The City Government of Zamboanga held a Mental Health Awareness and Wellness activity for employees from July 21 to 23, 2024. The initiative sought to gently remind public servants of the importance of emotional well-being, resilience, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance through simple yet meaningful wellness sessions and awareness talks. Acting Mayor Beng Climaco encouraged employees to care for their mental health by cultivating a spirit of gratitude and hope. “Count your blessings and find something to be thankful for each day. Let us strive to be productive while remaining grounded and grateful for the blessings we receive,” she shared with warmth and sincerity.      

  In line with the directives of the Chief, Philippine National Police, POLICE GENERAL NICOLAS D TORRE III, on swift and responsive police service, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) intensified its operations against all criminalities and violations of environmental laws across the country. The CIDG Regional Field Unit 13, together with the Enforcement Division, Department of Environment and National Resources Region 13, the PNP Special Action Force, and territorial police units, launched a law enforcement operation under CIDG OPLAN KALIKASAN (Campaign against Unlawful Destruction of Natural Resources) in Barangay Bunawan Brooks, Agusan Del Sur, that resulted in the arrest of thirteen suspects, including four Chinese on July 10, 2025. PBGen Romeo J Macapaz, Acting Director of CIDG, stated that the arrested suspects were identified as “Pinwu,” “Hua,” “Viang,” and “Tingging,” all Chinese, and nine Filipinos—”Crishan,” “Joseph,” “Arnel,” “Justine,” “Willy,” “Joel,” “Krainier,” “Harold,” and “Juvy.” They were caught while allegedly engaging in illegal mining activity, particularly extracting gold and other associated minerals without the proper permit and license from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau. The authorities seized equipment and materials, including gold-bearing sand, basins, sluice machines and boxes, excavators, generator sets, water pumps, hydraulic pumps, fuel, shovels, solar lights, and solar panels, among others, with an approximate value of P7,987,900.00. Macapaz emphasized that all mineral resources in public and private lands within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the Republic of the Philippines are owned by the State. He added that the State promotes its rational exploration, development, utilization, and conservation through the combined efforts of government and the private sector in order to enhance national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protects the rights of affected communities. I commend the CIDG Regional Field Unit 13 for your swift and responsive action that led to the arrests of these thirteen suspects. It underscores our fight against crimes involving the environment and natural resources. With their arrest, we significantly prevented the destruction of the environment and made them accountable for the crime. Maraming Salamat sa inyo. The arrested suspects were charged before the National Prosecution Service with violations of Section 103 (Theft of Minerals) in relation to Section 55 (Minerals Processing Permit) of Republic Act No. 7942 (Philippine Mining Act of 1995) and Section 27 of Republic Act 7076 (People’s Small-scale Mining Act of 1991). Rest assured that your CIDG is steadfast in enforcing all the laws and relentless in catching all violators and criminals, local or foreign nationals alike. We urge the public to report all illegal activities concerning our environment, such as illegal fishing, illegal mining, illegal quarrying, illegal logging, and related environmental crimes, and your CIDG will do the rest. “We are CIDG; we will act on the difficult task immediately,” PBGem Macapaz stated.

   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