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Classes in public and private schools at all levels in Quezon province are suspended on Thursday and Friday (Oct. 16 and 17) due to a spike in influenza-like illness cases, Quezon Governor Angelina Tan announced Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 15.

‘I issued an executive order suspending classes tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, in public and private schools at all levels, due to rising cases of respiratory diseases or influenza-like illnesses among children and adults,’ said Tan, a medical doctor by profession, speaking from the government-run Quezon Medical Center (QMC) in this city. Her announcement was broadcast live on her official Facebook page.

Lucena City, the provincial capital and a highly urbanized city, is not covered by the suspension.

However, Tan encouraged Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala to declare a similar suspension in his locality – a move Alcala promptly acted upon.

On his Facebook page, Alcala posted: ‘All classes at all levels, public and private, in Lucena City are suspended due to the rising cases of flu and pneumonia. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and teachers.’

He added: ‘Let’s all take extra care, magpahinga, at manatiling ligtas.’ (Let’s rest and stay safe.)

Governor Tan emphasized that the class suspension is intended to provide students and teachers a ‘health break.’

‘House rest and recover – not loitering around in malls or anywhere,’ she stressed.

Tan also urged local authorities – including barangay officials and parent-teacher associations – to conduct clean-up and disinfection activities in school premises during the two-day break.

She reminded parents not to allow children to wander around during the suspension period and also advised everyone to ‘wear a face mask.’

Tan described the situation at QMC as critical, saying patients with flu-like symptoms were ‘overflowing.’

‘We are now more than 200 percent over our authorized bed capacity,’ she reported. ‘In fact, there are no more available beds. Some beds are being occupied by two patients.’

She added that QMC and the 14 other government hospitals across the province are struggling with limited resources.

‘Hospital workers, nurses, and doctors are now overburdened. I appeal for their understanding,’ Tan said.

Oriental Mindoro’s economy showed steady progress in 2024, with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 5.3 percent, a slight increase from 5 percent in 2023, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

In its annual Provincial Product Accounts (PPA) report, the PSA noted that the province’s GDP increased from P114.89 billion in 2023 to P120.97 billion in 2024.

Dr. Charlyn Romero-Cantos, PhD, the officer-in-charge of PSA Provincial Statistical Office of Oriental Mindoro, reported that the construction industry experienced the fastest growth, expanding by 16.4 percent. This was followed by strong performances in transportation and storage, which grew by 13.8 percent, and in electricity, steam, water, and waste management, which rose by 11.8 percent.

Meanwhile, human health and social work activities registered a 9.5 percent increase, while professional and business services, along with accommodation and food service activities, recorded an average growth of 8 percent.

However, not all sectors saw gains. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector-a traditional economic backbone of the province-was the only major industry to decline, registering a negative growth rate of 11.6 percent.

When compared to other provinces in the Mimaropa, Oriental Mindoro ranked fourth in terms of economic growth. Despite being one of the larger provinces, it trailed behind Romblon, which grew by 6.3 percent, and Marinduque, which posted an 8.5 percent growth rate. The highest growth in the region was recorded by Puerto Princesa City at 9.8 percent.

At the lower end of the regional ranking were Occidental Mindoro, with 2.1 percent growth, and Palawan province, which registered the lowest at 1.1 percent.

Despite the challenges, particularly in the agriculture sector, Oriental Mindoro continues to move toward recovery and resilience, buoyed by its expanding construction, services, and utilities sectors

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito called on the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of its resident auditors in the multi-billion-peso anomalous flood control projects that have sparked national outrage.

During the Committee on Finance hearing on the proposed 2026 budget of COA on Monday, Ejercito asked Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba if the agency has already launched its own investigation into resident auditors assigned to district offices flagged for irregularities, particularly in Bulacan and Mindoro.

‘I hope that you would investigate, it came from DPWH officials in this First District and Engineering Office with DBM and COA in an alleged collusion.’

The lawmaker from San Juan emphasized that while no formal charges have been filed yet, auditors who failed to act on red flags should still be held accountable.

The COA official assured the senator that the agency’s Fraud Audit Office is already investigating the matter and that initial findings would be submitted to the committee once the internal process is completed.

Ejercito also raised concerns about reports implicating COA Commissioner Mario Lipana in allegedly receiving large sums of money.

Geo-tagging technology

To prevent future anomalies, Ejercito lauded COA’s ongoing improvements, particularly in using geo-tagging technology to verify infrastructure projects and prevent falsified reports.

‘So to avoid doctored documents. that’s how powerful the District Engineer Office of DPWH has become. Because they are the ones who assign which contractor is doing or if the project is ever done at all,’ he said.

‘So with the use, aside from the physical verification, now with geo-tagging, at least now we would know. This is a big thing because they can’t doctor it. It’s satellite-driven,’ he added

He expressed confidence in COA leadership, saying he hopes the agency will take decisive action to ensure integrity in the auditing process.

‘We have confidence in Chairperson Cordoba and the rest of the COA family. I hope that you can really help us in this scandal and scam that has really racked the nation.’

‘I hope to restore faith in government. I am hoping that you would help in restoring faith in COA,’ Ejercito said.

Ejercito said the public’s anger over the ghost projects must serve as a wake-up call for stronger oversight and institutional reforms.

Xian Lim continues to make his own mark as a filmmaker as he was announced as the director of ‘Project Loki,’ an upcoming series based on the hit Wattpad novel of the same name.

Lim was revealed as the director during ‘Project Loki’s’ story conference on Tuesday, Oct. 14, where he was also joined by its lead stars Dylan Menor, Jayda Avanzado and Marco Gallo. He also took over in discussing the storyline and how the Wattpad novel will be translated onscreen.

‘I like to start this with a promise, a promise na we will do it to the best of our abilities, we will give justice to the series dahil it’s a masterpiece,’ he said after he was revealed as the director.

Joining Menor, Avanzado and Gallo in the series are Yumi Garcia, Martin Venegas, Kurt Delos Reyes, Ashley Diaz, and Love Yauco.

The actor-director expressed his excitement about the upcoming series on his Instagram page, sharing photos of himself with the cast.

Originally written by Akosiibarra, or Rhein, ‘Project Loki’ tells the story of students forming the group ‘QED Club’ to solve crimes and find how it ties with a central mastermind known as ‘M.’ The club is led by the anti-social genius Loki Mendez (Dylan Menor) and the observant Lorelei Rios (Jayda Avanzado).

Lim also served as the director of the films ‘Hello Universe’ and ‘Kuman Thong.’ /ra

Coolaire Consolidated Inc., the country’s leading refrigerated truck supplier, has officially launched its charitable arm, the JRT Foundation Inc., on October 14, 2025, at the Left Wing, Celebrity Sports Plaza.

The event marked a significant milestone for the Coolaire family as it formalized its long-standing commitment to community building, quality education, and environmental sustainability through a foundation that embodies the legacy of the late Jerry R. Tugade, Coolaire’s visionary president.

Named after Mr. Tugade’s initials, the JRT Foundation Inc. was formally established in 2024 to serve as Coolaire’s platform for social responsibility and common shared value-advancing programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A highlight of the event was the Partners Signing Ceremony between the JRT Foundation and like-minded organizations that share its vision, marking the beginning of a collective effort to create meaningful and lasting change. The foundation acknowledged its partners Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (through its Iskolar ni Juan Tech Voc Program) and Akioshi Insurance Services and Consultancy whose generous support and common advocacy for education, empowerment, and sustainability will help in driving the JRT Foundation’s programs nationwide – particularly its flagship initiative, the Tikyo Scholarship Program, which continues to support students and families across the country. ‘This foundation is a reflection of Mr. Tugade’s heart – a man whose leadership went beyond business and extended into genuine care for others,’ said Patrick Joseph E. Tugade, JRT Foundation Vice President. ‘Through the JRT Foundation, we continue his mission to preserve dreams and build communities for generations to come.’

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Jerry R. Tugade was known not only as an engineer and entrepreneur but also as a civic leader deeply rooted in faith and service. A University of the Philippines Mechanical Engineering graduate, he transformed Coolaire Consolidated Inc. into a major player in the fields of fire protection and refrigeration. His passion for innovation and community empowerment earned him recognition among the Letran Quadricentennial Grandes Figuras Awardees, a testament to his lifelong pursuit of excellence, service, and faith-driven leadership. He was involved in various church, business and civic organizations where he actively participated in programs and projects that reflected his dedication to uplifting communities and safeguarding the welfare of the least, the last and the lost.

First Major Program: The Tikyo Scholarship

Among its first initiatives is the Tibay ng Isip bunga ng Karunungang Yaman at Oportunidad (Tikyo) Scholarship Program, launched in 2021 under Coolaire’s Caring Campaign Initiatives (CCI). The program was named in memory of a fallen Coolaire employee whose child became its first scholar. Starting with 19 beneficiaries, it has now expanded to 66 students nationwide, covering Metro Manila, Bulacan, Visayas, and Mindanao with the goal of expanding further to at least 100 in the next 3 months.

Through monthly educational subsidies, the Tikyo Scholarship supports students in both basic and tertiary education – empowering families and communities to rise above economic barriers.

‘Each scholar represents a dream preserved, a family sustained and a future strengthened,’ shared Joel Ryan E. Tugade, JRT Foundation Vice Chairman . ‘This is just the beginning of the JRT Foundation’s mission to reach more lives and communities so that we leave no one behind.’

A Living Legacy

The launch concluded with the debut of the JRT Foundation Official Video, which highlighted the life and vision of Jerry R. Tugade and featured stories of Tikyo Scholars whose lives have been transformed through the foundation’s initiatives.

As the JRT Foundation embarks on its journey, it carries with it a promise – to turn compassion into action, and to continue preserving dreams and building communities for generations to come.

Be part of our mission to uplift lives and build sustainable communities. For more information about JRT Foundation Inc. and its ongoing programs and possible collaborations and partnerships, you may contact: Ms. Marianne Estacion, Lead Coordinator for Programs and Partnerships at 09171345226, and Mr. Gerald Orbe, Executive Director at 09171373318.

Taylor Swift announced that her ‘The Eras Tour’ docuseries and concert film, which will feature behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the culmination of her multimillion-dollar tour, will be released on Dec. 12.

Almost a year after ending the tour, Swift took to her Instagram page on Monday, Oct. 13, to make the announcement. The concert film revolves around the final leg of the Eras tour, which includes the set from her 11th album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department,’ while ‘The End of an Era’ docuseries contains six episodes, set to be released on Disney+.

‘It was the End of an Era, and we knew it. We wanted to remember every moment leading up to the culmination of the most important and intense chapter of our lives, so we allowed filmmakers to capture this tour and all the stories woven throughout it as it wound down. And to film the final show in its entirety,’ she said.

”The Eras Tour | The Final Show,’ featuring the entire Tortured Poets Department set, and the first two episodes of ‘The End of an Era,’ a 6-episode behind-the-scenes docu-series will be yours December 12th,’ she continued.

The announcement comes weeks after the release of her 12th studio album ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ which was produced with Max Martin and Shellback during the European leg of the Eras tour.

The album also features a guest appearance by Sabrina Carpenter, who also served as an opening performer in some of Swift’s Eras tour legs. /ra

Power restoration in Masbate is steadily progressing as teams from the Masbate Electric Cooperative (MASELCO) Inc. and Task Force Kapatid continue round-the-clock efforts after Typhoon ‘Opong’ (international name: Bualoi) battered the province last month.

In a social media post on Monday, October 13, MASELCO reported that electricity has been restored in 59 out of 328 barangays within its coverage area. This translates to 33.92 percent of its 78,811 consumer connections now energized.

Masbate City recorded the highest rate of restoration, with 36.67 percent of barangays and 49.60 percent of consumer connections energized, followed by Mobo with 45 percent of barangays and 64.58 percent of connections restored. Placer also reported 40 percent of barangays and 54.07 percent of connections back online.

Several towns, however, remain without power, including Cawayan, Dimasalang, Esperanza, Milagros, and Palanas, which all recorded 0 percent restoration in both barangays and consumer connections.

The towns of Aroroy, Baleno, Balud, Cataingan, Mandaon, Masbate City, Mobo, Pio V. Corpus, Placer, and Uson reported partial restoration, but efforts continue across all affected areas.

The cooperative said linemen are working tirelessly to repair damaged lines and replace toppled poles in hard-hit areas to restore power to all affected households as soon as possible.

In a Viber message to the Inquirer Tuesday, Office of Civil Defense Bicol director Claudio Yucot said that while backbone lines have been restored, linemen are now focusing on reconnecting individual households.

He said MASELCO assured residents that restoration work is ongoing in the remaining barangays, with priority given to critical facilities and densely populated communities.

Opong caused widespread power outages across Masbate after making landfall, toppling electric poles and cutting off supply lines, resulting in P390.37 million in damage. /das

As many Philippine companies embrace artificial intelligence (AI) for content generation, a more advanced system is emerging-one that’s able to design workplace solutions on its own or collaborate with humans on business strategies.

But more sophisticated AI technologies also come with security risks that are becoming more and more complex by the day.

Think AI ‘agents’ that can make decisions and strategize with only limited ‘prompts’ or human intervention.

This is the promise of ‘agentic AI,’ and the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia are well-positioned to adopt it into their work ecosystems, said Jimmy Go, president and CEO of VST ECS Philippines.

‘This is the dawn of the augmented enterprise-a strategic integration of technology designed to amplify human capabilities. What was once theoretical is now gaining traction across industries,’ Go said on the second day of the three-day tech summit here, with the theme, ‘Navigating the Next Frontier of Digital Transformation.’ While Go urged businesses in the Philippines to explore further how AI can serve their needs, be it streamlining operations or improving customer experience, he pointed out that ‘even the most advanced AI systems are ineffective’ if the data infrastructure is ‘not secure or scalable.’

‘We need to ask the question-what does AI mean to our respective business in the Philippines?. Because AI is a fundamental force that is actively rewriting the rules of business. The old playbooks on strategy, operations, and growth are no longer enough,’ he said.

Citing survey results released in April by Boston Consulting Group, Go noted that 85 percent of business leaders in Southeast Asia ‘believe AI will be the single most critical factor for their competitiveness.’

Some tech companies, such as Hong Kong-based firm Lenovo, have started going in this direction.

According to Alex Tay, Lenovo’s solutions director for Asia Pacific, using agentic AI is ‘about how you can better customize your AI usage.’

Its own survey earlier this year showed that there is ‘high optimism’ in AI, but ‘adoption maturity varied,’ Tay said.

Among the challenges and common mistakes experienced by business firms, he added, are a ‘lack of in-house expertise; no initial assessment or strategic roadmap, resources being spread too thinly.’ However, even hackers are also using the rapid development of AI to their advantage, as some are now attacking companies ‘more efficiently,’ said Herns Hermida, Cisco architecture specialist for secure networking.

Worse, AI is also becoming an ‘attacker’s ally,’ he warned.

‘They already have existing attacks and playbooks, but now, they’re using (generative) AI to make it even better.[and] to increase the volume of attacks,’ Hermida said during one of the sessions at the tech summit.

The global AI market is estimated to be valued at $371 billion this year and is seen to exceed $4.2 trillion by 2032. The market share of AI in the Philippines is expected to reach $1.03 billion by 2026, according to industry estimates cited by VST ECS. /cb

Maureen Montagne is returning to The Miss Globe stage three years since passing the title to her successor. This time, the American-Filipino model and presenter will take on the job as host.

But the task is not something new for the most recent The Miss Globe winner from the Philippines. ‘I actually hosted when I passed my crown, I definitely enjoyed them. So it’s a perfect match,’ the 2021 winner told Inquirer Entertainment in an interview.

‘I hope to be what Megan Young is to Miss World,’ Montagne shared before she left the country for the competition in Albania. She was pertaining to Young’s stint as host of the Miss World pageant’s coronation shows for several years in a row.

Montagne said the organizers of The Miss Globe pageant personally asked her to host the 2025 contest when they came to the Philippines for reigning queen Diana Moreno’s visit in Manila earlier this year.

‘I’m so honored to be back in Albania this October to host The Miss Globe, It really means a lot to me that they’re uplifting queens, and using us as international hosts. I think that they wanna elevate the brand, and I think they’re doing a great job,’ she said.

‘I think onwards and upwards, I’m really happy with the events that I’m handling right now. I think for my hosting style, it’s a little bit more international. And that’s the goal, of course. So I hope I can keep conitnuing to travel and doing what I love,’ Montagne continued.

She will share hosting chores with Albanian presenter Drita Ziri, 2023 Miss Earth titleholder, in the ceremonies that will be held in Tirana on Wednesday evening, Oct. 15 (early morning on the 16th in Manila).

Binibining Pilipinas Annabelle McDonnell is representing the Philippines in this year’s competition, and she hopes to score the country’s third victory in the current iteration of The Miss Globe under Deliart Association. /edv

The NCAA alumni are continuing to pile up PBA accolades, with TNT’s Calvin Oftana, an ex-San Beda Red Lion, hailed as the PBA Press Corps Order of Merit winner for his exemplary run in Season 49 where he and the Tropang 5G came just short of completing a Triple Crown sweep.

Last year, San Miguel Beer’s CJ Perez, who blew into national consciousness while playing for Lyceum, won the Best Player of the Conference award in the Commissioner’s Cup, with Scottie Thompson, a Perpetual Help product, winning the season MVP award. And not that Oftana is belittling how things are done elsewhere, he just thinks that the NCAA breeds a different kind of basketball pro. ‘I think we had a different discipline over there,’ Oftana told the Inquirer late Monday night after accepting his award from the men and women covering the PBA beat. ‘I put emphasis on discipline, time management and giving up my talent for hard work.

‘It’s better to work hard even if you have the talent, because if you don’t you’ll be relying on your skills alone.’

Oftana, Perez and Thompson are all part of the current Gilas Pilipinas core, adding some NCAA flavor to the National team.

That discipline that Oftana highly spoke of isn’t limited to just three of them alone.

Ultimately, Oftana believes that everyone should learn from their mistakes, and that is something he has been working on ever since turning pro.

Currently, Oftana is on a mission to bring the Tropang 5G back to the promised land after falling short of a Grand slam by finishing second to the Beermen and Perez in the Philippine Cup.

And that San Miguel win has sort of enabled Perez to ease some of the pain away, pain dealt by Oftana and the Red Lions in two NCAA title series.

Incidentally, Oftana and Thompson cross paths on Wednesday when the Tropang 5G try to keep the Gin Kings winless in two games as Season 50 eliminations of the Philippine Cup resume at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. Game time is 7:30 p.m. with TNT shooting to win a second straight game to further celebrate not only Oftana’s latest accolade but also coach Chot Reyes’ record-extending seventh Coach of the Year award. The 61-year-old Reyes won the title over Leo Austria after steering the Tropang 5G to two titles. Blackwater also returns into action at 5:15 p.m. looking to deal slumping Meralco a third straight defeat. INQ