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The Cebu City Government has started releasing fuel subsidy assistance to qualified transport drivers on Friday, October 30, months after approving the program and launching a validation process to weed out ineligible beneficiaries.

Initial payroll records released by City Hall showed that payouts had been scheduled for drivers from several barangays and transport groups.

Among the first batches were 104 qualified beneficiaries under the Habal-Habal Fuel Subsidy program in Barangay Sinsin, with a total allocation of P260,000; 109 beneficiaries from Barangay Cambinocot with P272,500; 98 from Sudlon 2 with P245,000; and 43 from Tabunan with P107,500.

The four barangays accounted for a combined payout of P885,000, with each beneficiary receiving P2,500 in cash.

Another batch covered drivers from Barangays Cogon Ramos, Sto. Niño, San Antonio and Sta. Cruz, involving 111 beneficiaries and a total allocation of P272,500.

The payouts mark the long-awaited implementation of the city’s P35-million fuel subsidy program, which aims to cushion transport workers from the impact of rising fuel prices.

The program faced repeated delays after city officials found discrepancies in the initial list of applicants.

The number of applicants had ballooned from about 10,000 to roughly 35,000, prompting City Hall to conduct a thorough revalidation to ensure that only legitimate transport workers would receive assistance.

Mayor Nestor Archival subsequently ordered stricter verification of beneficiaries, requiring applicants to submit supporting documents and certifications before they could be included in the final payroll.

The city government removed duplicate, questionable and ineligible entries from the master list before releasing the funds. The P35-million subsidy was earlier allocated through Supplemental Budget No. 1.

Qualified beneficiaries also include drivers of public utility vehicles, modern jeepneys, taxis and habal-habal operators who meet the requirements set under an executive order issued by Archival.

Officials earlier said applicants must be registered voters of Cebu City, hold valid driver’s licenses and certify that they have not received similar fuel assistance through another government program.

Reading about tragic deaths, violent riots, corruption scandals and other discouraging events can chip away at the positive outlook I try hard to maintain.

With so much evil and strife, how do we remain sane and hopeful in a world that seems to be spiraling downward?

I suppose the first step is to accept that we can’t control everything around us. We cannot stop every injustice, prevent every tragedy or change the hearts and minds of people determined to do wrong. But we can choose how we respond to the world we live in.

For starters, we need to be mindful of what we allow into our minds. With news available at the touch of a finger, it is easy to fall into the habit of endlessly scrolling through one disturbing story after another. Before we know it, our hearts are heavy, our moods have soured, and we begin to wonder if there is anything good left in this world.

Staying informed is important, but we don’t have to immerse ourselves in misery to prove that we care. It is perfectly all right to put down our phones, turn off the television and give ourselves permission to breathe. Taking a break from the news does not mean we are indifferent. It simply means we recognize that our peace of mind matters, too.

Another way to lift our spirits is to notice the good things that rarely make the headlines: the neighbor who helps a struggling family, the stranger who returns a lost wallet, the friend who checks in after an exhausting hospital procedure, and those who care for the sick, feed the hungry and stand up for what is right.

These everyday acts of kindness may seem small compared with the enormous problems confronting the world, but they remind us that goodness has not disappeared. It is still here, often working quietly and without fanfare.

We can also do our little part to make the world better. We may not be able to change world events or personal circumstances, but we can be kinder to others. We can refuse to spread gossip, treat people fairly, encourage someone who is struggling or extend a helping hand. We may never know how far a small act of goodness travels.

And then there is faith.

I find comfort in remembering that we are not expected to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Prayer gives us a place to bring our fears, frustrations and unanswered questions. We can ask God for the wisdom to know what we can change, the courage to act where we can make a difference, and the grace to accept what is beyond our control.

When I feel overwhelmed or disappointed, I allow myself a good cry, followed by a little talk with God. Somehow, I always come away feeling lighter, more peaceful and comforted. Afterwards, I do something that makes me happy, like watching a lighthearted K-drama or indulging in a sweet treat.

Faith does not mean closing our eyes to suffering or pretending everything is fine. Rather, it gives us the strength to face difficult realities without allowing despair to have the final word.

We can also appreciate the ordinary blessings we sometimes take for granted: a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones, a conversation peppered with laughter, a beautiful sunset, a warm embrace or simply waking up to another new day. Gratitude does not erase our problems, but it reminds us that even in difficult times, life offers moments worth cherishing.

The world may not change overnight. There will always be people who disappoint us, events that break our hearts and circumstances that test our faith. But do not allow the darkness around us to extinguish the light within you.

So I’m learning to stay informed without becoming consumed, to care without carrying every burden, to pray and trust in God’s providence, and to do whatever good I can.

I may not be able to fix the whole world, but I can make my little corner of it a little kinder, more loving and hopeful.

And honestly, I believe that is a good place to start.

With more than a million visitors anticipated for Undas at the Manila North Cemetery (MNC), Mayor Isko Moreno is advising senior citizens to consider coming on off-peak days to avoid health risks amid large crowds.

‘The weather is very humid. This may cause hardship to the elderly visitors’ health. As we all know, we have El Niño upon us,’ Moreno said.

City health officer Grace Padilla suggested that visitors wear light clothing and to bring refreshments and protection against possible rain.

Padilla echoed Moreno’s appeal for the vulnerable population to wear face masks amid large crowds, as influenza-like illnesses may spread in densely packed areas.

MNC director Daniel Tan said the city government deployed 100 e-tricycles to offer free rides to visitors, making their movements around the 54-hectare cemetery easier. The e-tricycles will be available only until today.

At the Manila South Cemetery, road closures were imposed along Kalayaan Avenue, South Avenue, Vito Cruz Avenue Extension and Pililla Street.

Moreno reiterated that liquor, sharp objects, firearms, noise equipment and pets are prohibited inside the memorial grounds.

‘Our intention is to make this occasion solemn. A time for families to come together, visit the graves of their departed loved ones and pray for the peace of their souls,’ Moreno said.

In Malabon, the city government opened a new crematory and interment facility at the Tugatog Public Cemetery.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval led the inauguration yesterday to provide residents with additional facilities for cremation, funeral services and interment.

At the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon led officials in inspecting the NAIA to ensure the safety, security and convenience of passengers, as part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.

Office for Transportation Security administrator Gilberto DC Cruz said the OTS has intensified security measures and strengthened its coordination with law enforcement agencies and airport operators to ensure a unified approach to airport security.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has set up more than 80 LTFRB help desks at bus stations and other public land transportation hubs across the country.

Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said the help desk is tasked to provide basic information on travel schedules and provide assistance, especially to senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

‘Our personnel manning the help desks were instructed to extend all the courtesy and assistance especially to those with special needs,’ Pua said.

Millions of passengers are expected to troop to bus stations and other major transportation hubs to go to their home provinces for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Halfway through the -ber months but as Zara Larsson said, summer isn’t over yet.

The Swedish pop star returned to the Philippines for her first solo concert, bringing her ‘Midnight Sun’ tour to the Araneta Coliseum last October 30.

Dubbed the “Queen of Summer,” Larsson danced to local classic “Bongga Ka Day!” backstage before facing her fans, exciting everyone ahead of the show.

She then let the Filipino crowd experience a never-ending midnight sun as she performed the tour’s titular song.

Beyond the music and performances, Larsson also shared her ambitions and expressed hopes of returning to the Philippines for a stadium show.

“My ambition is the reason why I’m here today in Manila, on a sold-out show. But the ambition is a blessing and a curse ’cause you always want more,” she told the audience. “Next time when I come back, I want to be in a stadium. I have a lot of ambition and you should too ’cause you can do anything.”

The singer also took a moment to reflect on how far she had come in her music career before performing “Saturn’s Return,” which she described as one of her favorite songs she has ever written.

“I’ve been doing this for a very long time. I released my first song when I was 15 and now I’m 28, and this right here, this is my dream,” Larsson shared. “You guys are making my dream come true. So thank you so, so much.”

The Filipino crowd also finally got to experience “Lush Life” as Larsson invited a fan named Louise onstage to dance and perform the song’s iconic choreography.

Louise then revealed that they had taught the singer the word “bakla,” the Tagalog word for “gay,” during her South Korea stop in early October. They also asked the pop star to write the word on a custom T-shirt.

“I love that. I love bakla… I will be nothing without my baklas,” Larsson – a vocal ally of the queer community – exclaimed, drawing loud screams from the crowd.

The interaction did not end there, as the singer offered Louise a chance to drink from her personal tumbler, making the fan experience even more memorable.

Larsson also treated attendees to a mix of nostalgic hits and newer collaborations. Among the songs on the setlist were “I Would Like,” “Ain’t My Fault,” “Ruin My Life,” and “Symphony,” as well as “She Did It Again” and “Stateside.”

The artist closed the show with another performance of “Midnight Sun,” with fans joining the “dolphin lift” trend – one of her concert traditions in which attendees lift one another into the air, recreating the song’s choreography.

The singer first performed in the country at the “In the Mix” music festival in 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena, alongside other international artists including Dua Lipa and 5 Seconds of Summer.

The “Midnight Sun” tour marks the singer’s fifth concert tour, which kicked off in Germany a year ago. The pop star will next head to Thailand for the final stop of the tour’s Asia leg.

Mandaue City has been identified as the pilot area for the initial implementation of a centralized sewerage system in Metro Cebu to be undertaken by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Stakeholders gathered in Mandaue City on Thursday, October 29, 2026, for the presentation of the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) for the first phase of the proposed sewerage system in the Mandaue Service Area. The record of discussions for the project was signed in April 2024.

The proposed centralized sewerage treatment facility will be located at the Mandaue Green Learning Center Park in Barangay Umapad.

JICA, in partnership with Hydronet Consultants, conducted a feasibility study that identified Mandaue as the most viable area to begin developing a sewerage treatment system that could eventually cover Metro Cebu.

IEE consultant Dr. Danilo Jaque emphasized the need for a centralized sewerage system, citing the pollution of bodies of water across Metro Cebu caused by untreated wastewater.

He said the absence of adequate facilities for treating domestic wastewater allows waste to flow directly into drainage systems and eventually reach creeks and rivers.

‘That reflects that we do not have a proper treatment system. Ngayon para ma-cover na lahat, dapat i-collect na lang yan sa isang sewerage line that goes to a treatment facility,’ he said.

Jaque said the long-term plan is to establish a system that would collect and treat wastewater from eight local government units (LGUs) across Metro Cebu, extending from Compostela in northern Cebu to Talisay City in the south and including the Mactan islands.

For the initial phase, however, the project will focus on Mandaue City, with four barangays identified as priority areas—Maguikay, Alang-Alang, Ibabao-Estancia and Casuntingan.

The proposed main sewer pipelines will run along UN Avenue, Plaridel Street, M.C. Briones Street and M.L. Quezon Avenue.

Mandaue was selected as the pilot area based on several factors, including environmental impact, financial viability, land availability and the city’s receptiveness to the project.

Phikkoei International Inc. Water Department Manager Deguchi Yosuke, a Japanese consultant for JICA, said Cebu currently has no centralized sewerage system serving the entire city.

While some establishments operate modular wastewater treatment plants, these facilities do not constitute a centralized sewerage network serving the wider community, he said.

Another consultant Joan Jaque also said the proposed system is expected to improve water quality, particularly in Cebu.

‘If everybody connects to it and everything will be treated, that’s the goal,’ she said.

However, completing a centralized sewerage system for the entire Metro Cebu is projected to take around 80 years, while the initial phase covering Mandaue City is expected to take seven to eight years.

‘We are hoping to start,’ the consultant said.

The proposed system will collect wastewater from industrial, commercial and domestic sources for treatment.

At the end of the pre-feasibility study, project proponents will determine which agency will oversee construction, along with the financing arrangements and potential funding sources.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is currently serving as the executing agency for the study.

The next stage will involve preparing a master plan, followed by a feasibility study to determine the implementing agency for the actual construction.

MCWD received a grant from JICA to conduct the study. Based on the initial assessment of Metro Cebu, Mandaue ranked first among the priority areas selected for the pre-feasibility study.

Under the proposed arrangement, Mandaue City will provide the land for the treatment facility.

During the open forum, business sector representatives, including members of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), welcomed the initiative, noting that the city’s industrial base and concentration of large establishments underscore the need for a centralized system.

However, the chamber said guidelines should be established for businesses that already operate their own wastewater treatment facilities, particularly regarding how they could connect to the proposed network.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 7 Maintenance Division Chief Engr. Faustino Dela Cruz Jr. said the agency hopes to receive the complete engineering design and layout once the master plan is finalized.

This would allow the DPWH to coordinate with project proponents, particularly on pipeline sections that may pass through national roads and highways under its jurisdiction, he said.

For the city government, City Planning and Development Office head Architect Marlo Ocleasa welcomed the proposal, describing it as a positive step toward improving Mandaue’s environmental conditions.

‘We are hoping to implement this pilot project,’ Ocleasa said.

Jaque said feedback gathered from stakeholders during the consultations would be considered as the project progresses.

‘Everybody understands that there is really a need for this kind of project. It’s just a matter of educating people for a better appreciation of the project and for them to see the benefit of this,’ she said.

The Department of Education (DepEd) gained international recognition for its recent performance improvements in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).

Harvard Graduate School of Education dean Nonie Lesaux praised the Philippines for its 2025 PISA results, where the country emerged as the world’s fastest-improving nation in reading performance and ranked among the top improvers overall, significantly increasing scores across reading, mathematics and science.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed the commendation, emphasizing that external validation serves as a morale boost for the country’s teachers and learners while underscoring the urgency of compounding these early gains through systemic reforms.

‘We see this as a clear mandate to work harder. Our goal is to ensure that every Filipino child is actually learning, comprehending and thriving,’ Angara said during a forum organized by the Harvard Club of the Philippines Global at the Manila House Private Club in Bonifacio Global City.

The dialogue, attended by DepEd officials and Harvard alumni, focused on strategies to transform foundational learning, strengthen teacher competencies, utilize education-technology effectively and bridge persistent learning gaps.

Lesaux, an internationally recognized scholar in language and literacy development, shared insights closely aligned with DepEd’s ongoing structural interventions.

These include the flagship Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which has driven measurable gains in literacy and grade-readiness.

‘When experts from institutions like Harvard point out that our PISA performance trends are moving in the right direction, it tells us that our teachers are delivering, our kids are catching up and our programs like ARAL are hitting the mark. But the real work lies in scaling these successes so that geography or background never dictates a child’s future,’ he added.

Golf is enjoying a remarkable surge in popularity in the Philippines, with more Filipinos taking up the sport, driving ranges drawing enthusiastic crowds week after week and a growing number of newcomers discovering the challenge, excitement and pleasures of life on the fairways.

Now, there’s a new show ready to bring them even closer to the game.

“That Golf Show”, a comprehensive all-access pass to the fascinating and ever-expanding world of golf, makes its television debut on Sunday, November 1, promising an exciting mix of news, tournament action, personalities, equipment and everything else that makes the sport tick.

Airing on Bilyonaryo News Channel at 10:30 a.m., the program aims to be a must-watch for die-hard golf enthusiasts, weekend players, aspiring young golfers and even those just beginning to discover the sport.

From the biggest tournaments on the men’s professional circuit to the exciting competitions in women’s and junior golf, That Golf Show will take viewers right into the heart of the action. It will also cover the latest developments in golf courses, the newest must-have equipment and innovations and the personalities, stories and events shaping the game both in the Philippines and around the world.

Whether it’s following the exploits of the world’s leading professionals, keeping tabs on the country’s rising golf talents, finding out what’s new in golf equipment or simply learning more about a sport that continues to attract an increasingly diverse following, the show promises something for everyone.

Its arrival comes at an opportune time. Since the pandemic, golf has gained considerable traction among Filipinos, with driving ranges and golf facilities enjoying sustained interest and attracting players of all ages and skill levels. For many, it has become more than just a sport – a welcome outdoor pursuit, a fitness activity, a social outlet and an opportunity to build lasting friendships.

For longtime golfers, That Golf Show offers another avenue to stay connected with the sport they love. For beginners and those still contemplating taking up the game, it offers a window into golf’s many attractions and an accessible way to get acquainted with its personalities, competitions, equipment and culture.

The pilot episode will put the spotlight on the Philippine Golf Tour’s South Pacific Classic, held at the South Pacific Golf and Country Club in Davao City.

Viewers can relive the highlights of the four-day men’s competition and the three-day women’s championship, with both divisions producing thrilling finishes that made for an exciting showcase of Philippine professional golf.

The program will bring viewers the key moments, decisive shots and dramatic turns that shaped the tournament, offering a closer look at the players and performances that made the Davao stop memorable.

Following its premiere, That Golf Show will have replay telecasts on Mondays at 5 a.m. and Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

The program will also be available through the Tiebreaker Times Facebook page and YouTube channel, giving golf fans additional opportunities to catch the action.

With its wide-ranging coverage and appeal to both seasoned players and newcomers, That Golf Show is poised to become a fresh and welcome addition to Philippine golf programming – bringing the game, its people and its many stories closer to an audience that continues to grow.

A dead whale shark measuring between six to seven meters and weighing about four tons was found along the shore in this city yesterday morning.

The whale shark or butanding was found at around 4 a.m. by fishermen along the coast of Sitio Magsungay in Barangay Singcang-Airport. It bore injuries in the head and tail.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of death of the marine mammal.

Lt.JG. Zindy Firmilo, chief of the Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod substation, expressed belief that the whale was male.

Due to the size and weight of the whale, it will be difficult to move or transport the carcass for proper disposal, Firmilo said.

He said the whale shark may have to be cut into sections to facilitate its extraction and burial.

The carcass may be buried at a sanitary landfill in Barangay Felisa, subject to appropriate clearances and disposal procedures.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources has reportedly allowed the city government to proceed with disposal of the dead whale shark.

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars and University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors will shoot for repeat victories as they face separate opponents in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 26 basketball tournament today (Saturday, October 31) at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Jaguars will take on the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) Webmasters in the 5 p.m. main game, while the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors will tackle the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons in the third game at 3:30 p.m.

USJ-R defeated UCLM, 75-46, while USC beat UP Cebu, 54-46, in their first-round meetings last month.

The Warriors share third place in the college division standings with the Cebu Institute of Technology-

University (CIT-U) Wildcats, both carrying identical 6-4 win-loss records.

The Jaguars hold a 5-4 card, while UCLM has a 3-7 slate.

In the juniors division, reigning five-peat champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles will seed to extend their unbeaten run to seven games when they lock horns with the 2-6 San Carlos School of Cebu (SCSC) Baby Warriors in the 10:30 a.m. opener.

The University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers and the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons, both sporting 3-4 records, will clash in the second second game at 12:30 p.m.

The 2-4 San Roque College de Cebu (SRCDC) Greyhounds will then battle the 1-5 University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers at 2 p.m.

One Taguig Football Club is collaborating with artisanal cheesemaker GIOIA Cheese Indonesia in a one-season strategic alliance to promote excellence and community engagement.

“This alliance perfectly aligns with our vision for the club’s commercial and operational growth. We are thrilled to partner with GIOIA Cheese Indonesia, a brand that shares our dedication to quality and community,” One Taguig FC Chairman Esti Puji Lestari said.

“Together, we look forward to building a strong presence both on and off the pitch over the coming season,” he added.

This partnership between a professional football club and an artisanal food brand will see them jointly carry out promotional efforts, commercial development, and enhance both matchday and fan experience.

“We proudly support the team because we deeply believe in the story they are trying to print in the world of football and sport. It is a story about life and joy – which perfectly captures the very essence of ‘Gioia’,” Ilios Maggi Andreadakis, owner of GIOIA Cheese Indonesia, said.

One Taguig FC is known for its social, sporting, commercial and professional nature. Based in Taguig City, the club was established to compete at the highest levels of Philippine football, including the top-flight Philippines Football League.

But beyond its professional ambitions, the club is deeply committed to community development, driving sports-centric initiatives, and building strong commercial partnerships that elevate the local sporting landscape.

GIOIA Cheese Indonesia is an artisanal cheesemaker dedicated to producing premium, handmade fresh cheese locally in Bali.

Inspired by traditional Italian cheesemaking techniques, GIOIA crafts its distinctive product range right in Indonesia, utilizing high-quality fresh milk sourced directly from Java.