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Logico, the ‘barefoot’ general, is new PMA superintendent

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) received its new superintendent during turnover rites on Wednesday, with the retirement of Navy Vice Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia.

Valencia, a member of PMA ‘Bigkis Lahi’ Class of 1990, served as superintendent starting June 20, 2024. His military career spans 40 years and three months, said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Nestor Saludo Jr., PMA spokesperson.

Army Maj. Gen. Michael Logico, the new superintendent of the country’s premier military training school, is known not just for his staunch defense of the West Philippine Sea against China but also for promoting physical fitness and nontraditional barefoot running or natural running that earned him the nickname ‘barefoot colonel,’ according to different news accounts.

Logico is a member of PMA ‘Maalab’ Class of 1993 and has been commander of the Army Training Command.

He was promoted to lieutenant general by Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete at the ceremonial change of command. Nafarrete, also a member of Bigkis Lahi, had just assumed office following the retirement on Tuesday of Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the Baguio-born salutatorian of PMA ‘Makatao’ Class of 1989.

External threats

The military school command tradition began when Logico ordered PMA staff to raise his personal flag after his predecessor, Valencia, lowered his own flag to signify that he had relinquished his post. Valencia was also given a testimonial parade by the Corps of Cadets.

It was under Valencia’s watch that the PMA overhauled its road map under the instructions of President Marcos and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in order to develop a new curriculum that would equip modern officers with skills that would enable them to combat modern threats like cyberterrorism.

Logico, in his speech, vowed to continue the academic reforms begun by Valencia but said the milestone of his new assignment was the presence there of his father, retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Epineto Logico, a member of PMA Class of 1960.

While internal security remains a military task, its attention has shifted to external threats, he said in his speech, now that ‘the battlefield has broadened to physical and nonphysical threats.’

Like many children of soldiers, Logico said tales of the values, honor and traditions at the PMA shaped his points of view long before he entered the academy.

But given the changing, volatile world of today, the new PMA superintendent said ‘traditions should not be obstacles to change’ so the military school can begin training cadets to face the future ‘and not the past we all remember.’

Nafarrete described the PMA as the ‘cradle of military leadership,’ which is slowly adapting to global changes without abandoning the honor, humility, and integrity it espoused more than a century ago

New twist as University of Dodoma lecturer Kaijage now faces terrorism charge

The legal saga involving University of Dodoma (Udom) lecturer Melkisedeki Kaijage has taken a new turn after prosecutors upgraded his charge to terrorism.

Mr Kaijage has been in police custody since July 8, 2026, when he was initially arrested for allegedly inciting public protests, an offence for which he was denied bail.

In response, the University of Dodoma Academic Staff Association (Udomasa) filed an application seeking his release on bail, which was heard on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Following the hearing regarding the July 7 incitement allegations, the court issued guidelines enabling Mr Kaijage to secure bail.

However, as defence lawyers and Udomasa officials processed the court judgment to execute his release, authorities substituted the charge.

Udomasa Chairman, Dr Gerald Shija, confirmed that the academic now faces a non-bailable terrorism charge and has been transferred from police custody to Isanga Prison.

‘Yesterday, we received information that Mr Kaijage was taken to court. Upon arrival, we discovered he had already been remanded on a new charge of terrorism,’ said Dr Shija.

The severe charge presents significant legal hurdles for his family and colleagues regarding bail eligibility.

Mr Kaijage is widely regarded among peers as a popular lecturer who maintains strong rapport with students, an influence colleagues attribute to his engaging teaching methods rather than political mobilisation.

The Rise of Smartious Homeschool Global

In the dynamic landscape of global education, certain institutions emerge not just as providers of learning, but as pioneers reshaping how we perceive and access quality schooling. Smartious Homeschool Global stands as a testament to this evolution – a remarkable journey that began in the heart of East Africa and has since expanded its reach across continents.

This article traces the rise of Smartious, from its foundational vision through its strategic growth to its present-day commitment to delivering elite, personalised education to a global student body. The story of Smartious Homeschool Global is rooted in the personal observations of its founder, Alfred Ouko, a dedicated Mathematics and Physics teacher. In 2018, while still an undergraduate at the University of Nairobi, Alfred recognised a significant gap in the educational system.

He watched capable students fall behind in classrooms that couldn’t move at their pace – held back by rigid structures, location constraints, or scheduling conflicts.

What began as one-on-one home visits in Nairobi’s Parklands neighbourhood quickly evolved into a more structured approach. Alfred’s model focused on building genuine subject confidence rather than mere exam memorisation.

As demand grew, he recruited subject specialists, insisting every teacher hold a degree in their field – a standard that laid the groundwork for Smartious’s reputation for academic rigour.

Scaling the Vision: The Edtech Transformation

As the tutoring base grew through Alfred’s undergraduate years, Smartious recognised the potential of technology to widen access to quality education. The institution built its own Learning Management System – the virtual backbone that today enables live interactive sessions, recorded lesson libraries for flexible review, and adaptive tools like the Mshauri AI tutor, available to students 24/7.

This technological leap let Smartious significantly expand its curriculum offerings. Beyond its original tutoring focus, the school began delivering full programmes for internationally recognised qualifications: Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level, Pearson Edexcel, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and the American High School Curriculum with Advanced Placement. Crucially, it also integrated the Kenya Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), serving both local and diaspora Kenyan families.

Global Expansion: Crossing Borders and Continents

Smartious’s growth trajectory soon transcended national borders. Its flexible, high-quality offering resonated with Kenyan and African diaspora families in the UAE, UK, USA, and Canada – families seeking curriculum continuity for their children through international relocations. This organic demand fuelled rapid global expansion, establishing Smartious as a genuinely international player.

Today, Smartious serves families across more than a dozen countries on five continents, with a strong presence in high-visibility hubs – from Nairobi (Kenya) and Dubai (UAE) to Johannesburg (South Africa), Seoul (South Korea), and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). This widespread footprint reflects Smartious’s ability to deliver consistent educational standards globally.

Smartious at a Glance

A few verifiable figures from the school’s own reporting help put its growth into perspective:

The story of Smartious Homeschool Global is rooted in the personal observations of its founder, Alfred Ouko, a dedicated Mathematics and Physics teacher. In 2018, while still an undergraduate at the University of Nairobi, Alfred recognised a significant gap in the educational system.

He watched capable students fall behind in classrooms that couldn’t move at their pace – held back by rigid structures, location constraints, or scheduling conflicts.

What began as one-on-one home visits in Nairobi’s Parklands neighbourhood quickly evolved into a more structured approach. Alfred’s model focused on building genuine subject confidence rather than mere exam memorisation.

As demand grew, he recruited subject specialists, insisting every teacher hold a degree in their field – a standard that laid the groundwork for Smartious’s reputation for academic rigour.

Scaling the Vision: The Edtech Transformation

As the tutoring base grew through Alfred’s undergraduate years, Smartious recognised the potential of technology to widen access to quality education. The institution built its own Learning Management System – the virtual backbone that today enables live interactive sessions, recorded lesson libraries for flexible review, and adaptive tools like the Mshauri AI tutor, available to students 24/7.

This technological leap let Smartious significantly expand its curriculum offerings. Beyond its original tutoring focus, the school began delivering full programmes for internationally recognised qualifications: Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level, Pearson Edexcel, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, and the American High School Curriculum with Advanced Placement. Crucially, it also integrated the Kenya Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), serving both local and diaspora Kenyan families.

Global Expansion: Crossing Borders and Continents

Smartious’s growth trajectory soon transcended national borders. Its flexible, high-quality offering resonated with Kenyan and African diaspora families in the UAE, UK, USA, and Canada – families seeking curriculum continuity for their children through international relocations. This organic demand fuelled rapid global expansion, establishing Smartious as a genuinely international player.

Today, Smartious serves families across more than a dozen countries on five continents, with a strong presence in high-visibility hubs – from Nairobi (Kenya) and Dubai (UAE) to Johannesburg (South Africa), Seoul (South Korea), and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). This widespread footprint reflects Smartious’s ability to deliver consistent educational standards globally.

Smartious at a Glance

A few verifiable figures from the school’s own reporting help put its growth into perspective:

Freedom 250 Baseball Series honours American legacy and four decades of baseball in Sri Lanka

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka recently launched the Coach Jim Dimick Memorial Baseball Classic, celebrating the enduring American legacy of baseball in Sri Lanka as part of the Embassy’s

Freedom 250 Baseball Series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell joined players, coaches, alumni, and Sri Lanka Baseball/Softball Association officials at Royal College Colombo to officially launch the tournament, with Marine Security Guard Gunnery Sergeant Kyle Aparicio throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

The triangular tournament brought together Royal College Colombo, Kingswood College Kandy, and Richmond College Galle-three schools whose history is closely intertwined with the growth of American baseball in Sri Lanka. Kingswood opened with a 26-10 win over Royal College before falling 15-7 to Richmond. Richmond secured a place in the championship game with a 7-7 draw against Royal College, but Kingswood prevailed 11-6 in the final rematch to capture the Freedom 250 championship.

Chargé d’Affaires Howell

said: “As America celebrates,

250 years of independence, we are proud to celebrate one of our nation›s greatest traditions-baseball. For generations, America›s national pastime has brought communities together through teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Today, that same game continues to build friendships between Americans and Sri Lankans. We are proud that baseball, first introduced to Sri Lanka through the leadership of an American coach, continues to inspire young athletes and strengthen the ties between our two countries.”

Baseball is woven into the fabric of American life. For over 150 years, families have gathered at ballparks, children have dreamed of the major leagues, and communities have rallied around the game. Today, America›s national pastime continues to inspire young athletes around the world, connecting people through teamwork, sportsmanship, and a shared love of the game.

For four decades, the United States has supported the growth of baseball in Sri Lanka through sports diplomacy, including coaching exchanges, equipment donations, youth development, community outreach, and partnerships with the Sri Lanka Baseball/Softball Association. The Freedom 250 Baseball Series celebrates both America›s semiquincentennial and the 40th anniversary of baseball in Sri Lanka. Throughout the year, the US Embassy has partnered with Sri Lankan schools, coaches, and athletes to recognise baseball›s enduring role as a bridge between our two nations and as an example of the power of sports diplomacy to connect people across cultures.

Baseball was introduced to Sri Lanka in 1985 by James “Jim”

Dimick, a US Marine Corps veteran and National Baseball Hall of Fame coach, who traveled to Sri Lanka through a U.S. Embassy initiative to conduct the country’s

first baseball clinics. Royal College Colombo was among the four original schools where the game took root, and many of those early players remain leaders in Sri Lankan baseball today. Coach Dimick’s vision and dedication established the foundation for the sport›s continued growth, making him one of the most influential figures in Sri Lankan baseball history.

Pag-IBIG emergency loan releases reach P5.82B

The Pag-IBIG Fund has disbursed P5.82 billion under its emergency loan facility as of July 22 to help members cope with financial pressures from the Middle East war.

In a statement, the state-run housing lender said 803,769 members availed themselves of its Special Assistance for Financial Emergencies (SAFE) Loan within six weeks of its June 10 launch.

Under the program, qualified members may borrow up to P10,000 or 90 percent of their total Pag-IBIG savings, whichever is lower. The loan carries a 5.95-percent annual interest rate, offers repayment terms of up to three years, and includes a three-month grace period before monthly payments begin.

Applicants may submit applications until Sept. 8.

‘President Marcos has called on government agencies to make services more responsive to the needs of Filipino workers. In line with this call, Pag-IBIG Fund is providing ready and affordable financial assistance through the SAFE Loan, especially as the continuing tensions in the Middle East create financial challenges that are being felt by our members and their families,’ Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said.

Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta said members needing more financial assistance may apply for its Multi-Purpose Loan if they have available loanable amounts based on their savings.

‘This is part of our commitment to be here for our members, not only for their immediate financial needs, but also as their partner in achieving homeownership and building better lives for their families,’ Acosta said.

Drivers hail Sanwo-Olu for swift response over abandoned refuse at Obalende Motor Parks

Bus drivers operating from the Obalende Motor Parks Ikoyi, Lagos who had earlier complained about the abandoned heap of refuse at the motor parks by LAWMA workers which was releasing offensive odours affecting the people around on Tuesday thanked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for responding swiftly.

Both drivers and commuters thanked Sanwo-Olu for saving them from health hazards by giving a marching order to the Lawma workers to clear the refuse at the parks.

Some of those who spoke with PM NEWS at the parks on Monday morning stated that they were pleasantly surprised by the way the Lawma workers stormed the Parks on Sunday morning with Caterpillar and about five trucks to evacuate the refuse they had abandoned for more than three months.

They said the prompt action the governor took few hours after the story about the refuse broke shows that Sanwo-Olu is not only a listening leader but also a leader with human heart.

They said the Governor’s attitude of responding to public complainants timely since assuming office has helped him immensely in achieving unprecedented success in all areas in Lagos.

They appealed to him to give a standing order to the Lawma workers to henceforth ensure they remove any refuse at the parks within 14 hours and not abandoned it again.

They also appealed to him to stop some of the unscrupulous Lawma workers from further demanding for money from the public before they could drop their refuse inside the trunks stationed there.

They said some of those who don’t have the money demanded normally leave in annoyance to go and dump the refuse anywhere they like especially on top of the bridge.

According Mr Sunday Odo, ‘I thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for coming to our rescue at Obalende Motor Parks timely to save us from contacting diseases from unpleasant odours oozing from the abandoned refuse.

‘We thought there was no trucks to evacuate the refuse since months ago when the refuse dump was shifted from inside the park to the present spot due to the ongoing reconstruction works in there.’

Bradby 2nd leg: Trinity eye remarkable triple

In the end, it was a ten-minute hurricane that separated the sublime from the merely determined.

The first leg of the 80th Bradby Shield, played before a capacity crowd at the Royal Sports Complex on 11 July, was a contest that defied pre-match expectations for more than an hour. Royal College, entering the encounter after two comprehensive defeats to Trinity earlier this season, produced a display of resilience and courage that threatened to rewrite the script of the 2026 campaign. Yet, in a devastating 10 minute burst, Trinity College-the Lions of Kandy-shifted through the gears to secure a commanding 33-10 victory, placing one hand firmly on the Bradby Shield ahead of the second leg at Pallekele on 25 July.

The final scoreline, much like Trinity’s earlier victories of 58-26 and 48-15 this season, suggests a one-sided affair. The reality on the field was far more compelling.

Royal, led by the inspirational Disas Pathirana, threw everything at the reigning league champions. Their forwards, who had been overpowered in both the league meeting and the President’s Trophy final, produced one of their finest performances of the season. They matched Trinity physically and repeatedly challenged a defence that has been among the strongest in school rugby.

Trinity were restricted to a slender 7-3 lead at half-time-a scoreline that gave the Royal faithful genuine hope of reversing a season of disappointment.

For much of the second half, the blue-and-gold defensive wall held firm. Trinity’s much-vaunted attack, one of the competition’s most prolific throughout the season, was frustrated by Royal’s disciplined defence and determined tackling. As the minutes ticked away, the home supporters began to believe they might be witnessing one of the great Bradby upsets.

Then the Lions awakened.

With just under twenty minutes remaining, Trinity found another level. The patience that had defined their unbeaten campaign suddenly gave way to relentless intensity. The forwards laid a dominant platform, winning the collisions and quickening the tempo, while the backs finally found the space they had searched for all afternoon.

Breathtaking spell of rugby

What followed was a breathtaking spell of rugby.

In the space of ten minutes, Trinity tore the match away from Royal with a devastating burst of attacking rugby. Clinical execution replaced earlier frustration as wave after wave of pressure overwhelmed the home side. The precision, composure and attacking flair that had made Trinity the benchmark team of the 2026 season finally came to life, turning a fiercely contested encounter into a commanding victory.

By the final whistle, Trinity had transformed a tense contest into a 33-10 triumph, leaving Royal-despite an outstanding performance for much of the afternoon-to reflect on what might have been. The result gives Trinity a commanding 23-point aggregate advantage heading into the second leg.

More than simply a first-leg victory, it was another statement from a side pursuing one of the finest seasons in Trinity rugby history.

Remarkable triple awaiting

The Lions have already secured the President’s Trophy Knockout Championship and completed an unbeaten run to capture the Dialog Schools Rugby League title. Victory in the second leg would complete a remarkable triple and cement the team’s place among the school’s modern greats.

The statistics underline Trinity’s dominance. Throughout the league season they remained unbeaten, combining a potent attack with one of the competition’s most frugal defences. Their success has been built on an outstanding balance between power and precision. Forwards such as Abdeen, Jayah, Kumarasinghe and Achintha Jayasena have provided a formidable platform, while the backline-marshalled by fly-half Abdul Malik, scrum-half Wijekoon, Yaddehige and that great innovative game reader captain Shan Althaf-has consistently dismantled opposing defences with pace, vision and clinical execution.

Yet the Bradby Shield has never been governed by league form or statistics alone.

Royal College has long built its reputation on rising to the occasion when the Bradby is at stake. The rivalry has produced countless dramatic reversals over the decades and Royal will draw inspiration from both history and tradition as they prepare for the return leg.

When the teams meet again at Trinity College Rugby Stadium in Pallekele on 25 July, Royal will require something extraordinary to overturn a 23-point deficit. Trinity, meanwhile, needs only to complete the task they have begun and capture what would be another memorable Bradby Shield triumph. The expectations of the fans are overwhelming and a record score is what is aspired by Trinity faithfuls.

Should this exceptional group reproduce the composure, discipline and devastating finish that defined the closing stages of the first leg, they will do far more than lift another trophy. They will secure their place among the great Trinity sides-champions who conquered every major challenge before them and restored the Bradby Shield to Kandy in emphatic fashion.

The world of Trinity rugby now waits with anticipation.

AIS lands exclusive Uefa broadcasting rights

Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS) has secured exclusive broadcasting rights to Uefa’s men’s club competitions in Thailand under a four-year agreement with UC3.

The move reinforces the telecom operator’s strategy of strengthening its premium sports content and expanding the appeal of its AIS Play streaming platform.

The agreement, which runs from the 2027/28 to 2030/31 seasons, also covers Laos and Cambodia, giving AIS exclusive rights to broadcast Uefa’s five premier men’s club competitions across the three markets.

The package comprises the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Super Cup and Youth League.

Fans can watch every match live on AIS Play, with additional access to match highlights and full replays.

The acquisition marks one of AIS’s biggest content investments as the company intensifies competition in Thailand’s fast-growing sports streaming market and strengthens AIS Play’s position as a leading destination for premium sports entertainment, said Pratthana Leelapanang, chief executive of AIS.

“The Champions League, Europa League and Conference League enjoy a massive following among Thai fans,” he said.

These tournaments feature Europe’s elite clubs and many of the world’s biggest football stars from leading leagues, including the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga, Italy’s Serie A and France’s Ligue 1.

Mr Pratthana said the partnership reflects the strength of AIS’s digital infrastructure and the capabilities of AIS Play, which has evolved into one of Thailand’s leading sports streaming platforms.

AIS upgraded its broadcasting technology and streaming infrastructure to support the long-term delivery of high-quality live coverage across the four-season rights cycle, ensuring a seamless viewing experience for football fans throughout the region.

Fire razes Justrite Superstore in Egbeda, destroys goods worth millions

A fire outbreak has gutted a branch of Justrite Superstore along Akowonjo Road in the Egbeda/Alimosho area of Lagos State, destroying goods and property estimated to be worth millions of naira.

Emergency teams from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were promptly deployed to the scene, where they are working to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which confirmed the incident via a post on X, disclosed that the fire occurred at the popular retail outlet near Jimoh Bus Stop.

The agency noted that emergency responders were already on ground making efforts to put out the inferno.

LASTMA also urged residents and motorists to steer clear of the Akowonjo and Egbeda axis to allow for smooth emergency operations. It added that traffic diversions have been put in place, with motorists advised to expect congestion along Akowonjo Road and adjoining routes.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the fire significantly impacted the supermarket’s electronics section located on the upper floor, as thick smoke was seen billowing from the building.

As of the time of filing this report, there is no official confirmation of casualties, while the cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities say an assessment of the total damage will be carried out after the situation is brought under control.

Eat-all-you-can durian for P100 draws crowds to Bukidnon stalls

Forget buffet restaurants. In Bukidnon, the latest food craze is ‘eat-all-you-can’ durian, where fruit lovers can feast on unlimited servings for as little as P100 to P150.

Now in peak season, durian is known as the ‘King of Fruits,’ with many describing it as ‘smelling like hell but tasting like heaven.’The eat-all-you-can durian promotion has become a crowd-puller in Malaybalay City, Valencia City, and Maramag, where roadside fruit stalls have turned into dining spots for locals, tourists, and travellers eager to enjoy the fresh exotic fruit at bargain prices.

Free eat-all-you-can fruits at Kidapawan’s Timpupo FestivalHanzel Echavez, who operates three durian stalls in Malaybalay City, said the unlimited offer is possible because of the abundance of durian harvested from the Davao Region, North Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City in Soccsksargen, or Region 12, and Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao.’There is plenty of supply now, which is why prices are much lower than in previous months,’ Echavez told the Inquirer.Customers can choose from several varieties, including Chanee, Cob (squash), Lacson, Umali, and Arancillo, among others.Premium varieties such as Puyat and D101, which are often reserved for export or high-end markets, are also available but are sold separately.

In Kidapawan City, durians are not just eaten raw, they are grilledThe rules are straightforward: diners have one hour to eat as much durian as they want, but every fruit they open must be finished.Any leftovers are charged separately to discourage food waste.With the harvest season running from July to September, retail prices have dropped to around P70 per kilogram (kg) for assorted varieties, while premium durians such as Puyat sell for P85 to P90 per kg.Aside from durian, fruit stands are stocked with seasonal favorites such as mangosteen, lanzones, and rambutan, giving visitors a wider selection of Mindanao’s fresh produce.For Echavez, the annual durian season is more than just a business opportunity.He said the income helps support his family’s daily needs and his children’s education.With Davao City’s Kadayawan Festival set to begin in August, the abundant fruit harvest in Bukidnon is expected to draw even more visitors.The unlimited durian experience has become another attraction for tourists looking to enjoy Mindanao’s most celebrated fruit at the height of its peak harvest season.