CEBU, Philippines � Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro reminded young athletes vying for glory in the Cebu Provincial Sports and Cultural Meet 2026 that character, perseverance, and teamwork matter most, as she led the formal opening of the weeklong tournament on Sunday at the Carcar City Sports Center. In her address before a crowd of young athletes, coaches, parents and teachers, Gov. Baricuatro said that true triumph is measured not only by the number of medals won, but by the resilience forged in the face of adversity. �To our young athletes, remember this: winning is great, but character is greater,� Gov. Baricuatro said. �Dili lang medals ang inyong dad-on pauli, kon dili lessons on teamwork, resilience, ug pagbangon bisan kapoy na. Ana gyud na ang tinuod nga champion.� Mindful of the athletes� needs, the governor assured the young competitors that the provincial government is ready to back up its words with action to advance sports programs in the province. �As your governor, and kami tanan sa Provincial Government, we will always support programs that nurture your talents. Kay para kanamo, ang kabatan-onan mao ang kusog sa Sugbo � and you are proof that our future is in very capable hands,� she said. The governor also encouraged the athletes to compete with integrity and to savor the experience beyond the scoreboards. �Play hard, play fair, and most importantly, enjoy the moment. Make friends, create memories, and show everyone what it means to be a proud Cebuano,� she said. Joining the governor were host Mayor Patrick Barcenas and other chief executives from across the province, alongside Dr. Senen Priscillo Paulin, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Cebu Province. Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco, along with Second District Board Member Raymond Calderon and Seventh District Board Member Cesar Baricuatro, also graced the opening ceremony. The weeklong tournament, which runs from February 15 to 20, unfurls across multiple venues in the City of Naga, Carcar City, and the towns of Minglanilla, San Fernando, Sibonga, and Argao. This year�s edition carries the theme, �Nurturing Resilience, Strengthening Perseverance and Building Character Through the Cebu Provincial Sports and Cultural Meet 2026,� highlighting not only athletic excellence but also personal growth among Cebu�s youth. 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 The sports and cultural meet, which draws participants from 44 towns under the jurisdiction of DepEd Cebu Province, features not only athletic competitions but also cultural events such as balak (Cebuano poetry), balitaw (a love debate in song and dance between a man and a woman), vocal performances, folk dance, cheer dance, and sports dance, among others. Winning participants will represent Cebu Province at the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet, which will be hosted by the City of Naga from March 22 to 28. The event is a joint undertaking with the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu Province Schools Division, backed by the participating local government units. | 𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑭𝑬 � �

Operatives of Special Operations Unit NIR, PNP Drug Enforcement Group under the command of Director PBGen.Elmer Ragay, conducted a manhunt operation that resulted in the successful arrest of one a.k.a. “Mark, 22, ” Top #9 Most Wanted Person Provincial Level and Top #2 Most Wanted Person Municipal Level (MWP) in BS Aquino Drive Brgy. 4, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, on February 9. The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Hon. Karen Joy Tan Gaston, Presiding Judge of RTC 6, Branch 43, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental dated February 5, 2026 for violation of Section 12, Article II of R.A. 9165, docketed under Criminal Case Number 25-62519 for service of sentence. The arrested wanted person was brought to Police Station 2, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. for documentation and proper disposition. “The PNP Drug Enforcement Group commends the operatives of the Special Operations Unit NIR for the successful arrest of Top 9 provincial, Top 2 municipal most wanted person. This achievement demonstrates their professionalism, dedication, and continued commitment to the enforcement of the law and the campaign against illegal drugs.” Ragay, stated. Recently, joint operatives of Special Operations Unit 10, PNP DEG, together with Regional Explosive Canine Unit 10, Regional Intelligence Unit 10, Regional Intelligence Division PRO 10, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, PNP Maritime Group (5th SOU SND SBC), Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Lanao Del Norte and IMEG – Mindanao Field unit 1, conducted a buy-bust operation in Purok 3, Brgy. Caniogan, Tubod, Lanao Del Norte that resulted in the successful arrest of one a.k.a. “Imaw,” male, 28 years old, identified as a High-Value Individual (HVI) and one a.k.a. “Bryan,” male, 24 years old, identified as a Street Level Individual (SLI), on February 10. The operating units seized approximately 15 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated total standard drug price of PhP102,000.00, along with other non-drug items. The arrested suspects were brought to Tubod Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition, while the confiscated drug evidence was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 10, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City for laboratory examination. “The arrest of a High-Value Individual in Tubod, Lanao del Norte reflects the PNP Drug Enforcement Group’s relentless drive against illegal drugs. This operation sends a clear warning that drug personalities will be pursued and brought to justice through sustained, intelligence-driven operations.” Ragay said.  

  NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — The Kadayaw Festival continues to shine as a vibrant tribute to Pambujan’s rich history and diverse cultural roots. More than a celebration, it is a meaningful expression of gratitude, faith, and the community’s shared identity. In honor of Sto. Niño, the Child Jesus, the festival comes alive through colorful dances that reflect the creativity, passion, and artistry of the Pambujanons. Dancers clad in vibrant and intricately designed costumes transform the streets and dance floor into a spectacle of tradition and cultural pride. As Pambujanons mark another year of Kadayaw in 2026, the municipality proudly celebrates the unity and rich cultural diversity of its people. Below are photos capturing the energy, devotion, and vibrant spirit of the Kadayaw Festival. (PHOTO Courtesy from Northern Samar PIO)

  CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Department of Tourism – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) participates in the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) Love the Philippines Regional Showcase, held from January 26–30, 2026 at NUSTAR Cebu, highlighting the diverse culture, indigenous craftsmanship, and tourism offerings of the Cordillera Administrative Region, which is composed of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Baguio City. During the forum, delegates from attending ASEAN Member States have the opportunity to visit the regional showcase, which features Ikat woven textiles from Ifugao, crafted into garments that reflect traditional patterns and indigenous craftsmanship. Also highlighted are tour packages that include the Rice Terraces UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with information on other destinations across the Cordillera Administrative Region that reflect the distinct culture, traditions, and community-based tourism experiences. DOT-CAR’s participation underscores the richness of Cordillera culture and the region’s continuing efforts to share its heritage, indigenous ingenuity, and tourism offerings with a wider audience.    

BORONGAN CITY, Philippines — In celebration of Philippine Airlines’ third year of connecting Borongan City to the world through the skies, a team of executives from the Borongan City Government made an important visit to the flag carrier’s headquarters at the Lucio K. Tan, Jr. (LKTJ) Center on Tuesday, January 20, to discuss the team’s shared vision for the development of BPA operations. With Mr. Justin Nicholas Warby, PAL’s Vice President for Sales; Mr. Ping Choi Chung, Assistant Vice President for Network Planning; and Mr. Matthew Mark Llamas, Senior Specialist for Development and Sales in attendance, the meeting tackled proposed promotional approaches highlighting Borongan City as a premier tourist destination for Mabuhay Milers. Dubbed as the gateway to the rest of Eastern Samar, Borongan City’s flight tourism campaigns are also poised to target other municipalities in the province. During the meeting, Warby expressed his appreciation to the Borongan representatives for taking the time to visit PAL headquarters, noting that Borongan is celebrated as the first-ever local government unit to implement an efficient partnership model with the airline. As a surfing enthusiast, the PAL Sales VP also voiced an interest in exploring Borongan, a famed surfing destination in Eastern Visayas. The meeting culminated in a tour of the Philippine Airlines Museum, where guests were treated to an immersive display of the airline’s 85-year history in the skies. The LGU Borongan party was composed of Acting Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco; City Legal Officer Atty. Celestino Cabato; Atty. Orland Jerico Cordero, Head of the Internal Audit Services Office; City Information Officer and Flight Ops Chair Vittorio Ignatius Raagas, Executive Assistant Amanthea Dala, and Marissa Josephine Acorin, Officer-In-Charge at the City Tourism Office. As part of the flight operations’ slated innovations this year, the City Government of Borongan is set to launch a flight booking website that will be made accessible for passengers looking to book LGU seats. This development is expected to give significant relief to those who cannot make a personal visit to the Fun Borongan Booking Office to make their reservations and payments. Borongan City renewed its partnership with Philippine Airlines on the 19th of December last year.  

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Philippines — The City Government of Borongan has been conferred the prestigious Gold Award after being named the 2025 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Champion and Top Component City in Region VIII. The recognition was formally bestowed during the Kabaskog: Recognizing Champions in DRRM awarding ceremony, organized by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) VIII, held on January 20, at the Radiant Hotel and Events Place, Tacloban City. The recognition affirms Borongan City’s outstanding performance and sustained commitment to strengthening disaster preparedness, risk reduction strategies, and emergency response mechanisms, in line with national and regional DRRM frameworks. The city’s success is attributed to the exemplary guidance of Local Chief Executive Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, Acting City Mayor Emmanuel Tiu Sonco, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, led by Engr. Jaime Voces. This recognition stands not only as a testament to Borongan City’s accomplishments but also as a motivation to pursue higher standards of excellence in building a more resilient, adaptive, and disaster-ready community. Photo Courtesy: Jake Brandon Lorenzo Agda/FB

Expanding Financial Access in Visayas and Mindanao   Through its partnership with Unistar Credit and Finance Corporation, a nationwide financing company, BDO Unibank (BDO) has supported 68,409 workers to acquire motorcycles used for delivery, logistics and transport services. These units were purchased through Transcycle, Unistar’s motorcycle retail brand with 280 branches, 55% located in Visayas and Mindanao, reflecting a strong presence in underserved areas where access to credit remains limited. “For many riders, owning a motorcycle brings a unique sense of freedom, independence and mobility, while opening doors to better income and daily opportunities. Being able to support these journeys is what makes our work truly meaningful, especially for riders and families across Visayas and Mindanao,” shared Matthew Siy Cha, CEO of Unistar Credit and Finance Corporation. While motorcycles remain a practical means of mobility for many Filipinos today, BDO recognizes the importance of transitioning toward a cleaner and more efficient transport system. The Bank continues to support projects that promote the development of green infrastructure in line with its long-term commitment to a low carbon economy. “We believe that access to financial services is essential for economic empowerment. Through BDO’s ASEAN Sustainability Bond, we are helping Filipinos gain the financial tools they need to build sustainable livelihoods,” said Charles M. Rodriguez, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group. The initiative’s impact goes beyond individual borrowers. Micro and small businesses gain from more efficient and affordable delivery and transport services, helping them reach customers faster and reduce operational costs. Local communities also benefit from improved access to goods and essential services. This creates a ripple effect that enhances productivity and supports entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved areas. Through the ASEAN Sustainability Bond, BDO demonstrates how financial institutions can drive social impact and economic growth—empowering Filipinos to participate in the country’s evolving digital and service-driven economies toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

� NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines � A tradition deeply rooted in its rich past, the Bobon Agta Festival symbolizes the reverence and love for Senior Sto. Ni�o of the people of Bobon. Bobon�s connection with the Black Image of the Ni�o can be traced back to the colonial era when the parish was made to choose between the white Sto. Ni�o and the black Sto. Ni�o. The town�s preference for the black image spelled out a deep connection and mystery, naming the image as �Agta�, which locally refers to a dark-skinned person. From there Bobon found its distinct link to the fervent devotion to the Black Sto. Ni�o, eventually giving birth to the Agta Festivity. Carried through the years, the Bobon Agta Festival is the town�s way of honoring and thanksgiving to the Holy Child Jesus, as well as imploring for divine blessings. This practice enhances the town�s identity and contribute to the community�s rich culture and history. (CEA/MLO/act) 𝑽𝒊𝒗𝒂 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒕𝒐. 𝑵𝒊�𝒐! Article Source: Bobon Municipal Tourism Office � � �

The Department of Tourism (DOT) joins all the travelers worldwide who chose the White Beach, Boracay as the #1 Best Beach in the World for Sunbathing, Surfing and Doing Absolutely Nothing in Condé Nast Traveler’s (CNT) 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. With its beautiful scenery, including the 2.5 mile stretch of pristine, powdery-soft, white sand, Boracay is the favorite backdrop for all kinds of occasions and makes tourists come back to the Philippines. This same year, Boracay, Palawan and Siargao also rank among Asia’s Top 10 Islands in CNT 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards that makes the Philippines more vibrant and a world-class destination for travelers around the world.