The Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), or the Fulbright Commission in the Philippines, signed new partnerships with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) to expand educational opportunities, foster cultural exchange, and promote American excellence in higher education across Mindanao. PAEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MinDA to develop customized Fulbright scholarships for individuals from conflict-affected communities in Mindanao.  Selected scholars will pursue advanced studies and professional development in the United States focused on energy and agriculture. PAEF also signed an MoU with Ateneo de Davao University.  The agreement officially designates ADDU as the host institution for a new exchange program called the Consortium for Study Abroad in the Philippines (CSAP).  CSAP will bring American students and faculty to the Philippines for cultural immersion and six-week academic courses in agriculture, rural development, engineering, and business. “The Fulbright Program is not just a scholarship program in the Philippines—it is a cornerstone of post-war Philippine intellectual and leadership development, a symbol of the enduring U.S.–Philippine partnership, and still the single most important academic exchange mechanism between the two countries after more than 75 years,” PAEF Chairperson and U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Jessica Simon said. “This signing is more than a ceremonial act—it is a bold step toward empowering the people of Mindanao.  Through this Memorandum of Understanding, MinDA and the Fulbright Commission reaffirm a shared conviction: that education is the most powerful engine of peace, progress, and prosperity,” MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said. “The CSAP aligns with the University’s mission to advance research, innovation, and the formation of graduates committed to service and leadership.  ADDU is proud to support inclusive peace and development in Mindanao through academic excellence and community outreach,” said ADDU Vice President for Higher Education Fr. Antonio Basilio, S.J. Established on March 23, 1948, the Philippine-American Educational Foundation is a non-profit, binational organization sponsored by the U.S. and Philippine governments.  It is the oldest continuously active Fulbright commission in the world and the oldest international scholarship in the Philippines.  PAEF has awarded grants to more than 3,000 Filipinos and close to 1,000 Americans to pursue graduate degree study, teaching, and research in the Philippines and the United States.        

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA, a Cebu-based institution, in partnership with the City Government of Zamboanga, and the Division of City Schools brings the ‘Hawak Kamay’ Scholarship program to Zamboanga City, offering scholarship opportunities to deserving Zamboangueño students.   Mayor Khymer Olaso and representatives from SWU PHINMA solidified the partnership and discussed the rollout of the scholarship program in Zamboanga City. The partnership aims to expand educational opportunities for deserving students and help them reach their fullest potential, during the meeting on Monday afternoon, November 17. To grab the opportunity, a scholarship examination is set on Saturday, November 22 from 9 am to 4 pm at Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum in Tetuan, where all incoming first-year college students for SY 2026–2027 may take the exam for free. Applicants must bring their school I.D. or any proof that they are currently Grade 12 students, as well as pencil with eraser (Mongol No. 2). Hawak Kamay Scholarship provides a 75% discount on tuition fees for any college program offered by SWU PHINMA, with no maintaining grade requirement until graduation. This makes it an ideal opportunity for students who aspire to pursue higher education but may be facing financial constraints. Without hesitation, Mayor Olaso welcomed the initiative, expressing his gratitude to SWU PHINMA for bringing this great opportunity to the city, noting how this initiative could greatly benefit determined Zamboangueño students. Interested applicants are encouraged to register at https://bit.ly/HawakKamay2627. For more inquiries, contact 09205747312 or mstabuelog.swu@phinmaed.com. (Bernadeth Lazaro) (photo credits: Roselyn Bunot)

BORONGAN CITY, Philippines — Umani ng tagumpay ang City Government of Borongan matapos kilalanin sa prestihiyosong 2025 Manila Times Philippine Model Cities and Municipalities Awards. Tinanggap ni Mayor Jose Ivan Agda ang mga parangal, kabilang ang 1st Runner-up para sa Livelihood and Employment, at 1st Runner-up para sa Eco-Friendly Category. Binibigyang-diin ng mga parangal ang matibay na adbokasiya ng LGU para sa sustainable at inclusive development. Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Mayor Agda, binibigyang prayoridad ang pagpapalawak ng livelihood opportunities at mahigpit na pagprotekta sa natural resources ng lungsod, na naglalayong maiangat ang kabuhayan ng lahat ng Boronganon.  

MOISES PADILLA, Negros Occidental, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco announced on Tuesday (Nov. 11) that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has allocated ₱10 million in immediate assistance for the recovery of Moises Padilla, one of the towns hardest hit by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) in Negros Occidental. Secretary Frasco, joined by Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara upon the directive of President Marcos, led the assessment of typhoon damage and continued relief operations for affected families. The Cabinet officials inspected Jose Pepito Montilla Garcia National High School, where several classrooms sustained heavy damage from strong winds and flooding. To help the school resume operations and maintain learning continuity, the Department of Education (DepEd) turned over laptop units and a Starlink internet device to strengthen digital connectivity and support blended learning for teachers and students. At the Moises Padilla Elementary School, which now serves as a temporary evacuation center, Secretaries Frasco and Angara led the ceremonial distribution of Family Food Packs, Family Kits, and Hygiene Kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Further assistance was also turned over to the local government, including 100 jerrycans and a box of assorted medicines from the Department of Health (DOH) and 25 shelter-grade tarpaulins from the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DSHUD). Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo briefed the Cabinet Secretaries and regional agency heads at the Municipal Hall on the town’s post-disaster situation and immediate needs, including water supply, infrastructure repair, and housing for displaced families. The officials also inspected the riverside area of Barangay Poblacion, one of the most flood-affected communities in the municipality.

  ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA, Philippines — In a historic stride in the campaign against illegal drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 9 (RO9), led by its Regional Director, Director III Bryan B. Babang, destroyed ₱1,116,042,487.23 worth of dangerous drugs on November 6, 2025. This marks the largest drug destruction activity conducted in the Zamboanga Peninsula, surpassing the previous destruction event held last year at the Libertad Power and Energy Corporation (LPEC) in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur. The destruction of these dangerous drugs was led by Dangerous Drugs Board Chairman Secretary Oscar F Valenzuela together with PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R. Nerez, along with the officials from the PDEA National Office. The event took place at ZC E&L Corporation, Zone 1, Dumagsa, Barangay Talisayan, Zamboanga City, where various confiscated illegal substances, including methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), marijuana, and ephedrine, were incinerated through thermal destruction, in strict adherence to environmental and safety standards. The destruction was conducted in compliance with the court orders issued by the Regional Trial Courts of Pagadian City, Molave, and San Miguel, all of Zamboanga del Sur, Iligan City, Isabela City of Basilan, and Zamboanga City, and in coordination with the Regional Forensic Unit 9 and the Forensic Units of Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Sur, as well as other concerned government agencies and stakeholders. A total of 164,006.7857 grams of shabu, 6,624.5362 grams of marijuana, and 4.0513 grams of ephedrine were destroyed. The bulk of the destroyed dangerous drugs includes 67 kilograms of shabu seized by the Police Regional Office 9 under PBGen Eleazar P Matta and 89 kilograms of shabu seized by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group under PBGen Edwin A Quilates. These two major anti-drug operations of the Philippine National Police were under the leadership of PLTGen Jose Melencio C Nartatez. This unprecedented event underscores PDEA’s unwavering commitment to its mandate of eradicating illegal drugs and ensuring that confiscated substances are permanently removed from circulation. Also in attendance were Zamboanga City Mayor, Honorable Khymer Adan T Olaso, Vice Mayor Maria Isabelle G Climaco, PBGen Eleazar P Matta of Police Regional Office 9, PBGen Edwin A Quilates of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, Commodore Rejard V. Marfe of the Philippine Coast Guard, Col Rommel Cabanayan of the Task Force Zamboanga, Hon. Manuel M. Wee Sit IV of RTC Branch 33, Prosecutor Sharina I. Tahir-Kanni of the National Prosecution Office, Atty. Karina Angela E. Fernandez of the Public Attorneys’ Office, Zamboanga City Councilors Frederick N. Atilano, Vladimir T. Jimenez, BG Guingona, and Hannah Nuño, Chairman Esmael U. Tan of ZC E and L Corporation, media, other partner agencies and required witnesses. Their presence reaffirmed the whole-of-nation approach in the government’s fight against illegal drugs. PDEA RO9 expressed its deep appreciation to ZC E&L Corporation and all partner agencies and officials who made the destruction possible. DG Nerez emphasized that PDEA, in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, continues to conduct intelligence-driven anti-drug operations nationwide. He commends all the personnel of PDEA Regional Office 9 in surpassing performance targets and exceeding expectations and in the successful conduct of the destruction of dangerous drugs. With this record-breaking destruction activity, PDEA Regional Office 9 reaffirms its commitment to strengthening its anti-drug efforts and assures the public of its unwavering dedication to creating a safer, drug-free Zamboanga Peninsula.

The Social Security System (SSS) announced that its members in Cebu affected by Typhoon Tino may avail of the Calamity Loan Program (CLP) starting today 6 November 2025 up to 5 December 2025 providing immediate financial relief as recovery efforts continue across the province. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph Montes de Claro said that the CLP provides qualified SSS members in Cebu with immediate access to emergency funds for their essential needs in tandem with recovery efforts undertaken by national and local government. “We understand how life-changing the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino is to workers and their families in Cebu. Our priority is to provide immediate, accessible support to help them get back on their feet,” De Claro said. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed all 53 cities and municipalities in Cebu under a state of calamity after Tropical Cyclone Tino struck the province last 4 November 2025. NDRRMC estimates show more than 200,000 families and 700,000 individuals were affected, with more than 200,000 pre-emptively evacuated and more than 400,000 displaced. CLP terms and eligibility Under the CLP, qualified members may borrow up to P20,000 at 7% interest rate with repayment period of 24 months. Applications can be submitted online via My.SSS facility. De Claro said that once approved, loan proceeds will be credited directly to their enrolled disbursement account. Major qualification requirements are: Residing or working in an area declared under State of Calamity; Have at least 36 monthly contributions – six of these must be posted within 12 months preceding the month of filing. Individually paying members must have paid at least six contributions under their current membership type; Have an online account with SSS (My.SSS) to file an online application; No past due loan accounts and no outstanding restructured loans; Not have been granted any final benefit; Of legal age and under 65 years of age at the time of the loan application; and Have not been disqualified due to fraud committed against the SSS. In addition, SSS also activated a separate CLP for members who were affected by Tropical Storm Ramil in Roxas City and in the Municipality of Sigma in Capiz.  Qualified SSS members who live or work in these areas may apply for calamity loan from 5 November 2025 up to 4 December 2025. De Claro emphasized that calamity loans act as bridge for affected members to tide them over and hasten recovery.

  NEGROS ORIENTAL, Philippines — Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria continues to demonstrate his compassion and dedication to public service as he personally leads the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental’s response to the urgent needs of Canlaon City following the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino. Together with Mayor Jose Chubasco “Batchuk” Cardenas, Governor Chaco ensured that immediate assistance — including food packs and essential supplies — reached affected families and communities. The Provincial Government, through the PSWDO and in close coordination with various national government agencies, worked hand in hand to deliver relief operations and assess further needs on the ground. Governor Chaco reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to support Canlaon City and other affected areas, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration among local and national agencies in addressing the impacts of natural disasters. He also expressed gratitude to all sectors extending their help and solidarity to the people of Canlaon. For those who wish to extend assistance or donations, you may proceed to Canlaon Pensionne House (Canlaon City Pension House), which serves as the official drop-off point for relief efforts.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, inaugurated on October 26 its direct flights from Cebu to El Nido via Cebgo (DG), providing every Juan from Central Visayas more opportunities to explore the natural wonders of Palawan. CEB will operate daily flights between Cebu and El Nido via Cebgo. These are on top of the current flights to the same destination operated by AirSWIFT. In her speech during the route launch in Mactan-Cebu International Airport, CEB Marketing Director Michelle De Guzman highlighted the importance of this initiative for both destinations as well as Philippine tourism. “By opening more direct routes, especially between secondary cities, we reduce dependence on major urban gateways and help spread tourism benefits more evenly across regions. That translates to more opportunities for local businesses—hotels, tour guides, restaurants, transport operators—especially in communities that rely on tourism as a livelihood. For our passengers, it means more ways to explore, more spontaneity, and the freedom to go further without breaking the bank,” she added. With more direct flights to El Nido, travelers from Central Visayas will be able to see El Nido’s iconic beaches, lagoons, and clear blue waters. From Cebu, passengers can also fly directly to other Palawan destinations such as Puerto Princesa, Coron (Busuanga), and Port Barton (San Vicente). CEB currently flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.          

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, continues to support communities in need by partnering with SOS Children’s Village Cebu to provide regular food donations for children and families under their care. Under the agreement, the airline will donate surplus pastries from its Mactan catering facility. SOS Cebu staff will collect the donations weekly, supplying approximately 100 to 300 pastries to 106 children and young people enrolled in programs that provide education, family support, and holistic care. “Supporting SOS Children’s Village Cebu is about more than giving food,” said Lei Apostol, CEB Vice President for Customer Service Operations. “It’s about helping children thrive while promoting sustainable practices. Even small acts, like turning surplus food into opportunities, can make a real difference.” The initiative is part of CEB’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to assist communities while reducing food waste. Since 2017, the airline has donated pastries to the Pangarap Foundation, an organization that uplifts underserved youth. In 2024, it expanded its commitment by partnering with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Philippines, formalizing a program to donate surplus food. As the only local airline partner of SOS Children’s Village Cebu, CEB hopes to set an example for the aviation industry by showing how surplus food can be managed responsibly while making a meaningful impact on society.