ni Cayetano. Giit pa niya, nagawa na rin ito noon sa pamamagitan ng Memorandum Order No. 29 (2023). Epektibo hanggang June 30, 2028, ginawa nitong libre ang travel tax ng mga biyaherong mula sa international airports ng Mindanao at Palawan patungong Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Dagdag ng senador, layunin ng panukala na bawasan ang travel expenses ng karaniwang Pilipino, isang adhikaing isinulong na rin aniya ni dating Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III noong 19th Congress. “It is high time to give travelers a break and allow for tourism to flourish by removing one of the barriers to travel,” pahayag ni Cayetano.

Former Provincial Legal Officer sworn in as IBP Governor for Northern Luzon

Region 2
Region 2 /

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — Atty. Voltaire B. Garcia, who served as the Provincial Legal Officer for the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya for 12 years, has recently taken his oath as the new Governor of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for Northern Luzon. The ceremony took place at the Supreme Court Session Hall in Manila. This event highlights the important role of the IBP, the official organization for all lawyers in the Philippines, which is tasked by the Supreme Court with improving the standards of the legal profession. All practicing lawyers in the country are required to be members of the IBP. As the IBP Governor for Northern Luzon, Atty. Garcia will oversee the IBP chapters in the provinces under this region, which include Abra, Apayao, Baguio-Benguet, Batanes. Cagayan,Ifugao,Isabela, Kalinga, La Union, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Quirino. Atty. Garcia has also served as the President of the IBP Nueva Vizcaya chapter, further enhancing his experience and commitment to the legal community.   The oath of office for Atty. Garcia was administered by Associate Justice Jhosep Y. Lopez. He took his oath alongside eight other newly elected IBP Governors: Atty. Dick F. Fernandez (Central Luzon), Atty. Ma. Elena G. Francisco (Greater Manila Region), Atty. Thaddeus E. Venturanza (Southern Luzon), Atty. Randall C. Tabayoyong (Executive Vice President and Governor for Bicolandia), Atty. Patrick V. Santo (Eastern Visayas), Atty. Susanne C. Lacson (Western Visayas), Atty. Roxan G. Apostol (Eastern Mindanao), and Atty. Quirino G. Esguerra, Jr. (Western Mindanao). Atty. Allan G. Panolong was also sworn in as the IBP National President during the same ceremony. All officers will serve until 2027. The event was attended by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, and several other justices of the Supreme Court, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Atty. Garcia has a strong background in public service, having served as the Provincial Legal Officer under three governors: Ruth R. Padilla, Carlos M. Padilla, and Atty. Jose V. Gambito. He resigned from this position recently after being elected as IBP Governor. His experience will help him effectively represent the lawyers from the 14 provinces in Northern Luzon. Notably, Atty. Garcia is the second lawyer from Nueva Vizcaya to hold this important role since the Philippine Bar was integrated in 1973, following retired RTC Judge Esther P. Flor. His leadership is expected to strengthen the voice of Northern Luzon lawyers within the IBP’s Board of Governors, which includes representatives from all over the country.    

CDRRMO to launched LIGTAS online platform for reporting hazard

Baguio City
Baguio City /

By Aileen P. Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY — The city government will launch this month the Local Incident Gathering Tool for Alerting Safety or LIGTAS, an online hazard communication tool that aims to hasten reporting of and response to dangerous situations that may lead to disasters. City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Charles Bryan Carame said incidents like soil erosions, unstable slopes, clogged canals, damaged utility posts, fallen trees or any other hazard may be reported to the online LIGTAS link to be assigned to facilitate quick response. QR codes will also be posted in barangay halls, schools, and key public spaces. “With this tool, we aim to provide residents with a technology driven platform to notify authorities of potential disasters in their own communities,” Carame said. But more than just being a hazard reporting tool, LIGTAS serves as an avenue for the community to get involved in addressing environmental hazards and preventing disasters before they happen. “LIGTAS is not just an incident report form, we intend it as a movement. Through LIGTAS, every resident can be part of keeping our city safe and disaster-ready,” Carame said. “Help us prevent disasters before they happen. Your report can save lives. Your participation matters. Together, we build a more resilient, alert, and empowered Baguio City,” he added.

The National Resilience Council’s colloquium proves resilience thrives in collaboration

Environment
Environment /

The National Resilience Council (NRC) of the Philippines convened a diverse group of stakeholders for the event “From Surviving to Thriving: Transformative Strategies through Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Innovations.” As a science and technology-driven public-private partnership, the NRC unites national and local governments, academia, civil society, and the private sector to advance the interconnected objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Climate Agreement, New Urban Agenda, and other global commitments. Held as the 2025 Resilient Local Government Unit Program (RGLUP) Colloquium, the event showcased progress and updates from participating cities and municipalities in the NRC’s Adopt a City (AAC) Initiative. This initiative enables corporations to move beyond disaster relief, investing in risk reduction through preparedness funding, prevention, pre-disaster recovery planning, and long-term resilience programs. By empowering local governments, AAC promotes collaborative efforts to build safer, more resilient communities. The colloquium also welcomed NRC’s private and public sector partners, with notable participation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of National Defense, and the United Nations ARISE Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies – Philippine network. The event opened with inspiring messages from NRC Co-Chairman for the private sector and SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy, NRC Vice Chairman for civil service organizations and Zuellig Family Foundation President Austere Panadero, and NRC Vice Chairman for the scientific organizations and academe and Director of the Manila Observatory Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ. Cities in the AAC’s Prepare phase—Baguio, Iligan, Mandaue, and Tiwi, Albay—presented their innovative disaster resilience strategies. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized, “Baguio’s resilience journey highlights the power of collaboration and national support.” Meanwhile, cities in the Adapt and Transform phase, the initiative’s next stages —Naga, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Bataan, Manila, and Ormoc—highlighted their advanced strides. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez shared, “I am very proud to say that because of Project Transform, together with our esteemed partners, Ormoc City is always on track in terms of environmental stewardship and resilience.” A highlight of the event was the launch of the Resilience Competency Assessment (CompAss), a tool designed to strengthen local government capabilities in disaster resilience. Drawing from the NRC’s mission, the colloquium underscored the power of multi-stakeholder collaboration in driving transformative change. By bridging sectors and promoting innovation, the NRC and its partners are paving the way for a resilient Philippines.  

PDEA mourns death of agent while on duty

Region 4
Region 4 /

It is a day of grief for the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as one of its operatives died in the line of duty. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez identified the fallen agent as Intelligence Officer I Raffy Escobido, 31 years old, who was assigned at the PDEA Regional Office IV-A Regional Special Enforcement Team 2. He was a member of the Drug Enforcement Officers’ Basic Course (DEOBC) Class 2017-11 “Gandilan” of the PDEA Academy. Agent Escobido passed away while undergoing intensive care in a hospital. He succumbed to a gunshot wound in the head he suffered during a buy-bust operation that turned into a shootout with two heavily-armed drug personalities in Calamba City, Laguna in the evening of July 20, 2025. Onboard their vehicle, the suspects were able to elude arrest, prompting a massive manhunt operation against them. Undersecretary Nerez ordered the national and regional offices of the Agency to put their colors on half-mast as an expression of solidarity and mourning over Escobido’s death. “We are deeply saddened by the untimely loss of one of our own. We extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in eternal peace”, he said. “PDEA will make sure that Escobido’s death will not be in vain. We will remain unfaltering on the ideals he died for. This will only heighten our resolve to pursue every member of the illegal drugs industry. For those behind this dastardly act, we will not rest until you face the full force of the law”, the PDEA Chief warned.  

Officials fear flash flood may hit 2 towns of Zambales, as water damaging megadikes

Region 3
Region 3 /

By Ruben A.Veloria SAN FELIPE, Zambales– Local officials here expressed fear on Tuesday over the safety of the two municipalities along Sto. Tomas River as portions of the mega dikes have been damaged by strong current of water flowing downstream after days southwest monsoon. The concerns of the officials were raised after Zambales Provincial Engineer Domingo Mariano, together with San Felipe Mayor Reinhard “Hart” E. Jeresano inspected mega dike’s condition in after days of heavy rain in the area. The inspection revealed that portions of the Santo Tomas River’s (also known as San Felipe River) dike were already damaged or partly collapsed. Emergency repairs and sandbagging were immediately initiated to prevent further encroachment. Engr. Mariano told reporters that currently the river bed is about 15 to 30 meters higher than the farmlands and the communities of San Felipe and San Narciso on the other sides of the dike. Mariano said that these communities will be the first to hit by massive flooding if strong current continue to damage and breached portions of the megadike.  “In San Felipe the depth of the farmlands from the river bed is 15 meters, while in San Narciso side is 25-30 meters,” Mariano said, adding that should the dike ultimately gave up, a massive rush of water mixed with sand will flow into the communities destroying properties and endangering the lives of the residents. Earlier this week, Mayor Jeresano, who conducted regular inspections of the dike since heavy rains affected the province, especially in the upper portions of Santo Tomas River, discovered that some portions of the dike were already damaged by strong downstream water current. The mayor reported the findings to the Office of Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and requested immediate repair and continues monitoring of the dike, especially of the damaged portions. Provincial Engineering Office in response to Gov. Ebdane’s instruction immediately deployed several heavy equipment to the area and assured the public that repair activities have already started. “We will continue to monitor the dikes. Early detection and assessment is crucial in this time of situation,: Mariano said. The officials called on all municipal officials, barangay officials and residents to be more vigilant and alert for any emergency announcements.

U.S. announces Php3 Billion in Foreign Assistance for the Philippines 

NCR
NCR /

MANILA, Philippines — Following U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington, D.C., on July 21, the U.S. Department of State announced at least Php3 billion ($60 million) in foreign assistance funding to support energy, maritime, and economic growth programs in the Philippines. This is the U.S. government’s first announcement of new foreign assistance for any country since the Trump Administration began its review and realignment of foreign assistance in January. As part of this at least Php3-billion initiative, Secretary Rubio also announced that the U.S. Department of State intends to work with the U.S. Congress to allocate Php825 million ($15 million) to catalyze private sector development in the Luzon Economic Corridor.  If approved, this funding will support investments in the areas of transport, logistics, energy, and semiconductors that will help create jobs and drive economic growth in the country. President Marcos’s meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington, D.C., this week reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and advanced closer economic ties between the two nations.    

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