Manila Water Foundation’s La Mesa Ecopark now uses 100% renewable energy

Manila Water Foundation (MWF), the official corporate social responsibility arm of Manila Water Company that operates and manages the 33-hectare La Mesa Ecopark (LME) in Quezon City, marked a crucial milestone in its ongoing commitment to sustainability and climate change mitigation by shifting to renewable energy.

This initiative was made possible through the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in partnership with Meralco. The move is a clear demonstration of the Company’s core belief that delivering world-class, community-responsive services contributes directly to sustainable development and shared, long-term value.

Along with other facilities of Manila Water, the switching ceremony was recently held at the La Mesa Ecopark. The focus of this pioneering endeavor for LME is for it to be fully self-sustaining and environmentally friendly across all resources, most notably its energy supply.

‘This advancement underscores our unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation, responsible energy use, and operational resilience,’ as shared by MWF Executive Director, Reginald Andal. This move is also a pioneering achievement as the La Mesa Ecopark is now the first and largest ecological park to adapt to the Retail Aggregation Program. This program grants the facility the crucial flexibility to source its power supply directly from renewable energy providers. The project is highlighted not just as a one-time achievement, but as a clear demonstration of powerful synergies that strengthen Manila Water’s position as a leader in the water sector. This shift also reinforces the mission for LME as an environmental hub that raises consciousness on watershed conservation, forest protection, and biodiversity preservation.

LME is one of the last green frontiers of Metro Manila, which serves as a crucial segment of the La Mesa Watershed, which provides water to more than 90 percent of East Zone customers of Metro Manila.

The ERC has recognized LME as a RAP Champion in acknowledgment of its pioneering initiatives. According to the ERC, Manila Water set a precedent as the first company in the Philippines to adopt the RAP in February 2025 and has since inspired a wave of adoption across various sectors. As of August 2025, a total of 37 aggregated groups have joined RAP, spanning industries such as education, banking and finance, retail, telecommunications, and real estate.

‘When we started with the omnibus rules as promulgated in September, the very first switch happened in around February. And since it’s start, from the 3 aggregated retail groups, it has grown to 70% annually to 37 aggregated groups in August. So ganun po kabilis. And across industries, very successful ang RAP,’ said ERC Director for Market Operations Service Sharon Montaner.

Trending alert: Metro Manila LGUs’ emergency kit rollout

Distribution of emergency bags or ‘go-bags’ in Metro Manila is being discussed on social media amidst the series of earthquakes nationwide.

Some local government units (LGU) recently began their distribution and planning of go-bags, while some have already distributed their respective emergency kits in the past year.

The Taguig LGU began its house-to-house distribution of go-bags in residential communities last October 13. According to the local government, 1,248 go-bags were given to residents of 13 buildings in the Centennial Village at Brgy. Western Bicutan.

It also gave away go-bags in other high-risk residential areas such as Tenement, Bagong Lipunan Condominium, and Maharlika Housing, after doing the same in all 52 public schools in Taguig.

According to Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, go-bags will be distributed to ‘more than 200,000 households.’ ‘We never know when disaster will strike. The important thing is to be prepared. Every house, every Taguigeño family, should have a Go-Bag that can be pulled out at any time for safety,’ Cayetano was quoted in a statement written in Filipino. On the other hand, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon shared on social media that the first batch of go-bags for the city is currently undergoing the procurement processes.

Biazon said that the go-bags were included in the city’s 2025 budget; however, the LGU has yet to confirm when the go-bags will be distributed.

The Quezon City LGU gave away go-bags or ‘RESQC Bags’ back in July 2025 for residents residing near waterways and victims of fires.

According to the Quezon City LGU, go-bags will soon be distributed to low-income households that are along the West Valley Fault.

‘The local government’s priority is to provide first aid to those most at risk,’ the LGU said in a statement on October 13. The Pasig City LGU has also made its rounds in distributing go-bags to those residing in the city back in February 2024.

In a social media post on October 12, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto revealed that each go-bag cost the city P992 when it was bid for in 2023, and the LGU was able to distribute one go-bag per household, with excess bags going to schools, and public utility vehicles.

‘Even though the fight for reforms may be bloody, let us remain confident and strengthen the reforms that have already been initiated,’ Sotto said. Similarly, the Makati City LGU began distributing go-bags to 11,000 households with elderly and persons with disabilities in June 2025. The Manila LGU also previously distributed go-bags to public schools back in 2020 during the first term of Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso; however, the LGU has yet to announce the re-distribution of these go-bags to its residents.

CIDG seizes P7.5-M refilled LPG tanks, equipment in Batangas

Authorities confiscated P7.5 million worth of alleged illegally refilled liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks and refilling equipment in Batangas, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Wednesday.

This was the result of an operation last Oct. 9 at Sitio Ibaba in Barangay Natunuan in San Jose town, arresting three suspects, CIDG public information chief Maj. Helen dela Cruz said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

Dela Cruz did not name the suspects, only identifying them as two males and one female.

‘The danger here, why they were arrested, was they were cross-filling the alleged unauthorized LPG cylinders without a license to operate from the Department of Energy,’ Dela Cruz explained in Filipino.

‘If there is no license to operate, we can’t regulate that. There may be danger to public safety since the cylinders aren’t regulated,’ she added. The suspects are currently under the custody of local police to face complaints of violations of Republic Act No. 5700, which refers to regulations for containers of compressed gases, and RA No. 8293, or the Intellectual Property Cod,e since the cylinders were trademarked.

Dela Cruz added that the public should buy LPG products from registered sellers and authorized refillers. (Jossa Rafoncel Par, INQUIRER.net intern)

Adult film star, King Nasir confesses attraction to Temsc

Adult film actor, King Nasir has confessed his attraction to Grammy-award-winning artist, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems.

While speaking with content creator Egungun, Nasir stated that Tems is his celebrity crush and will be happy if she gives him a chance.

ý’My female crush probably Tems. If she gives me the chance I’m down. Whatever she do, I’m with it,’ he stated.

The 28-year-old also revealed that he has been intimate with over 500 women, disclosing that he earns around $75,000 on a monthly basis from his videos.

Nollywood actress ‘Iya Ile Okan’ passes on

Nollywood actor Kunle Afod, has announced the death of veteran actress Iya Ile Okan. Afod on his Instagram page expressed his deep sorrow over her passing.

‘We finally lost her. May her perfect soul continue to rest in peace. It’s a final wrap,’ he wrote.

The actor had visited her home in Ogun state, revealing that the veteran was struggling to pay medical bills. He also appealed for assistance on her behalf, revealing that she needed financial help.

‘Iya Ile Okan really needs God’s intervention,’ he noted.

The news of her passing was met with tributes from her fans and colleagues. They described the actress as a beloved mother figure in the Nollywood industry.

UBA set to unveil Whitepaper on Africa’s Financial Infrastructure

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to reinforce its role in shaping the continent’s financial ecosystem with the launch of its landmark whitepaper.

The whitepaper, titled ‘Banking on Africa’s Future: Unlocking Capital and Partnerships for Sustainable Growth,’ will be unveiled on the sidelines of the World Bank-International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in October 2025 in Washington, D.C., placing Africa’s economic agenda at the heart of global financial discussions.

The document presents a comprehensive and actionable framework for unlocking Africa’s vast economic potential, providing analysis of critical growth pillars including trade facilitation, infrastructure development, digital innovation, climate finance, and inclusive growth, while showcasing strategies for leveraging domestic capital alongside strategic global partnerships to access the continent’s $3.4 trillion single market potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who emphasised the strategic importance of this whitepaper, explained that over the past few years, the bank has become an active leader in conversations and activities that drive tangible investments to the continent.

‘UBA is shifting Africa’s development agenda from talk to action. With this whitepaper, we are championing initiatives that convert strategic dialogue into bankable projects and direct investments. Our commitment to execute these plans for the benefit of the continent and its people cannot be overemphasised,’ Elumelu said.

‘We are committed partners in Africa’s development and sustainability and will continue to provide the capital, the platform, and the network needed to transform Africa’s vast potential into economic growth,’ he added.

UBA’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, remarked on the white paper’s significance, highlighting the urgent need for private sector leadership.

‘This whitepaper is a call to action and a statement of our capability,’ Alawuba said.

‘It underlines our unique position in facilitating the partnerships and capital flows required to finance Africa’s future, providing the blueprint for action. The document delivers critical insights at a defining moment for Africa’s financial infrastructure.’

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with more than 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.

Bullion Records unveils ‘Your Wedding Day’ by Harcher

Bullion Records has set the music scene abuzz once again with the release of a soulful new single, ‘Your Wedding Day,’ by one of its fast-rising stars, Harcher.

The song officially dropped today, October 15, 2025, and is now available on DistroKid and all major streaming platforms worldwide.

Produced under the visionary leadership of Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, CEO of Bullion Records, Your Wedding Day is a heartfelt celebration of love, unity, and lifelong commitment – themes deeply rooted in African culture and universally cherished around the world.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Ambassador Ajadi described it as ‘a universal song of love that transcends culture, colour, and borders.’

‘Marriage is one of humanity’s greatest institutions – it’s where love is sealed and families begin,’ Ajadi said. ‘We wanted a song that would make couples dance on their big day while reminding the world that love remains life’s most powerful bond. Harcher has delivered that beautifully.’

A passionate advocate for African music and emerging talent, Ambassador Ajadi added that the new single marks another milestone in Bullion Records’ mission to share African love stories with the world.

‘African music has gone global, but our love stories deserve more attention,’ he said. ‘Songs like Your Wedding Day help export our emotional depth, cultural pride, and melodic richness to a global audience.’

Born Abdul Rahman Yusuf, the talented singer known as Harcher has continued to impress with his silky vocals and lyrical authenticity. Reflecting on the creative process, he revealed that the song draws from both personal experiences and his observations of wedding ceremonies.

‘Every time I attend a wedding, I see that sparkle in the couple’s eyes – that blend of joy, hope, and nervous excitement,’ he said. ‘I wanted to capture that moment in a song that every bride, groom, and guest could connect with. ‘Your Wedding Day’ is for everyone who believes in love.’

Expressing gratitude to his team and fans, Harcher credited Bullion Records for giving him the platform to share his sound and vision with the world.

‘Bullion Records has allowed me to express my sound and my soul,’ he said. ‘I dedicate Your Wedding Day to everyone who believes in love that lasts forever.’

Musically, the track fuses Afro-pop rhythms with soulful harmonies, a hallmark of Bullion Records’ distinctive sound that continues to define its growing influence in Africa’s entertainment industry. Distributed globally via DistroKid, the label hopes the single will become a staple not only at Nigerian weddings but also across Africa and the diaspora.

The release comes at a time when wedding-themed songs are enjoying renewed popularity across global streaming platforms – from Nigeria’s Afrobeats serenades to Caribbean love ballads. Early reviews from music critics have hailed Your Wedding Day as ‘the next great wedding anthem,’ poised to join timeless classics in nuptial playlists worldwide.

As the melody finds its way into playlists, radio rotations, and wedding halls, Your Wedding Day stands as a poignant reminder that love – in all its forms – remains humanity’s most beautiful song.

Listeners can stream or download ‘Your Wedding Day’ by Harcher on DistroKid and all major music platforms.

Odunmbaku launches Digital Empowerment for 154 youths, urges political participation

The Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, has flagged off a six-month digital empowerment programme for 154 youths, calling on them to combine technical advancement with civic engagement.

The initiative, which begins on Monday, October 20, at the ICT Centre, Oluwole, Ogba, is designed to equip participants with 21st-century digital competencies in areas such as digital literacy, social media marketing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital entrepreneurship.

Addressing a diverse audience of undergraduates, graduates, artisans, and jobseekers, Odunmbaku urged them to make the most of the training while also taking their political participation seriously.

‘Go and register to vote and exhibit your civic responsibility,’ he said.

‘Many young people are disconnected from governance. Your decisions matter, you should be able to choose your leaders. If I had sat on the fence, I wouldn’t be chairman today.’

The council boss expressed worry over the growing disinterest of youths in governance, stressing that active participation remains key to meaningful national progress.

According to him, the current administration values intellect and innovation, citing initiatives such as the students’ loan scheme and the reintroduction of history as a compulsory subject in schools.

‘As youths, you have the power to change the status quo by participating in the electoral process,’ he said. ‘It may not be a perfect system, but it improves when you get involved.’

Speaking on the structure of the empowerment programme, Odunmbaku explained that the training would span between four and six months, with an additional three months for top-performing participants.

He described the project as a ‘fantastic opportunity’ to gain world-class skills that would promote self-reliance and economic independence.

‘Digital empowerment gives you the skills you need to move to the next level. The world has changed, vocational skills have evolved into technology. Take this training seriously because you never know when it will open doors for you,’ he advised.

He also disclosed that exceptional participants would have the opportunity to further their learning in South Africa, positioning Ojodu youths to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

‘With your certification, you can excel anywhere in the world. This is a catalyst for growth and a pathway to self-sufficiency,’ he said.

The initiative, he added, forms part of the council’s long-term vision to promote youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive governance across Ojodu LCDA.

Tope Alabi: How 4 men rejected me before finding my husband

Gospel singer Tope Alabi has opened up on her difficult journey to marriage, revealing how four men ‘stylishly left’ her after seeking spiritual advice about their relationship.

In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the 55-year-old singer recounted how, as a young woman ready for marriage, things always took a strange turn each time she brought a man close to meeting her parents.

‘When I became an adult and it was getting to a stage that I needed to take men to meet my parents, something strange always came up. The men would just say they needed to go and pray about it and afterward, they would stop reaching out to me,’ Alabi said.

She said the rejection usually came with spiritual undertones. On one occasion, she learned that a suitor had visited prophets who allegedly warned him against marrying her.

‘One of our intermediaries once told me that one of the men had gone to meet prophets who told him I was not okay to be married to,’ she said. ‘I can count like four men that stylishly left me. Would you then tell me not to thank God whenever I remember that?’

Alabi added that she eventually met the man who would become her husband through her boss at work. But even that encounter came with its own twist.

‘The man promised to marry me, but I told him that’s what all men say. I told him to go and ask about me,’ she recalled. ‘After he told my parents he would come for proper introduction, we stopped seeing each other. My father had already given out my hand in marriage to another suitor before he travelled.’

The gospel singer, who was previously married to Lekan Olaoye, with whom she had a daughter, Ayomikun is now married to Soji Alabi, her longtime producer and manager. The couple share three children.

Tope’s story, she said, is a testimony that God’s timing never fails.

‘When I look back, I just thank God for how everything turned out. It was not easy, but it was worth it,’ she concluded.

Jubilation as Okpebholo gives employment letters to 5,000 teachers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has converted over 5,000 contract teachers into permanent staff under the State Ministry of Education, marking a major milestone in his administration’s effort to strengthen the education sector and improve teachers’ welfare.

The teachers, who had been working under contract with a monthly stipend of ?65,000 during the previous administration, received their formal letters of appointment on Wednesday in Benin City.

Speaking during the presentation, Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising education and restoring dignity to the teaching profession.

‘Teachers, I am happy to see you,’ he said, adding that ‘I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters, and the answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have travelled long distances.

‘You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.’

The governor described teachers as the foundation of a progressive society, stressing that their role in shaping the minds of young Edo citizens was invaluable to the state’s future.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, commended the teachers for their patience and dedication over the past three years despite the challenges of working without permanent status.

‘You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes,’ he said.

‘Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.’

Iyamu also highlighted some of the governor’s achievements in the education sector, including the construction of over 68 new schools across the state within one year and the launch of the EDU-Rescue Programme, designed to provide quality education for children from low-income families.

He added that Okpebholo had significantly increased the monthly subvention of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, from ?41 million to ?500 million, with new facilities such as a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity student hostel currently under construction.

The event was filled with excitement as the newly appointed teachers hailed the governor’s gesture as a long-awaited fulfilment of their hopes and a demonstration of genuine leadership focused on people’s welfare.