Author: user user

Singapore is revving up for another thrilling season as the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) returns, bringing together the excitement of world-class racing with the city’s vibrant cultural, lifestyle, and entertainment scene. More than a sporting spectacle, GPSS transforms Singapore into a festival ground where speed meets artistry, heritage, and community.

And this is not even the race yet. As early as September, pop-up events across the city have been building anticipation, from interactive showcases at Marina Bay Sands to exhibitions and cultural happenings in neighborhoods. The energy of GPSS can already be felt everywhere, and we cannot wait for the real race to happen from October 3 to 5.

In the heart of Chinatown, the atmosphere is electric. Chinatown Complex Food Centre, the largest hawker centre in Singapore, fills with people eager to sample local favorites, while the nearby Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple draw visitors to experience the richness of the city’s diverse heritage. The colorful streets of Ann Siang Hill add to the energy, offering both history and vibrant photo opportunities for visitors who want to immerse themselves fully in Singapore’s cultural mix.

The celebrations extend beyond heritage into modern showcases. Gallery 26 welcomes fans with free entry to explore motorsport history, featuring cars once driven by Charles Leclerc and Kimi Räikkönen, alongside Carlos Sainz’s signed helmet. Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands transforms into an interactive playground with exclusive pop-ups and team merchandise, and fashion enthusiasts can check out the Lando Ralph Lauren pop-up, creating a festive atmosphere that blends global racing culture with Singapore’s world-class hospitality.

GPSS is more than just a race weekend. It transforms the entire city into a celebration where music festivals, culinary pop-ups, fashion showcases, and art installations come together, highlighting Singapore’s vibrant, multicultural character. From savoring local flavors at bustling hawker centres to enjoying cutting-edge performances, exploring interactive exhibits, or visiting exclusive pop-ups like Lando Ralph Lauren, there is truly something for everyone to experience and remember.

The engines are warming up, the city is buzzing, and the countdown is on. With every corner of Singapore alive with excitement, Singapore comes alive as the true star, offering thrills and experiences at every turn that you cannot miss. Get ready to feel the thrill, join the celebrations, and be part of a season that promises unforgettable moments from October 3 to 5.

LOANS extended by Universal and Commercial Banks (UKBs) posted their slowest growth in nine months, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

BSP data showed loans from UKBs grew 11.2 percent in August 2025, the slowest since the 11.1 percent posted in November 2024. In April 2025, these loans also grew 11.2 percent.

The data showed that after adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, outstanding UKB loans increased by 0.4 percent month-on-month in August.

‘The BSP monitors bank loans because they are a key transmission channel of monetary policy. Looking ahead, the BSP will ensure that domestic liquidity and bank lending conditions remain consistent with its price and financial stability mandates,’ BSP said.

Outstanding loans to residents grew by 11.6 percent in August-also the slowest posted since the 11.4 percent in November 2024.

BSP also said outstanding loans to non-residents recorded a decline of 5.9 percent in August, an improvement from the contraction of 8.1 in July, but a reversal from the 1.5-percent growth posted in August 2024.

Loans meant to finance business activities grew 9.9 percent in August 2025, the slowest since the 9.8 percent recorded in November 2024. Last year, loans for these establishments saw a 9.4 percent increase.

BSP said lending increased for real estate activities at 11 percent; electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply, 28.1 percent; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 8.1 percent; financial and insurance activities, 6.9 percent; and information and communication, 7.5 percent.

Meanwhile, consumer loans to residents-which included credit card, motor vehicle, and general-purpose salary loans-increased by 23.9 percent the fastest since the 24 posted in June 2025.

The data showed credit card loans posted a 29.7-percent growth, the highest since the 29.9 percent posted in June while Motor Vehicle Loans grew 19.4 percent, the fastest in eight months or December 2024 when these borrowings increased 19.5 percent.

Salary-Based General Purpose Consumption Loans, meanwhile, grew 6.4 percent in August 2025. This is the slowest in over three years or May 2022 when these borrowings posted a 6.3 percent growth.

The BSP data also showed other consumer loans grew 20.1 percent in August 2025, the slowest since the 15.8 percent recorded three years ago or August 2022.

Meanwhile, with the increase in loans, the BSP reported that domestic liquidity or M3, the amount of money in the economy, grew by 6.6 percent year-on-year, the fastest growth since January 2025.

Domestic liquidity is about P18.59 trillion in August 2025, the lowest level recorded since the P18.54 trillion posted in June 2025.

‘M3 is a broad measure of money supply that includes currencies in circulation, bank deposits, and other financial assets that are easily convertible to cash,’ BSP said.

The BSP said M3 is a driver of money supply, claims on the domestic sector, which includes private and government entities in the country, rose by 9.8 percent year-on-year in August from 10.5 percent in July.

‘Claims on a sector represent that sector’s liabilities to depository corporations [e.g., banks and the central bank],’ BSP said.

Claims on the private sector alone grew by 11.1 percent in August from 11 percent in the previous month, driven by the continued expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households.

Net claims on the central government increased by 6.1 percent from 7.1 percent in the previous month, driven by its higher borrowings.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 4.8 percent year-on-year in August from the 0.6-percent decline in July. NFA represents the difference between claims on nonresidents and liabilities to nonresidents of depository corporations.

The BSP’s NFA increased by 0.7 percent. The banks’ NFA also grew amid a decline in their foreign currency-denominated bills payable.

Adamson University clinched its first victory in UAAP Season 88 Collegiate football tournament, routing University of the East, 3-0, on Thursday night at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

Cameroonian striker Golike Dany Doko opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by Carl Mahinay’s strike in the 41st to double the Soaring Falcons’ lead.

After missing several chances to extend their advantage, Roberto Roldan sealed the win in the 74th minute, ensuring Adamson claimed all three points.

UE had opportunities to respond in the second half, but Karl Festin and Jerome Abarca failed to convert.

The victory also marked goalkeeper Shane Salarda’s first clean sheet of the season.

‘Credit to them. The way they played, the energy they gave. They came out to win,’ Adamson coach Dalton Digha said. ‘I’m proud of them and I think they played their best game this season.’

UE, already missing head coach Frank Muescan and defenders Mark Maghinay and Christian Tio due to suspensions from last Sunday’s incident against Ateneo-which also led to a three-point deduction-faced another blow when Keith Hermoso was sent off in stoppage time for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Adamson, coming off a 2-2 draw with the University of Santo Tomas, will next face the University of the Philippines at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the UP Football Stadium.

UE, still at the bottom of the standings, will take on defending champion Far Eastern University at 4 p.m. the same day.

Agyei lifts Ateneo past UST

GHANA’s Kofi Agyei scored in both halves to lead Ateneo to a 2-1 win over University of Santo Tomas.

Agyei struck in the 29th minute off a long pass from Mateo Lacson, then added a second after halftime from a low cross by Dov Cariño. He now has four goals this season.

The win moved Ateneo to second place with six points and a +4 goal difference, ahead of La Salle (4 pts, 0 GD). Ateneo and La Salle face off Sunday at 4 p.m. at UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Coach Paul Madrona, filling in for suspended head coach JP Merida, said injuries forced the team to rely on remaining key players and seniors to guide the rookies.

Ateneo dominated early, with Cariño linking well with Agyei and Joziah Rance. UST nearly responded after Agyei’s second goal, but Chris Valderama’s shot was saved by Alfonso Loja.

Late in the match, UST earned a penalty. Archie Belluga’s initial shot was blocked, but he scored on the rebound.

UST, still searching for a win, faces defending champion FEU on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Merida was suspended for verbally lashing out at UAAP Commissioner Rely San Agustin during a heated incident in the match against the University of the East on Sunday.

PERPETUAL Help started off its National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 101 basketball campaign with a dominant 67-54 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday at San Juan Arena.

The Altas join Mapua in the win column of Group A.

‘Having that first win is always welcome, but we have a lot of things to cover,’ said Altas head coach Olsen Racela. ‘This is just one win, but I think I liked our defensive effort today.’

Mark Gojo Cruz led the Altas with 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while John Abis, John Boral, and rookie Patrick Sleat each chipped in 10 points.

Tristan Felebrico was the lone bright spot for the Golden Stags, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds.

JRU stuns Letran

Jose Rizal University opened its campaign with a stunning 73-69 victory over Letran.

The Heavy Bombers led by as many as 16 points before surviving a furious 23-point fourth-quarter rally from the Knights that nearly derailed their upset bid.

Justin Lozano paced JRU with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Sean Salvador added 10 points.

Jimboy Estrada led Letran with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Newcomers Jonathan Manalili and Chad Gammad chipped in 11 points apiece in the losing effort.

Disaster Tech Lab, a global nonprofit providing communications and disaster response support, confirmed today that it is mobilizing a combined communications and medical response team to Cebu following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the island on September 30.

The deployment follows ongoing contact with local partners in Arapal, Northern Cebu, where the organization has previously worked.

The quake severely impacted communities across Cebu, triggering at least 349 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 4.8 and causing widespread disruption to essential services. Cellular networks and internet access were compromised in many areas, limiting the ability of residents to reach help and hindering coordination among responders.

To address this gap, Disaster Tech Lab is sending a field team to deploy and operate resilient communication systems. Their goal is to restore connectivity where it is needed most, enabling disaster response agencies, first responders, and local communities to coordinate rescue, medical aid, logistics, and recovery operations.

Communication is a lifeline during calamities. When networks fail, responders lose the ability to track relief convoys, direct ambulances, and share information about safe zones or shelter availability. Families cannot contact missing loved ones. Local governments struggle to receive accurate damage reports. Each delay costs time, and in a disaster zone, time can mean the difference between rescue and loss. By restoring communications, Disaster Tech Lab ensures that information flows where it matters most: from the field to decision-makers and from communities to aid providers.

Alongside this, Disaster Tech Lab’s medical team will operate pop-up clinics in Arapal and nearby towns. Staffed by EMTs, paramedics, registered nurses, and licensed doctors, the clinics will provide urgent care, triage, and treatment for injuries and health concerns, ensuring vulnerable populations have timely access to lifesaving care during the relief effort.

This mission also marks a new chapter for the organization. In September 2025, Disaster Tech Lab secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in the United States, expanding its operational reach and making it easier for donors to support its work. The Cebu mission demonstrates this new capacity by combining advanced communications support with frontline medical care.

‘Our mission is to provide critical communications and medical support where it is needed most,’ said Evert Bopp, CEO of Disaster Tech Lab. ‘By combining internet access with frontline medical care, we can remove barriers to aid and ensure communities in Cebu receive both lifesaving treatment and the ability to stay connected during this crisis’.

Disaster Tech Lab has supported humanitarian and disaster relief operations worldwide, including post-hurricane recovery in New York, earthquake response in Haiti, flooding in Peru, typhoon relief in the Philippines, and medical network support during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia.

Disaster Tech Lab is not new to the Philippines. In past calamities, it collaborated with Handang Tumulong Foundation Inc. (HTFI), a Filipino nonprofit based in New York that has long supported disaster relief through partners such as Caritas Manila, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Rotary Clubs, Jesuit foundations, and parish networks.

Residents of Cebu continue to endure aftershocks. Families report children unable to sleep at night. Farmers face irrigation and livestock losses. Students remain displaced from classrooms. Evacuation centers are overcrowded and water supplies are stretched thin.

The restoration of communications is expected to accelerate relief delivery and improve coordination among agencies. Long-term recovery, however, will require sustained support from government institutions, international donors, and diaspora groups working in partnership with organizations like Disaster Tech Lab and HTFI.

Donations to support the Cebu 2025 response can be made directly through Disaster Tech Lab’s official site. Contributions fund satellite equipment, medical supplies, logistics, and field operations. Secure links are available here: https://disastertechlab.org/cebu2025/ and https://disastertechlab.org/donate-now/.

Disaster Tech Lab is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 to bridge the critical gap when communication systems fail during disasters. The organization deploys worldwide to restore internet, phone, and Wi-Fi in crisis zones, ensuring survivors stay connected and responders can coordinate relief. Beyond restoring networks, it trains local volunteers to maintain and use the technology, building resilience and self-sufficiency in vulnerable communities. Its rapid-response teams are equipped to assess needs, set up communications, and support medical and logistical operations. Disaster Tech Lab relies on volunteers and donors to sustain its mission.

Editor’s Note: The information in this release is based on the official announcement from Disaster Tech Lab (October 2, 2025) and publicly available records of Handang Tumulong Foundation Inc.’s past disaster relief activities. Operational details, deployment progress, and donation impact are reported as provided by the organizations.

FOR the third time, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Thursday failed to appear at the plenary debates on the proposed P902.03-million budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for 2026, instead setting two conditions before agreeing to face lawmakers.

Duterte named the two demands in a letter dated September 30, 2025, addressed to House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Rep. Mikaela Suansing and read on the floor by Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez, sponsor of the OVP budget.

‘The House of Representatives demands the attendance of President Marcos for the 27.3-billion pesos budget deliberation of the Office of the President,’ Duterte demanded.

Duterte also demanded that the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability produce a Department of Justice (DOJ) certification confirming the lifting of the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against seven OVP personnel, namely, Atty. Zuleika T. Lopez, Mr. Lemuel G. Ortonio, Atty. Rosnelne L. Sanchez, Atty. Francis Chanray A. Fajarda, Ms. Gina E. Austero, Ms. Julieta L. Villadiego, and Mr. Edward D. Fajarda.

‘Mr. Speaker, there is no one from the Office of the Vice President, and I am prepared to stand alone here and stand for the budget of the OVP,’ Alvarez said on the plenary floor, stressing that the committee had given Duterte’s office ‘utmost respect’ in the budget process. He added that the committee will no longer respond to Duterte’s letter, calling October 2 the ‘last day’ for deliberations.

Blatant insult

Opposition lawmakers did not hold back their criticism and vowed to push for the reduction of the OVP budget.

Rep. Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal Party List denounced Duterte’s repeated absences as a blatant insult to the constitutional budget process.

‘Disrespecting the budgetary process of this body is a clear case of disrespect of our Constitution,’ de Lima said. ‘If she can afford to show up at the Senate and applaud a privileged speech, why can she not spare a few moments to defend the budget of her office? Enough is enough. Enough of her brattiness.’

De Lima said she intends to move for a reduction of the OVP’s budget, sparing only funds for Personal Services (PS) and maintenance and operating expenses (MOOE) while scrapping allocations for operational programs.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio echoed the sentiment, stressing that the issue was not political grandstanding but accountability.

‘I condemn her disrespect toward the people for not even showing up to take responsibility,’ Tinio said, vowing to file a motion to slash the OVP’s budget and retain only the funds needed for employees’ salaries.

I have been watching Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival since it started in 2004, or 21 years ago, which was traditionally held annually at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and various cinemas.

However, for the past three years CCP was not the main festival venue because of its rehabilitation. It was held in alternative venues-Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in 2023, Ayala Mall by the Bay in 2024. It will run this year in Shangrila Edsa from October 3 to 12, 2025.

The CCP building closed its doors at the beginning of 2023 to undergo a three-year rehabilitation, including upgrades, safety improvements, and restoration efforts aimed at preserving the building’s historic and cultural significance. This rehabilitation is a critical part of CCP’s broader vision to transform the complex into a world-class cultural hub for both the arts community and the public. The rehabilitation is slated for completion in late 2026.

My passion in watching Cinemalaya films perhaps is an offshoot of my exposure to experimental films during my college years in the late ’80s and ’90s at the UP Diliman where I saw several highly sensitive and political films.

Some of the films I saw included Lino Brocka’s ‘Maynila, Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag’ (1975) and ‘Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim’ (1985), Ishmael Bernal’s ‘Himala’ (1982), Mike de Leon’s ‘Sister Stella L.’ (1984), and Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s ‘Karnal’ (1984) and whose daring works portrayed revolt, labor unionism, social ostracism, and class division.

Although it did not win the Best film award in 2005, ‘Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros’ by fellow UP alumnus Auraeus Solito became one of the icons of indie films.

The so-called ‘indie films’ embody Cinemalaya’s vision: ‘The creation of new cinematic works by Filipino filmmakers that boldly articulate and freely interpret the Filipino experience with fresh insight and artistic integrity.’

The full-length section has only one set of films from 2005 to 2009 called New Breed, with another section added from 2010 to 2014 called Director’s Showcase. It reverted back to one set as the Main Competition since 2016. Only short films competed in 2015, 2020 and 2021.

‘Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos’ is this year’s theme reflecting the festival’s decades of weathering every storm of its era.

Competing in this year’s Full Length Films category are:

‘Bloom where you are planted’ by Noni Abao: Three land rights activists contend with their volatile notions of home amid terror and red-tagging in Cagayan Valley.

‘Child No. 82′ (Son of boy kana) by Tim Rone Villanueva: At a wake, a persevering high school student must prove that he is the 82nd child of the Philippines’ biggest action-fantasy movie star in the hopes of seeing his late father one last time.

‘Cinemartyrs’ by Sari Dalena: Recreating forgotten massacres from Philippine history, a young filmmaker begins shooting at a site where 1,000 men, women, and children were slaughtered. But the angry spirits are awakened and the lives of her team and the local villagers are put in peril.

‘Habang nilalamon ng hydra ang kasaysayan’ by Dustin Celestino: Four Filipinos confront the slow erasure of memory and truth in a country devoured by disinformation.

‘Open endings’ by Nigel Santos: Four queer women in their 30s who are exes-turned-best-friends navigate adulthood, love, friendship, chosen families, and everything in between.

‘Padamlágan’ (night light) by Jenn Romano: Five days before the proclamation of Martial Law, the Colgante Bridge collapsed in Naga, forcing a father into a desperate search for his missing son.

‘Paglilitis’ by Cheska Marfori: Years after experiencing sexual harassment at her workplace, a former executive assistant is persuaded by a passionate lawyer to file a case against her rich and highly respected boss.

‘Raging’ by Ryan Machado: A young man’s quest for truth and justice intertwines with a plane crash mystery, uncovering a sinister plot that propels his desire to be heard but also threatens his community.

‘Republika ng pipolipinas’ by Renei Dimla: When the local government threatens to evict her from her own land, a farmer renounces her Filipino citizenship and builds her own micronation.

‘Warla’ by Kevin Alambra Kitkat: a 19-year-old transgender woman finds the family she’s been longing for in a gang of sisters who kidnap foreign men to fund their gender-affirming surgeries, until their crimes force her to question the true cost of belonging.

Competing in the Short Films Category are ‘Ascension from the Office Cubicle’ by Hannah Silvestre; ‘Figat’ by Handiong Kapuno; ‘Hasang’ by Daniel de la Cruz; ‘I’m Best Left Inside My Head’ by Elian Idioma; ‘Kay Basta Angkarabo Yay Bagay Ibat Ha Langit’ by Marie Estela Pais; ‘Kung Tugnaw ang Kaidalman Sang Lawod’ by Seth Andrew Blanca; ‘Please Keep This Copy’ by Miguel Lorenzo Peralta; ‘Radikals’ by Arvin Belarmino; ‘The Next 24 Hours’ by Carl Joseph Papa and ‘Water Sports’ by Whammy Alcazaren.

THE contraction of the Philippine manufacturing sector in September is only a ‘cautionary signal’ as this only stemmed from ‘short-term’ challenges,’ according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza).

‘We in Peza remain positive despite the recent drop of the [Purchasing Manager’s Index] PMI for September, as we believe that this is more of a cautionary signal than a cause for alarm, stemming from short-term challenges rather than structural weaknesses,’ Peza Director General Tereso O. Panga told the BusinessMirror in a Viber message on Thursday.

Citing survey reports, the Peza chief pointed to weaker domestic demand, fewer client orders, supply chain disruptions caused by weather, the impact of various policy shifts and the recent geopolitical movements as key contributors to the slowdown in the manufacturing sector.

He also noted that rising input costs continue to place pressure on manufacturers, prompting some firms to scale back orders or output.

Panga said while foreign demand remains stable, the lower local demand ‘weighs’ on overall performance of the manufacturing sector in the country.

‘For Peza, this underscores the importance of strengthening ecozone resilience against weather-related disruptions, ensuring stable and predictable policies that support manufacturers, and helping firms manage costs and diversify their markets,’ Panga told this newspaper.

Nevertheless, he said the investment promotion agency sees this trend as ‘temporary,’ pointing out that investments greenlighted by Peza this year reflect a ‘continued upward trajectory.’

On Wednesday, S and P Global Market Intelligence reported that the Philippines’ Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) score fell to 49.9 in September from the 50.8 in August.

‘While signaling just a fractional deterioration in the health of the manufacturing sector, this was only the third time in just over four years where the headline index has been in contraction territory,’ S and P Global said.

Data from Peza showed that it has approved P154.70 billion worth of investments in the January to September 2025 period, up 33.5 percent compared to the P115.87 billion approved in the nine-month period in 2024.

Panga also noted that the economic zones have been generating more interest as multinational corporations (MNCs) are setting their sets on ecozones for their offshore operations.

For one, the Peza chief said there are companies ‘shifting production out of China in favor of the Philippines to benefit from our lower tariff for exported goods to the US and EU as well as our most generous fiscal incentives package for investors across Asean.’

The agency also sees this development in the manufacturing sector ‘as an opportunity to step up coordination with government and industry partners so that our locators remain competitive, resilient and able to contribute to the Philippines’ positioning as one of the fastest-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific.’

Earthquake victims in some towns in northern Cebu province call for help as they battle rain, the cold weather at night and their desperate need for food while still waiting for relief goods to reach their area.

Arg De Real, a resident of Sitio Pandan, Barangay Mahawak in Medellin town, uploaded photos on Wednesday showing some of his family members and other evacuees sleeping under a blanket of transparent plastic to shield them from the rain.

De Real shared that there are currently an estimate of 400 families there who evacuated after the magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Cebu on Tuesday evening, September 30, 2025.

‘Duol ra man mi og dagat sad. Ni bakwit lang mi sa bukid [We are living near the sea. That’s why we evacuated here at the hilly area],’ he told BusinessMirror in an interview on Thursday.

Most of them, he shared, only brought plastic bags so they can use it to shield them from the rain while some were fortunate enough to have some tents.

Fear prevents them from going back their houses especially at night as the town continues to experience aftershocks.

They called on authorities to help them as they are running out of food to eat.

‘Untag hatagan tanan peru ug kamu mang hatag unaha tawn amoa kay murag dili kaabot sa amoa [We hope that everyone gets to receive it but if you can help us please prioritize us as we haven’t received any help yet],’ he added.

He emphasized that they currently need food, water to drink, and tents there.

Amidst the tragedy, De Real still keeps a positive mind saying they are all ‘good’.

Different photos spread all over social media where evacuees seek help in order for relief goods and aid to reach them.

An uploader also posted a photo of kids photographed along the highway in San Remigio town raising cardboards with the words printed, ‘Walay tarong kaon [Had not eaten well]’ and ‘Help us. More food, water’.

The Cebu Provincial Government reported they have sent 7,622 food packs to Medellin town and 300 food packs to San Remigio as of 5pm on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

This is apart from the water bottles and other relief items that were also sent there.

In a video interview by local station MyTV Cebu, Mayor Edwin Salimbangon said the quake left many residents traumatized that they opted to stay on the roadside and open fields.

Salimbangon said the town has received initial relief goods but it could only last up to two days.

The municipality has opened their Tourist Rest Area to serve as a 24/7 drop-off site for donations.

No permit needed to deliver aid

Private individuals and groups who wish to directly send their dontations to affected areas don’t need to get a permit.

The Cebu Provincial Government clarified this advising to ‘proceed with extra caution and remain vigilant’ since there are still aftershocks there.

‘Donations coursed through the Capitol will be received and recorded at the Command Center to ensure transparency, proper documentation, and accountability, and to guarantee that assistance reaches those in need.,’ the Cebu Provincial Government said in a statement.

A BILL seeking to use blockchain technology to let the public track where taxes go and eliminate corruption will be sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with a request for certification as urgent.

During the Senate Committee on Science and Technology’s public hearing on Thursday, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda said he will ask the President to certify Senate Bill (SB) No. 1330 or the proposed Philippine National Budget Blockchain Act as urgent.

This comes after Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, the principal author of the SB 1330, asked Aguda if he would propose to the President certifying the bill as urgent. The measure has suddenly gained urgency amid widespread dismay over how the national budget process has been distorted by politics and corruption. Advocates of blockchain use say it is the best technology for preventing corruption.

In his presentation, Aguda likened the blockchain to a public bulletin board and a GPS tracker, where the public can track how every peso of their taxes will be allocated and spent.

Once the front-facing interface is published, Aguda said this can be accessed through a portal, such as the eGov app, allowing anyone to verify a project’s cost and progress.

Blockchain can help fight corruption through its immutability, as government transactions recorded on the technology cannot be altered or erased, Aguda said, adding that it also promotes transparency by making anomalies easier to spot.

The technology will also empower citizens to access and verify information, while pressuring authorities to act swiftly on project implementation, Aguda added.

‘This will also increase our trust in the government because trust is built when we see each other eye to eye,’ Aguda said.

‘If you will ask me how fast, I think in one year if we really have the political will to do this because we have the technical capability,’ he added.

‘Decentralize public finance’

Meanwhile, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Maria Francesca M. Del Rosario said in the hearing that the government’s goal is to decentralize public finance.

Del Rosario said that putting the documents in the blockchain is easy, having adopted the technology in the DBM’s budgeting process.

This quarter, the DBM launched a production portal that records Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) and Notices of Cash Allocation (NCAs) as verifiable, on-chain entries in partnership with BayaniChain and ExakIT Services.

It is the country’s first blockchain-backed budget transparency platform, making records tamper-proof while allowing the public to inspect how funds are authorized and released.

While only the SAROs and NCAs are already on a blockchain, Aquino said it only shows the item and whether there is cash available.

‘To really be able to understand where the stealing of funds happens, we have to go to the contract and agency level,’ Aquino said, noting that the records are not with DBM but with the legislators and project proponents.

‘I think what you’re doing is definitely commendable. It’s a great first step. But to address our concern, we have to go to the agencies,’ he added.

Bam’s pitch

In his opening speech, Aquino said putting the national budget on the blockchain answers many concerns in the current system: where the budget process has been opaque, blockchain can make it transparent; where there are insertions and supposedly completed projects, the bidding, awarding and disbursement of funds can be observed in real time.

‘We expect many more solutions against corruption to be proposed, and we need to bring them together and study them in order to achieve the systemic change we are seeking. By no means is this the only solution, but many of us believe it can be one of the major answers to our problems,’ Aquino added.