SORSOGON CITY – The province of Sorsogon has officially cemented its title as the Pili Capital of the World, setting a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Nut Brittle/Praline, on October 16. The colossal confection, known locally as Pili Kunserba, measured a staggering 144.16 square meters, a feat that was confirmed by Guinness World Record officials today during the ongoing Kasanggayahan Festival 2025. The successful attempt wasn’t just about the size of the kunserba; it was a powerful display of community effort and local pride.Farmers, local artisans, and volunteers came together for weeks to harvest, process, and prepare the thousands of pili nuts required for the monumental treat. The record-breaking event is expected to significantly boost the local economy and tourism, shining a global spotlight on Sorsogon’s rich agricultural heritage and its most famous product. The achievement marks a highlight of the annual Kasanggayahan Festival, which celebrates the province’s culture and bounty. (Albay TV News)    

NAGA CITY Philippines–In her first 100 days in office, Mayor Leni Robredo has delivered significant progress in her administration’s housing initiatives, highlighted by the distribution of Transfer Certificates of Title (TCTs) to 431 beneficiaries under the city’s Kaantabay sa Kauswagan program. The TCTs, handed over to the first batch of beneficiaries, mark a significant step in the city government’s commitment to secure land tenure for informal settlers through its socialized housing efforts. The Kaantabay sa Kauswagan (Partners in Development), aims to empower low-income families by granting them legal ownership of the lots they occupy. “This is not just about land ownership—it’s about dignity, stability, and opportunity,” Mayor Robredo said. “Once the lot is fully paid, the beneficiary must receive his or her TCT without delay.” According to the Housing Settlements and Development Office (HSDO), preparations are already underway for the second batch of title releases, expected to take place in December 2025, with an even larger number of recipients anticipated. The HSDO is working under Mayor Robredo’s directive to fast-track the release of TCTs to qualified beneficiaries immediately upon the completion of their payment obligations to the city government. In addition to the TCT distribution, the city is also taking strides toward long-term housing security by initiating the enrolment of urban poor communities into the Community Mortgage Program (CMP)—a national financing scheme that helps legally-organized homeowners’ associations acquire land through affordable loans. Several homeowners’ associations have already undergone orientation sessions as part of the city’s phased implementation of the CMP. The HSDO is currently processing necessary documentation to move forward with the program. | via Jason B. Neola

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Naga is actively reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being, with the Sangguniang Panlungsod formally enjoining all city hall personnel to participate in the Emotional Wellness Month activities this October, in line with the global observance of World Mental Health Month. Authored by Councilor Gilda Gayle R. Abonal-Gomez, the proposed resolution stresses the crucial importance of wellness in the workplace, citing mental health as a vital factor in boosting productivity, enhancing job satisfaction, and fostering a supportive work environment. During her privilege speech, Councilor Abonal-Gomez stressed that a flourishing local government “starts with people who feel good about being present,” urging colleagues to maintain the conversation on mental health. ​”A workplace that encourages transparency and demands accountability fosters employees’ trust in the system, which in turn motivates them to do their best. This sense of accomplishment leads to a positive well-being,” Gomez highlighted, framing the push not just as a health measure but as an anti-corruption and performance strategy. According to the resolution, the City Government recognizes its duty to ensure employees are given the necessary opportunities and resources to enhance their physical, emotional, and mental well-being, especially when confronting challenges in professional and personal life. This measure highlights Naga’s existing and effective Employee Wellness Program, which aims to maintain a motivated and engaged workforce by promoting both physical health and mental and emotional resilience. To facilitate this, LGU-Naga, through its Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), is actively organizing various wellness sessions and supportive forums. These venues are intended for open discussions on personal and work-related concerns, offering guidance to promote the overall well-being of all personnel. ​Furthermore, the ultimate goal of this is to evolve the month-long celebration into a permanent, year-round program, ensuring that employee well-being is not a one-off event but a sustained core commitment of the city government. This sustained focus on employee well-being is a fundamental component of the 2028 Naga City Finish Lines to have an efficient, agile, and citizen-focused city government that aligns city hall operations with community goals through a united and performance-driven workforce. | via Maida Boragay

By Jason B. Neola   NAGA CITY, Philippines — In a strong expression of solidarity and the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, the City Government of Naga has dispatched an 18-member team from its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) to Masbate City to assist in ongoing citywide clearing operations following the devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Opong. The Naga DRRM team, which is spearheaded by Raynor Rodriguez as DRRMO head, is also bringing with them a boom truck—one of the most crucial pieces of equipment requested by Masbate’s local government. The truck will be used to clear roads, streets, and public facilities such as schools that were badly hit by the storm. Masbate bore the brunt of Typhoon Opong’s wrath, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), which confirmed the province as the hardest hit among affected areas across Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, MIMAROPA, and CALABARZON. The OCD Region 5 reported three fatalities in Masbate: one in Monreal town due to a fallen tree, and two in Masbate City—one from a collapsed wall and another from drowning. Mayor Leni Robredo, who personally coordinated with Masbate City’s LGU, said she was informed of the urgent need for a boom truck as part of the city’s intensive post-typhoon recovery operations. “Despite our own preparations for another incoming typhoon expected this Friday, we made the decision to send help to Masbate because we know how critical this period is for them. We have ensured that enough equipment remains in Naga for our own needs,” Mayor Robredo said. The Naga DRRM team is expected to stay in Masbate for five to seven days. Mayor Robredo expressed hope that the incoming typhoon will spare Naga so that the team can continue their assistance without having to cut the mission short. This gesture also comes as a form of reciprocation, as Masbate City had previously extended help to Naga during the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in 2024. That event had left Naga’s streets buried in debris and mud, prompting neighboring LGUs to come to the city’s aid. In a related development, Mayor Robredo also revealed that Naga City is implementing a new policy that will require all city government employees to report to work during typhoons—even if their services are not directly disaster-related. The move comes after the city faced challenges in distributing food packs to more than 6,600 evacuees during Typhoon Opong last week. “By adopting evacuation centers, employees can help distribute relief goods efficiently. This ensures that no evacuee goes hungry or waits too long for food assistance,” the mayor explained. Mayor Robredo underscored that proactive planning and shared responsibility are key to strengthening community resilience during disasters—values that are clearly being demonstrated by the city’s support for Masbate.

MASBATE, Philippines — Nine Chinese nationals were arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) during an operation against illegal mining activities in Aroroy, Masbate. BI Intelligence Division Chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. reported that the operation was conducted on September 22 by the BI’s Regional Intelligence Operations Unit 5 (RIOU5), in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Army, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine National Police, the Masbate Provincial Police Office and government intelligence forces. The group was apprehended in two separate mine sites located in Barangay Cabangcalan and Barangay Pangle. Authorities found the foreigners actively engaged in mining activities without the appropriate visas or permits. Some were also discovered to be overstaying or working in violation of their immigration status. Following their arrest, the miners were brought to Manila for booking and are now detained at the BI facility in Taguig, where they will undergo deportation proceedings. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado stressed that the agency will not tolerate foreign nationals taking part in illegal activities that harm both the country’s laws and its natural resources. “Illegal mining not only undermines our immigration and labor policies but also threatens the environment and the livelihood of local communities,” Viado said. “We will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts, with the support of other government agencies, to ensure that violators are held accountable and our resources are safeguarded.” ( BI Reports)  

Legazpi City, Philippines — Isinusulong ngayon sa Pamahalaang Lokal ng Albay ang panukalang pagtatatag ng isang Information Technology (IT) Division bilang bahagi ng layuning digitalisasyon ng mga government transaction. Iminungkahi ito sa ginanap na Provincial Development Council (PDC) Full Council Meeting kahapon sa Old SPA Session Hall ng Albay Capitol. Dagdag pa dito na suportado ni Albay Gov. Noel Rosal ang nasabing suhestiyon, at binigyang-diin niya na mahalagang magkaroon ng isang yunit na tututok sa digitalization initiative upang mapabilis ang mga proseso, mapaigting ang cybersecurity, at maipatupad ang mas episyenteng data management at online public services. Makatutulong ang pagkakaroon ng IT Division upang magkaroon ng sentralisadong pangangasiwa sa mga computer systems, networks, at iba pang digital infrastructure ng mga tanggapan., Inaasahang tatalakayin sa mga susunod na pagpupulong ang mga kinakailangang hakbang para sa itatayong IT Division. (LGuazon, Albay PIO)

  LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines — Albay Governor Noel E. Rosal has urged the strengthening of children’s empowerment to prepare them as future leaders. He emphasized the need to create supportive environments with mentorship and resources for children to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Governor Rosal made the call during the 4th Albay Children Summer Camp 2025 at Coastal View Resort in Sto. Domingo, Albay. In his message, he encouraged youth participants to apply the knowledge gained from the three-day event to enhance their citizenship in the province. He stressed that children’s active engagement in such activities motivates them to become better citizens. Rosal added that developing youth leadership equips young people with the skills and confidence needed to address challenges effectively. (DRaquion, Albay PIO)

By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY, Philippines — A total of 43 employees and department heads of the Naga City government have successfully completed a specialized training on disaster communication management, as part of the city’s intensified disaster preparedness campaign and Mayor Leni Robredo’s broader vision under her 2028 “Finish Lines” agenda. The training, organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol Region and sponsored by the Philippine Disaster Resiliency Foundation (PDRF), was conducted upon the request of Mayor Robredo. It focused on equipping local government personnel with the skills to manage effective communication during disasters and large-scale events. Raynor Rodriguez, Officer-In-Charge of the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), emphasized the importance of the initiative, particularly in the context of the fast-approaching Peñafrancia Festival. “The training was very timely. During big events like the fiesta, multiple clusters are involved—such as the Philippine Coast Guard for the fluvial procession and the PNP for security. Clear communication is critical,” Rodriguez said. The training included intensive exercises and workshops that allowed participants to practice proper cascading of information during crises. It also helped participants better understand the elements of conducting emergency drills. One of the key takeaways was that simulation exercises—such as earthquake and fire drills—should be done independently, not combined, since each disaster has unique response mechanisms. “Thanks to the disaster communication training, the flow of information from the Incident Management Team down to the barangays, especially during big events like the Peñafrancia festival, is expected to be more seamless and further improved,” he said. Mayor Robredo stressed the importance of extending this training to the grassroots level. “We want our Punong Barangays and the barangay kagawads to also undergo this training so they can report incidents properly, and empower their sitios and zones to take appropriate action,” she said. Rodriguez echoed the Mayor’s sentiment, noting a major shift in mindset brought about by the training. “We’ve realized that communication shouldn’t just flow top-down from the Mayor’s Office. Everyone, especially at the barangay level, has a role to play. It’s not about monopolizing decision-making; it’s about collaboration,” he said. He added that the training is especially relevant now that Naga City has started operating its own rain and flood warning devices in barangays—tools that require community-level monitoring and response. “This setup empowers barangay officials and residents to act proactively, but it only works if communication is timely, accurate, and verified,” Rodriguez noted. He also warned against the spread of misinformation on social media during disasters. “Some people rush to post on Facebook without verifying information. Such posting only causes panic. This training helps address that situation by instilling discipline in communication and reporting,” he said. According to Rodriguez, this initiative is a key component of Mayor Robredo’s 2028 “Finish Lines” — a set of developmental goals for Naga that prioritize community empowerment, disaster resiliency, and inclusive governance. “The goal is clear: capacitate every Nagueño, from City Hall to the remotest sitio, to act correctly and confidently when disaster strikes,” he concluded.