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Tough test awaits Sebatindira, Nakawala at Youth Olympics

Table tennis prodigies Joseph Sebatindira and Jemimah Nakawala are among Uganda’s big names heading to the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympics this weekend, but coach Alvin Katumba said the duo’s quest for medals in the Senegalese capital faces an uphill task, given the level of competition.

‘Honestly, winning medals will be a tall order, because this tournament will be contested by the best youth players in the world,’ Katumba told Daily Monitor before departing for the event. Katumba has trained Sebatindira and Nakawala since childhood at Nakasero Table Tennis Club, and at most international tournaments and camps, they have been two across the globe.

In mid-October, he guided Sebatindira to a successful defence of the ITTF World Hopes title in Sheffield, which is contested by under-12 players, adding this to multiple Under-11 and Under-13 titles. In July, he was in Accra, where another Nakasero prodigy, Patience Anyango, won Under-15 singles gold at the 2026 ITTF-Africa Youth Championships. Nakawala has also won continental titles and was the pivot of the Ugandan trio that qualified for the 2026 ITTF World Championships last year. But Katumba believes the Youth Olympics is a different ball game.

‘We are going to face the best players from Colombia, Japan, China, among others. We have seen some of those players at tournaments; we have played some of them in training camps, and we know exactly what they are capable of,’ Katumba said, referring to players like Japanese duo Kawakami Ryuusei and Matsushima Miku, the boys’ and girls’ U17 World No. 1 respectively, who will compete in singles and mixed doubles.

Chinese duo Li Hechen and Yao Ruixuan, the boys’ and girls’ Under-17 World No. 8, could cross Nakawala’s or Sebatindira’s paths in their quest for gold, among others.

‘Of course, we are aiming at that top level, but one step at a time. We’ll do our best. But realistically, if we make the quarterfinals, it will not be an underachievement.’

Action starts today in Dakar but Nakawala could not travel with her coach Katumba until Thursday after writing her final Ordinary Level exams at Kibuli SS. ‘How I wish she had enough time to train for this tournament.’

NDA should protect the public from fake drugs

The recent recall of all batches of ZAHA Suspension, an essential antibacterial drug manufactured by India’s Ajanta Pharma Ltd, over quality failures is a critical action to protect public health.

While this swift response by the National Drug Authority (NDA) is commendable and vital to catch what slips through the cracks, it should not be our primary line of defence. There is a need to strengthen interventions to prevent importation and the entry of substandard drugs into the market.

According to an October 16 statement by NDA, during routine post-market surveillance, their teams sampled the ZAHA Suspension and found that the bottles were overfilled with no space for shaking the suspension to ensure uniform dosing.

This headspace for shaking the suspension prior to dosing is a critical step to ensure uniform distribution of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

NDA indicated that the product was creaming, some bottles did not have powder suspended, and the leaflet does not indicate the physical appearance of the product at normal storage conditions.

This is not the first time NDA is recalling a medical product. Between 2020 and 2022, there were about 48 product recalls, with 2020 alone having 27 recalls. Some, if not most, of the recalls are made when many patients are already affected.

These procedures are intended to protect the health of the consumer from harmful effects which may be caused by the use of unsafe, ineffective or poor-quality medicines and other medical products, in line with National Drug Policy 2000 sec.3.6.

The recalls are often made following verified reports of serious adverse reactions not stated in the package insert, unacceptably high frequency of adverse reactions which are mentioned in the package insert, incorrect labelling, and incorrect formulation.

For this ZAHA Suspension, fresh information obtained by Weekend Monitor from NDA, indicates that the recall of all batches was a scaling up of the initial October 16 directive issued by the NDA secretary, Dr David Nahamya, to the local technical representative Abacus Pharma (A) Ltd, which targeted particular batches of the drug.

Mr Abiaz Rwamwiri, the NDA spokesperson, told this newspaper that through deeper investigations, they later discovered the problem was bigger, hence recalling all batches of the drug.

All costs associated with the recall of a product will be for the account of the importer, according to NDA guidelines. Any costs associated with NDA recall-related activities (such as recall announcements, storage, disposal/destruction) will be invoiced to the importer, NDA states further.

Tajudeen Adekunle celebrates AMAA recognition for Fathia Balogun’s ‘Efunroye’

Filmmaker Tajudeen Selim Adekunle, Assistant Director on Fathia Balogun’s movie Efunroye, has celebrated the film’s nomination for Best Film in an African Language at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), describing the recognition as an encouraging moment for everyone involved in the production.

In an interview with newsmen, Adekunle said the nomination was particularly rewarding because of the commitment, teamwork and effort required to bring the film to life.

He noted that recognition at such a major African film award platform provides visibility not only for the production but also for the professionals whose contributions behind the scenes help turn creative ideas into finished films.

Adekunle said the nomination had further strengthened his determination to improve his craft and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.

Speaking about what drew him to filmmaking, he said he had always been fascinated by the creative and technical processes that take place behind the camera.

He explained that his interest goes beyond storytelling, as he enjoys seeing how different departments on a film set work together to transform an idea into a production that audiences can connect with.

Adekunle described the Assistant Director’s role as one that requires creative understanding, organisation and problem-solving. According to him, the position involves coordinating shooting schedules, managing cast and crew, preparing scenes and ensuring effective communication among different departments.

He added that the job requires balancing a director’s creative vision with the practical demands of production, including time management, logistics, safety and continuity.

On his experience working with filmmakers, Adekunle said working with different directors had broadened his understanding of filmmaking and exposed him to different approaches to storytelling and production management.

The Assistant Director attributed the growing popularity of indigenous Nigerian films to audiences’ increasing desire for stories that reflect their identities, languages, cultures and experiences.

He, however, stressed that the growth of indigenous cinema also depends on improvements in production quality, including cinematography, sound, performances, costumes and production design.

Adekunle said filmmakers working on indigenous-language productions must pay particular attention to cultural representation, explaining that language, pronunciation, mannerisms, costumes and traditions must be handled with care.

Looking ahead, he expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian indigenous cinema, noting that the country’s rich cultural diversity and storytelling traditions offer opportunities for films to reach audiences beyond Nigeria.

He called for greater investment in training, technology, post-production and distribution, as well as stronger international promotion to ensure that indigenous Nigerian films gain wider recognition in the global market.

Adekunle’s involvement in Efunroye and its AMAA nomination marks another encouraging moment in his professional journey, as the film joins other African productions competing for recognition on the continent’s film stage.

Court uncovers fresh details in Peresuodei’s death seeks further prosecution

The Coroner’s Court sitting in Yenagoa Bayelsa State has ruled that the death of 24-year-old Patrick Peresuodei resulted from violent and unnatural causes.

It recommended further criminal investigations into the alleged involvement of police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel.

Delivering its verdict on Friday August 21 2026 the court attributed Peresuodei’s death on January 29 2026 to haemorrhagic shock arising from multiple extensive and fatal blunt-force traumatic injuries dismissing any suggestion that he died from a natural disease.

The court found that Peresuodei was arrested and taken into police custody on January 15 2026 with injuries already present on his body indicating that he had been assaulted before or during his transfer to the police.

It held that on the balance of probabilities the evidence established that he was seriously injured before arriving at the police facility.

On the alleged involvement of Mr Bodmas Kemepadei and his associates the court found evidence linking Kemepadei and persons acting with him to the initial assault and injuries sustained by the deceased.

Although a video recording in which Peresuodei repeatedly mentioned Kemepadei’s name was presented as evidence the court cautioned that the recording alone did not establish beyond reasonable doubt that Kemepadei personally inflicted the fatal injuries.

However it found that Kemepadei played a role in initiating and participating in the arrest and transfer of the deceased to police custody.

Consequently the court held that sufficient evidence existed to warrant further criminal investigation into his involvement and that of persons allegedly acting under his authority.

The court also examined the involvement of NSCDC personnel finding that officers of the corps were present during the arrest of Peresuodei and the events preceding his transfer to the police.

It observed that the officers failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the circumstances in which the deceased sustained his initial injuries.

The court consequently found evidence indicating their participation in the assault before Peresuodei was handed over to the police although the individual roles of the officers remained uncertain.

It therefore recommended further investigation into the conduct of the NSCDC officers involved in the arrest of Peresuodei and his younger brother Destiny before their transfer to police custody.

On the circumstances surrounding his detention the court found that Peresuodei sustained further traumatic injuries while in police custody which materially aggravated his condition and contributed significantly to the chain of events leading to his death.

In particular the court noted that the evidence implicated the Investigating Police Officer Inspector Barnabas Eyoroere in the custodial assault of the deceased.

It held that the evidence disclosed a prima facie case warranting further criminal investigation and prosecutorial consideration of the inspector’s alleged role in inflicting the injuries sustained by Peresuodei in custody.

The court also faulted the delay in securing appropriate medical attention for the deceased describing the delay during the early part of his detention as inadequate and unjustifiable.

It consequently called for a review of procedures governing the treatment of injured detainees stressing the need for prompt medical attention for persons brought into custody with visible injuries.

The court recommended that injured suspects should undergo prompt and independent medical assessments irrespective of their willingness or reluctance to receive treatment.

It further advised that such suspects should where appropriate be granted bail promptly to enable them to obtain necessary medical care.

Beyond the immediate circumstances of Peresuodei’s death the court called for an independent investigation into custodial practices in Bayelsa State particularly the conditions under which detainees are held the use of restraints and allegations of assault against persons in custody.

It also urged the Police to review its procedures for handling injured detainees and ensure greater accountability among officers.

The court further recommended that the relevant authorities consider administrative or disciplinary proceedings against any officer found to have breached applicable police or custodial regulations.

To facilitate further investigation the court directed the preservation of electronic evidence police custody records and relevant medical documents.

It also recommended additional forensic investigations and ordered that the complete records of the inquest including exhibits and medical evidence be transmitted to the appropriate investigating and prosecutorial authorities.

The court called for a prosecutorial review of the case directing that upon completion of further investigations the case file should be forwarded to the appropriate prosecuting authority for an independent legal assessment to determine whether criminal charges should be instituted against any of the persons implicated.

However the Coroner emphasised that the verdict did not amount to a criminal conviction of any individual.

It explained that questions of criminal responsibility including the specific offences disclosed by the evidence and the guilt or otherwise of any suspect remain within the jurisdiction of the appropriate prosecuting authorities and competent criminal courts.

It has been gathered that over two months after the Magistrate Obiri Baitimizimo Florizel passed the Coroner’s Court verdict seeking further prosecution of the case the relevant authorities have yet to commence investigation.

Members of the public who have been following the case are urging the Coroner’s Court to release the Certified True Copy (CTC) of its verdict delivered on August 21.

Atiku to INEC: Name officials responsible for AI photographs on voters’ register

African Democratic Congress ( ADC) presidential candidate, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) must name its officials responsible for the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated photographs in the voter register.

Atiku, in a statement by the Director, Strategic Communication, ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Phrank Shaibu, said INEC’s admission that AI generated images and other irregularities entered the voter register through its registration officers, is a scandal that strikes at the heart of the commission’s credibility.

The former Vice President charged opposition leaders and the international community to demand an independent audit, full disclosure and accountability on the voter register scandal.

The ADC candidate, while accusing the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration of allegedly enabling the crisis by allowing INEC to evade scrutiny, stated that the electoral umpire has no right to demand trust while shielding those responsible for the infraction.

‘INEC has admitted that some AI generated images are on the voter register and that registration officers introduced irregularities across the country. The Commission charged with protecting Nigerians’ votes has acknowledged that its own system was abused by those entrusted to operate it. This is a catastrophic failure of leadership and safeguards.

‘Professor Joash Amupitan through Boyode Lawrence says INEC knows what its officers did and how they tampered with the register, yet claims it does not know why. That is a disgraceful evasion, not an answer. Even ordinary WhatsApp, Facebook and email accounts appear to have stronger security safeguards than those INEC’s ICT director described on national television. How can the database holding the votes of millions of Nigerians be less secure than a personal social media account?

‘If INEC knows how the register was compromised, it must disclose the evidence, identify every officer involved and explain why they have not been suspended and prosecuted. Amupitan cannot admit the misconduct, withhold the perpetrators’ identities and expect Nigerians to accept ignorance as an excuse. He must account for this failure now,’ Atiku stated.

He stated that INEC must not quietly ‘clean up’ the voter register and bury the evidence, noting that allegations that more than 20 million AI generated images may be involved demands an independent forensic audit.

‘INEC has no right to demand trust while concealing evidence and shielding those responsible. Name the culprits, expose the contractors and submit the register and election materials to independent scrutiny. Until then, its assurances are worthless. The credibility of the 2027 election is on the line.’

2027: Adeleke, Oyetola set aside differences to back Tinubu

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Saturday unveiled 30 campaign vehicles donated to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The vehicles were donated by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, through the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement.

The event, held in Osogbo, Osun State, attracted supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party.

Other attendees included APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; Accord Party Chairman in Osun, Victor Akande; Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun; and other political leaders.

Osun Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, read Adeleke’s address at the event. The governor praised supporters from different political parties for working together to secure Tinubu’s re-election.

Adeleke said the alliance was formed specifically to support Tinubu’s second-term bid. He urged members of the coalition to put aside past disagreements and work together to secure between 1.5 million and two million votes for the President.

He, however, clarified that the agreement did not cover legislative elections.

According to him, members of the coalition would support Tinubu in the presidential election but remain free to campaign for their respective candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly.

Adeleke also urged campaign members to take their message to communities across Osun State and explain the benefits of the Federal Government’s projects and economic reforms.

Speaking on behalf of Oyetola, the APC candidate in the last Osun governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, said Tinubu’s re-election campaign was gaining support across party lines.

He described Adeleke’s role in coordinating the Rainbow Campaign Council as evidence that the President’s re-election was more important than individual political interests.

Oyebamiji said the APC was targeting 1.5 million votes for Tinubu in Osun State, adding that the goal could be achieved through unity and effective mobilisation.

He also urged voters to support APC candidates contesting legislative seats.

Basiru called on Osun residents to support Tinubu in 2027, citing government initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and federal road projects in the state. These include the Ilesa-Ife-Ibadan Expressway, Osogbo-Gbongan Expressway and Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan roads.

The Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Dr Kestin Pondi, who represented Tompolo, said the vehicles came with speakers, generators and amplifiers to support grassroots campaigning.

Pondi urged Osun State to deliver all its votes for Tinubu, adding that more resources would be provided to strengthen the campaign.

The Osun coordinator of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, Timothy Olanrewaju, also promised that the group would work to secure maximum support for the President.

Despite the alliance, Adeleke and Oyetola have maintained some distance from each other. Their differences were also noticeable during the recent inauguration of the Osun State Presidential Campaign Council, which Oyetola and several APC leaders did not attend.

Police, military cited for securing inaugural BARMM parliament session

Local executives and regional officials lauded on Saturday, October 31, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for together ensuring tranquility in this city during the first-ever session of the newly elected members of the Bangsamoro parliament.

The event was held on Friday at the 32-hectare regional government center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in uptown Cotabato City.

Tension then in Cotabato City was high owing to perceptions that saboteurs were out to disrupt the activity for various reasons, including alleged rivalries between groups that have favored bets for chief minister of the now duly-mandated Bangsamoro parliament.

The interim chief minister of BARMM, Abdulraof Macacua, was nominated by 51 of the 80 members of the parliament on Friday, a tacit imprimatur for him to lead the now the duly-mandated parliament, composed of members elected during the September 14 first-ever BARMM parliamentary polls.

Macacua was elected then as representative of a parliamentary district covering parts of Cotabato City and Maguindanao del Norte province.

‘There was peace in all four corners of Cotabato City while the inaugural session of the Bangsamoro parliament was held in the Bangsamoro capitol. No untoward incident happened in the city at that time. We are thankful to the police and the military for having secured the entire Cotabato City on Friday,’ said Macacua, who, as chief minister, is also chairman of BARMM’s multi-sector Regional Peace and Order Council.

Macacua and BARMM Local Government Minister Jordan Bayam separately lauded the officials of the 6th ID, under Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, and the PRO-BAR, which is led by Police Brig. Gen. Christopher M. Abecia, for their security support for the inaugural session of the duly elected parliament members at the Bangsamoro capitol in uptown Cotabato City. =

‘To all of them, we are grateful,’ said Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao, who, along with his constituent barangay officials, supported the security missions then of the 6th ID and all units of PRO-BAR and the Cotabato City Police Office, under Col. Jibin Bongcayao.

2027: Wike urges FCT stakeholders to deliver polling units for Tinubu

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has charged supporters of President Bola Tinubu to translate their endorsement into votes in the January 16, 2027, election, insisting that every stakeholder must deliver his polling unit, ward, local government area and state.

Wike gave the charge on Saturday at the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Meeting and unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates, organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.

The meeting brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, six area council chairmen, indigenous communities and residents, who endorsed Tinubu for a second term, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT Senate seat, Hon. John Gabaya for Abuja North and former Kwali Chairman Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency.

He warned stakeholders against claiming credit for victory without contributing at the grassroots, saying genuine support must be demonstrated at polling units.

‘Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward, deliver your local government, deliver your state,’ he declared.

‘I don’t want to hear that I lost my polling unit, but we won. There is no grammar like that. If you lose your polling unit, don’t say you won, because you never contributed to the victory,’ Wike added.

He described the endorsement as significant and thanked traditional rulers, political leaders, area council chairmen and residents for supporting the initiative.

Wike urged residents not to repeat what he described as the mistake of the 2023 election, saying 2027 offered an opportunity to correct it.

‘We shall never make the mistake we made in 2023. Are we going to make the same mistake? No! When you realise a mistake, you correct it,’ he said.

The minister called on residents to support Aduda, whom he described as their son, father and friend, saying effective representation required a senator who understood their concerns and remained accessible.

Questioning the performance of the incumbent senator, Wike asked, ‘Today, can you say in all honesty, the person representing you in the Senate, does she care about you? Has she called you for a meeting any day?’

He attributed Tinubu’s endorsement to the President’s interventions in the FCT, particularly in infrastructure development and the upgrading of traditional institutions after 27 years of neglect.

Wike disclosed that Tinubu had also approved SUVs for traditional rulers, which would be presented on December 4. He said leadership required the courage to do what was right despite criticism.

He commended the six area council chairmen for cooperating with the FCTA despite their party differences, noting that their collaboration had driven progress in the city centre and satellite towns.

The minister listed the establishment of the FCT Youth Development Secretariat, Women Affairs Secretariat and Civil Service Commission as major achievements, saying civil servants could now rise to the positions of Permanent Secretary and Head of Service.

Addressing youth representatives who complained about delays in securing an audience with him, Wike apologised and fixed November 10 for a meeting with youths from the six area councils. He also disclosed that he had secured Tinubu’s approval for four buses for youth mobilisation.

He promised a separate meeting with persons with disabilities, urging them to mobilise and exercise their franchise.

On the Rainbow Coalition, Wike explained that it was designed to unite political parties behind Tinubu without forcing them to abandon their political identities. He also commended the APC and PDP chairmen in the FCT for supporting the initiative.

He assured non-indigenous residents of inclusive governance, noting that Tinubu believed in accommodating both indigenes and other Nigerians in the FCT.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-Central), Abiodun Essien, said the Federal Government had completed 164km of roads in the North-Central and had 1,207km under construction nationwide. He added that 850,000 students in the region had benefited from the student loan scheme.

The President of the FCT Stakeholders Assembly, Dr Aliyu Daniel Bakna Kwali, described the endorsement as historic, linking confidence in the administration to Wike’s projects, including the Uje-Gwagwalada-Ruruwoshi-Abaji Road. He also praised members who funded the event from their life savings.

The Renewed Hope Ambassador, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu Candido, described Wike’s appointment as a blessing, urged the sustenance of ethnic balance and described Aduda as the best senator the FCT had produced.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Aduda commended Tinubu for appointing Wike. He listed 30 inherited projects completed, 76 new projects awarded and 10 more expected before the end of the year, and pledged legislative support for good governance.

The FCT APC Chairman, Hon. Ishaku Tanko Yamawo; his PDP counterpart, Samaila Muhammad Dogara; AMAC Chairman and FCT ALGON Chairman, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu; and youth leaders Yamawo Destiny and Felix Acka all pledged to deliver votes for Tinubu.

Maikalangu appealed for the payment of compensation to indigenes, while Acka called for vehicles to support grassroots mobilisation.

Traditional rulers, including the Ona of Abaji and Permanent Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Baba Yunusa, also pledged their support for Wike and the endorsed candidates.

Ebola: DR Congo death toll exceeds 5,000 as cases top 10,000

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have reported more than 5,000 deaths from the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, raising concerns about the continued spread of the disease.

According to a report released on Friday by the Presidential Taskforce on Ebola, the country has recorded 10,351 confirmed cases since the outbreak began, including 5,026 deaths.

Health officials also reported 77 new confirmed cases and 34 additional deaths.

Ituri Province remains the centre of the outbreak, accounting for 71 per cent of all confirmed cases and 36.4 per cent of newly reported cases nationwide.Ebola has spread to 67 of the country’s 178 health zones, affecting eight of DR Congo’s 26 provinces. The outbreak has a reported fatality rate of 48.6 per cent.

Health authorities said 1,101 patients were receiving treatment in treatment and isolation centres, while 2,788 people had recovered from the disease.

Efforts to control the outbreak have been complicated by insecurity in eastern DR Congo. Health workers and response teams have faced threats and attacks in some areas from people opposed to Ebola control measures, making it difficult to reach affected communities.

There is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. However, the Ervebo vaccine, previously used during outbreaks caused by the Zaire strain, has recently been deployed to help protect frontline health workers and response teams.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly called for additional funding to support efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

Several African countries have strengthened their surveillance and emergency preparedness measures following the recent detection of an Ebola case in Nigeria. Uganda, Kenya and France have also reported cases linked to the wider outbreak.

UNDASKO 2026 lights up traditions of love and remembrance

Now in its third year, Forest Lake’s annual UNDASKO celebration brought families and communities together on October 15, 2026. Combining Undas and Pasko, the initiative encourages families to celebrate life, remember loved ones, and prepare thoughtfully for the future.

Organized by Forest Lake Development, Inc., the Philippines’ leading memorial park developer, in partnership with Total Memorial Care, the celebration unfolded at Forest Lake Biñan in Laguna. The program featured ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay,’ followed by the Nationwide Christmas Tree Lighting across 42 participating sites and a free concert at Biñan.

‘UNDASKO 2026 brings our vision to life: creating places where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living. By bringing Undas and Pasko together, we allow families to appreciate those with them today and keep departed loved ones part of their Christmas traditions. Celebrate Life. Remember with Love. Prepare with Care. This message also reflects our commitment to personalized service: understanding what matters to each family, helping them create meaningful experiences, and encouraging thoughtful preparation as an expression of love,’ said Alfred Xerez-Burgos III, President and CEO of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

A highlight of the Biñan program was ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay,’ a living funeral planned and organized by Forest Lake. Unlike a traditional funeral, which takes place after a person’s death, a living funeral brings family, friends, and loved ones together during the person’s lifetime to share stories, express appreciation, and create memories with the honoree present. The person being celebrated can hear these expressions of affection, respond to them, and share their own gratitude, making appreciation a two-way exchange.

As each gathering is personal, Forest Lake offers personalized consultations to help families plan and coordinate an event that considers the honoree’s wishes, comfort, and privacy. A memorial chapel is the recommended setting for these gatherings, providing a space for loved ones to come together and celebrate the person’s life. Specific arrangements and services may vary by location.

‘As part of UNDASKO 2026, ‘Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay’ gave a personal expression to our message of celebrating life. Forest Lake helped plan and organize the gathering around appreciation, relationships, and gratitude. More broadly, a living funeral creates space for someone to hear what they mean to loved ones and express thanks in return. Alongside the tree lighting and free concert, it reflected UNDASKO’s purpose of bringing people together to share meaningful moments,’ said Carlos Miguel V. Locsin, National Sales and Marketing Head of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

Later that day, Forest Lake held its Nationwide Christmas Tree Lighting across 42 participating sites. Lighted trees and Christmas decorations marked the occasion across its memorial parks, giving visitors a festive setting for the season. While the nationwide lighting took place on October 15, other Undas activities at individual sites followed their respective local schedules.

‘Across our parks, UNDASKO creates a welcoming Christmas setting where families can spend time together while remembering departed loved ones. The lighted trees and Christmas décor help keep them part of the season’s traditions. The nationwide tree lighting brought our communities together, while Forest Lake Biñan’s free concert added an evening of music and laughter. Each site’s Undas activities follow its local schedule, with the same commitment to a meaningful visitor experience and respect for families who come for quiet remembrance,’ said Gambi Dizon, Chief Operating Officer of Forest Lake Development, Inc.

At Forest Lake Biñan, the festivities continued after the tree lighting with a free concert featuring Ate Gay, alongside guests Henry G., AJ, Boobsie, and friends, with special guest AZTER. Admission to the Biñan tree lighting and concert was free, allowing visitors to enjoy an evening of music and entertainment as part of the UNDASKO celebration.

UNDASKO and Forest Lake’s personalized approach to living funerals reflects its vision: ‘To build a better place where generations of family memories are treasured, immortalized, and celebrated by the living.’ Through its Total Memorial Care offerings, Forest Lake continues to emphasize value, innovation, and personalized service, helping families create meaningful experiences and prepare for the future with care.