By Danny Estacio   CITY OF STO. TOMAS, Batangas, Philippines – The City School Division Office (SDO) of the Department of Education got the lowest percentage of struggling readers, which brought local learning to the top on a national level, said here on Monday, March 30. This was the result of the recently concluded Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA) conducted at the beginning of SY 2025-2026, where the City of Sto. Tomas Schools Division posted the lowest percentage of struggling readers at 23.43%, leading the country in literacy, as announced by  City Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan Marasigan said that it is the outcome of the power of the partnership among the local government, educators, and stakeholders to exemplify reading habits to young learners. Marasigan added that collaborative efforts between the local government units and the education sector had been manifested as the city was recognized by the Department of Education’s Second Commission on Education with the lowest number of struggling readers. The fresh achievement highlights the many sacrifices of our teachers who give extra time to bring meaningful change to students’ learning behavior, said Marasigan. The recognition has proven the important role of each sector of society in shaping the education system in the country, he added. Marasigan said that the city has institutionalized ties with the city’s SDO through the local school board, expanding the membership and strengthening its core to take urgent action to address the learning crisis. LGU, in partnership with SDO has scaled up health and nutrition for our young learners by implementing feeding programs and executing the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, which enables learners struggling in reading, mathematics, and science to attain essential learning competencies. Marasigan administration’s securing proper education for young citizens has been one of his many priorities, ensuring that no one is denied equitable access to learning opportunities and formulating policies that would guarantee quality education for young Tomasinos. Dr. Neil Angeles, head of the City School Division Office, is thankful to the local government for providing essential materials most helpful in bringing back the love of reading for school children. Angeles added that aside from mentorship and guided reading sessions, easily accessible reference and reading materials, and available digital learning tools provided by the city government are crucial in meeting the ideal educational outcome. Parents’ active involvement in making home reading a habit for their children helps accelerate literacy development, and family support indeed makes a difference, said Angeles. Marasigan expressed gratitude to the effort of the City School Division Office for bringing local learning to the top of the educational arena on a national level.    

NAGA CITY, Philippines — Authorities have ramped up preparations to ensure public safety, security, and efficient traffic management as the city braces for an influx of pilgrims, tourists, and returning residents during Holy Week. The Public Safety Office (PSO), headed by Executive Director Renne Gumba, in coordination with the Naga City Police Office led by City Director PCol. Gilbert Farinas, is undertaking inspections and deployment planning in key areas, including the Central Bus Station, churches, and other religious and tourist destinations. Resorts, particularly those located in the city’s upper barangays, have also been included in the coverage, as these are expected to draw vacationers during the long holiday. Mayor Leni Robredo said the preparations are primarily aimed at preventing traffic congestion due to Holy Week processions, and ensuring a swift response to possible emergencies, noting that no extraordinary incidents are anticipated despite the expected surge in passengers, especially Nagueños returning home for the observance. Raynor Rodriguez, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said the city will operationalize its Summer Vacation (SumVac) initiative to ensure readiness for any eventuality. The peak period is expected from April 2 to 5, 2026, covering Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and Easter Sunday, with activities beginning on Palm Sunday on March 29. As a pilgrimage city and a top religious and tourist destination, Naga is expected to draw a high turnout of visitors. Meanwhile, the Metro Naga Development Council through its Tourism, Arts and Culture Cluster has launched the Metro Naga Faith Tourism Circuit, a unified spiritual journey that brings together the 18 member Local Government Units (LGUs) of the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC), each offering a unique expression of faith, culture, and devotion during the Holy Week. Anchored in the long-standing religious traditions of the Archdiocese of Caceres, with Naga City as the “Pilgrim City” and spiritual hub, this circuit invites pilgrims to embark on a meaningful pilgrimage within towns and communities—each stop reflecting centuries-old Bicolano faith practices. In the coming months, MNDC Tourism, Arts and Culture cluster will also launch Metro Naga River Cruise, Food Tourism and Sand, Surf and Sun Projects. MNDC Executive Director Hubert Brocales said that the River Cruise and Food Tourism component will highlight river-based activities, riverbank attractions, and local cuisines and signature dishes from member LGUs. These tour packages are currently being consolidated into a single portfolio which aims to boost local tourism and economic activity within the Metro Naga. I via Jason Neola

By Rachel Magday   NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The 2026 Grand Ammungan Festival (GAF), the annual founding anniversary celebration of the province, will be compressed into a one-day event from its original five-day schedule, in line with a belt-tightening directive from Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, as the provincial government moves to conserve funds and redirect savings into financial assistance for sectors severely affected by the ongoing fuel price crisis linked to global tensions in the Middle East. Festival Director General Eunice Galima -Gambol said the decision reflects a broader austerity program aimed at ensuring that public resources are used prudently while addressing the immediate needs of Novo Vizcayanos grappling with rising costs of basic commodities and transportation. Originally scheduled from May 20 to 25, the Grand Ammungan Festival was set to feature major crowd-drawing events such as the Travel and Tourism Expo, the Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya pageant, Street Dancing Competition and a grand concert. The downsizing marks a significant shift in what has traditionally been one of the province’s biggest annual celebrations. In her official statement, Gambol underscored that the move was reached after careful deliberation and anchored on principles of unity, prudence, and fiscal discipline. “This will be a modest but meaningful celebration to commemorate the history and spirit of our great province,” she said, noting that her role as a public servant compels her to prioritize the welfare of the people over festivities. She added that resources saved from the scaled-down event would be channeled to critical programs and aid initiatives, particularly for vulnerable sectors bearing the brunt of the economic strain. While the announcement confirms the shift to a one-day observance of the province’s foundation anniversary, Gambol did not specify which activities from the original lineup will be retained or adapted for the condensed program. Despite the scaled-down celebration, Gambol assured the public that the essence of the Grand Ammungan Festival—honoring the rich cultural heritage and unity of Nueva Vizcaya—will remain at the forefront. Gambol also called on residents to remain resilient and united as the province navigates the challenges posed by global economic pressures.