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Low Naga River level pushes Peñafrancia fluvial procession after dark

The Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession will be held Saturday night (Sept. 19) instead of its usual late-afternoon schedule as organizers wait for the Naga River to rise enough to safely carry the Pagoda bearing the images of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and El Divino Rostro.

It will be the first time the annual religious procession will be held after dark.

Fr. Francis Tordilla, director of the Cáceres Commission on Communications, said holding the procession at the usual 5 p.m. schedule could cause the Pagoda and accompanying boats to run aground because of the shallow river.

The revised program begins with a Pontifical Mass at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral from 3:30 to 5 p.m., followed by the foot procession of the images at 6:30 p.m.

The images are expected to reach Danlugan, near the Tabuco Bridge, at about 8:30 p.m. and be loaded onto the Pagoda at 9 p.m.

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Ambassador Florence Ajimobi appointed International Atomic Energy Agency board governor

Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to Austria and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Dr. Florence Ajimobi, has been appointed Governor representing Nigeria on the IAEA Board of Governors following Nigeria’s election to the influential body for the 2026-2028 term.

Nigeria was elected to the Board during the 70th Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria, paving the way for Ambassador Ajimobi to represent the Federal Government on the Board and its Committees.

The appointment places Ambassador Ajimobi at the centre of Nigeria’s engagement with one of the IAEA’s principal policy-making organs, where she will participate in deliberations on the Agency’s programmes, nuclear safety and security, safeguards, peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, and international cooperation.

As Governor for Nigeria, Ambassador Ajimobi will articulate and advance the country’s positions at Board meetings while contributing to discussions on the Agency’s policy direction and activities.

Nigeria’s election to the Board and Ambassador Ajimobi’s subsequent appointment further strengthen the country’s longstanding relationship with the IAEA and its commitment to the peaceful utilisation of nuclear science and technology for sustainable development.

The development is also expected to provide Nigeria with an enhanced platform to deepen international cooperation in areas where nuclear technology can support national development, including healthcare, agriculture, food security, water-resource management and human-capacity development.

Ambassador Ajimobi, who serves as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Austria and Permanent Representative to the IAEA and other international organisations in Vienna, will use the assignment to further Nigeria’s interests and strengthen the country’s voice within the global nuclear governance architecture.

Her appointment comes as Nigeria continues to pursue greater international cooperation and the responsible application of nuclear science and technology towards achieving its development objectives.

Recipe of the week: Butterscotch pudding

Butterscotch pudding is a simple dessert made with milk, butter, brown sugar and eggs. It has the familiar butterscotch flavour and a soft, creamy texture, and it can be served warm or chilled.

September 19 is National Butterscotch Pudding Day, a food celebration observed in the United States. And if there is a day dedicated to a particular dessert, you might as well make it at home.

Butterscotch Pudding

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Chilling time: 2 hours

Ingredients

4 egg yolks

½ cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons cornflour

¼ teaspoon salt

2 cups whole milk

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make it

Whisk the dry ingredients.

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, cornflour and salt.

Add the milk gradually.

Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and there are no visible lumps.

Add the egg yolks.

Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Add a little of the warm milk mixture to the yolks while whisking continuously. This gently raises their temperature before they go into the saucepan.

Cook until thickened.

Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the pudding thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil aggressively.

Finish with butter and vanilla.

Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla until completely incorporated.

Chill.

Divide the pudding between four small serving dishes. Press a piece of cling film directly onto the surface of each pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least two hours.

Serve.

Serve chilled. You can eat it as it is, or add a little whipped cream, chopped toasted nuts or a small drizzle of butterscotch sauce.

A few things to know

The brown sugar is doing most of the flavour work here, so choose one with a good molasses flavour rather than relying on white sugar alone. Butterscotch and caramel are related, but they are not quite the same thing: butterscotch traditionally gets its characteristic flavour from butter and brown sugar, while caramel is generally made by cooking sugar until it browns.

If you cannot find brown sugar, you can use ordinary granulated sugar with a little molasses or treacle, although the flavour will not be exactly the same. Evaporated milk can also replace some of the whole milk if you want a richer pudding.

And do not rush the saucepan. The pudding needs enough heat to thicken but not so much that the egg yolks scramble. Keep whisking and take it off the heat once it has reached the right consistency.

Crisis hits NDC as party disowns presidential campaign council set up by OK movement

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) on Saturday distanced itself from a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council announced by the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement.

The party described the structure as unauthorised and instructed the public and media to disregard it.

The OK Movement, had on Thursday, constituted a 59-member Presidential Campaign Council to mobilise support for the 2027 presidential bid of NDC flagbearer Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The council, which was unveiled in a statement signed by the movement’s National Secretary, Saadatu Sani, had John Ughulu as its Director-General, while Sani was listed among the campaign leadership.

The structure, according to the statement by the leadership of the OK Movement, was expected to operate independently of the campaign council to be constituted by the NDC, the political platform backing Obi’s presidential bid.

The NDC is yet to constitute and formally unveil its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council. The party had indicated that consultations are ongoing and that the structure will be announced after the necessary approvals.

However, in a press statement titled ‘Re: Purported OK Movement PCC Announcement’ and signed by the party’s National Chairman, Senator Cleopas Moses, the NDC said, ‘The leadership of our party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has noted with concern a publication credited to one John Ugulu announcing a Presidential Campaign Council under the guise of ‘OK Movement’.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, the party wishes to state categorically as follows: The party hereby dissociates itself in totality from the said OK Movement PCC announcement.

‘It did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded by the public and the media. Only the party’s leadership can constitute a PCC.’

The party stressed that all its candidates are ‘products of the party and remain subject to the authority and discipline of the party.’

It added that ‘only the party’s leadership can constitute and announce a Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).’

It warned that ‘no member, candidate, or support group should, under any guise, undermine the party or demarket the party.

‘Henceforth, no individual or group is authorized to announce, constitute, or publish any campaign council, structure, or organ in the name of the party without prior approval from the National Working Committee (NWC).’

While appreciating support groups, the NDC cautioned them against acting as ‘alternative party structures or parallel organs of the party.’

‘We expect a stop to unnecessary attacks against the party on whose platform our candidates are running.

‘If there are any differences or grievances, support groups and members are advised to refer such matters to the party through appropriate internal channels for resolution rather than resorting to public attacks,’ the statement said.

Taking a hard line against the OK Movement’s DG, the NDC announced disciplinary action against John Ughulu, citing what it called ‘this act of affront’ and ‘repeated disregard for party authority.’

‘For this act of affront and his excesses during the primary election in Lagos State, and for his repeated disregard for party authority, the party is constrained to enforce disciplinary measures against Mr. Ugulu.

‘He is hereby referred to the appropriate disciplinary organ of the party for necessary action in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution,’ the statement said.

It added that, ‘The party remains focused on its issue-based campaign and is committed to delivering a New Nigeria that is POssible.’

Government urged: Strip TRB power to extend tollways

Infrastructure and transport advocates have urged government to strip the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) of its power to issue tollway extensions, saying its authority should be limited to regulating toll rates.

In a study by several infrastructure and transport researchers, they said the local tollway network, both completed and planned, has grown to as much as P2.73 trillion to date.

However, the study said toll projects granted through supplemental toll operation agreements (STOA), issued by the TRB, amounted to P766.81 billion.

The researchers said it is necessary to strip the TRB’s power to grant STOA. Although the STOA is designed to extend the distance of an existing tollway, the study flagged multiple instances that it was used to approve large-scale projects.

In 2022, toward the end of the Duterte administration, the TRB granted San Miguel Corp. (SMC) with a STOA for the 19.37-kilometer Pasig River Expressway (PAREX). The TRB said PAREX is an extension of SMC’s South Luzon Expressway.

SMC bagged STOAs for three others: the 417-km SLEX Toll Road 5; 40.62-km Southern Access Link Expressway; and the 136-km Northern Access Link Expressway.

The process was changed only when the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code was amended in 2023, requiring tollways issued with STOAs to be subjected to a comparative challenge.

Still, the researchers insisted that the TRB’s power should be reduced to setting toll rates, raising how its authority to grant STOA competes with the capacity of the Department of Public Works and Highways to process PPPs.

‘Accordingly, the powers and functions of the TRB should be reduced and limited to regulation of existing tollways and toll setting. It should no longer decide on development of new tollways or on STOA,’ the study proposed.

The researchers also warned of competition concerns given that Philippine tollways are operated largely by two developers: SMC (P1.2 trillion) and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (P482 billion). The two are working toward a merger.

In response, the researchers called on the Philippine Competition Commission to signal as early as now that it would block the proposed merger, citing industry concentration.

The study was developed by researchers from commuter groups Ilog Pasiglahin, Make It Safer Movement and Move As One Coalition and academic institutions Ateneo de Manila University, Harvard Kennedy School and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa.

Top 10 sectors attracting global investment in 2026

Global investors announced about $538 billion in cross-border greenfield investment in the first half of 2026, with communications, renewable energy and energy projects taking a large share of the capital.

Data from fDi Intelligence shows that communications attracted the largest amount of pledged investment between January and June, with $139.3 billion committed to new projects.

The figures cover greenfield foreign direct investment, which involves the creation of new projects and facilities. They exclude mergers and acquisitions and intercompany loans.

Data centres accounted for more than 94 percent of the investment in communications, highlighting the growing demand for digital infrastructure as companies expand their use of artificial intelligence.

Here are the 10 sectors that attracted the most greenfield FDI in the first half of 2026.

1. Communications: $139.3 billion

Communications ranked first, attracting $139.3 billion in announced investment.

Data centres were the main driver, receiving more than $131 billion of the capital committed to the sector.

The spending reflects the infrastructure required to support cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital services.

The scale of investment also means communications attracted almost twice the capital committed to renewable energy, which ranked second.

2. Renewable energy: $73.3 billion

Renewable energy attracted $73.3 billion in the first six months of 2026.

The sector received about $29 billion more than coal, oil and gas, showing the amount of capital being directed towards new energy projects.

Investment in renewable energy includes projects such as solar and other forms of clean power generation.

3. Coal, oil and gas: $44.7 billion

Coal, oil and gas attracted $44.7 billion during the period.

Despite the growth of renewable energy investment, conventional energy remained among the largest destinations for cross-border capital.

The figure places the sector third on the global list, ahead of semiconductors and transportation.

4. Semiconductors: $38.8 billion

Semiconductor projects attracted $38.8 billion in greenfield investment.

The sector remains linked to the expansion of technologies that require computing capacity, including data centres, artificial intelligence systems and electronic devices.

The investment also points to continued efforts by businesses to build and expand semiconductor production capacity across markets.

5. Transportation and warehousing: $24.9 billion

Transportation and warehousing received $24.9 billion.

Investment in this sector supports the movement and storage of goods, connecting production centres with consumers and international markets.

Its position among the top five sectors shows that physical infrastructure continues to attract capital alongside digital infrastructure.

6. Real estate: $23.9 billion

Real estate attracted $23.9 billion in the first half of 2026.

The sector ranked just behind transportation and warehousing, with investment going into new property developments and related projects.

7. Metals: $23.7 billion

Metals received $23.7 billion in announced greenfield investment.

The sector’s position reflects continued investment in facilities connected to industrial production and the supply of materials needed across manufacturing and infrastructure.

8. Industrial equipment: $14.6 billion

Industrial equipment attracted $14.6 billion.

Investment in the sector supports the production of machinery and equipment used by businesses across manufacturing and other industries.

9. Electronic components: $13.7 billion

Electronic components attracted $13.7 billion, placing the sector ninth.

The investment comes alongside capital flowing into semiconductors, communications and other technology-related sectors.

10. Software and IT services: $13.7 billion

Software and IT services also attracted $13.7 billion.

Although the sector ranked tenth by capital expenditure, its inclusion reflects the continued flow of foreign investment into technology services as businesses increase their dependence on digital systems.

UNIOSUN unveils week-long ceremony, new chancellor, massive infrastructure, as VC Adebooye parades scorecard

Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has unveiled a week-long ceremony where a total of 4,357 degrees, diplomas and higher degrees will be conferred on its graduating students at its 16th Convocation Ceremonies holding from Friday, 18th September to Thursday, 24th September 2026.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, announced during the pre-convocation press conference of the University on Saturday.

Addressing journalists at the press conference held at the Multipurpose Hall, Main Campus, Osogbo, to herald the week-long celebrations, Professor Adebooye described the convocation as ‘not merely a ceremony for the conferment of degrees and diplomas, but an opportunity to celebrate scholarship, resilience, innovation, character and the transformative power of education.’

Giving the breakdown of graduands, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that 3,845 students will receive first degrees, nine will earn Postgraduate Diplomas, 400 will be awarded Master’s degrees, while 103 will bag Doctoral degrees.

On the academic performance of the first-degree graduands, he said 88 students earned First-Class Honours, 1,509 graduated in the Second-Class (Upper Division), 1,946 in the Second-Class (Lower Division), 220 in the Third-Class category, while three obtained Pass degrees.

‘Behind these numbers are thousands of individual stories of determination, sacrifice and achievements,’ Professor Adebooye said, congratulating the graduands, their parents, guardians and sponsors, as well as the teaching and non-teaching staff whose dedication, he said, contributed significantly to the achievements.

HISTORY MADE AS FIRST SET OF MEDICAL DOCTORS GRADUATE

The Vice-Chancellor announced with pride that the university would produce its first set of medical doctors at the convocation, describing it as a milestone.

He said the pioneer students of the Bachelor of Medicine; Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme successfully completed their course of study after sailing through all required statutory and professional accreditation requirements.

‘All of them, 90 in number, were inducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria on 12th August, 2026, and shall be presented their degrees on Wednesday, 23rd September, 2026,’ he stated.

Similarly, the university will graduate its pioneer students in 17 new programmes, including Cyber Security, Information Systems, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Criminology and Security Studies, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, International Relations and Diplomacy, Psychology, Demography and Social Statistics, Cooperative and Rural Development, Public Administration, Library and Information Science, Biotechnology, Business Education, Environmental Education, Adult Education and Social Work.

‘These pioneer students were admitted in my first year as Vice-Chancellor,’ he noted.

INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANSION YIELDS MASSIVE RESULTS

Spotlighting the university’s aggressive infrastructure drive, Professor Adebooye listed landmark projects completed and commissioned to include an ultra-modern FIFA-standard Sports Complex, a 3-in-1 Science Laboratory Complex, the Governor Ademola Adeleke Lecture Theatre and a 900-capacity Lecture Theatre, all on the Osogbo Campus.

Others, according to him, are a 36-unit Academic Office Complex on the Okuku Campus, a Pit Theatre in Ikire Campus, a 600-capacity auditorium in Ikire Campus, a 1,300-capacity auditorium in Osogbo Campus, and 600-capacity auditoriums in Okuku and Ifetedo campuses respectively.

He added that foundation-laying and full commencement of construction work had been carried out for an ICT Resource Centre, Computer and Information Technology Laboratories and an Academic Office Complex, all in Osogbo, as well as an Academic Building in Ipetu-Ijesa Campus, and 250-capacity auditoriums in Ejigbo and Ifetedo campuses.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced the reshuffling of the apex leadership of the university by the Executive Governor and Visitor, with the appointment of Mrs. Victoria Adunola Samson, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOVAS Group, as the new Chancellor.

She replaces Apostle Folorunso Alakija, whose two-term tenure as Chancellor expired in March 2026.

He added that the Governing Council was reconstituted on 31st August, 2026.

PROFESSIONAL INDUCTIONS, CONVOCATION LECTURE, VIRTUAL ACCESS

Professor Adebooye outlined the activities lined up for the week, which began on Friday, 18th September with the Alumni Day Lecture, Orientation Programme and Award of Alumni Scholarships at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium, followed by a Special Jumat Service at the University Mosque and a Convocation Play titled Delilah’s Advocate, written by Leke Ogunfeyimi and directed by Yemi Atanda.

On Sunday, 20th September, a Special Thanksgiving Service will hold at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium at 9:00 a.m., while Monday, 21st September will feature professional induction ceremonies by the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, the Nigeria Institute of Building, the Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

The formal convocation ceremonies begin on Tuesday, 22nd September with the presentation of degrees and awards of prizes for the College of Humanities and Culture and the College of Education from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, followed by the College of Management and Social Sciences and College of Law from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

At 3:30 p.m. same day, the Vice-Chancellor will host all First-Class graduates to a special dinner tagged ‘Meet the Vice-Chancellor,’ with industrialists and employers of labour invited to connect the graduands with opportunities in the labour market.

On Wednesday, 23rd September, graduands of the College of Agriculture and College of Health Sciences will receive their degrees from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., while those of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology will take their turn from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The grand finale on Thursday, 24th September will feature the Convocation Lecture titled ‘Coping with Double Oversight: Harmonizing the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Professional Bodies for Sustainable University System,’ to be delivered by Professor Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe, FAS, Chairman of the Governing Board of the NUC.

The Postgraduate Convocation and award of PGD, M.Sc., M.A., MBA and Ph.D. degrees follows at 12:00 noon, while the formal close of the 16th Convocation is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

The Vice-Chancellor announced that the ceremonies will be accessible virtually via Zoom (Meeting ID: 826 7045 3961; Passcode: 223742) and streamed live on the university’s YouTube channel, @UniosunTV/Live, for alumni, parents and members of the public unable to attend physically.

Welcoming journalists earlier, Professor Adebooye described the media as ‘an indispensable partner in communicating our achievements, aspirations and contributions to society,’ thanking the press for its total support over the years and pledging continued partnership.

He reiterated the university’s commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible public engagement, adding that UNIOSUN would continue to evolve as an institution committed to academic excellence, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, community development and responsible citizenship.

‘Our objective is clear: to produce graduates who can compete effectively anywhere in the world while remaining sufficiently equipped to contribute to the development of their communities and Nigeria,’ he said, noting that the university was positioning itself to respond to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the emerging knowledge economy.

He congratulated all graduands and their families on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff and students of the university, and invited the media and the public to participate fully in the 16th Convocation Ceremonies.

When asked whether UNIOSUN wasn’t facing any challenges as he didn’t list any, the renowned professor of Plant Physiology and Food Chemistry, said, ‘Even the most prosperous universities in the world, Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge, Washington University of Manitoba, German universities that are being directly funded by industries in Germany, have challenges. One thing we have decided to do in this university is to put our destiny in our hands, and by that, what do I mean? We try not to sit and be complaining. We try not to hide our problems, we try to work on solutions, and this is a principle of survival. You don’t hide on what the challenges are, you try to focus on the solutions, and that’s what you have seen, as development in this university.’

According to him, the second reason he didn’t list any challenge was because the government, both at the state and federal levels promptly addressed the school’s challenges any time he went to present any arisen ones.

To the question of practicability of the knowledge being imparted in the institution’s students, Prof Adebooye explained:

‘Yes, we did something in this university recently, when AI came out two years ago, we immediately changed our gear, and we have imbibed AI into all the curriculum. Artificial intelligence is now a component of undergraduate and post graduate courses in this university. And before then, especially those ones who are graduating, what are we going to do with them? One thing we have done is to, is to immerse them into what we call entrepreneurship studies. We are not trying to produce bakers, we are not trying to produce carpenters, we are not trying to produce shoemakers, we are not trying to produce fashion designers, no, not at all. We are trying to produce graduates who can manage fashion designing, who can manage bakery. That’s what we have tried to do with entrepreneurship. So they are not being trained in the skills, but the idea is for them to know the secrets,’ Adebooye said.

The Registrar of the institution, Mrs Atinuke Abosede Oguntunde, in her vote of thanks expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for what she regarded as his visionary and purposeful leadership.

Oguntade lauded other members of the university’s leadership as well as staff members for their dedication to achieving the goals of UNIOSUN. She thanked the media for honouring the invitation.

Lady chessers still unbeaten

The Philippines smashed Syria, 3.5-.5, to remain undefeated and keep its chances of finishing in the top 10 afloat after two rounds of the 46th World Chess Olympiad at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Mhage Sebastian, trusted upon to man the top board despite being an Olympiad rookie, continued her strong showing, winning her second straight match, this time over Woman FIDE Master Roula Mahmoud.

Also coming through were WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda and WFM Shania Mae Mendoza on boards three and four, respectively, while WIM Ruelle Canino was held to a draw by WFM Manar Khalil on second board.

The win kept the Filipinas, whose trip is bankrolled by the Philippine Sports Commission, in a heavy 44-nation logjam at No. 1, which included defending champion India, with four match points apiece.

The Filipinos, in contrast, ran into seventh seed Azerbaijan and fell, 1-3, with IMs Pau Bersamina and Jem Garcia the only players who escaped with draws on boards two and four.

What I dread about term breaks

There is a certain type of quiet that settles over a state university when the end of the academic calendar draws near.

While it is easy to notice in the classrooms, it unfolds slowly in the faculty room. My colleagues begin packing up their desks, decluttering their drawers, and counting the days leading to the break. By the final week of classes, everyone is laser-focused on one thing-the finish line. I hear it in the way they talk about their upcoming trips, the joy of not having to get up early, and the relief of doing absolutely nothing.

I nod along and grin. However, while they rejoice over the long-awaited stillness, I quietly prepare for it.

I am afraid this might make me sound like a civil service pick-me, but I am the type to stay behind and accomplish tasks after 5 in the afternoon as my colleagues pack their bags and go home. I would work on tasks assigned by our immediate supervisor, hold meetings with student journalists under my care, or review their work. I revel in my busyness.

My fellow employees took notice of this pattern over time. They see me staying in the office long after the school halls and campus streets have emptied. I became the person to check whether you left something in the office or to confirm if everything has been unplugged.

But I also heard ‘pa-hero,’ ‘pabibo,’ ‘tagapagmana,’ and more thrown in the same sentence as my name. At first, I did not give it much thought. I let people think I was trying to win over the school administration, or that I have this savior complex by trying to carry everything on my back.

Eventually, however, I took the time to pause and reflect on the space between others’ perception and my reality. Those extra hours spent working were not my bid for any recognition. They were my anesthesia.

It was the difference between how we view breaks. For others, vacation means rest, while for me, it is a loss of structure. My mind inevitably starts racing without loads of tasks to complete. The idleness at the end of the academic year allows the shadows in my head to take up more space.

This compulsion to stay restless did not begin at the university. It passed through it. It started years ago. Long before I started teaching, I learned that quiet could be as detrimental as chaos.

I know this because I pray with my eyes open. I always have. Staring into nothing allows me to focus far better than seeing nothing. No one ever told me I should not, so I went with it.

But about eight years ago, on my 20th birthday, I knelt in the quiet pews of then St. Dominic Parish Church (now Minor Basilica of St. Dominic) and made the mistake of closing them in my bid to pray as ‘fervently’ as other people would. In a moment, a vision of my mother popped into my head, smiling, before abruptly fading out to black.

Terrified, I opened my eyes and hoped it meant nothing. However, four days later, she suffered a cardiac arrest due to hypertension and passed away the day after.

My understanding of quiet was altered by her death. Every bit of silence felt like an omen, hinting that the fading black void was coming back. Grief became a silent paranoia.

In 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic locked everyone inside their homes, stillness trapped me in my own head completely. The only way I could fall asleep was to force my mind to simply collapse from exhaustion. Now, as I watch the pandemic loosen its grip while the world recovers, I can still feel its fingers wrapped around parts of me that are yet to heal.

We all respond to grief differently and how we bear the brunt varies. From where my colleagues stand, they may see a ‘pa-hero,’ ‘pabibo,’ or ‘tagapagmana.’ From where my family stands, I am sacrificing my rest for a job that could replace me in an instant. And from where I sit now, at my desk long after everyone has gone home, I sense the void between who I was and who I have become. It is in this space that I see how the extra hours I spend at work and my resistance to rest reveal the true cost of survival. Somewhere between my old wounds and my current habits, I have realized how deeply my coping mechanism had taken root.

What started off as a tragedy has become a lens through which I look at my very existence. It is why I keep working long after the work is done or why I fear the idleness when there is nothing left to accomplish. Work has ceased to be mere work. It has become the sound that keeps silence at bay.

From a distance, it is easy to mistake this for heroics in the service of the university I am currently employed in. The truth, however, is far less noble.

I am well aware that the university will continue to exist with or without me. It does not need saving.

PCG to make final sweep of ill-fated M/V June Aster’s engine room

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will conduct a final sweep of the engine room of M/V June Aster in Coron, Palawan on Saturday (Sept. 19).

This comes after responders successfully removed water and gained access to the flooded compartment.

The PCG said its response team was working on the engine room on Friday (Sept. 18) as search and investigation operations continued following the maritime disaster involving the vessel.

The final sweep will be carried out by a joint team from the PCG, Philippine National Police Forensic Group, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Coron Municipal Police Office.

Meanwhile, two divers from the vessel’s designated salvor held an initial underwater survey of the M/V June Aster as part of preparations for its salvage plan.

The survey is intended to provide information needed to develop the vessel’s salvage operations.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab, Coast Guard District Palawan Deputy Commander Capt. Adonis Añasco and four PCG legal officers also met with the victims’ families.

The officials listened to the families’ concerns and inquiries on the ongoing response and provided legal assistance, the PCG said.

According to the PCG, it will continue search, investigation and response operations while providing assistance to families affected by the tragedy.

The PCG did not provide additional details on the number of casualties or the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s sinking or flooding in its latest update.

At least 76 persons are confirmed to have died in the blaze that engulfed the vessel on September 9.