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Army welcomes 445 new recruits

The Philippine Army, the largest major service command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in terms of active service personnel, has 445 new recruits.

The recruits were welcomed during a ceremony at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. They will join efforts to strengthen territorial defense initiatives.

Army spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the new soldiers have completed the four-month basic military training course.

Maj. Gen. Ronel Manalo, chief of the Army’s Armor Division, emphasized the importance of discipline, commitment and dedication to duty during the soldiers’ graduation.

Manalo reminded the recruits that becoming a soldier entails not only fulfilling their duties, but also upholding the trust and confidence of the people.

2027: Umahi rallies traditional rulers, Ebonyi stakeholders for Tinubu, Nwifuru

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has rallied the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), traditional rulers and stakeholders in Ebonyi State to openly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Francis Nwifuru ahead of the 2027 general election.

Umahi, who spoke on Sunday in Abakaliki, the state capital, during a town hall meeting organised by the Directorate of Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said religious and traditional leaders should not sit on the fence.

According to him, leaders in other zones are not sitting on the fence.

‘I want to tell our religious leaders and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), do not stay on the fence. I know when I was struggling to be governor, CAN took a decision and said justice must prevail. CAN don’t keep quiet, let us toe the path that must sustain our freedom.

‘Traditional fathers, do not stay on the fence, religious leaders, do not stay on the fence. Our people in the North do not, our people in the South-West, they do not. Guide our people, let them know what,’ he said.

The Minister declared that there is no presidential candidate in the South-East in the 2027 election, dismissing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Mr Peter Obi, from the zone as ‘nobody.’

He said Obi was not better than some prominent persons in Ebonyi, including himself, former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, former Minister of Education, Senator Sam Egwu, and former Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Chief Elias Mbam.

Umahi urged the people of the state and the South-East to deliver President Tinubu in 2027 to be able to lay claim to the presidency when it is their turn.

‘There is no way an Igbo man after staying for 60 years will want to be president for four years. There is nobody that can accept that. The North has not accepted to be president for four years.

‘An Igbo man needs wisdom, not sentiments. Today, our people in commerce, we clear our goods with ease. Today, our roads are being revived in the path of economic activities.

‘Today, we can boldly say we have been integrated. The last time they were choosing service chiefs, it was Naval Chief. This time, it is Chief of Air Staff, Minister of Works, other ministers, SSAs, what else? When I say South-East has been fully integrated and included, I mean it,’ he stated.

He added: ‘We are supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to finish his remaining four years so that the South-East would have strategically supported another region. So that when it is our turn, we will not get this thing by hate speeches, they will not give to us by sentiments. It is strategic.’

The former Governor boasted that Ebonyi will deliver 1.3 million votes out of its 1.8 million registered voters for Tinubu and Nwifuru.

‘We have 1.8 million registered voters in Ebonyi State. Let me tell you, if we are not donating 1.3 million votes for the President, for the Governor, we are doing ourselves disservice,’ Umahi said.

He said he cannot sit and watch another party produce a governor in the state, describing those who think they can defeat Governor Nwifuru as jokers.

This week’s milestones: Nov. 1 to Nov. 7

Tuguegarao was converted from a municipality to a component city of Cagayan province through the approval of Republic Act No. 8755. A plebiscite was later held on Dec. 18, 1999, to ratify the conversion. Designated as the capital city of Cagayan and the regional center of Cagayan Valley, Tuguegarao is bounded by the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges in the east, the Cordilleras in the west and the distant Caraballo Mountain in the south. Today, it is classified as a second-class city with a population of 167,297-the largest in terms of population size in the region as of the 2024 Census.

Nov. 6, 1898

The terms of capitulation was signed between the Spanish and Filipino representatives at the Luzurriaga Residence in Bacolod City, signifying the end of Spanish rule in the island of Negros. The Filipino representatives were Gen. Aniceto Lacson, Gen. Juan Araneta, Jose Montilla and Simeon Lizares. Meanwhile, the Spanish government was represented by then politico-military governor of Negros, Isidro de Castro; Provincial Fiscal Manuel Abenza; Administrator of Public Lands Ramon Armando, Provincial Registrar Emilio Monasterio; and Notary Public Domingo Ureta. A century later, on Nov. 6, 1998, the National Historical Institute installed a marker at the residence to commemorate this historic event.

Nov. 7, 2023

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines unveiled the historical marker, ‘Sheik Karimol-Makhdum Mosque in Tubig-Indangan, Simunul, Tawi-Tawi.’ Established in 1380 by Sheikh Karimul Makhdum, an Arab missionary believed to have introduced Islam to the Philippines, it is recognized as the first and oldest existing mosque in the country. Over the centuries, it has undergone multiple reconstructions due to natural wear and conflict. However, four original wooden pillars, locally known as the ‘Pillars of Faith,’ have been preserved. These are now considered national cultural treasures and are believed to hold spiritual significance for local Muslims. The mosque was declared a national historical landmark through Board Resolution No. 4, series of 1998 of the National Historical Institute, and Republic Act No. 10573, signed by then President Benigno Aquino III on May 24, 2013.

This week’s festivals

Tumba-Tumba Festival (Oct. 30 to Nov. 3)

The Tumba-Tumba Festival takes place in San Narciso, Zambales. It celebrates the town’s traditions, creativity, sense of community, and shared way of remembering loved ones. This year’s festival, coinciding with the observance of All Souls’ Day, is lined with various activities such as live performances, a parade, a mini-streetdance competition, a beauty pageant and a masquerade ball. Adding to the festivities are the Tumba trike design competition and the Tumba-Tumba Competition, which will showcase creatively designed kubols. Other attractions include a municipal floral display, the Karkarna Ti Rabii Horror Houses and a food bazaar.

Tigkalalag Festival (Oct. 31 to Nov. 2)

The Tigkalalag Festival is a unique and morbid-themed cultural celebration in Isabela, Negros Occidental, reflecting remembrance, artistry, and cultural identity. Held in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, it pays tribute to departed loved ones and expresses thanksgiving for life. This year’s three-day festival features a horror village, Zumba halloween, battle of the bands, a beauty pageant, float parade, fun run and more.

Adelakun preaches hope, tolerance at flag-off of Oyo NUJ Diamond Jubilee celebration

The Founder and Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, has stressed the need for people to persevere, be unrelenting and remain hopeful while striving to achieve their set goals.

Adelakun made this known in his sermon, titled ‘The Story and the Goal’, at the thanksgiving service heralding the commencement of the Diamond Jubilee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, at Victory International Church, Wonder City, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, on Sunday.

The service, held at Wonder City, attracted journalists from across Oyo State, led by the State Council Chairman, Mr Akeem Abas, alongside members of the State Executive Council, chapel leaders and executives of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

He reflected on his personal and ministerial journey, highlighting the challenges, struggles and experiences that preceded the achievements and the glory of God in his life.

The cleric, who spoke on the different phases of life he and his wife had experienced, emphasised the importance of gratitude to God, regardless of prevailing circumstances.

He urged the congregation to remain unrelenting, steadfast and focused, and to avoid discouragement, stressing that stagnation could hinder progress and that every stage of life had its appointed time for fulfilment.

According to him, people should not give up on themselves or become overwhelmed by life’s challenges, noting that God makes everything beautiful in its time, even though many people may fail to understand or recognise the appropriate timing of their blessings.

Bishop Adelakun further encouraged the congregation to maintain faith in God, exercise patience and appreciate His goodness throughout their individual journeys.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, Mr Akeem Abas, described the 60th anniversary as a significant milestone in the history of the union, recalling that the Oyo State Council was the first NUJ state council to be established in Nigeria.

Abas said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the council’s historical contributions to journalism and its commitment to upholding professionalism, ethical conduct and legal standards in the practice of journalism.

He expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His protection over journalists in the state, while praying for continued divine guidance, protection and wisdom for members of the union.

The thanksgiving service formally ushered in activities lined up to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the NUJ, Oyo State Council, as journalists celebrate six decades of professional practice, institutional growth and service to society.

Batangas property declared part of special eco-zone

President Marcos has declared some property in Tanauan, Batangas as part of an existing special economic zone.

Proclamation 1491 designated some parcels of land in the villages of Pantay Bata and Pantay Matanda for inclusion in the First Philippine Industrial Park III.

The property has an aggregate area of about 84,400 square meters.

The declaration was pursuant to Republic Act 7916 or the Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 as amended by RA 8748.

The proclamation was signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Oct. 26 by the authority of the President.

CAN raises concern over reported conviction of Christian woman in Borno

THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over the reported conviction and imprisonment of a Christian woman, identified as Lami Samuel Dawa, in Borno State.

CAN said the circumstances surrounding the conviction, particularly reports that the case arose from the conversion of an adult woman to Christianity, had raised serious questions about the protection of religious freedom and fundamental human rights in the country.

The association, however, said it was still verifying the precise facts and legal basis of the conviction.

In a press statement issued on Saturday and signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN disclosed that an appeal had already been filed, adding that it was committed to allowing the judicial process to run its course.

The association stressed that every Nigerian had the constitutional right to freely choose, change or practise their religion or belief without coercion, intimidation or unlawful punishment.

It called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of all parties involved in the case were protected and that justice was served in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the country.

‘Nevertheless, the case raises important questions about the protection of religious freedom and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ the statement said.

CAN further disclosed that it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the case and engage relevant authorities through appropriate legal and institutional channels.

Reaffirming its commitment to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, the association said it remained dedicated to protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of every Nigerian, irrespective of religious background.

The development comes amid renewed concerns over the protection of religious freedom and the rights of citizens to practise their faith in different parts of the country.

Banks see stronger loan demand in Q4

Banks expect stronger demand for loans this quarter while keeping lending standards largely unchanged despite lingering economic uncertainty, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Results of the BSP’s latest Senior Bank Loan Officers’ Survey (SLOS) showed that 80.8 percent of respondent banks expect to maintain their credit standards for business loans in the fourth quarter, higher than 71.2 percent in the previous quarter.

For household loans, 85.7 percent of banks expect lending standards to remain unchanged, up from 77.1 percent in the third quarter.

Credit standards refer to the rules banks use in approving loans, including interest rates, collateral requirements, loan amounts and repayment terms. The results suggest that banks are becoming less inclined to tighten lending requirements.

For business loans, the share of banks expecting to tighten credit standards declined to 17.3 percent from 28.8 percent. Meanwhile, 1.9 percent intends to ease lending rules, compared with none previously.

For household loans, the share of banks expecting tighter standards fell to 11.4 percent from 17.1 percent, while those expecting easier requirements declined to 2.9 percent from 5.7 percent.

Despite the softer tightening bias, banks cited uncertainty over the economic outlook, deteriorating borrower profiles and reduced willingness to take risks as factors that could prompt stricter lending requirements.

Meanwhile, banks anticipate stronger borrowing appetite from both businesses and consumers in the October to December period.

For enterprise loans, 69.2 percent of banks expect demand to remain unchanged, down from 75 percent in the previous quarter.

However, the share of banks expecting higher business loan demand rose to 26.9 percent from 19.2 percent, while those anticipating weaker demand declined to 3.8 percent from 5.8 percent.

The BSP attributed the expected pickup to higher financing requirements for inventories and accounts receivable, or money owed to businesses by their customers, as well as limited access to alternative funding sources.

A similar trend emerged in household lending, where 37.1 percent of banks expect demand to increase in the fourth quarter, nearly double the 20 percent recorded in the previous survey.

Meanwhile, 60 percent expect household loan demand to remain unchanged, down from 71.4 percent, while only 2.9 percent anticipate a decline, compared with 8.6 percent previously.

Banks expecting higher household loan demand cited stronger consumer spending, more attractive bank financing terms and increased housing investment as major drivers.

The BSP survey gathered responses from 55 out of 60 banks between Sept. 2 and Oct. 6.

The quarterly survey covers universal and commercial banks, thrift banks and rural banks. It tracks changes in banks’ lending policies and their assessment of borrowing demand, providing an indication of future credit conditions in the economy.

Dangote group performs excellently in driving economy – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Dangote Group for its significant contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth, citing the conglomerate’s strategic investments in key sectors as instrumental in boosting domestic production, creating jobs, reducing dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange and strengthening the country’s industrial capacity.

The President gave the commendation during a visit to the Dangote Group pavilion at the just-concluded 32nd Nigeria Economic Summit at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President praised the Group’s performance across its business operations, highlighting the critical role of private-sector investments in expanding productive capacity, stimulating economic activities and supporting national development.

The Dangote Group has investments spanning cement manufacturing, fertiliser production, sugar refining, salt processing and petroleum refining.

These investments contribute to local value addition, employment generation and the development of domestic supply chains, while supporting efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported products.

He said his administration is creating conditions for public and private sectors to invest, expand and generate productive employment.

Dangote Group is the second biggest employer of labour after the federal government.

The 2026 Nigeria Economic Summit, themed ‘Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity,’ was declared open by the President, who used the occasion to defend the Federal Government’s ongoing economic reforms and emphasise the importance of industrial harmony and private-sector-led growth.

The summit brings together policymakers, business leaders, investors and other stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for accelerating economic growth, improving productivity, generating employment and ensuring that the benefits of economic expansion reach more Nigerians.

The President’s commendation underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between government and the private sector in building a more productive, competitive and resilient Nigerian economy.

He said Nigeria has performed below its potential for far too long, but ‘there is no shortcut for economic development.’

We came to rewrite the story of a nation that has performed below its potential for far too long,’ he said.

Through its investments in strategic industries, the Dangote Group remains a major private-sector participant in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive, with the potential to deepen local manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and support the country’s broader economic development objectives.

Through the Dangote Group’s diversified operations, the conglomerate has established a substantial presence across critical sectors of the economy, providing products and services that support construction, agriculture, manufacturing, energy and other productive activities.

One of its investments is the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Lagos, which has the potential to transform Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry by increasing domestic refining capacity and reducing the country’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products.

Moderate to heavy rain expected over parts of Metro Manila, nearby provinces

Moderate to heavy rain showers are expected to persist over some parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces on Sunday, coinciding with All Saints’ Day, according to the state weather bureau.

In a thunderstorm advisory issued at 1:50 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds are expected over the following areas of Metro Manila within the next two hours:

Marikina

Quezon City

Caloocan

Valenzuela

Malabon

Navotas

Pagasa said this condition is also forecast over the following areas:

Batangas (Santo Tomas, Tanauan, Lipa, Malvar, Balete, and Mataasnakahoy)

Laguna (Calamba, Los Banos, Calauan, Bay, Cabuyao, Nagcarlan, Rizal, Victoria, Liliw, and Pila)

Nueva Ecija (Cabiao, Gapan, General Tinio, San Antonio, San Isidro, Aliaga, Bongabon, Cabanatuan, Cuyapo, Gabaldon, General Mamerto Natividad, Guimba, Jaen, Laur, Licab, Llanera, Nampicuan, Palayan, Penaranda, Quezon, Rizal, San Leonardo, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo, Munoz, Talavera, Talugtug, and Zaragoza)

Quezon (Infanta, Panukulan, Polillo, Real, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Atimonan, Plaridel, Unisan, Gumaca, Agdangan, Padre Burgos, Pitogo, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Calauag, Mauban, and Sampaloc), Rizal (Antipolo, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Angono, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Morong, Taytay, and Teresa)

Zambales (Santa Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, Palauig, Iba, and Botolan)

Bulacan

Pampanga

Tarlac

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rain showers with lightning and strong winds are already affecting the following areas, which may persist within two hours.

Bulacan (Dona Remedios Trinidad and San Miguel)

Nueva Ecija (Gapan and General Tinio)

Quezon (Tagkawayan)

‘All are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards which include flash floods and landslides,’ the weather bureau said.

Pagasa earlier reported that the rain showers and thunderstorms expected in the areas stem from localized thunderstorms.

’Mummy Meat-y’ treat for Halloween or All Saints’ Day

Since when has meatloaf become a frightful treat for Halloween? Just this once perhaps, when it takes on the form of a cupcake and pairs up with creamy mashed potatoes piped on top of it to look like a mummy with large protruding eyes.

This “boo”-tiful play on traditional meatloaf is a perfect Halloween-themed treat for lunch or dinner, especially if you are gathering as a family at the cemetery or mausoleum to honor your dearly departed Lolo and Lola.

Potatoes USA-Philippines shares this recipe of Mummy Mashed Potato Meatloaf Cupcakes to make things more exciting.

Mummy Mashed Potato Meatloaf Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the meatloaf cupcakes:

1 1/2 lbs. (680 grams) ground beef (80/20 for moisture; can substitute with half-beef, half-pork or turkey for flavor)

1 1/2 cups (120 grams) panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

3/4 cup (180 grams) whole milk

2 eggs (100 grams)

1 pc. (90 grams) small onion, grated or finely diced

2 cloves (6 grams) garlic, minced

1/2 cup (50 grams) carrot or zucchini, grated

2 tbsps. (30 grams) ketchup

2 tbsps. tomato paste

2 tbsps. (30 grams) Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. (5 grams) Dijon mustard

1 tsp. (6 grams) Kosher salt

1/2 tsp. (1 gram) black pepper

1/2 tsp. (1 gram) smoked paprika

1/2 cup (120 grams) ketchup, mixed with 2 Tbsps. (25 grams) brown sugar (glaze for meatloaf)

Procedure:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with parchment cupcake liners to ensure that the meat doesn’t stick.

2. In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk until they form a loose paste.

3. In a large bowl, combine soaked crumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, grated vegetables, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently.

4. Add ground meat last, mixing just until combined.

5. Chill mixture in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.

6. Divide mixture into 12 portions and press into muffin liners. Roll into giant meatballs before pressing into the muffin tin so that they bake more evenly. They should mound above the rim of the tin.

7. Spread 1 tsp. glaze (made from 1/2 cup ketchup and 2 tbsps. brown sugar) over each meatloaf cupcake.

8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C).

9. Remove from oven. Rest for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

For the mashed potatoes:

2 lbs. Russet potatoes

1 cup (240 grams) whole milk

6 tbsps. (85 grams) butter

Kosher salt, as needed

Ground black pepper, as needed

Frozen green peas, to garnish (as ghost eyeballs)

Procedure:

1. Peel potatoes and cut into uniform, 2-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Add diced potatoes to a bowl of cold water and let them sit for a few minutes. Starch should sink to the bottom of the bowl. Then rinse 2 to 3 times or until the water runs clear.

3. Transfer potatoes to a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by about 1 to 2 inches.

4. Over high heat, bring the pot of water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook potatoes for about 15 minutes or until they are fork-tender and offer no resistance when pierced with a knife.

5. Once cooked, drain the potatoes in a colander and allow them to sit for 1 to 2 minutes to release steam.

6. If using a ricer or food mill, place it over another pot to catch the potatoes as they pass through. You can also use a masher or whisk to mash them directly in the pot you used to boil them.

7. Warm your milk and butter in a separate small pot. Gradually add your warmed milk and butter to the potatoes, gently folding them in with a rubber spatula.

8. Give your mashed potatoes a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

9. To assemble: Once the meatloaf cups and mashed potatoes are slightly cooled, scoop into a piping bag with a large flat tip or sandwich bag with the corner snipped off.

10. Pipe mashed potatoes on top of meatloaf cupcakes in strips to form a mummy shape.

11. Add some frozen peas for eyes. Serve and enjoy.