DAVAO DEL SUR — Sinorpresa ni Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara ang mga Grade 8 teachers ng Davao del Sur na kasalukuyang nasa gitna ng kanilang training kamakailan. “Talagang jam-packed ang dumalo sa training—kitang-kita ang dedikasyon nila sa pag-tataas ng antas ng edukasyon ng bansa,” pahayag ni Angara. Aniya, “Ito pa ang nakakabilib — marami sa mga paaralan ng Davao del Sur ay high-performing at mataas ang scores sa mga assessments. Kaya naman, gusto nating matuto mula sa mga ginagawa nila sa kanilang paaralan. Ano nga ba ang kanilang mga best practices? Gusto nating ma-apply din ‘yan sa iba’t ibang lugar sa bansa.” “Muli, maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat ng ating mga guro sa inyong patuloy na paglilingkod at pagmamahal sa propesyon. Kayo ay tunay na bayani! Keep up the amazing work!”  

Without mincing words, Mayor Khymer Olaso on Monday ordered the immediate removal of tarpaulins bearing names and faces of public officials in government-funded projects in the city. In addition, the newly-assumed mayor said he will not allow names or images of elected officials on tarpaulins or billboards announcing government projects under his watch. The billboards should only contain essential information about the project and the words “from the people of Zamboanga City.” These practices are described as “epal” which refers to elected officials who use taxpayer-funded or government projects as props for their propaganda or promotional campaigns. In a meeting with department heads and other officials at City Hall Monday, July 7, Mayor Olaso likewise ordered General Services Officer Engr. Rene de la Cruz to refrain from using tents bearing names of public officials, during events and activities of the city government. The city government will purchase huge tents bearing the name “City government of Zamboanga” for use in all city activities. “I will not allow these practices under my administration,” Mayor Olaso told department heads during the meeting. “We are putting the city government on the right track and right direction.” Similarly, the mayor directed the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to discourage politicians from taking part in the distribution of cash assistance to beneficiaries during payouts. This, he said, is another practice of political patronage and is highly unethical. Meanwhile, in constructing infrastructure projects such as school buildings, the City Engineer’s Office is directed to follow the standard color and design subscribed by the Department of Education. (CMO-PIO) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)        

The City Social Welfare and Development Office reported that a total of 739 families with 2,374 individuals in seven barangays, mostly located in low-lying areas and along the Tumaga river, were displaced by flashfloods caused by the southwest monsoon intensified by tropical storm Danas on July 5. CSWDO Chief Socorro Rojas said seven evacuation centers were established, of which six remained active as of midnight Saturday, July 5, with 706 families (2,188 individuals) remaining in the temporary shelters. Mayor Khymer Olaso mobilized government resources and swiftly launched relief operations after being informed about the incident late Saturday afternoon. The evacuation centers established and the number of families housed include the following: Sta. Maria Covered Court 27 families with 97 individuals Pasonanca Barangay Hall 30 families – 128 individuals Lunzuran Barangay Covered Court 29 families – 114 individuals Tugbungan Barangay Hall 48 families – 219 individuals Boalan Barangay Hall 3 families – 10 individuals Guiwan Barangay Hall 31 families – 93 individuals Tumaga Elementary School 571 families – 1,713 individuals The Guiwan evacuation center was closed as of midnight Saturday, the CSWDO reported. (CMO-PIO) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)

  Learners of New Hope Elementary School, Tacloban City, marked a joyful day on July 2, 2025, as they joined the 96th birthday celebration of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, enjoying food and entertainment. The event also coincided with the observance of Nutrition Month, during which students received nutribuns courtesy of the Office of Senator Imee Marcos. School Principal Aileen Apostol expressed gratitude, saying it was a truly meaningful day that brought both joy and nourishment to the young learners. (Tacloban City Information Office)  

In a bold and resolute message during his inaugural address, newly-elected Mayor Khymer Olaso vowed to uphold integrity, honesty and good governance in leading Zamboanga City. “Under my leadership, there will be no kickbacks, no under the table, no excuses!” Mayor Olaso declared before city officials, employees and guests gathered at Madrid Hall, Palacio del Sur on Monday morning, June 30.  

New Queens and Runners- up of Miss Pintados & Miss Teen Pintados 2025 L-R Miss Teen Pintados 4th Runner-Up: Septemia Santiago of Maslog, Eastern Samar Miss Teen Pintados 3rd Runner-up: Ayumi Miyamoto of Bontoc, Southern Leyte Miss Teen Pintados 2nd Runner-up: Katherine Apolinar of San Miguel, Leyte Miss Teen Pintados 1st Runner-up: Crissha Aves of Tanauan, Leyte Miss Teen Pintados 2025: Kristine Caye Yu of Dulag Leyte   Miss Pintados 2025: Trisha Gabrielle Moreto of Tanauan, Leyte Miss PIntados 1st Runner-up: Grasel Cabello of Barugo, Leyte Miss Pintados 2nd Runner-up: Jacel Salinas of Bontoc, Southern Leyte Miss Pintados 3rd Runner-up: Jhanelle Cabos of Guiuan, Eastern Samar Miss Pintados 4th Runner-up: Chloe Reciproco of Carigara, Leyte Courtesy from Miss Pintados & Miss Teen Pintados fb page

Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan details his administration’s milestones over the past years, recognizing the community’s contribution to these achievements, during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan assembled in a session at the Capitol Gym, and local chief executives, national government agency and provincial government heads, non-government organizations and private sector. He detailed significant efforts across various development areas primarily in agriculture and economic development, roadworks and infrastructure improvement, employment, good governance, peace and resiliency, education and youth empowerment, healthcare and social services, sustainable eco-tourism and environmental management, aptly coined in his development framework, Sustained PROGRESS. From increased access to education through new scholarship programs – medical, nursing and agriculture, to securing billions of investment commitments, key infrastructure projects that include 23 classrooms completed, 17 farm to market roads, 38 evacuation centers, bridges and health stations in the province, the Governor accounted significant strides in the tourism sector, paving the way for Northern Samar to be placed in the country’s tourism map. More than a report, the Governor’s SOPA paid tribute to the overwhelming support that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Mayors, PGNS heads and employees, NGAs, NGOs, private sector stakeholders and the community have extended him, apart from that of his family – wife Ms. Bles, children, brothers and immediate relations. “Ang SOPA na eto ay isa ring pasasalamat at pagpupugay sa lahat na aking naging katuwang sa pagbabago ng ating lalawigan.Taos puso ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat na nagbigay inspirasyon, nakiisa, tumangkilik at nagpamalas ng pagmamahal. Lahat ng aking nakamit ay bunga ng ating pagkakaisa at paninindigan”. Sa pagtatapos ng aking termino bilang Gobernador, at sa pagsisimula ng bagong yugto bilang kinatawan ng ikalawang distrito sa Kongreso, dala ko ang inyong tiwala at ang walang kapantay na pagmamahal sa probinsya,” he said, reassuring his constituency of his continued commitment and pursuit of a progressive, resilient and happy Nortehanon community.    

Camp Quintin M. Merecido,Davao City – Police Regional Office 11, under the leadership of Regional Director PBGEN Leon Victor Rosete, through the personnel of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG 11) in coordination with Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station, successfully arrested one individual and confiscated millions worth of smuggled cigarettes in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, on June 14, 2025. The operation was the result of casing and surveillance efforts targeting a subject for violation of RA 10591. During the said operation, the operating team spotted in plain view a male individual stacking and arranging mastercases of suspected smuggled cigarettes beside a residential road in the area. The suspect was immediately apprehended and identified as alias Lester, a resident of Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. Recovered from the suspect were a total of 110 mastercases (equivalent to 5,500 reams) of assorted brands of smuggled cigarettes, with an estimated market value of ₱5,500,000.00. Rosete commended the operating team for their vigilance and swift action, emphasizing that PRO 11 remains steadfast in its commitment to curb smuggling and safeguard public health. This accomplishment reflects the PNP’s unwavering support to the leadership and reform agenda of C, PNP PGEN NICOLAS D TORRE III.