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PNP: Undas secured; travelers nearing 2 million

With over 141,000 police personnel and force multipliers deployed to cemeteries, major thoroughfares and places of convergence, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday security measures are in place for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

Up to 73,034 police officers have been deployed to 5,311 cemeteries and columbaria as well as transport hubs, places of worship and tourist destinations, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

Completing the security team are 16,560 personnel from other state agencies and 51,578 barangay public safety officers.

The PNP is on full alert starting today until Nov. 3.

Security preparations for Undas are now in full swing in southern Metro Manila cities.

In Parañaque, 1,190 police personnel will be deployed from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 across the city’s four cemeteries: Manila Memorial Park, Loyola Memorial Park, Himlayang Palanyag and the Parañaque Catholic Cemetery.

Tramo street and A. Bonifacio street will be closed on Nov. 1 while the eastbound lane of Victor Medina street will be designated for parking.

Parking at the Manila Memorial Park and Loyola Memorial Park is prohibited. Selling flowers at the front gate is also not allowed.

The city is considering using a vacant lot near Loyola Memorial Park for flower vendors.

‘We are mobilizing our personnel and coordinating with partner agencies to manage traffic, maintain cleanliness and respond to the needs of the public,’ Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez said in a statement.

In Muntinlupa, funeral and cremation activities are halted in the city’s eight cemeteries from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

The city government is offering free rides from Susana Heights to Everest Hills Memorial Park from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.

In Makati, parts of Kalayaan Avenue and South Avenue near the Manila South Cemetery will be closed from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

Meanwhile, Pasay has clarified reports about workers rounding up stray animals roaming inside the city’s public cemetery.

The city veterinary office said the government’s intention was to rescue stray animals to protect people visiting their dead.

PITX passengers nearing 1 million

Passengers traveling through the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange for the long holiday weekend are nearing one million, according to PITX.

Foot traffic from Oct. 25 to 28 reached 745,769. As of 2 p.m. yesterday, another 100,074 passengers had arrived at the landport, bringing the total to 845,843.

PITX management projects up to 1.9 million travelers until Nov. 4.

Authorities have confiscated 260 prohibited items, including knives (89), lighters (51), butane gas (46), cutters (35) and scissors (28).

The Office for Transportation Security checked security measures at PITX.

The Philippine Ports Authority said nearly two million passengers are expected to flock to ports during the long Undas weekend.

7 drivers test positive for drugs

Seven public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers were barred from plying their routes yesterday after they tested positive for drug use.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency spokesman Joseph Frederick Calulut said the PUV drivers were found positive for drugs during random drug testing conducted by the PDEA using urine samples.

Drug tests are being conducted at transportation hubs nationwide ahead of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days to ensure the safety of commuters who will go home to the provinces to visit their dead.

The licenses of the drivers who tested positive for drugs were suspended by the Land Transportation Office pending confirmatory testing.

Zero-waste Undas

Environmental group EcoWaste Coalition yesterday called for a waste-free Undas.

The group staged a candle-lighting ceremony at the Manila North Cemetery, urging the public to respect not just the dead, but also the environment.

The coalition said it would be roaming around memorial parks all over Luzon from Nov. 1 to 2 to monitor the waste situation.

The group asked visitors to observe cemetery etiquette or ‘cemetiquette,’ for a zero-waste and eco-friendly Undas.

EDSA reblocking works resume

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will resume reblocking works along the southbound lane of EDSA as part of the P4-billion rehabilitation project.

In an advisory yesterday, the DPWH said road repairs begin today at 10 p.m. until Nov. 2.

The affected portions of EDSA will reopen to traffic at 5 a.m. on Monday.

The DPWH advised motorists to take alternate routes.

Parañaque beefs up security at PITX for Undas

The City Government will send additional security personnel to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to address the growing number of passengers particularly those going to provinces for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez said it is important to keep PITX secured as it has now become one of the country’s busiest transportation hubs.

‘We are deploying additional personnel to major transportation hubs across Parañaque City to ensure the safety, security, and convenience of commuters traveling to their home provinces for Undas. With the expected increase in passenger volume during the long weekend, we want to maintain orderly passenger movement, ease traffic congestion, and provide immediate assistance to those who need it,’ he said.

Data received by City Hall indicated that PITX has been recieving around 200,000 passengers for the past few days because of the coming Undas. It is estimated to serve as much as 1.3 million people by November 3.

At Tuesday’s meeting of City Government offices preparing for Undas, it was announced that additional personnel will be coming from the Philippine National Police and volunteer groups supervised by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The augmentation raises Parañaque City’s personnel deployment from 1,100 to 1,600. Many of the additional manpower will be deployed to PITX before they fan out to the city’s four cemeteries.

Olivarez said the Special Services Office has been directed to ensure that all personnel who will be deployed to PITX as well as the cemeteries will be properly supported.

‘As thousands of our residents and travelers prepare to visit their loved ones during Undas, we are strengthening our presence in bus terminals, transport hubs, and other areas where large crowds are expected. We want everyone passing through Parañaque to feel safe and secure as they travel to their respective destinations,’ Olivarez added.

DBP feted in AsPac tilt for key projects

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) bagged three awards from an international group of financial institutions for its projects that expand access to education, widen financial inclusion, and support local economic development, a top official said.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the Bank was named winner at the Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) Development Awards 2026 in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category for its flagship CSR program for education and earned two merit awards for its financial inclusion and countryside development initiatives.

‘We are deeply honored for these recognitions which serve as an affirmation of DBP’s efforts to advance national development and inspire us to remain steadfast in our mandate of supporting initiatives that promote inclusive and sustainable growth in the country,’ de Jesus said.

DBP is the 10th largest bank in the country in terms of assets and provides credit support to four strategic sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small, and medium enterprises; environment; social services and community development.

ADFIAP is a regional body founded in Manila in 1976, consisting of development banks and financial institutions operating in Asia-Pacific. Its annual awards program held in Colombo, Sri Lanka recognized outstanding projects of members that advance sustainable economic, environmental, and social development.

De Jesus said the DBP Integrated Scholastic Program for Inclusive and Sustainable Education (DBP INSPIRE) was cited as top CSR program by the ADFIAP for pioneering a ladderized framework that integrates continuous education for students across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

He said DBP INSPIRE offers scholarship grants, covering endowment for tuition fees and other school-related expenses, to indigent high school graduates who wish to pursue higher education and extends support to primary and secondary public school students through outreach programs, such as the Brigada Eskwela and Adopt-a-School Program of the Department of Education.

‘With total allocation of P510-million for five years, DBP INSPIRE represents a significant investment of the Bank and more importantly, addresses the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to ramp up government support to the education sector,’ he added.

DBP also earned a Merit Award in the Local Economic Development category for its credit assistance to the local government of Calumpit, Bulacan for the improvement of its public market, financed under the Bank’s Assistance for Economic and Social Development for Local Government Units (ASENSO) that benefitted more than 120,000 residents in the area and from neighboring municipalities.

De Jesus said ADFIAP cited DBP’s financial inclusion initiatives, particularly the opening of branch-lite units in Talakag, Bukidnon and Viga, Catanduanes, which helped bring essential financial services to far-flung areas and unbanked communities in Luzon and Mindanao.

He said these recognitions reflect DBP’s commitment to advancing initiatives that make financial services more accessible to our countrymen, especially in underserved areas.

‘Rest assured that DBP will continue to serve as a catalyst for growth and support initiatives that redound to the benefit of our ultimate stakeholder-the Filipino people,’ de Jesus said.

Mother seeks justice over alleged defilement of five-year-old daughter

A woman in Wakiso District is seeking protection from her husband, who has reportedly threatened to kill her for reporting him to police for allegedly defiling their five-year-old daughter and subsequently leading to his incarceration.

Ms Maureen Atuhaire, a resident of Kasengejje in Wakiso Town Council, Wakiso District, says she is living in fear following the arrest of her husband, Mr Clement Mugarura, whom she accuses of sexually abusing their daughter on three separate occasions.

She alleges her husband took advantage of her absence from the immediate vicinity to take their daughter into a nearby house, where he sexually abused her.

‘I have caught him twice when he is defiling our daughter. The third time it’s my daughter who reported to me,’ Ms Atuhaire said during an interview on October 25, adding that at all instances, he threatened to beat their daughter if she reported the matter to her.

Ms Atuhaire said that the first time she caught the husband in the act, the suspect allegedly pleaded for forgiveness and promised not to repeat the offence.

She alleges that her husband later abused the child again, forcing her to report the matter to the police.

The mother says the ordeal has left her traumatised, especially after the suspect allegedly threatened to kill her for having him arrested.

‘Even when he is in prison, I am still afraid because he has threatened to kill me for reporting him,’ she said, asking authorities to ensure that she is given protection and justice is served.

The suspect is currently on remand at Kigo Prison as investigations into the allegations continue.

Ms Atuhaire said her husband was expected to appear before the Wakiso Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday but the court did not sit because the magistrate was reportedly unavailable.

Ms Atuhaire’s troubles have reportedly been compounded by a housing dispute, with the landlord reportedly asking her to vacate the house where she had been staying with her husband. She says the couple had been occupying the property as caretakers.

‘The man was brought here as a caretaker of the land. The landlord has now asked me to vacate his house, claiming I cannot manage the work and now I’m stranded; I have nowhere to go,’ she said.

Residents have also raised concern about Atuhaire’s husband, alleging that he had previously sexually abused another child in the family.

They claim that the earlier incident involved a child of his sister, who allegedly sustained injuries in her private parts.

The residents have appealed to authorities and well-wishers to help Atuhaire and ensure her safety, warning that the alleged threats have heightened fears for her well-being.

‘He has been beating her several times. He puts her in a water tank and beats her. Her husband also ties his daughter on a mango tree in their compound and beats her,’ Mr Julius Kato, a neighbour said.

The Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, has urged members of the public experiencing similar challenges to report them to the authorities promptly.

He said early reporting enables the authorities to intervene and provide assistance.

‘Such criminals are not supposed to be in public. We shall sweep all of them,’ Mr Owoyesigyire said.

The Wakiso Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Ms Angel Namulimbe, assured Ms Atuhaire and other residents that the authorities would do everything possible to protect them.

The case comes amid continuing concerns about child sexual abuse and the need for families and communities to report offences to the authorities.

According to the 2025 Uganda Police Force annual crime report, a total of 10,492 cases of defilement were reported to police, compared to 12,312 reported in 2024.

Out of the total number of defilement cases reported in 2025, 7,019 constituted simple defilement while 3,473 were aggravated in nature.

The police report further reveals that out of these, 4,886 cases of defilement were taken to court, 713 secured convictions, 27 were acquitted, 355 dismissed and 3,791 are still pending in court, 1,932 were not proceeded with while 3,674 cases are still under inquiry.

A total of 4,999 defilement suspects were arrested and charged in court, out of whom 740 were convicted, 332 discharged, 27 acquitted, 3,900 are undergoing trial and 332 were discharged.

CURRENT TREND

According to the 2025 Uganda Police Force annual crime report, a total of 10,492 cases of defilement were reported to police, compared to 12,312 reported in 2024.

Out of the total number of defilement cases reported in 2025, 7,019 constituted simple defilement while 3,473 were aggravated in nature.

The police report further reveals that out of these, 4,886 cases of defilement were taken to court, 713 secured convictions, 27 were acquitted, 355 dismissed and 3,791 are still pending in court, 1,932 were not proceeded with while 3,674 cases are still under inquiry.

Brand USA builds tomorrow’s demand at Travel Week U.K. and Europe

PHILIPPINES (October 30, 2026) – Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, began Brand USA Travel Week U.K. and Europe 2026, its flagship annual trade and media event, on September 28. Held for the first time in Amsterdam and running through Thursday, Oct. 1, the eighth edition of Travel Week comes one year after Brand USA debuted its America the Beautiful platform at the 2025 event in London.

‘Building tomorrow’s demand begins with the partnerships we strengthen today,’ said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA. ‘The U.K. and Europe remain critically important markets for the U.S., and our enduring transatlantic relationships strengthen travel to the United States. Through Brand USA Travel Week, we’re reinforcing those connections to grow international visitation and drive economic impact to destinations, businesses, and communities across the country.’

BRAND USA TRAVEL WEEK DRIVES GLOBAL IMPACT

Since its launch in 2019, Brand USA Travel Week U.K. and Europe has grown into a global event where thousands of business connections between U.S. partners and international trade and media take place. This year’s program, designed to continue fuelling demand for the U.S. travel industry, features dedicated tracks for trade, media, and leadership engagement, with enrichment sessions on research and market insights, traveller entry information, and AI and innovation. Brand USA is joined on site by partners from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security, and Joseph Popolo, U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, who addressed delegates during Monday’s plenary session.

United States Ambassador to the Netherlands Joe Popolo addressed attendees of the Brand USA event, saying: ‘The Dutch are a great partner for trade, tourism, and national security for the United States.’ The Ambassador emphasized the importance of Schiphol Airport, driving extensive travel and tourism connections between the United States and the Netherlands.  The Ambassador was honoured to join the U.S. Travel Association CEO Roundtable when Brand USA launched, and he remains a strong supporter of its growth and its role in strengthening the United States’ position in the travel world.

Brand USA held its first Travel Weeks in India and South America earlier this year, and launches in Canada for the first time, Oct. 26 to 29, 2026. In 2027, the series will return to Chennai, India, Jan. 17 to 21, followed by an expanded Travel Week Latin America in Panama, March 14 to 18. Each event is built around the needs of the market and shares the model behind Travel Week U.K. and Europe, with high-value appointments, market insights, buyer and media engagement, and dedicated networking opportunities to strengthen relationships across the industry.

Brand USA also announced that Travel Week U.K. and Europe will return to London next year, at Olympia London, October 18 to 21, 2027.

Brand USA Travel Week U.K. and Europe 2026 is supported by the following sponsors and partners: Aer Lingus, American Airlines, British Airways, BKNG Ads, Expedia, Miles Partnership, MMGY Global, and Sojern.

Malcolm Smith, senior vice president, global markets and chief trade at Brand USA, said, ‘Brand USA Travel Week continues to deliver more impact each year. Bringing together more than 450 U.S. delegates and over 300 buyers and media from across the U.K. and Europe to one centralized venue in Amsterdam creates opportunities to share new products, exchange market insights, and forge meaningful connections that influence international travel to the United States. We’re excited to expand the Travel Week platform with new events in Canada next month and Latin America in March, while returning to India in January and London next fall.’

A YEAR OF AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

The America the Beautiful platform and campaign has evolved into a broader ecosystem connecting Brand USA’s consumer storytelling, traveller resources, and travel trade engagement. It now includes the American Originals storytelling series, A Beautiful Detour, Route 66 road trip content initiative that marks the historic highway’s centennial, the Get Facts. Get Going. traveller information resource, and AI-powered trip planning on AmericaTheBeautiful.com.

The first year of tracking shows the platform is impactful.

Campaign favourability stands at 84% and holds across every market.

In August, 77% of audiences said the campaign positively influences their interest in visiting the United States, the highest level in the 10 months Brand USA has measured it.

Among travellers who have seen the creative, 60% say they intend to visit compared to 31% among those who have not.

Seven in 10 people say the advertising makes them want to learn more about what to see and do in the U.S.

Leah Chandler, chief marketing officer at Brand USA, added, ‘America the Beautiful was built to inspire travellers with authentic stories from across the United States while giving our partners a unified platform to share them. A year in, it’s working. Travelers who have seen the campaign are twice as likely to say they plan to visit the United States, and American Originals has passed 197 million views with average view times above three minutes.’

The campaign is also running in the Netherlands for the first time, timed to Travel Week. America the Beautiful creative is live on over 400 digital out-of-home placements in high-traffic areas across Amsterdam through the course of the event, including screens near the Beurs van Berlage and in key retail, transit, and visitor corridors.

WHAT’S NEW IN THE USA IN 2027

Transatlantic air connectivity continues to expand in 2027 with 21 new nonstop routes from Europe to the United States. Multiple new nonstop route announcements and expanded service will increase access from 27 European countries to 37 cities in 27 different states across the United States.

Brand USA also unveiled new reasons to visit the United States in 2027 for international media and travel trade partners. Additional story inspiration is available here, including ‘What’s New in the USA,’ ‘Holidays in the USA,’ ‘Train Travel in the USA,’ and an updated release on luxury offerings in the United States.

To learn more about Brand USA, visit the recently relaunched TheBrandUSA.com.

Invictus gathers more than 600 industry partners for Mid-Autumn Festival in San Juan City

More than 600 industry partners, including construction suppliers, property developers, architects, contractors, and government officials, gathered at Gloria Maris Seafood Restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan City, on October 23 for the Mid-Autumn Festival with the Masters, hosted by the Federation of Construction Suppliers of the Philippines (Invictus).

The celebration brought together members and guests for an evening of industry discussions, networking and the traditional Mid-Autumn dice game, with more than ?3 million worth of prizes up for grabs.

Among the distinguished guests were Congressman Brian Poe, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Precious Hipolito Castelo, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) Executive Vice President Jeffrey Ng, Congressman Rolan Valeriano, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Col. Bong Nebrija, Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, former Senator Cynthia Villar, former Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) Director Onyx Crisologo, and Philippine Pharma Procurement, Inc. (PPPI) President Winston Castelo.

Established in 1999, Invictus is the country’s premier building materials association, bringing together suppliers and industry partners whose businesses support construction and property development nationwide.

Invictus President Aldrin Derrick Chua welcomed the guests and emphasized the value of cooperation, shared leadership and stronger industry standards. He highlighted how the federation has grown through the relationships built among its members over the years.

The program also featured keynote speakers Cesar Wee, chief executive officer of Wee Community Developers, and Carson Choa, the company’s chief operating officer, bringing the property developer’s perspective to the gathering.

Invictus Chairman Peter Mangasing likewise underscored unity and collaboration as important foundations for the industry’s continued growth. FPJ Party-list Representative Brian Poe delivered the induction remarks during the formal program.

A major highlight was the property-market briefing by David Leechiu, president of Leechiu Property Consultants, who discussed changing conditions in Metro Manila’s residential condominium market.

Leechiu pointed to an oversupply of middle-market condominium units, weaker rental rates and more favorable terms being offered to prospective buyers. These include cash discounts reaching as high as 50 percent and interest-free payment arrangements extending up to 10 years for qualified buyers.

‘It’s going to go down to as cheap as P8,000, maybe even P5,000, in the next 12 months for a studio unit, and the others will just get cheaper and cheaper as the months pass,’ Leechiu said.

His presentation gave developers, suppliers and contractors a closer look at the pressures affecting residential demand and the opportunities emerging as property sellers adjust their strategies.

Following the formal presentations, the atmosphere shifted from market forecasts to friendly competition as guests joined the traditional Mid-Autumn dice game, also known as Pua Tiong Chiu.

The event was closed by Invictus Director Norton Cheng. For Invictus, the celebration reflected the importance of maintaining strong professional relationships across the construction supply chain, bringing together established industry players and new partners in an evening of business insights, camaraderie and tradition.

Celebs get spooky at The New Nocturnals

This year’s The New Nocturnals event once again gathered celebrities and personalities, who flaunted their imaginative costumes inspired by the theme ‘Silver Screen.’

The event, held at the Peninsula Manila on Thursday, Oct. 29, was led by co-founders Mond Gutierrez and Ash Rye, who respectively dressed up as a vampire and ‘Moulin Rouge’s’ Satine.

Also joining Mond on the red carpet was Filipino-Irish-British model Christina Nadin, who previously made history as the second Filipino woman to walk the runway of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Among the standouts were celebrity mom Lovi Poe in her sinister clown costume; Maris Racal in her sparkly Rihanna-inspired ensemble; Kyline Alcantara, who showed off in a futuristic robot costume; and content creator couple Hajie Alejandro and Lenie Aycardo, who wowed with their icy take on Jack and Rose from ‘Titanic.’

Claudine Barretto was also present at the event, donning a fiery red Kimono. She attended the ball alongside internet personality Boss Toyo.

Other celebrities who were in attendance included Mond’s twin brother Richard Gutierrez and his girlfriend Barbie Imperial, their sister Ruffa Gutierrez, Michelle Dee, Belle Mariano, Francine Diaz, Vina Morales and Iñigo Pascual.

NAPS demands justice for victims of fatal accident

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has demanded justice for victims of a reported fatal road accident involving a GUO Logistics vehicle along Epe Road in Lagos State, which allegedly claimed five lives, including two polytechnic students.

The association also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Federal Ministry of Transportation and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and take immediate regulatory action against GUO Motors.

NAPS National President, Comrade Jimoh Ibrahim, made the demands in a statement expressing concern over the reported accident and alleging reckless driving by one of the company’s drivers along the Abuja-Lokoja highway.

Ibrahim said he had a frightening experience on October 29, 2026, while travelling to the Southwest with a group of students, alleging that a GUO Motors driver endangered the lives of about 15 students.

‘We could have become another casualty statistic,’ he said.

Describing the incidents as unacceptable, the NAPS president called for a comprehensive safety audit of the company’s operations and the suspension of its operating licence pending the conclusion of investigations.

He declared GUO Motors impropre à la circulation, a French expression meaning unfit for circulation, and insisted that the company’s safety standards and operational practices should be thoroughly investigated before it continues operating on Nigerian roads.

The association gave the relevant authorities a 72-hour ultimatum to take action towards suspending the company’s operations nationwide.

Ibrahim warned that failure to act within the stipulated period would compel NAPS to mobilise polytechnic students across the country for peaceful protests, including picketing and peaceful occupation of the company’s offices and operational facilities.

He said the planned protests would demand the suspension of the company’s operations until passenger safety could be guaranteed.

The NAPS president commended the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the FRSC for their intervention and rescue efforts following the reported Epe accident.

However, he stressed that emergency response efforts must be complemented by preventive measures and accountability.

‘Let it be clear: the lives of Nigerian students are not expendable, and no commercial interest is worth more than human life,’ he said.

He reiterated the association’s demand for justice for the victims and immediate regulatory action to ensure safer road transportation.

MercyReach Africa Empowers 10 Cross River Students with Scholarships

MercyReach Africa has awarded scholarships to 10 indigent students of Government Secondary School, Ediba, in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, to ease the financial burden of education on disadvantaged families and help keep their children in school.

The scholarship initiative, supported by SMET Consult, a financial services and advisory company, alongside other corporate and individual partners, covers the educational expenses of the selected students for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Founder and Executive Director of MercyReach Africa, Mrs Mercy Njoku, said the beneficiaries were selected based on their financial circumstances and academic performance.

Njoku explained that the organisation was committed to providing practical assistance to children whose education might otherwise be disrupted by financial hardship.

She said her passion for humanitarian service was inspired by her personal experience as an indigent student who depended on support to continue her education.

According to her, MercyReach Africa has continued to expand its humanitarian interventions beyond scholarships. She disclosed that the organisation fed about 100 street children in Calabar, popularly and derogatorily referred to as ‘skolombo’, in the previous year.

She added that the organisation planned to broaden its programmes through support initiatives, webinars and skills-acquisition programmes to equip young people with opportunities for personal growth and economic development.

Njoku acknowledged the contributions of SMET Consult and other partners, noting that collaboration with socially responsible organisations and individuals was essential to extending the reach of the foundation’s interventions.

She called on individuals, businesses and other organisations to support initiatives that improve opportunities for disadvantaged children, stressing that collective action remained crucial to addressing the social challenges confronting young people.

The Principal of Government Secondary School, Ediba, Mr Ofem Obono-Obana, commended MercyReach Africa and its partners for the intervention, describing the scholarship as a significant relief for the beneficiaries and their families.

He said the assistance would enable the students to concentrate on their studies without the uncertainty associated with outstanding school expenses. He also urged other organisations and well-meaning individuals to support similar educational initiatives.

Under the scholarship programme, four students in JSS 3 received ?39,000 each, while four students in SS 2 received ?45,000 each. The remaining two students in SS 3 received ?95,000 each, with the payments covering their educational obligations for the academic session.

Obono-Obana added that the beneficiaries also received school bags, exercise books and other writing materials to support their learning.

A parent, Mrs Bright Moses, described the scholarship as a major relief to her family, explaining that concerns over school fees had placed considerable financial pressure on the household before she learnt that her child had been selected.

She expressed gratitude to MercyReach Africa and its partners, saying the intervention would help the beneficiary continue schooling with greater financial stability.

The scholarship programme underscores MercyReach Africa’s commitment to expanding access to education and providing practical support to children and families facing financial hardship.

DoubleDragon’s 2026 9-month core revenue reaches to ?20.78B

For the first time in its corporate history – DoubleDragon Corporation’s core revenue in the first 9 months of 2026 reaches ?20.78 Billion pesos.This Total Revenues comprised of pure 100% core revenues (with zero revaluation gains).

For the first time DD’s Foreign Currency revenues contributed majority or 59.03% of its quarterly total Core Revenues as the global expansion of its novel and unique Hotel101 prop-tech business model began to gain significant momentum in various countries.

DD’s subsidiary Hotel101 Global made a significant leap forward after it has opened its fully sold out perfected global prototype in Madrid Spain with 680 operating rooms

Hotel101 Global’s business model generates revenues and income twice, firstly from sale of units, and secondly generates recurring revenues from hotel operations

DoubleDragon Corporation is expected to become one of the major US Dollar currency inflow generator to the Philippine economy

DD’s core revenues both in the Philippines and Overseas continue to jump up after many years that the DD team have passionately planted and

diligently nurtured the right hard assets in the right places, and by carefully innovating the nuts and bolts of its business lines in the past several years, and the durable trees now positioned in the Philippines and abroad are now starting to produce recurring valuable fruits

DoubleDragon’s Core Net Income for the first nine months of 2026 increased by 253.59% year-on-year to ?3.91 Billion

Notably, DoubleDragon continues to demonstrate a significant acceleration in its core operating performance, with the Company’s third-quarter results reflecting a substantial increase in revenues and earnings. This marks a significant milestone in the Company’s continuing transition towards recurring and core operating revenues in the Philippine operations and globally

As of September 30, 2026, DoubleDragon’s Total Assets reached ?256.82 Billion, increasing by ?31.56 Billion from ?225.26 Billion as of December 31, 2025

Total Equity reached ?107.02 Billion as of September 30, 2026, increasing by ?5.41 Billion from year-end 2025

Worth noting too that DoubleDragon is one of the – if not the only listed investment holding company with business in the property sector that do not have any ongoing residential condominium project under development in its portfolio. DD also do not have any exposure to the large BPO locators

DoubleDragon’s Consolidated Revenues for the first nine months of 2026 reaches ?20.78 Billion, about double or 98.76% higher than the same period last year

DoubleDragon’s Core Revenues for the first 9 months of 2026 reaches ?20.78 Billion, increasing by 143.65% versus the same period last year

DoubleDragon’s Net Income for the third quarter of 2026 reaches ?1.13 Billion, increasing more than 6 folds from ?183.67 Million in the same period last year

This strategy aligns with Hotel101 Global’s disciplined, asset-light, prop-tech hospitality model and supports the Company’s ultimate vision of developing one million standardized rooms across more than 100 countries, with the goal of becoming the world’s largest single-brand hotel chain

DD has generated significant increase in its core revenues and core income, and DD expects an even higher jump in its core revenues by the second half of this year 2026, driven by the continued generation of core revenues from its leasing portfolios, new mall openings, new warehouses, new office tenants, new MerryMart supermarkets and mainly from the expected new unit sales from Hotel101 projects in the Philippines and from several countries overseas

DoubleDragon Group continues to tap various capital initiatives to further strengthen its balance sheet and boost its overall progress towards its 2035 Vision

billboards do the job socmed

To date, DoubleDragon is the first and only Filipino company that has a subsidiary listed

on the U.S. NASDAQ Stock Exchange, enabling DoubleDragon to gain access to the deep capital markets in the United States for its pipeline of equity and capital raises

DoubleDragon believes that gone are the days when Philippine companies bring in foreign brands and concepts to the Philippines or copying what works abroad to the Philippine market, but rather developing a truly unique and differentiated branded business models in the Philippines and then export it to the rest of the world would have a far larger and lasting positive impact to the Philippine economy

The DoubleDragon team is committed to put in the necessary hard work, entrepreneurial grit and perseverance towards this vision and eventually aims to make Hotel101 a truly global brand operating in various jurisdictions worldwide, and eventually bring a pinch of pride and honor to our fellow Filipino countrymen.

Given this trajectory, DoubleDragon Corporation is expected to achieve its ?500 Billion Total Core Revenue goal ahead of time before its 2035 target