LRT-2 revenue flat on higher discount

The rise in Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) ridership has failed to translate to higher income for its regulator due to the government order to give out higher discounts to select sectors.

Based on data from LRT-2 manager Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), passenger traffic in LRT-2 grew by eight percent to 42.04 million in the nine months to September, from 38.9 million a year ago.

LRT-2 posted its highest passenger volume in the pandemic aftermath in September of 5.15 million, beating the previous high of 5.1 million in August.

In spite of this, the LRTA booked a one-percent uptick only in revenue to P942.33 million as of September. This can be attributed to higher discounts granted to students, persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

President Marcos instructed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to increase the discount on railways to 50 percent, from 20 percent. For students, the discount also covers all learners, and it can be availed every day, even on holidays and weekends.

In LRT-2, the discount reduced the cost of riding the LRT-2 to a range of just P8 to P18, from P15 to P35 on the regular.

Since the higher discount was rolled out in June, the LRT-2 has seen monthly hikes in ridership, but revenue failed to keep up, dropping instead with the exception of August.

LRT-2 serves a large population of students in its ridership, especially as the Recto-Antipolo corridor is host to dozens of schools, particularly in the University Belt.

As a government-owned and controlled corporation, LRTA is mandated to generate as much revenue as it can to fund its own operations. The agency also needs capital to upgrade the LRT-2 to prepare for future demand as ridership goes up.

For instance, LRTA plans to pursue the LRT-2 West Extension Project that seeks to add three more stops after the Recto Station. The project is estimated to cost P10.12 billion, as it covers the purchase of new light rail vehicles, too.

In spite of the financial drag, the DOTr appears committed to keeping the 50-percent discount in place, eyeing to maintain it until the end of the Marcos administration in 2028.

In September, railway managers like the LRTA started distributing specialized stored value cards to students to easily avail themselves of the discount.

Prayers Alone Can’t End Poverty – Chiwetalu Agu

Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, has declared that prayers alone cannot eliminate poverty.

In a video on X, the outspoken actor dismissed the common belief that poverty can be prayed away, insisting that hard work and diligence are the true keys to prosperity.

‘Poverty does not die by fire. I repeat, poverty cannot die by fire. Pray from now till tomorrow – if you don’t work hard, poverty will deal with you,’ Agu said.

He explained that while prayer connects people to divine wisdom and favour, it becomes ‘meaningless without corresponding effort.’

‘Yes, prayer is powerful; it connects you to divine wisdom and favour, but work is the channel through which blessings manifest,’ he added.

Agu urged Nigerians to abandon the ‘manna mentality’ and embrace industry and self-reliance, stressing that even divine favour requires human participation.

‘You can pray all day for success, but if you refuse to work, plan, or act, you will still remain poor. God blesses effort, not idleness,’ he concluded.

Greater Accra’s Adjorkor Tipped For GMB Crown

The race for Ghana’s Most Beautiful (GMB) 2025 crown has never been more compelling, with Greater Accra Region’s representative, Adjorkor, solidifying her position as the contestant to beat heading into the grand finale on October 19, 2025.

Her journey has been a testament to unparalleled consistency, characterised by spectacular dominance and dramatic resilience, ultimately fueling widespread predictions of her victory.

Adjorkor’s tenure has been a statistical powerhouse from the very start. She quickly established dominance, beginning with the highly anticipated ‘Storytelling Night’ at Mantse Agbonaa, where her eloquence and stage mastery secured her the title of the competition’s First Star Performer, alongside a nomination for Most Eloquent.

This early momentum set the bar for the entire season and was amplified in Week 4 during ‘Fashion Night’. In this glamorous African fashion showcase, her commanding presence, striking beauty, and fierce confidence on the runway were undeniable.

She earned a second coveted Overall Star Performer award, along with nominations for Best Model and Best Costume, making her one of the most decorated contestants of the season.

However, her otherwise stellar journey was not without its profound trials. Her first significant setback-or ‘fall’-came in Week 6 during ‘Traditional Wear Night,’ where she surprisingly landed in the precarious Bottom Four.

Yet, demonstrating true grit and exceptional determination, she used this scare as fuel. The following week, during ‘Game Night,’ she earned nominations for both Star Performer and Best Costume, proving her unwavering commitment to excellence.

The ultimate cliffhanger that captured the nation’s attention occurred on the penultimate night, during the pivotal ‘Justify Your Inclusion’ semi-finals. Despite delivering a strong educational performance that added further nominations for Most Eloquent and Best Costume to her tally, she was shockingly placed in the Bottom Three, fighting for survival alongside Afedziwaa of the Central Region and Yeli of the Bono Region.

In a move that underscored her perceived value, the judges intervened to save her for a crucial second time, granting her a highly sought-after ticket to the grand finale. Explaining the decision to keep her in the race, Resident Judge Janet Sunkwa-Mills provided a critical context that essentially tipped Adjorkor in as the season’s frontrunner.

She clarified that their decision transcends the immediate nightly score: ‘Our decision was not based only on the night’s performance but also on consistency throughout the journey. We have kept saving this contestant who was at the bottom, as well as considering the audience’s 40% voting power on the night.’

This judicial confidence in her overall body of work highlights Adjorkor as the most consistent and resilient competitor this season. This dramatic validation has ignited a powerful social media wave, with fans celebrating her perseverance and predicting her final victory. On Instagram, overwhelming sentiment supported the judges’ decision and her overall quality. @lovelyabbey8 captured the mood perfectly, writing that ‘sometimes first impressions are always important. The judges always save Adjorkor for her excellent performance at Mantse Agbonaa. Go for gold, Adjorkor. You deserve it.’ Echoing this enthusiasm, @esterloca shared, ‘Well done Adjorkor. You did so well and deserve everything that comes your way. Congratulations once more,’ while @nii_nii.x celebrated her perseverance, proclaiming, ‘You really put your enemies to shame. Adjorkor for a reason!’

With a remarkable record of two Star Performer wins, two judges’ saves, and an impressive nine total nominations across eloquence, performance, and costume categories, Adjorkor has demonstrated that she possesses the complete package-beauty, brilliance, cultural depth, and surging public support. Five years after Naa Dedei Botchwey won the crown for Greater Accra Region in 2020, Adjorkor is poised to make her mark in GMB history.

Death toll in Davao quakes climbs to 8

The number of fatalities in the magnitudes 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes that struck Manay in Davao Oriental last week increased to eight yesterday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the number of injured people remained at 403 with no one reported missing.

The quakes displaced 200,914 families in Davao and Caraga regions. Up to 3,176 families are staying in eight evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC said the estimated damage to infrastructure reached more than P100.2 million, mostly in Davao region.

Meanwhile, the number of reported fatalities in the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu remained at 75 and the injured people at 559.

The NDRRMC said the quake displaced 212,246 families and damaged up to 100,464 houses in several areas in Central Visayas.

The NDRRMC and the Office of Civil Defense gave assurance that the government is continuously providing assistance to affected communities in Davao and Cebu as well as neighboring areas.

Modular shelters

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), in partnership with the private sector, have started establishing modular shelter units for quake victims in San Remigio, Cebu.

The DHSUD said two private companies sent additional workers who helped install modular shelters in the ‘bayanihan village.’

‘The deployment of additional workers was necessary to expedite the installation of modular shelters for displaced families,’ the agency said.

As of yesterday, at least 45 modular shelters had been installed by the workers.

The DHSUD said similar shelters would also be set up in Bogo City and in the towns of Daanbantayan and Medellin, which were also severely affected by the quake.

DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling has mobilized a team to determine the exact assistance needed by quake-affected local government units in Davao Oriental.

Aliling said modular shelters will also be set up in ‘bayanihan villages’ in the province.

TUPAD program for quake victims

To provide immediate assistance to workers in Davao Oriental displaced by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is implementing the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program in the region.

The DOLE said up to P28 million has been allotted for the 10-day emergency employment of 5,450 quake-affected workers.

Of the total number of beneficiaries, 4,950 are residents of Davao Oriental while the rest are from Davao City, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.

Of the P28 million allotted for the program, P2.58 million will be used to pay beneficiaries in other parts of the region.

DOLE-Davao chief Randolf Pensoy said the rest of the fund would be utilized for workers in Manay, the epicenter of the temblor.

Pensoy said the beneficiaries would be tapped for debris segregation, materials recovery, stockpiling, clearing operations and waste management.

‘By providing temporary income and livelihood, we can help quake victims recover while contributing to the restoration of their communities,’ Pensoy said. – With Elizabeth Marcelo, Mayen Jaymalin

Dead Body Found On School Compound

THE LIFELESS body of a male adult has reportedly been found on the compound of the Kuntanase Roman Catholic Junior High School (JHS) in the Ashanti Region, sparking fears.

The body of the unknown man, who is believed to be around 35 years old, according to the police, was reportedly found in the afternoon of Thursday, October 9, 2025.

Francis Adu Amankwah, the Assemblyman of Kuntanase Electoral Area, was said to have officially lodged a complaint with the police after the dead body was found in the school.

According to the police, they proceeded to the scene and found the body of a man, who appeared to be mentally challenged, but there were no marks of violence on the body to suspect foul play.

‘On 9/10/25 about 1430 hours, Francis Adu Amankwah, the Assemblyman of Kuntanase Electoral Area, reported to Kuntanase Police that a dead body of a male adult, aged about 35 years, was lying at spot in the compound of Kuntanase Roman Catholic JHS.

‘Police and the complainant proceeded to the scene and saw the dead body. He appeared to be a mentally challenged person and not known in the community.

‘The scene was photographed by the case officer, after which he inspected the body. No external marks of violence were seen,’ a Kuntanase District Police report said, ruling out any suspicion of violence.

The body of the deceased, the police stated, has since been deposited at the Saint Michael Hospital mortuary, Pramso, awaiting identification and autopsy. Meanwhile, police investigation into the case is ongoing.

DDP Mwinyelle Hails Increased Feeding Rate For Prison Inmates

The Ashanti Regional Commander of Prisons, Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) Ing. James B. Mwinyelle, who also doubles as the Officer in Charge of the Kumasi Central Prison, has described the increase in the daily feeding rate for inmates from GHS1.80 to GHS5.00 as ‘a wonderful development’ that will significantly enhance the welfare of prisoners across the country.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY GUIDE in Kumasi on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, DDP Mwinyelle said the long-awaited adjustment in the feeding rate was a major step towards improving conditions in Ghana’s prisons, where the previous rate had remained unchanged for many years.

‘The increase from GHS1.80 to GHS5.00 is a big jump, and it will go a long way to improve the quality of meals served. Feeding is one of the topmost welfare issues, and once that is taken care of, the health of the inmates will improve, and the pains of imprisonment will be lessened a bit,’ he noted.

He revealed that the Kumasi Central Prison, which currently houses over 1,600 inmates, has already begun revising its food menu to ensure that prisoners feel the full benefit of the increase.

‘It will not be business as usual. We are now preparing a new menu to include rice, beans, and groundnuts to meet nutritional and protein requirements. We even hope to serve eggs once a month or every other week,’ he disclosed.

To complement the improved diet, DDP Mwinyelle said the prison administration was expanding its vegetable garden at Bekwai Roundabout to reduce costs and supplement meals with fresh produce.

‘Our Director General, Mrs. Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, has directed that every prison establishment should have a garden, and here in Kumasi, we are already cultivating vegetables. We plan to expand so that a portion of the GHS5.00 will go into carbohydrates, while the vegetables will balance the nutrition,’ he explained.

He further expressed gratitude to the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, and the Director General of the Ghana Prisons Service for their instrumental roles in securing the increase.

‘The Interior Minister has shown great commitment from day one. He told us he would take us out of the ‘orphanage,’ and indeed, we are beginning to see that transformation,’ he said, and also commended the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene for his support.

DDP Mwinyelle cautioned that inadequate feeding often contributes to disturbances and health challenges within prisons, emphasising that the new rate would help maintain calm and improve overall welfare.

Think Prison 360 Initiative

Touching on the Think Prison 360 Initiative launched earlier this year by the Ghana Prisons Service, DDP Mwinyelle said the project aims to reshape public perception of prisons as reformation centres rather than dumping grounds.

‘The initiative is a reset agenda for the Ghana Prisons Service. It reminds society that the prison is not a place to dump people. When the state fails to invest in reforming inmates, everyone becomes unsafe,’ he remarked.

He appealed to relatives, philanthropists, and the general public to continue supporting the prison system through donations, partnerships, and advocacy to sustain reforms and improve inmate welfare.

‘The increase in feeding rate is a major step forward, and we are exceedingly grateful to the government. But as Oliver Twist, we will always ask for more-perhaps GHS10.00 next year,’ he concluded with optimism.

MPBL: Pangasinan nips Nueva Ecija; San Juan outlasts Pasay in 2OT

Pangasinan stunned Nueva Ecija, 86-85, while San Juan went through two overtimes to subdue Pasay, 94-89, on Wednesday in the opener of their Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League North Division quarterfinal series at the Nueva Ecija Coliseum in Palayan City.

The Pangasinan Heatwaves bunched 12 points bridging the first and second quarters to break free, 25-15, then fended off the Rice Vanguards’ final assault to move within a win of advancing to the semifinal round.

Just like the San Juan Knights, who blew a big lead, settled for a 77-77 count in regulation, survived the first overtime, 84-84, and leaned on a closing 9-point run to trip the Pasay Voyagers.

Trailing, 74-82, with 3:10 to go, the Rice Vanguards bunched seven points to threaten, 81-82.

Veteran Vic Manuel, however, responded with a one-handed turnaround jumper, and after Nueva Ecija’s Jaycee Marcelino and Pangasinan’s Hesed Gabo traded two free throws each, Nueva Ecija’s Will McAloney scored on a follow-up with 5.2 seconds left for the final tally.

Gabo got fouled but flubbed both charities with 4.6 seconds left, allowing Nueva Ecija’s Byron Villarias to throw a long desperation heave that was way off.

Though the final count was close, Pangasinan was in control most of the way, leading for 36 minutes and 42 seconds against only 39 seconds for Nueva Ecija.

Manuel wound up with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists; Gabo with 12 points and five assists; Ian Melencio with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists; Jorey Napoles with eight points plus nine rebounds; and Allyn Bulanadi with eight points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Nueva Ecija got 17 points, 10 rebounds and two assists from McAloney; 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals from Christian Manaytay; 10 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three blocks from Rob Celiz; and seven points, five assists and three rebounds from Jaycee Marcelino.

Orlan Wamar, atoning for his earlier miscues, again rescued the Knights from disaster, converting four charities and feeding AC Soberano for a triple in a closing 9-point San Juan run that turned the game around.

Pasay led, 89-85, on Darell Manliguez’s two free throws with 1:47 left in the second extension, but couldn’t score after that, and San Juan countered through Wamar, Soberano and Arvin Gamboa’s two charities.

The first overtime ended at 84-all after Pasay’s Jasper Salenga missed a buzzer-beater jumper.

Felipe Chavez drilled in a triple with 8.5 seconds to go to knot the count at 77-77, in regulation, after which Wamar missed a probable game-winner.

The Knights surged ahead, 46-21, midway through the second quarter, only for the Voyagers to rally through Christian Fajarito, Manliguez, Cyrus Tabi, Jasper Salenga and Marc Danie Sangco.

Soberano posted 24 points, all from rainbow territory, while Wamar tallied 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Gamboa finished with 12 points, the same as Dexter Maiquez, while Raul Soyud contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Pasay drew 20 points and six rebounds from Fajarito; 16 points and five rebounds from Manliguez; 10 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and six steals from Sangco; 11 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals from Tabi; and 10 points plus three rebounds from Salenga.

The league visits the Batangas City Coliseum on Thursday, with the South Division quarterfinals pitting Binan Tatak Gel against Rizal Province at 6 p.m., and Batangas against Zamboanga SiKat at 8 p.m.

Prudential Bank Launches Breast Cancer Screening Campaign

Prudential Bank has kicked off its breast cancer screening campaign in Takoradi, marking the first of five screenings scheduled across the country this month.

Over 300 women participated in the event held at the Church of Pentecost premises at Kwesimintim with the aim of raising awareness on breast cancer.

Head of Brand at the Bank, Jamilla Disu, said ‘the screening is part of our annual initiative to promote breast cancer awareness and encourage people to check for early detection. We believe that early detection is key to saving lives.’

She indicated that similar screening exercises will be conducted in Accra, Tema, Kumasi, and Tamale, providing essential health services to communities across the country.

‘Last year, the Bank screened over 1,200 individuals, with 327 screened in Tamale alone. This year, our target is to exceed this number. The beauty of it is that we are visiting the same centres we undertook the exercises last year. This way, those who benefitted previously have the chance to be checked again,’ Ms. Disu disclosed.

This initiative is part of Prudential Bank’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the well-being of its customers and the communities it serves.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with over 2.3 million new cases diagnosed globally each year. Men are at risk as well even though it is more prevalent in women. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and survival rates among the population.

In Ghana, breast cancer is a significant health concern, with many cases being diagnosed at advanced stages.

Six Injured In Accidental Shooting

Six people, including a month-old baby, sustained gunshot wounds after a man identified as Kofi Cole allegedly fired shots indiscriminately during a celebration at Kwabenakwa in the Obuasi East Municipality on Tuesday.

The tragic incident, reportedly, followed a court ruling on the Kwabenakwa chieftaincy dispute, which went in favour of one of the rival families. In the heat of jubilation, some members of the victorious faction took to the streets in a tricycle (Pragyia), firing gunshots into the air to express their excitement.

According to ABN’s Senior Correspondent, Chukwu Joseph, eyewitnesses and some relatives of the victims confirmed that the gunfire came from Kofi Cole, who is said to be related to one of the winning family members. Stray bullets struck six bystanders, including the baby, leaving the community in shock and panic.

The Assembly Member for Kwabenakwa, Mr. Charles Abu, in an interview, expressed deep concern over the incident. He said he rushed to the scene upon hearing the gunshots and assisted in transporting the injured victims to the hospital for treatment.

He described the act as reckless and called on the police to ensure that justice is served.

Police have since launched investigations into the matter, while residents of Kwabenakwa have appealed for calm as the victims receive medical attention.

Cortez saves day for Green Archers

Jacob Cortez came to the rescue as the crippled La Salle crew dodged a massive upset against winless University of the East with a 111-110 overtime win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Already without big man Mason Amos, La Salle needed heroes following the injury of Kean Baclaan late in the game. Then Cortez heeded the call in his best game as an Archer since transferring from San Beda in the NCAA.

Cortez delivered in the fourth quarter and overtime, firing 17 of his 26 points to will the Green Archers from 11 points down. It ended a two-game losing streak and kept La Salle in the thick of the Final Four race with a 3-3 slate.

The victory neutralized the 42 points of UE’s Precious Momowei, the first 40-point game in the UAAP in eight years.

Baclaan posted 17 before hurting his right leg after a hard drive against Wello Lingolingo, who was whistled with an unsportsmanlike foul leading to his ejection after a previous technical foul. The call did not sit well with UE coach Chris Gavina.

Baclaan had to be wheeled out of the court with no word yet on the extent of his injury