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.        

BORONGAN CITY, Philippines — In a letter addressed to Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) recognized the City Government of Borongan as one of the Top 10 performing cities nationwide in Total Current Operating Expenditures (TCOE) per Capita for Fiscal Year 2024. This recognition is granted to local government units whose utilization of resources in public service reflects efficient fiscal management and good financial stewardship. Achieved as a result of a thorough evaluation process conducted by the BLGF, the recognition demonstrates the city’s commitment to financial transparency and accountability in its pursuit of sustainable development, setting a standard in local governance across the country. Notably, the City Government of Borongan has allocated 28.68% of its total annual budget to the delivery of its social services. These services include free medicines (Libre Medisina), free rides for vulnerable sectors (Libre Sakay), interest and collateral-free agricultural loans for farmers and fisherfolk (Dukwag Agrikultura), and monthly monetary allowances for senior citizens, PWDs, and students (Direkta Ayuda). These programs have been institutionalized and will continue to be implemented regardless of the seated Local Chief Executive. The City of Borongan is set to receive the accolade as the sole recipient in Region 8, marking Borongan’s invaluable contribution to strengthening local government finance.              

  BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Philippines — The City Government of Borongan has uncovered an exciting new destination for adventurers and nature lovers: a scenic eco-trail nestled in the lush mountains of Barangays Hebacong and Canyopay. Rich in wildlife, home to endemic plant species, and offering panoramic views, the trail promises a unique and immersive outdoor experience. Representatives from the Borongan City Environment and Natural Resources Office (BCENRO), the City Tourism Office, and Information Office hiked through the newly identified route to assess its eco-tourism potential, on October 15. With plans to open the trail to the public, the City Tourism Office will soon come up with a comprehensive development plan to promote the site as a premier hiking destination, in line with Borongan’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. (Borongan City PIO)                

Zamboanga City, Philippines – Globe Telecom recently joined forces with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and local stakeholders in Zamboanga City to strengthen the fight against Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material (CSAEM). The campaign gathered over 300 participants, including officials from the Department of Justice, the Commission on Human Rights, the NBI, the PNP, and the Zamboanga City Local Government Unit, underscoring the urgency of a whole-of-community approach in safeguarding children. “Protecting children online requires more than technology, it demands collective action. Globe is proud to stand with IACAT, government agencies, and civil society to address both the digital and social drivers of exploitation. Together, we can help ensure every Filipino child grows up in a safer, more inclusive digital world,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. Building Digital Defenses Beyond addressing poverty, Globe continues to champion online safety through education and awareness.  The Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), aimed towards providing digital skills, has reached over 12,000 students across 43 schools this year alone, contributing to safer families and communities in the digital space. Complementing this, the MakeItSafe website equips parents with practical tools to recognize online risks and protect their children. Globe also co-developed Safe Space: A Kid’s Guide to Data Privacy with the Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS), an award-winning children’s book teaching kids how to safeguard their personal data. This book is on display at Tumba-Tumba: A Retrospective, a year-long exhibit at the National Museum promoting children’s rights, creativity, and digital responsibility. Using Technology to Block Harm Globe is stepping up efforts to keep Filipinos safe online. In the first half of 2025 alone, the company blocked over 484 million scam and spam messages, shut down 5,707 malicious domains linked to child exploitation and harmful content, and dismantled 2,785 illegal gambling sites. Its filtering system also barred access to 248,552 URLs containing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials, including 8,385 AI generated materials, in partnership with local authorities and international watchdogs. Meanwhile, the StopSpam portal processed 87,624 SIM reports, resulting in 9,961 SIM deactivations on Globe’s network and 77,065 blacklisted SIMs from other operators. Together with its digital literacy and awareness programs, these actions provide a stronger layer of protection for customers, especially children against online harm. Globe has been championing online safety, digital literacy, and responsible connectivity. The company emphasizes that technology must be paired with education, community engagement, and shared responsibility to create meaningful impact.