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President Marcos has awarded eight new petroleum service contracts (PSCs) worth around $207 million in a bid to ramp up local energy production and reduce the country’s oil import dependence.

The contracts cover exploration areas across Cagayan, Cebu, northwest Palawan, east Palawan, Central Luzon and the Sulu Sea, according to the Department of Energy.

The DOE said the new PSCs include the world’s first competitive bid round for native hydrogen alongside co-managed projects with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

‘These service contracts signify not only our determination to secure new energy sources but also our readiness to embrace innovation and sustainability while reducing import dependence,’ Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

Among the successful bidders were the consortia led by tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan’s PXP Energy Corp.

PXP, along with The Philodrill Corp., Australia’s Triangle Energy (Global) Ltd. and United Kingdom’s Sunda Energy Plc, bagged PSCs 80 and 81 spanning 780,000 hectares and 532,000 hectares in BARMM, respectively.

These contracts are aimed at revitalizing petroleum exploration in the southern Sulu Sea to boost the local economy across BARMM and Mindanao.

Similarly, PXP and its partners Philodrill, Anglo Philippine Holdings Corp. and Forum Energy Philippines Corp. secured PSC 86 to explore 132,000 hectares in the northwest Palawan basin.

Furthermore, the government awarded PSC 82 – covering 480,000 hectares in Cagayan basin – to Triangle Energy and PSC 85 – spanning 127,475 hectares in onshore Cebu – to Gas 2 Grid Pte. Ltd.

In the east Palawan basin, Israel’s Ratio Petroleum Ltd. won PSC 87. This marks the company’s second contract in the Philippines following PSC 78, also in the same location.

For native hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon, the Marcos administration awarded PSC 83 and 84 totaling 211,727 hectares to Koloma Inc., a company based in the United States.

Following the landmark unveiling of these PSCs, the DOE said contractors may now start their respective work programs over a seven-year exploration period. These include geological and geophysical studies, seismic surveys and drilling activities.

‘From conventional petroleum to native hydrogen, we are expanding the frontiers of Philippine energy exploration,’ Garin added.

‘As we work with our partners in both the private sector and the BARMM, we move closer to our vision of a truly energy-secure and inclusive Philippines,’ she said.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is seeking additional funds for the holding of the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in March next year.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia yesterday said the poll body has used up most of the P1.2 billion previously allotted for the BARMM election, which was recently postponed and moved from Oct. 13 to March.

He said P500 million ‘has been spent for the printing of official ballots that have gone to waste.’

‘We need additional budget equivalent to or higher than what has been spent to meet all expenses needed,’ Garcia said.

He said the Comelec also spent a part of the budget for the deployment and recall of all election paraphernalia.

The Comelec has yet to set the date of the BARMM election after the Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional laws redistricting the autonomous region, effectively postponing the electoral exercises.

The high tribunal gave the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) until Oct. 30 to craft a new districting law.

Garcia said the Comelec would wait for the BTA to finish crafting the new districting law before setting the date of the election, which must be held not later than March.

He said the Comelec is closely coordinating with the BTA concerning updates on the crafting of the new Bangsamoro districting law.

Owners of electric and hybrid vehicles with fake green plates will be apprehended, the police Highway Patrol Group clarified yesterday.

HPG director Col. Hansel Marantan has apologized after saying on Monday that energy-efficient vehicles plying major thoroughfares in Metro Manila would be inspected.

The number of motorists using counterfeit green plates to be exempt from the number coding scheme could become alarming if authorities do not intervene, Marantan said.

Under Republic Act 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, electric and hybrid cars are exempted from number coding for eight years, or until April 2030.

Legitimate green plate holders must secure a certification from the Department of Energy (DOE) for their vehicles, Marantan said.

Marantan has spoken with DOE spokesman Felix Wiliam Fuentebella and Land Transportation Office executive director Greg Pua Jr. about his earlier pronouncement.

The Dasmariñas City Monarchs made short work of the Negros ICC Blue Hawks, 25-16, 25-11, 25-18, to stay unblemished in Week 3 of the 2025 Maharlika Pilipinas Volleyball Association (MPVA) at the Alonte Gym in Biñan, Laguna.

Celine Marsh rifled in 12 points to lead the way as the NU-backed Monarchs solidified hold of pole position at 3-0 nearing the halfway mark of the first round.

Dasma also drew firepower from Joseline Salazar and Vange Alinsug with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Monarchs previously drubbed titlist Quezon Tangerines, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23, and Pasay Lady Voyagers, 25-13, 26-24, 25-20.

The family of illustrator Kevin Eric Raymundo, popularly known online as Tarantadong Kalbo, are seeking donations after the artist was rushed to the hospital.

Kevin’s family gave an update on social media that the artist was urgently admitted last October 5 and was diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack.

The family informed that Kevin is receiving critical medical care however the medical bills are beginning to pile up.

“We’re calling for donations to ask for your support in helping cover the costs of medical treatment, lab tests and medicine, etc.,” Kevin’s family said.

“Your generosity and prayers are deeply appreciated. Maraming salamat!” the family ended.

According to Mayo Clinic, a transient ischemic attack is a short period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke.

It is caused by a brief blockage of blood flow to the brain, usually lasting only a few minutes without any long-term damage.

There are still precautions though as 1 in 3 people who suffer a transient ischemic attack eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the former.

Thus transient ischemic attacks are often called ministrokes, serving as warning of a future stroke and a chance to prevent it.

‘Often called a ministroke, a TIA can serve as both a warning of a future stroke and a chance to prevent it.’

Tarantadong Kalbo rose to fame for his satirical art on social media. Among his most popular creations is the “Tumindig” illustration drawn during the previous administration.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will be releasing a total of P425 million in financial assistance to the hard-hit local government units (LGUs) in northern Cebu by the Sept. 30 magnitude 6.9 earthquake. It will be released through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

The release of funds is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to provide immediate assistance to communities hit by the recent earthquake.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, in a statement, said the allocation included P150 million for the entire Province of Cebu and P75 million each for San Remigio, Bogo City, and Medellin-three of the hardest-hit localities.

Also, an additional P50 million will also be released to the Municipality of Borbon.

The Province of Cebu was placed under a state of calamity after Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 57, allowing faster access to emergency funds and the immediate implementation of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation measures.

Pangandaman assured the public that the national government has standby funds ready to support recovery and rehabilitation initiatives.

‘Our government is prepared. We have standby funds that can be tapped immediately to deliver assistance to those affected. In moments like this, government aid must never be delayed,’ she said.

In addition to the LGSF allocation, the DBM will also release P1.625 billion to replenish the Quick Response Funds (QRF) of key government agencies, with an aim to speed up aid and recovery efforts for the victims of recent calamities that hit the country.

These are the P625 million to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support the prepositioning of relief goods and cash transfers for families in calamity-hit areas and P1 billion to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for infrastructure repair and rehabilitation.

The QRF is a standby fund that ensures immediate government response during disasters and emergencies.

The budget department said that as of October 2, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) still has P5.3 billion available to support broader rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.

On the other hand, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) has also launched the ‘Dungan sa Pagbangon’ donation campaign to support the affected communities.

Funds raised will be used to provide shelter kits, hygiene kits, sleeping kits, toddler kits, and newborn kits during the relief phase, followed by recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

Meanwhile, the Cebu’s emergency response capacity received a boost with the turnover of 11 new ambulances from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) through the efforts of GM Mel Roble.

The ambulances were distributed to Mandaue City, Naga City, Lapu-Lapu City, Asturias, Alegria, Consolacion, and the Camotes Island municipalities of Poro and San Francisco as well as the municipalities of the island town of Madridejos, Tabogon and Tuburan.

‘This is another big step in strengthening our emergency response system, so we can reach more patients faster and save more lives when every second counts,’ said Cebu Provincial Health Consultant Elisse Nicole Catalan

Teams from Cabangahan, Tolotolo, and Polog stepped a win away from securing the crown of their respective categories in the 15th Mayor Teresa Alegado Cup Inter-Barangay Fiesta Basketball League in Consolacion, Cebu.

Kervin Garcia fired 28 points with seven rebounds and seven assists as Cabangahan pummeled Casili, 88-68, to draw first blood in the best-of-three SK Category A finals.

Jonel Colubio and Adrian Panangin complemented Garcia with 26 points in between them.

In the battle for third place, Jugan prevailed over Tugbungan, 94-89.

In SK Category B, Tolotolo needed only one more victory to clinch the title after trouncing Polog, 93-78.

Christian Manto paced Tolotolo with 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists while Joshua Avila and Gabriel Yap chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.

On the other hand, Prince Soquino sizzled with 18 points, five rebounds, eight assists and four steals while Kymbert Ponce and Adrian Tan connived for 26 points as Panas blasted Panoypoy, 97-86, to settle for third.

In Midget Category B, Polog demolished Tolotolo, 93-61, to move on the doorstep of championship glory.

Gabriel Godinez filled the stat sheet with 19 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, Jared Padayogdog added 17 points while Klent Lato nailed 11 markers for Polog.

Tilhaong emerged as bronze medalists after whipping Panoypoy, 71-57.

John Tulingin led Tilhaong with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists while Jake Fuentes and France Galamiton cashed in 18 and 14 points.

Meanwhile, Emman Villamor unloaded 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals, Kindrick Alcover scored 16 while Warren Cadampog contributed 13 points as Casili dumped Nangka, 104-86, to advance to the Senior Category A finals against the defending champion Pulpogan.

Officials launched on Wednesday, October 8, the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Datu Hoffer town in Maguindanao del Sur, the first-ever largest and well-equipped hospital in the autonomous region.

The BRHMC was established under the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 74, authored by regional lawmakers Kadil Sinolinding Jr., a physician-ophthalmologist; Sittie Fahanie Oyod, a lawyer; and civil engineer Baintan Ampatuan. Sinolinding also serves concurrently as BARMM’s regional health minister.

The bill, supported by 34 other members of the 80-member BARMM parliament, was approved on May 26, 2025.

BARMM Deputy Health Minister Zul Qarneyn Abas, Ampatuan, Uyod, representatives of Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua, IPHO-Maguindanao chief Mohammad Ariff Baguindali and other parliament members led Wednesday’s inauguration. The ceremony was also attended by provincial officials from Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte.

The BRHMC replaces the 52-year-old Maguindanao Provincial Hospital and is located on the same compound as the former facility.

‘The setting up of the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center is a big help for residents of the Bangsamoro region. We are grateful to the Bangsamoro parliament for having established this,’ said Baguindali, who will oversee the BRHMC.

Baguindali and other provincial officials also thanked the BARMM parliament for passing BAA 74 into law.

‘We are also thankful to the chief minister of the Bangsamoro region, who leads the regional parliament, for signing into law, without hesitation, the approved bill that enabled the creation of this hospital,’ Baguindali added.

Sinolinding said the Ministry of Health-BARMM will extensively support the hospital’s operations.

Ampatuan told reporters that the BRHMC will have an initial budget of P50 million from the regional government this year. ‘The succeeding allocations for its operation shall be included, by phases, in the annual appropriations for the expenditures of the regional government,’ he said.

Baguindali added that the BRHMC will operate on a ‘zero billing policy’ for all patients.

While growing up in our upland community some decades back, I could count by my fingers the few professionals left in our community. Most of them were teachers. I seldom saw other professionals who were most likely lured to the big city or found work abroad.

The teachers left an indelible mark on us. I and the other children had a direct encounter with them because they stayed to teach in our elementary school. School time, of course, was a welcome break from the normal rhythm of countryside life: raising cattle and goats, plowing the fields, and laboring to exhaustion. While these teachers celebrated and extolled the hard work of ordinary folks, we had a break from backbreaking work whenever we were in school.

We learned from our teacher back then the many uses of slender bamboo sticks. They could be used as pointers on the board. But once in a while they could also be used to whack the bottoms of some naughty students.

Our teachers were quite ingenious. With the scarcity of teaching materials, old calendars were reused as charts and reading materials. Improvised reading stands were fashioned from the branches and twigs of the nearby trees. These simple tools of providing learning opened the gateways to knowledge and began to stir us into embracing newfound ambition.

I always looked upon our teachers as heroes in our community. Their voices and influence awakened my dreams of one day breaking myself free from the farmland. They created the ditches where these dreams were slowly watered, nurtured and ultimately flourished.

Teachers do make our dreams come true. It’s no wonder then, that I too, became a teacher. Many others in our community became teachers too. And many others became professionals that our small upland community has become a community of professionals.

So, whenever you meet a teacher today and every day, always whisper a prayer for them. Without them, what would our future be?

Happy World Teachers’ Day to my colleagues.

Mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) said it is going all out with its offers for the much-anticipated iPhone 17 Series.

In a news release, the telco announced it is now accepting pre-orders from Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity and Smart Prepaid customers.

‘Through its exclusive data rewards and lifestyle treats, Smart empowers subscribers to make the most of Apple’s most advanced iPhone yet, powered by its superior 5G network,’ the company said.

For new and recontracting Smart Postpaid customers, the iPhone 17 (256GB) or iPhone Air can be availed at Plans+ 149, which comes with unlimited 5G for 12 months, 40GB for all apps and sites, a Netflix Mobile subscription, unlimited texts and calls to all networks and landlines. The plans include exclusive Smart Postpaid Perks from select restaurant, retail, beauty, wellness and travel partners.

With Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1499, new customers can get the iPhone 17 (256GB) for a down payment of P18,400 and a monthly amortization of P1,500 under a 24-month contract. Recontracting customers can get the same device for only P2,204 per month for 24 months, while those eyeing the iPhone Air (256GB) can avail of it for just P2,758 per month for 24 months, inclusive of a FREE eSIM upgrade for new and existing subscribers.

Customers can also sign up for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999, which includes UNLI 5G for 12 months, 60GB for all apps and sites, Netflix Mobile, unlimited texts and calls, and access to premium lifestyle perks via Smart Postpaid Perks.

With Smart Postpaid, customers can also enjoy a 0% installment option to get the iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) for only P69,800, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) for only P79,500.

As an exclusive pre-order treat, Smart Postpaid subscribers who pre-order the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, or iPhone 17 Pro Max from October 9-31, will also enjoy free 17 GB 5G data per week for 17 weeks, plus more freebies on launch day, including unlimited data for 17 days.

Additionally, customers with successful orders on the Smart Online Store from October 9-31,will enjoy an additional P1,700 off via bill rebate.

Meanwhile, the company said Smart Infinity members can get the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 or iPhone Air with their chosen Infinity Plan, which comes with unlimited data, calls, and texts, a data roaming allowance, and up to P4,500 in monthly consumables for premium services and app subscriptions like iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV+.

All plans include 24/7 access to the Infinity Concierge for global assistance and lifestyle coordination, while Infinity Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 members enjoy the added benefit of a dedicated Relationship Manager for personalized, one-on-one support.

Smart Prepaid customers who prefer a device-only option can get the iPhone 17 for as low as P2,425 per month for 24 months at 0% interest.

Those who sign up during the preorder period will receive a free Smart Prepaid eSIM and a bundle with an additional 1.7GB data for 17 weeks. Smart also offers flexible payment options through partner banks and financing institutions, making it easier for customers to upgrade to the latest iPhones.

The iPhone 17 Series is powered by Apple’s advanced A19 chip, ensuring lightning-fast performance and exceptional energy efficiency for day-long productivity. It also delivers smoother scrolling and more immersive visuals with its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology. Available in elegant colors such as Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender, the iPhone 17 Series also lets users match innovation with style.

‘The iPhone 17 delivers everything users could ask for on an iPhone – and more. We’re excited to match this energy by going all out with our offers so our subscribers can enjoy the best iPhone experience, powered by Smart 5G,’ said Marjorie Garrovillo, first vice president at Smart.

Customers may pre-order the latest iPhones and avail of Smart’s exclusive deals by visiting this link or heading to the nearest Smart Store.