Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel “Mitch” Cuna disclosed today that the DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB) is strengthening the decades-old Rattan Gene Bank in Bukidnon Province, Northern Mindanao to help secure a sustainable supply of quality planting materials for the country’s rattan industry.
NAGA CITY, Philippines — The city government is targeting 19,194 children aged 6 to 59 months for vaccination during the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) from August 10 to 28, based on the Department of Health’s projected target population for the city. Mayor Leni Robredo appealed to parents to bring their children to the nearest barangay health center or designated vaccination site, stressing that measles and rubella are preventable through safe, and effective vaccines. Robredo said there should be no room for complacency in protecting Naga’s children from vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly measles, which can cause serious complications and even death. “There is no reason for any child in Naga to suffer from measles when a safe and effective vaccine is available,” the mayor said, urging families to take advantage of the free immunization campaign. According to Dr. Ronnel Mejaro, National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator of the City Health Office 1, children should receive the supplemental measles-rubella vaccine even if they have already completed their routine immunization, as the additional dose strengthens protection and helps prevent outbreaks. Eligible children will also receive Vitamin A supplementation, which boosts the immune system, supports healthy growth, promotes good vision, and helps keep the skin, lungs, intestines, and other body tissues healthy. The City Health Office emphasized that protecting children from measles is a shared responsibility among parents, health workers, barangay officials, volunteers, and the local and national governments. The Philippine Pediatric Society has expressed support for the nationwide campaign, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government has directed barangays to actively assist in informing families and encouraging them to participate. City Health Office records show that Naga has recorded only a few suspected measles cases in recent years—two in 2021, two in 2022, three in 2023, four in 2024, one in 2025, and two suspected cases so far this year. Health officials said these isolated cases did not develop into community outbreaks, underscoring the importance of sustained vaccination and disease surveillance. Parents and guardians are encouraged to have all eligible children vaccinated during the August 10–28 MR-SIA to help keep every child—and the entire community—protected. I via Jason B. Neola, CMO-Public Information Division head
By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — A two-story rehabilitation center for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will soon be constructed in this province, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) set to begin the P10-million project funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Venus R. Cadabona, head of the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO), said the project was cleared for implementation after the Provincial Government thru Provincial Administrator’s Office approved its program of works. The project secured funding following a request from Gov. Jose V. Gambito and PDAO head,Ms Cadabona to the DPWH for the construction of a dedicated facility that will provide rehabilitation, training and support services to persons with disabilities in the province. The two-story building will be constructed beside the Pasalubong Center in Barangay Magdaysay, Bayombong. It will house therapy rooms, training rooms, a children’s play area and administrative offices designed to accommodate individuals with various disabilities. The provincial PDAO will also hold office in the new facility. Based on information from the DPWH, the project is expected to be completed within 115 calendar days. Cadabona said the project is more than an infrastructure initiative, describing it as a step toward creating a more inclusive community in line with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. “This project goes beyond just building a structure; it aims to create an inclusive environment,” Cadabona said. “By offering a dedicated space for the rehabilitation and empowerment of PWDs, we are taking a crucial step toward inclusivity and ensuring everyone has the chance to thrive.” Gambito highlighted the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to essential services and equal opportunities to participate fully in society. “Every person, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life,” the governor said. “This rehabilitation center will not only provide essential services but also serve as a source of hope and empowerment for our PWD community.” He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity and creating a future in which persons with disabilities can fully participate in community life.
BAGUIO CITY — A total of 184 wanted persons were nabbed in intensified manhunt operations, while 66 drug personalities were arrested in anti-illegal drug operations from April 1 to July 22, 2026, according to a report by the Baguio City Police Office. The accomplishment data was presented by BCPO City Director Police Col. Ruel Tagel during the third quarter joint meeting of the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council (CADAC), held on July 28. Tagel attributed the increase to the intensified operations against wanted persons and the continuous efforts of law enforcement units to locate and apprehend individuals with pending warrants, whether inside or outside the city. He said that while the number of most wanted persons arrested decreased compared to last year, the BCPO continues to strengthen intelligence monitoring, target profiling, and coordinated operations to facilitate the capture of priority fugitives. In the anti-drug campaign, Tagel said, the operations resulted in the confiscation of 105.06 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P752,060.80. Tagel noted that the number of anti-illegal drug operations conducted during that period increased by 18 compared to the same period last year, reflecting the BCPO’s intensified efforts against the illegal drug trade in the city. The campaign also led to the destruction of five marijuana plants, further demonstrating the police’s continued efforts to crack down on the distribution and cultivation of illegal drugs. Tagel explained that the ongoing law enforcement operations have contributed to the increase in non-index crime incidents, as violations of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law are classified as offenses under special laws. The campaign against loose firearms, which reported an increase in operations conducted from 47 to 49, resulted in the recovery, confiscation, or surrender of 49 firearms. Tagel said the increase in the number of firearms removed from circulation reflects the effectiveness of the city’s intensified law enforcement initiatives in reducing the potential use of loose firearms in the commission of crimes. The BCPO continues to strengthen checkpoint operations, intelligence monitoring, and public awareness campaigns to promote responsible gun ownership and ensure compliance with Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law. Tagel emphasized that the continued implementation of these initiatives is part of the BCPO’s commitment to enhance public safety, maintain peace and order, and prevent criminal activities in Baguio City.
U.S. and Philippine officials tour the new Community Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Reporting Center. PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines August 13, 2026 —The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through the Fish Right Project, launched the Community Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Reporting Center in partnership with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. The new facility strengthens Philippine-led efforts to combat IUU fishing—a shared economic and security threat for both the United States and the Philippines. Building on the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development’s existing coordination mechanisms with local and national agencies, Fish Right will integrate American technologies, such as Starlink and data visualization software EarthRanger, to strengthen connectivity, improve the collection and organization of community reports, and support timely information-sharing with Philippine authorities. The Center will serve as a community hub for receiving and organizing real-time reports from fishermen on suspected IUU fishing, unusual vessel activity, and other illegal maritime activities. With support from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the National Maritime Center, and the Provincial Government of Palawan, these reports will be forwarded to appropriate Philippine government agencies for validation, follow-up action, and feedback to local fishing communities. “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is both an economic and a national security challenge. It depletes fish stocks, disrupts supply chains, distorts markets, threatens food security, and places responsible fishers and legitimate businesses at a disadvantage,” said U.S. Embassy Officer Taylor Fincher. “Addressing illegal fishing and related maritime concerns is an important area of cooperation between the United States and the Philippines.” “By providing fisherfolk with a safe and accessible way to report suspected illegal fishing and other unlawful maritime activities, this Community IUU Fishing Reporting Center empowers coastal communities to become active partners in protecting our fisheries,” said Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate. The launch of the Community IUU Fishing Reporting Center coincides with the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines, underscoring the two nations’ enduring partnership in upholding international law, promoting lawful activity at sea, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Fish Right Project supports Philippine-led efforts to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Philippine exclusive economic zone bordering the South China Sea. It strengthens community reporting by connecting fishers’ observations with Philippine government systems, supports marine scientific research to inform decision-making, and promotes better market access for safe, legal, and sustainably sourced seafood.
BAGUIO CITY — Major golf course operators in the city expressed general support for the intent of a proposed local measure seeking to institutionalize social protection for golf caddies, but urged city lawmakers during a committee hearing on July 28, to modify provisions regarding fund collection, management, and legal exposure. Authored by City Councilor Edison R. Bilog, the proposed “Baguio City Golf Caddies Welfare Ordinance of 2026” seeks to strengthen the rights and working conditions of local caddies by providing enhanced access to social security programs and establishing a dedicated Golf Caddies Welfare Fund (GCW Fund). Under the draft ordinance, golf course management would be mandated to collect a P100.00 contribution per game from players at the point of sale, list the charge on official club receipts, and remit the money to a joint custodian panel composed of club and caddie representatives. During the committee hearing, Andrew Pinero, speaking on behalf of the Baguio Country Club (BCC), urged the City Council to revise the collection mechanism to align with existing operational realities. Pinero pointed out that players at BCC pay caddies directly rather than through the club’s billing counter, recommending that caddie organizations be allowed to collect the welfare contribution themselves and issue their own receipts to prevent accounting and tax complications with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). He added that BCC is willing to display visible notices detailing the transparent fee structure, such as P600.00 for the caddie fee plus P100.00 for the welfare fund, so players do not deduct the mandatory contribution from the caddies’ voluntary tips. Camp John Hay Golf Club aligned with BCC’s position, highlighting the administrative burden of handling millions of small cash transactions and warning against potential legal risks under labor laws. A representative from Camp John Hay expressed concern that collecting fees directly from players and holding them in trust could be legally interpreted as establishing an employer-employee relationship between the course operators and the caddies. However, perspectives among service workers differed slightly, as a representative speaking for Camp John Hay caddies inquired whether the club could instead handle point-of-sale collections and disburse the accumulated pool to their cooperative on a weekly or monthly basis. In addition to collection mechanics, stakeholders addressed the legal structure of caddie organizations outlined in Article II of the draft measure. Peredo suggested adopting flexible language throughout the ordinance to read “association or cooperative,” giving caddie groups at Baguio Country Club, Camp John Hay, and Pinewoods Golf Club the freedom to choose whether to register under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). The proposed ordinance also outlines workplace standards, prohibiting arbitrary suspensions and mandating access to sanitary facilities, drinking water, and weather protection, with fines of up to P5,000.00 for non-compliant operators. Representatives from BCC and Camp John Hay requested permission to submit formal position papers detailing their proposed amendments, which Bilog’s committee will evaluate before finalizing the measure for its second reading.- Gerald Matulay (UC BA Comm Student/SP Intern)
BENGUET, Philippines — Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), in partnership with Aboitiz Foundation, turned over 4,600 liters of diesel fuel to local government units across Benguet to support continuous road reopening and disaster recovery operations. The turnover was carried out under Aboitiz Renewables’ FuelLink program, an initiative that enables faster and more effective disaster response by restoring access and mobility in high-risk areas affected by typhoons and landslides. This rollout came in the wake of recent typhoons that hit the country and the effects of the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, which triggered road slips and landslides across the Cordillera in the past week, affecting communities in Benguet, Bakun, Sablan, Tuba, Itogon, and La Trinidad. The fuel directly powers heavy machinery — including backhoes, dump trucks, chainsaws, and service vehicles — operated by municipal disaster response units and community volunteers working to reopen blocked routes, restore mobility for agricultural transport, and improve public safety in these areas. “Clear roads allow our emergency teams to reach isolated barangays and deliver relief supplies without delay,” said La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan. “This fuel supply directly supports our ground operations, keeping heavy equipment running along blocked routes where rockslides cut off our primary transit points.” For host communities like La Trinidad, the fuel turnover translates directly into equipment hours on the ground — machinery that would otherwise sit idle while access routes remain blocked. “Our host communities in Benguet have shown resilience through some of the most challenging weather this season, and we want to be there for them when it matters most,” said Noreen Vicencio, Aboitiz Renewables’ Vice President and General Manager for Hydro Operations. “Through FuelLink, we coordinate directly with local disaster authorities to supply practical operational support that strengthens municipal response capabilities and advances community recovery.” Aboitiz Renewables maintains active coordination protocols with local government units across its host areas to facilitate rapid resource deployment during natural weather
Three award-winning campaigns showcase how SM Supermalls transforms insights into experiences that resonate with Filipino communities. MANILA, Philippines, 8th August 2026 — Great marketing goes beyond capturing attention—it creates genuine connections. At SM Supermalls, every campaign begins with understanding the communities it serves, from celebrating local culture and uncovering consumer insights to creating launches that reflect the identity of a place. This commitment was recognized at the Marketing Excellence Awards 2026, where SM Supermalls received two Gold Awards and one Silver Award, affirming its consumer-first approach to creating meaningful, maxed-out experiences for Filipino communities. Recognized at the 2026 Marketing Excellence Awards, SM Supermalls’ winning campaigns celebrate local culture, deepen consumer understanding, and create meaningful experiences for communities nationwide. One of the Gold Awards recognized SM Lanang’s Mindanao Art for Excellence in Cultural Storytelling. More than an art initiative, the campaign transformed the mall into a platform for Mindanao’s artists, showcasing local creativity while fostering a deeper appreciation for Mindanao’s rich artistic heritage. By bringing art closer to everyday audiences, SM Lanang created meaningful cultural experiences that resonated beyond the gallery walls. Another Gold Award was given to the SM Supermalls Consumer Insights Program under Excellence in Consumer Insights/Market Research. Built on continuous listening and data-driven consumer understanding, the program enables SM Supermalls to create more relevant experiences, strengthen customer engagement, and respond to the evolving lifestyles of the communities it serves nationwide. Completing the recognition was a Silver Award for the SM City La Union Grand Opening in the Excellence in Launch Marketing category. The campaign went beyond introducing a new mall—it celebrated La Union’s identity and growing community, welcoming residents and visitors with experiences that reflected the province’s vibrant culture while establishing SM City La Union as Northern Luzon’s newest lifestyle destination. “At SM Supermalls, we believe meaningful marketing starts with understanding people,” said Joaquin L. San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing. “Whether we’re celebrating local culture, learning from our customers, or opening new spaces that serve communities, our goal has always been to create experiences that genuinely resonate. These recognitions inspire us to continue creating programs that are relevant, purposeful, and meaningful for every Filipino.” The recognitions reflect SM Supermalls’ continued commitment to creating experiences shaped by insight, inspired by local communities, and anchored in meaningful connections. As the country’s most-loved mall, SM Supermalls remains focused on delivering meaningful, maxed-out experiences that celebrate the people, places, and stories that make every community unique.
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian assured those who lost loved ones, were injured, and were homeless due to the landslide that they will be given financial assistance from the government. Gatchalian, along with Mayor Benjamin Magalong, personally visited the landslide area in Barangay Guisad Surong, Baguio City, the evacuation area, those recovering in the hospital and expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the disaster who are lying in state at the Cathedral of the Resurrection, on Tuesday, August 11. According to Gatchalian, the agency provided initial financial assistance to the bereaved families and will cover the funeral expenses of the victims, as well as the hospital expenses of the survivors. For families who cannot safely return to their homes, the DSWD will extend rental assistance for approximately 3 to 6 months while the city government works on long-term relocation and socialized housing options. Relief operations for affected families will continue, with financial assistance, relief support, and psychosocial interventions provided based on their assessed needs. Magalong, meanwhile, said that ground zero of the landslide will be declared a no-build zone following signs of soil instability observed by city engineers. He said the LGU will collaborate with relevant agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to assess the area and identify engineering solutions to help prevent similar incidents. Magalong said the Baguio city government continues to lead the local response, coordinating relief operations and collaborating with national government agencies to address the immediate needs of the affected families. The mayor also expressed his gratitude to Secretary Gatchalian and the DSWD for their prompt response and continued support for the victims. The LGU and DSWD assured the affected families that assistance will continue from immediate relief response to their long-term recovery and relocation.
