Mayor Benjamin Ll. Cuaresma III Elected President of LMP-Nueva Vizcaya Chapter

BAMBANG, Nueva Vizcaya — Mayor Benjamin Ll. Cuaresma III, now serving his second term, was elected president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Nueva Vizcaya Chapter during a ceremony held last Friday. The oath-taking took place at Saty Café and Restaurant in Barangay Macate, Bambang, with Nueva Vizcaya Lone Congressional District Representative Timothy Joseph Cayton administering the vows. Cayton, who previously served as LMP-Nueva Vizcaya chapter president, exhorted the incoming officers to continue advancing the chapter's ongoing initiatives. He highlighted the importance of maintaining good programs and deepening inter-municipal cooperation. Aside from Mayor Cuaresma leading the chapter, the newly elected officers include Bayombong Mayor Antonio Sergio Bagasao as vice president; Villaverde Mayor Ronelie Valtoribio as secretary; Santa Fe Mayor Liwayway DC. Caramat as treasurer; Aritao Mayor Remelina Peros-Galam as auditor; and Diadi Mayor Sandy Gayaton as public information officer. Board members elected to support the leadership are Alfonso Castañeda Mayor Wilson Capia-ao, Ambaguio Mayor Ronelio Danao, Kayap Mayor Elizabeth Balasya, Dupax del Norte Mayor Paolo Cayton, Solano Mayor Philip Dacayo, Quezon Mayor Anabelle Mae Binwag, and Kasibu Mayor Romeo Tayaban. This leadership transition marks a renewed commitment to enhancing local governance and fostering collaborative efforts across the province's 15 municipalities, underpinning shared progress and development.

Japanese Lawmakers Praise Philippines as Key Strategic Partner During ODA Project Review

Japanese lawmakers reaffirmed the Philippines' role as a vital strategic ally while assessing the progress of Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects in the country. Japan has consistently been the largest ODA contributor to the Philippines, as noted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in the Philippines. On August 27, the JICA Parliamentary League (JPL), led by Obuchi Yuko, engaged in in-depth discussions with Philippine officials concerning bilateral economic cooperation projects. The delegation also included members Nakatani Shinichi, Suzuki Takako, Ejima Kiyoshi, Takeuchi Yuzuru, Kaneko Emi, and Sakurai Shu, all of whom demonstrated bipartisan support for Japan's ODA initiatives. High-level Philippine representatives, including Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon, Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Emil Sadain, Economic Planning and Development Undersecretary Joseph Capuno, Budget and Management Undersecretary Rolando Toledo, and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, participated in detailed talks addressing ODA-related matters and project updates. The Japanese lawmakers highlighted Japan's enduring partnership with the Philippines through ODA, emphasizing its significant impact on the nation’s socio-economic growth and resilience. In response, Philippine officials expressed their gratitude for Japan’s sustained support, citing major ongoing infrastructure efforts such as the Davao City Bypass, Metro Manila Subway Project, and North-South Commuter Railway. They further acknowledged Japan's assistance in developing Light Rail Transit systems, flood control projects across Metro Manila and Cavite, and maritime enhancements including patrol vessel provision. These initiatives were recognized for their contributions to improving public welfare and fostering regional stability. Officials reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation between the two countries. As the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Japan and the Philippines approaches in 2026, JICA emphasized that these collaborations offer an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties even further. Additionally, the JICA Parliamentary League took part in commemorating the 60th anniversary of the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV). Discussions highlighted the volunteers' impactful community development efforts across diverse sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, environment, and rural development. The Philippine delegation conveyed their appreciation for the JOCV program, recognizing its role in fostering mutual understanding and grassroots connections between the peoples of both nations.

Meta Explores Collaborations with Google and OpenAI to Boost AI Capabilities

Meta Platforms is reportedly exploring potential collaborations with competitors Google and OpenAI to elevate the artificial intelligence features within its products. According to insiders, Meta's newly established AI division, Meta Superintelligence Labs, has been assessing the integration of Google's Gemini model to improve conversational, text-based responses for its primary chatbot, Meta AI. Discussions have also considered utilizing OpenAI's models to power various AI functionalities across Meta's social media platforms. These potential partnerships are expected to be interim solutions as Meta continues to advance its proprietary AI models, with the lab focusing on developing Llama 5 as a formidable contender in the AI space. Internal adoption of external AI technologies is already underway at Meta. Employees have access to Anthropic's models through an internal coding assistant, which aids in programming tasks, illustrating the company's openness to leveraging third-party AI for internal productivity. A Meta spokesperson commented, "We are taking an all-of-the-above approach to building the best AI products; and that includes building world-leading models ourselves, partnering with companies, as well as open sourcing technology." Attempts to obtain comments from OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, which backs OpenAI, have not yet yielded responses. This move aligns with Meta's recent investments to enhance its AI capabilities, including recruiting top talent such as former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang and former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman to co-lead its AI lab, alongside attracting numerous leading AI researchers with competitive compensation packages.

Taraka Harnesses Solar Power to Transform Irrigation and Agriculture

TARAKA, LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — In the town of Taraka, home to approximately 30,000 residents and named after the Taraka River, a significant transformation is underway through the adoption of solar-powered irrigation. Stretching over 20 kilometers from the mountains of nearby Maguing, the Taraka River is one of four major tributaries feeding the ancient Lake Lanao. Despite this abundant water source, local farmers traditionally faced shortages of irrigation and potable water, limiting cultivation to once a year and restricting their livelihood. "We had to wait for the rains to begin farming our fields and planting palay," said Damasira Manguda, a 25-year-old rice farmer. This water scarcity constrained agricultural productivity for generations. A breakthrough arrived in August 2021 with the installation of a solar-powered pump that extracts water from the river and distributes it through polyethylene pipes to previously underutilized farmlands. This initiative is part of a broader effort that began in 2019 when Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan, inspired by the Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA) solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS), spearheaded the project to maximize the town's agricultural potential. Mayor Sumagayan quickly mobilized a local government team to adapt and implement the technology locally, with MinDA facilitating access to a P115-million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to fund the program. The project targets irrigation of up to 1,200 hectares across six villages, including Mangayao, Moriatao Luksa Datu, Lumasa, Salvador Conch, and Malungun. Six solar-powered systems were constructed on donated sites, each featuring a 27-horsepower capacity generated by 175 solar panels, according to municipal engineer Saidamen Abas. Technical support was provided by Greenergy Solar, a leading solar technology provider in Mindanao. Local caretaker Amenola Kumadug has been trained to operate and maintain the system, which pumps water first to a main reservoir before distributing it across agricultural lands. Farmers immediately noticed productivity gains. Manguda reported an increase from 10 to 15 cavans (50 kilograms per cavan) of palay per hectare and expressed optimism about further improvements through modern farming techniques. Consistent irrigation has enabled some farmers to cultivate and harvest palay up to five times over two years, utilizing both native and hybrid varieties. Mastor Diamla, a government official overseeing the rice-producing villages, highlighted the need for farmers to synchronize planting schedules to manage pest risks and maximize irrigation efficiency. Diamla also pointed out challenges related to farm consolidation, as many farmlands remain fragmented due to inheritance practices, which complicates coordinated cultivation efforts. Currently, the local government has not imposed irrigation fees but encourages voluntary contributions for system maintenance, likening it to traditional community charity or zakat. "We want to ease the burden on farmers first," Diamla said. The project also supports social reintegration efforts, providing economic opportunities to former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants transitioning to civilian life. Omar Manonggiring, a MILF brigade leader, noted that several of his former comrades have benefitted from improved rice farming prospects. Complementing irrigation improvements, the Department of Agriculture has donated a P17-million rice processing system to Taraka’s local government. This facility includes a mechanized dryer with a 6-ton capacity and a miller capable of processing 1.5 tons of palay, servicing close to 1,000 farmers and farming operations spanning up to 1,300 hectares. Additionally, the local government has implemented a solar-powered potable water system, addressing household water needs alongside agricultural development. With the introduction of solar energy, Taraka is advancing towards sustainable modernization and enhanced economic resilience, setting a precedent for rural development in Lanao del Sur.

Comelec Probes 15 Contractors Over Potential Illegal Donations to 2022 National Candidates

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has initiated an inquiry into 15 contractors suspected of illegally contributing to national candidates in the 2022 elections. The investigation aims to determine whether these contractors violated the election code by making donations while holding or seeking government contracts. The Comelec Political Finance and Affairs Department is thoroughly reviewing the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SoCE) submitted by candidates from the last election cycle. Although the current focus is on national candidates, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia did not dismiss the possibility of extending the probe to donors and candidates at the local level. "As of Wednesday, 15 contractors are under review, and the number could still grow. Our Political Finance and Affairs Department continues to go through all relevant documents," Garcia stated. While the donations made by the contractors are under investigation, the Comelec has yet to establish any wrongdoing by the candidates who received these contributions. In a recent radio interview, Garcia confirmed that the commission is verifying whether these donors held "live" government contracts prior to, during, or after the May 2022 elections. Should it be confirmed that these contractors had active contracts at those times, they may have violated Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code, which expressly prohibits government contractors from making political contributions. "We want to know if, at the time of the filing of candidacy certificates by these candidates, the contractors had existing government contracts or if they obtained contracts after the elections," Garcia explained in Filipino.

CinePanalo Film Festival 2026 Opens Submissions with Expanded Genre Scope and Record Grants

The CinePanalo Film Festival, now in its third year, has officially opened submissions for aspiring filmmakers without imposing any restrictions on genre, topic, or theme. This marks a departure from previous editions, which emphasized uplifting narratives aligned with the festival’s original theme, "mga kwentong panalo ng buhay." For 2026, the festival encourages participants to explore a wide array of film genres, including those previously uncommon in the competition such as horror, suspense, crime, and fantasy. This change aims to foster greater creative expression and reflect the diverse storytelling voices in the Filipino film community. Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold’s senior marketing manager and chair of the festival, highlighted the motivation behind these adjustments: "In the first two years of CinePanalo, we witnessed the deep passion and eagerness of Filipino filmmakers to share different perspectives. This year, we are opening the festival to all genres and themes to showcase stories that truly represent that diverse voice and creativity." The 2026 edition will also offer significant financial incentives. Seven directors of full-length films will each receive a production grant of PHP 5 million, the largest single grant in the history of Philippine film festivals. Additionally, 20 student filmmakers will be awarded PHP 200,000 each to support their short film projects. Applications are now being accepted online. Full-length film applicants can access the contest mechanics and submission forms at https://tinyurl.com/PCPFFFullApp, while student filmmakers interested in the short film category can apply via https://tinyurl.com/PCPFFShortsApp. The deadline for full-length film submissions is set for 11:59 p.m. on September 10, while student short film applications will close at 11:59 p.m. on November 25. Selected directors will have their films showcased at the Gateway Cineplex 18 from August 7 to 18. The festival continues to build on its growing reputation following last year’s recognition of a Hiligaynon film and a Mindanao short as top winners.

Jin of BTS Sets New Records with Solo Tour

Jin, a member of BTS, has set new benchmarks as an Asian solo artist through his inaugural solo tour, "#RunSeokjin ep_Tour," according to music data analyst Pop Core, referencing Billboard’s monthly Top Tours Chart. The tour amassed a gross revenue of $32.5 million and attracted over 217,000 attendees, both of which establish new records for solo acts from Asia. Over the course of 47 days, Jin performed 18 sold-out shows across multiple countries. The tour commenced in South Korea, followed by engagements in two Japanese cities, four locations across the United States, and extended to European stops in London and Amsterdam. Notably, Jin became the first Korean solo artist to headline a concert at The O2 Arena in London, marking a significant milestone in his career. In addition to touring, Jin has built a strong solo discography featuring the single "Astronaut" and two extended plays, "Happy" and "Echo." His music has garnered widespread acclaim, accumulating more than 3 billion streams on Spotify. Jin’s achievements underscore his expanding influence as a solo performer on the international stage, further solidifying his status beyond his work with BTS.

Supreme Court Implements Mandatory Pro Bono Legal Service Through ULAS Rules

Lawyer Karl Arian A. Castillo, senior partner at Fortun Narvasa & Salazar, recently highlighted the importance of the newly established Unified Legal Service Aid (ULAS) Rules during an event organized by the Far Eastern University Legal Aid Bureau (FEULAB). The ULAS Rules, promulgated by the Supreme Court in 2024, seek to institutionalize and broaden legal assistance throughout the Philippines, ensuring that all Filipinos, particularly those without financial means, have access to free legal support. The event, "FEULAB Talk: Unified Legal Service Aid (ULAS)," was held in collaboration with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Manila IV Chapter and brought together practicing lawyers and law students. Castillo, a prominent advocate for legal aid and a recognized litigator, is a key participant in the ULAS initiative. He serves as a member of the ULAS Technical Working Group, director on the ULAS Interim Board, and auditor for the IBP Makati Chapter, reinforcing his pivotal role in advancing pro bono legal services. Last May, the Supreme Court formally approved the ULAS Manual, launching a nationwide framework that requires qualified lawyers to provide a minimum of 60 hours of free legal aid every three years. This mandate targets indigent and marginalized individuals, as well as eligible non-profit organizations. Covered legal services under ULAS include court representation, legal consultation, document preparation, developmental legal support, and participation in accredited outreach programs. Beneficiaries may qualify through court appointment (counsel de officio) or by applying and meeting indigency criteria per the manual’s assessment standards. Lawyers are required to register and submit compliance reports via the forthcoming ULAS Portal, which will facilitate online management of documentation, requests, and reports related to pro bono work. Alternatively, lawyers may fulfill up to 50% of their pro bono hours through financial contributions to the ULAS Fund, provided payments are made before the end of each compliance cycle. Reasonable expenses incurred during service, such as transportation and printing costs, can be reimbursed from the fund, subject to approval and fund availability. Completing the 60-hour requirement grants lawyers 15 credit units toward their Mandatory Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and may qualify them for applicable tax incentives. The ULAS Board, chaired by a sitting Supreme Court justice and composed of representatives from the IBP, MCLE Governing Board, Philippine Association of Law Schools, and private practitioners from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, will oversee the program’s implementation. Non-compliance by covered lawyers may result in fines, delinquency status within the IBP, and denial of a Certificate of Good Standing. A 60-day grace period is allowed for rectifying any lapses following notification. Exemptions apply to members of the judiciary, Public Attorney’s Office personnel, and lawyers with over 35 years of practice.

Comelec Postpones Proclamation of Duterte Youth Successors Pending Supreme Court Review

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has confirmed its decision to revoke the registration of the Duterte Youth party-list but has opted not to proclaim other parties or nominees to fill the resulting House seats until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling. In a statement from Zamboanga City, Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized the importance of waiting for the decision to become final and executory, noting the possibility that the case may be elevated to the Supreme Court. He explained, \"We will first wait for the disposition of the Supreme Court as judicial courtesy. Therefore, we need to wait for the period of finality.\" Garcia further revealed that the Comelec en banc is preparing for scenarios following the potential finality of the Duterte Youth cancellation. \"On Wednesday (September 3), the Commission en banc will discuss who should replace the Duterte Youth party-list for the three seats they would have secured if the cancellation becomes final. The question is who the Commission should proclaim to occupy those seats,\" he stated. As the National Board of Canvassers, the Comelec en banc will be responsible for deciding which party-list groups will fill the vacant positions. Garcia mentioned that consultations with the Comelec Law Department and supervisory bodies overseeing the National Board of Canvassers are underway to ensure procedural correctness. The cancellation was affirmed last Friday following a 5-1-1 vote by the Comelec en banc. This upheld an earlier decision by the Commission's Second Division dated June 18 to cancel the Duterte Youth's registration, documented in a comprehensive 10-page resolution. Despite the cancellation, the Duterte Youth is allowed to file an appeal with the Supreme Court. The party-list initially garnered 2,338,564 votes in the May 2025 midterm elections, granting them entitlement to three House seats. However, their proclamation had been suspended by the National Board of Canvassers amid pending legal challenges at that time.

Smart Omega Dominates Team Falcons to Halt Losing Streak in MPL Philippines Season 16

Smart Omega decisively ended its losing streak with a commanding 2-0 victory against former world champions Team Falcons in the MPL Philippines Season 16 match held Sunday at the Green Sun Hotel. This win allowed Smart Omega to bounce back from earlier defeats to AP.Bren and TNC, evening their record to 2-2 while dropping Team Falcons to 1-3 after suffering their second consecutive loss. The first game showcased a standout performance by veteran midlaner Salic \"Hadji\" Imam, who skillfully stole the Lord on his Luo Yi and executed a double kill, taking down Super Marco (Moskov) and FlapTzy (Arlott) to secure the initial lead. In Game 2, Smart Omega delivered near-perfect teamwork spearheaded by exp laner James \"Jeymz\" Gloria (Lapu-Lapu) and jungler Dean \"Raizen\" Sumagui (Fanny). Their coordinated effort resulted in a four-player takedown near the Lord pit by the 12th minute. Despite Team Falcons successfully reviving all four players in time to defend against the approaching Lord, they failed to halt Smart Omega’s relentless assault. Kenneth \"Nets\" Barro (Harith), the team’s gold laner, executed a spectacular play to finish the series. Dean \"Raizen\" Sumagui earned the Game 2 MVP title after achieving five kills and five assists without dying, playing a crucial role in Smart Omega’s second victory in four games.