Aurora Provincial Government Provides Over P150,000 in Construction Materials for Community Repairs

The provincial government of Aurora, led by Governor Reynante A. Tolentino, has allocated construction materials worth more than P150,000 to assist local residents in repairing essential services. The donated items will primarily be used to restore the water supply system and other community infrastructure. According to the provincial government, the donation includes 170 bags of cement, 1,800 hollow blocks, 10 plywood sheets, 20 pieces of roofing sheets, 13 pitcher pumps, galvanized iron pipes, among other materials, totaling P154,291.00. Residents who received the assistance have expressed their sincere appreciation for the support. The provincial government highlighted that this initiative exemplifies the current administration’s commitment to providing prompt and accessible services to address the needs of its constituents. "This effort reflects the open-handed and responsive approach of the present administration, which prioritizes swift action in meeting the community's requirements," the provincial statement added.

DSWD Partners with ScienceKonek to Launch Youth Science Discovery Program

In a move to enhance development opportunities for young residents in its centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) formalized a partnership with ScienceKonek on August 4. Secretary Rex Gatchalian signed a memorandum of agreement with ScienceKonek Founding President Ralph Lauren Abainza at the DSWD Central Office, initiating the Youth Science Discovery Program (YSDP). The agreement establishes ScienceKonek's role in delivering science and technology educational content to youth in DSWD’s CRCFs. This initiative forms part of the agency's rehabilitative programs designed to support the well-being and growth of the residents. The YSDP is set to be piloted at the Nayon ng Kabataan facility and is planned for expansion to other CRCFs across the country. Also in attendance during the signing were Undersecretary Monina Josefina Romualdez of the Operations Group, Director Kaye Sacapaño from the Center Development Office, Nayon ng Kabataan Center Head Helen Pereyra, and ScienceKonek Adviser Quin Antonio Cruz. ScienceKonek is recognized as a youth-led media organization committed to connecting science with Filipino communities nationwide. Through this collaboration, both entities aim to inspire and cultivate scientific curiosity and knowledge among vulnerable youth populations within government care facilities.

Junie Navarro Launches Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament to Uncover Local Talent

An inter-barangay basketball competition designed to discover emerging local talent kicked off on Sunday, August 3, 2025, featuring an opening exhibition match between the "Blue" and "Red" teams. The tournament, named the "Junie Navarro Valientes Inter-Barangay Tournament," was initiated by District 2 Councilor Rolando "Junie" Navarro Jr., who also owns the internationally competing Zamboanga Valientes basketball team. The event is scheduled to conclude in October, coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of Zamboanga City. "This initiative fulfills a campaign commitment and aims to identify grassroots talents capable of bringing pride to the city through basketball," Navarro stated in an interview. A total of 69 teams from villages, including island barangays spanning the city’s first and second congressional districts, are participating. All teams have received complimentary basketball uniforms and registration fees. Navarro emphasized that the tournament is integral to Zamboanga City's sports tourism strategy and serves as a preventive measure to steer the youth away from illegal activities, such as drug abuse. In the exhibition game, the Red Team, representing Mayor Khymer Olaso, narrowly defeated the Blue Team, named after former District 1 Councilor Jerome Santos and led by Junie Navarro, with a final score of 133 to 129. Olaso, a seafarer turned public official, admitted feeling exhausted during the game but nonetheless emerged as the top scorer with 53 points and was named the best player. "I had not played basketball for nearly 20 years and only resumed playing three days prior to the game," Olaso shared. Navarro, who played on the Blue Team, highlighted that the exhibition showcased the camaraderie among Zamboanga City politicians despite electoral contests. Both teams comprised a mix of current and former city councilors, supporters, village officials, local basketball enthusiasts, and former Zamboanga Valientes players, illustrating a strong community and political collaboration through sports.

La Trinidad Hosts Inaugural CSO Conference to Promote Inclusive Governance

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and People’s Organizations convened today at the Municipal Gymnasium for La Trinidad's inaugural CSO Conference, an event organized by the Local Government Unit. Mayor Roderick Awingan extended a warm welcome to attendees, underscoring the critical role of community engagement in shaping the municipality's future. He highlighted that the conference aims to empower local organizations and volunteers by facilitating their active participation in governance, especially through election of representatives to the Local Special Bodies (LSBs). The program featured detailed presentations on the accreditation procedures for CSOs, the selection criteria for LSB representatives, and orientations on both the Accreditation Ordinance and the People's Council Ordinance. These sessions were designed to clarify the processes and encourage transparent, inclusive participation. Under Mayor Awingan's guidance, La Trinidad continues to advance inclusive governance by not only listening to its stakeholders but also offering meaningful opportunities for them to contribute to policy-making and development initiatives. This milestone conference marks a significant step toward strengthening grassroots involvement in the municipality's administrative affairs.

Homeless Man Rescued After Hours Trapped in Cebu City Sewer

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A homeless man, aged 31, was successfully rescued after spending hours trapped in a sewer located in downtown Cebu City on Sunday, August 3. Responders from the Special Rescue Squad of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), together with volunteers from Barangay Senior Sto. Niño and local police, responded promptly after receiving reports of a trapped individual beneath P. Lopez Street in Barangay Sto. Niño. Alphe Villacruz Pandac, a fire auxiliary from the Barangay Senior Sto. Niño Fire Brigade, shared that the man had entered an uncovered manhole near the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) at approximately 7:30 a.m. in search of coins to purchase food. Having no family and driven by hunger, he ventured underground but later became disoriented and trapped. "He was hungry and homeless, without any family support. He entered the sewer hoping to find coins. After walking for some time underground, he got lost and realized around 2:00 p.m. that he could not get out," Pandac said in an interview. Rescue personnel managed to lift the man out roughly 30 minutes after being alerted by removing the manhole cover near Metrobank on P. Lopez Street—the same area where he was found. Aderson A. Comar, CDRRMO Department Head II, confirmed the man emerged from the sewer in stable condition. "He came out in normal condition," Comar stated. After the extraction, the man, visibly dirty and fatigued, was taken to the barangay hall where he was cleaned and provided with fresh clothes. Officials issued a warning against repeating such acts, advising that doing so could lead to police detention for causing public disturbance. Pandac clarified, "We filed a blotter and gave him a warning that if he repeats this behavior, he could be arrested because it may cause public disturbance." Comar also emphasized there was no immediate danger to the man during the ordeal and that he was simply searching for money. "There was no danger. Our personnel only advised him to come out since he was wandering underground looking for some money," he added. Following the incident, the man returned to his usual location in the Carbon area. Authorities urge the public to avoid entering drainage or sewer systems due to significant safety hazards and potential legal repercussions.  Photo credit: Special Rescue Squad Facebook

Bacolod City to Probe Alleged Shooting of Fisherman by Iloilo Bantay Dagat Personnel

The Bacolod City Government has announced plans to investigate an alleged shooting incident involving a Bacolod fisherman and Bantay Dagat personnel from Iloilo. The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, August 2, 2025, near the coastal border separating Bacolod and Guimaras. Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, who chairs the City Council committee on agriculture and fisheries, confirmed that the council is in the process of collecting information to thoroughly examine the case. He revealed that the fisherman, a resident of Barangay 2 in Bacolod, was allegedly shot by Bantay Dagat officers stationed in Iloilo City. "The fisherman was immediately taken to a hospital and is currently in stable condition," Sayson said. He emphasized that because the personnel involved are from another local government unit, coordination with Iloilo officials will be necessary. Sayson further stated, "If it is confirmed that Bantay Dagat personnel were involved in this case, I will urge Mayor Greg Gasataya to engage with Iloilo City authorities to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future." He acknowledged that the fisherman committed a violation linked to illegal fishing, but expressed concern that the response involved the use of firearms instead of an arrest. The councilor plans to file a formal resolution regarding the matter on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. He also reminded local fishermen to operate strictly within Bacolod's designated coastal waters to prevent similar conflicts. This investigation underscores the need for clear jurisdiction and proper conduct among marine enforcement agencies in the Western Visayas region.

Vice Governor Diana Apigo Tayag Visits Sablayan Prison for Shrine Project and Scenic Exploration

Occidental Mindoro Vice Governor Diana Apigo Tayag recently made a significant visit to the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm, combining her duties with her affiliation as a member of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate (DMI). Accompanied by Fr. Rolly Villanueva, Tayag inspected the ongoing construction of the Mama Mary Shrine within the prison facility. Following this, she journeyed to the nearby Aruyan Falls, also situated inside the penal farm. Despite the challenging access, Tayag emphasized that the trip was worthwhile, praising the natural beauty of the location. Reflecting on her experience, she acknowledged the truth of the adage that "sometimes the best places are the hardest to reach." Tayag shared her impressions, noting that each effort to explore the province reveals more of its remarkable sights. She summarized her visit by stating, "Two sites, one mission\nTwo birds, one stone\nOne love for local tourism." Her involvement highlights a commitment to both supporting community projects and promoting tourism within Occidental Mindoro, encouraging others to appreciate the province's unique attractions even when access requires extra effort.

Reconstruction of Miranda Bridge 1 Set to Commence, Enhancing Connectivity Between Tagum and Carmen

The long-anticipated reconstruction of Governor Miranda Bridge 1, which connects Tagum City and the municipality of Carmen, is officially underway. On July 30, 2025, Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy visited the aging structure and held discussions with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials to finalize the project’s implementation plan. According to the DPWH, the rehabilitation will proceed in phases, bolstered by assistance from Congressman Oyo Uy’s office. Mayor Uy expressed his appreciation for this development, emphasizing the bridge’s vital role in alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing mobility for both residents and commuters. In an official statement, the City Government of Tagum conveyed Mayor Uy's gratitude: "We are thankful to the National Government, through the DPWH, for answering our call to replace the damaged bridge. This initiative will significantly expedite travel for the people in Tagum City and neighboring communities." Mayor Uy also voiced optimism that the bridge will soon reopen for public use, anticipating further infrastructure investments to support the city’s continuing growth. Governor Miranda Bridge 1 has been closed since 2022 due to structural deterioration. During this period, motorists have primarily relied on Miranda Bridge 2 as an alternative route between Tagum and Carmen. The bridge’s reconstruction marks an important milestone in restoring critical transport links in the region.

Fatal Fire in Iloilo City Kills Elderly Woman, Injures Three Others

ILOILO CITY — A fire that erupted in a residential area of Brgy. Oñate De Leon, Mandurriao district, on Saturday morning claimed the life of a 75-year-old woman and injured three others. The blaze started at approximately 8:57 a.m., trapping the elderly victim inside her home on the second floor. Firefighters brought the fire under control by 9:16 a.m., fully extinguishing it within the next 12 minutes. The fire destroyed the deceased's residence and caused partial damage to a neighboring house. Two families, totaling six individuals including a child and two elderly persons, were displaced by the incident. The estimated property damage amounts to around ₱288,000. Among the injured were a 65-year-old woman who suffered second-degree burns on her nape, left arm, and head, a 49-year-old man, and a 12-year-old boy who both sustained first-degree burns. All three were promptly transported to the West Visayas Medical Center for treatment, with the elderly woman admitted to the facility. Iloilo City Fire Marshall, Fire Superintendent Melanie Habawel, urged residents to ensure that living spaces for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children are located near exits for easy evacuation. She emphasized, \"They should not be left on their own. They have to be with an able companion to assist them in times of emergency.\" Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been ignited by an unattended candle. Samples from the scene have been sent to the Bureau of Fire Protection's national laboratory for further examination. The displaced families are currently receiving support from the City Social Welfare and Development Office and are temporarily staying with relatives.

Road Accidents in Davao City Surge by Over 30% in Early 2025

The Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) has reported a significant increase in road accidents within Davao City, marking a 31.3 percent rise during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Lieutenant Colonel Christian Antonio D. Garcia, TEU chief, disclosed at an iSpeak forum on July 30 that a total of 2,598 road crashes were recorded between January and July this year, up from 1,998 cases in 2024. These incidents involved 4,864 vehicles, representing a 25 percent increase from the previous year. Private vehicles accounted for the majority of the incidents at 37 percent, followed by motorcycles at 21 percent, and trucks at 10 percent. In terms of severity, 83 percent of these crashes resulted in property damage, 14 percent caused minor injuries, 2 percent led to serious injuries, and approximately 1 percent resulted in fatalities. Garcia attributed 96 percent of these accidents to human error, highlighting factors such as distracted driving, cellphone use while driving, fatigue, and general non-compliance with traffic regulations. Mechanical failures and poor road conditions were identified as contributing factors in only 2 percent of cases. He expressed concern over hazardous driving behaviors, particularly along Carlos P. Garcia Highway and McArthur Highway, where some motorists treat the roads like race tracks in the absence of traffic enforcers. The top accident-prone locations identified include Carlos P. Garcia Highway (19 percent), McArthur Highway (7 percent), Cabantian (4 percent), Panacan (4 percent), and Ma-a Road (4 percent). Accidents predominantly occurred between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., while the safest time frame was reported between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. In response to the rising number of accidents, Garcia confirmed that the TEU, in collaboration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), is intensifying training efforts focused on traffic law enforcement and related regulations. He urged all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic laws, practice responsible driving, and stay vigilant on the road to help reduce the incidence of road accidents throughout Davao City.