The Department of Transportation launches National Bike Day 2025 on Friday, November 21, 2025. Photo from DOTr/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday said it will implement measures t…
The Department of Transportation launches National Bike Day 2025 on Friday, November 21, 2025. Photo from DOTr/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday said it will implement measures to ensure road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, emphasizing the need for safe and inclusive road spaces for them.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez made this statement — delivered by DOTr Undersecretary Ramon Reyes — during the launch of National Bike Day 2025, which features activities promoting and strengthening safe and active transportation across the country.
The agency noted that it had been directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the safety of non-motorized road users under the National Transport Policy and the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.
“We must add infrastructure and tighten road safety measures to ensure the safety of cyclists and pedestrians,” Lopez said speaking Filipino.
With this, the agency said it will improve and expand bike and pedestrian lanes, ensuring that these facilities are “inclusive of cyclists, pedestrians, and other at-risk road users.”
Lopez also emphasized the importance of giving proper road space to cyclists, noting that they, too, are legitimate road users.
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“Cyclists should no longer have to plead ‘please share the road.’ They deserve safe and adequate spaces so they can safely reach school, work, and other destinations,” he added.
In a figure presented by the DOTr on November 14, the agency noted that “pedestrians, cyclists, and riders are most at risk,” with pedestrians accounting for 27 percent of road crash fatalities in Metro Manila and 12 percent of road crash injuries in 2021. /jpv
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) questions a call from referee Courtney Kirkland (61) with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen War…
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) questions a call from referee Courtney Kirkland (61) with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Houston. (AP Photo/Karen Warren)
HOUSTON — Nikola Jokic had 34 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, and Jamal Murray added 26 points and 10 assists as the Denver Nuggets held on to beat the Houston Rockets 112-109 on Friday night.
Jokic, who scored 24 points in the second half, finished 11 of 20 from the field. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 12 points off the bench for the Nuggets, who shot 53%.
Denver improved to 2-1 in NBA Cup play with one game remaining on Nov. 28 at home against the Spurs, while the Rockets dropped to 1-2 in NBA Cup play, with one game left at the Warriors on Wednesday.
Reed Sheppard scored a career-high 27 points to lead the Rockets, who had their five-game winning streak snapped. He had 20 points in the first half on 8-for-11 shooting, including 4 of 6 on 3-pointers.
Amen Thompson added 22 points and seven rebounds, Jabari Smith Jr. had 21 points and 11 rebounds, Alperen Sengun had 14 points and Kevin Durant finished with 13 points for Houston, which shot 44%.
Trailing 92-87 with 9 minutes remaining, Denver went on a 20-9 run to take a six-point lead on two free throws by Murray with 23 seconds remaining. Houston scored 8 of the next 11 points to cut the lead to 110-109 on a 3-pointer by Smith with 5 seconds remaining. Jokic made two free throws with just under 3 seconds left, and Sengun’s halfcourt heave at the buzzer missed.
Aaron Gordon exited with a right hamstring strain less than 3 1/2 minutes into the first quarter after falling to the court while driving. Gordon, who missed the Nuggets’ last game Wednesday at the Pelicans due to injury, was slow to get up and limped to the locker room.
Up next
Nuggets: Host the Kings on Saturday night.
Rockets: At the Suns Monday to begin a four-game road trip.
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MANILA, Philippines — A 22-year-old graduate from Batangas topped the November 2025 Pharmacy Licensure Examination (PHLE), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced.
Sean Jan Diomampo Ilag…
| Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — A 22-year-old graduate from Batangas topped the November 2025 Pharmacy Licensure Examination (PHLE), the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced.
Sean Jan Diomampo Ilagan, who was raised by his father Lamberto after his mother passed away, secured the No. 1 spot nationwide with a rating of 95.47 percent.
“I dedicate this milestone first and foremost to the Lord, who sustained me throughout the review season. He knows the effort I’ve put into making this dream a reality. All glory goes back to Him,” Ilagan said in an interview.
He added, “I also dedicate this win to my family and loved ones, whose silent prayers and motivation served as my constant source of strength.”
Ilagan, who finished his pharmacy degree at Lyceum of the Philippines University in Batangas, said that he was driven by a desire to overcome personal setbacks, especially not graduating with Latin honors.
“My inspiration throughout my PHLE journey was the personal desire to rise above my limitations and prove to myself that every setback can be transformed into a stepping stone,” he said.
Asked about his future plans, Ilagan said he is still discerning his next steps but is interested in pursuing opportunities in the academe and research.
“For now, I am keeping my options open, but I am excited to discover what lies ahead,” he said.
His father expressed his pride and gratitude for his son’s achievement.
“Yung pumasa lang siya, okay na sa amin (We would have been happy even if he just passed),” he said. “Pero thankful kami na nag-top 1 siya (But we’re very thankful that he became the topnotcher).”
The PRC said 3,670 out of 4,555 examinees passed the PHLE, posting a national passing rate of 80.57 percent. The exams were held on Nov. 15 and 16, with results released on Nov. 21.
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(From left to right) Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka hold a press briefing in this file photo taken on Nov. 18, 2025, amid the flood control anomalies investigation. INQUIRER.net / MARY JO…
(From left to right) Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka hold a press briefing in this file photo taken on Nov. 18, 2025, amid the flood control anomalies investigation. INQUIRER.net / MARY JOY SALCEDO
MANILA, Philippines — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) said it believes that the court’s issuance of arrest warrants against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and several others in relation to infrastructure anomalies is a step toward attaining justice for the people.
In a statement on Saturday, ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said the Sandiganbayan’s move was “very important in the trial of the accused in the flood control scandal.”
“This marks the start of court proceedings to finally deliver justice to the public,” Hosaka said in Filipino.
“This can also be the legal basis for the return of those involved to the country so they can face the court,” he added, speaking Filipino.
On Friday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that the Sandiganbayan had issued arrest warrants against Co and 17 others in connection with the criminal cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against them on Tuesday.
The charges — two counts of graft and one count of malversation through falsification — stem from an alleged anomalous P289.5-million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The Ombudsman’s filing of cases followed the recommendation of the ICI, which is mandated to investigate infrastructure projects across the country over the last 10 years. /jpv
A pristine cove in the Dinagat Islands is seen in this undated photo. The province’s unspoiled landscapes have drawn interest from producers of the internationally acclaimed reality series Survivor, who are set to scout potential locations for a ne…
A pristine cove in the Dinagat Islands is seen in this undated photo. The province’s unspoiled landscapes have drawn interest from producers of the internationally acclaimed reality series Survivor, who are set to scout potential locations for a new season in December. (Photo courtesy of Dinagat Islands Tourism and Culture Office)
BUTUAN CITY–The rugged and pristine terrain of the Dinagat Islands may soon be the setting for an international television event, as producers of the popular reality series Survivor plan to scout the province for its upcoming season.
In a letter to provincial officials, John Bel Martinez of Philippine Film Studios, Inc. (PFSI), the local co-production partner for the international franchise, outlined plans for location scouting between December 2025 and January 2026. The search is for remote islands with minimal human footprint, ranging from lightly touched environments to completely uninhabited natural reserves.
In an interview Saturday, Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. welcomed the prospect, calling it a “tremendous opportunity” for the province.
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“This is a tremendous opportunity for Dinagat Islands to be showcased on the global stage,” he said. “We have islands that are pristine, untouched, and naturally breathtaking. These are perfect for the kind of immersive and rugged experience that Survivor is known for.”
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He highlighted the project’s potential to boost sustainable tourism and raise global awareness about the province’s ecological richness. PFSI, which has facilitated Survivor productions for such countries as France, Sweden, and the United States, is known for working in challenging locations.
Martinez assured in his letter that the company would work closely with local officials and communities to ensure the process aligns with environmental and cultural sensitivities.
“We are ready to assist PFSI in identifying suitable sites and providing logistical support. This project could be a game-changer for Dinagat,” Demerey said, pledging the provincial government’s full cooperation.
If selected, a Dinagat Islands season would be a milestone, transforming the province into a prime destination for international adventure tourism and eco-conscious filmmaking. (PNA)
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Vehicles brave the rain during a downpour in Cebu City. | CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Metro Cebu and the rest of the province are set for a wet weekend as partly cloudy skies give way to isolated …
Vehicles brave the rain during a downpour in Cebu City. | CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Metro Cebu and the rest of the province are set for a wet weekend as partly cloudy skies give way to isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.
The state weather bureau urges residents to stay alert amid warnings of a potential low-pressure area forming in Philippine waters.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas office, the province will experience partly cloudy to occasionally cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms on Saturday, November 22.
Temperatures will range from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius, accompanied by light to moderate northeast winds and slight to moderate coastal conditions.
The weather pattern is expected to persist through the week. Sunday, November 23, will see similar conditions, with temperatures slightly cooler at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.
By Monday, November 24, the thermometer is projected to stay between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius with moderate northeast winds and moderate coastal waves. Conditions will remain variable through November 26, when winds shift slightly from southeast to east and coastal waters remain slight to moderate.
Pagasa noted that the broader weather scenario is influenced by a combination of a shear line affecting Northern Luzon, the northeast monsoon over the northern areas, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone impacting Mindanao and Palawan.
Meanwhile, the Visayas, including Cebu, and Occidental Mindoro will continue to experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to easterlies.
Moderate to strong northeast winds with moderate to rough seas are expected across the Visayas and Palawan, including the Kalayaan Islands.
Adding to concerns, Pagasa has flagged a tropical cyclone-like vortex (TCLV) in the southeastern part of the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) as “highly likely” to develop into a low-pressure area by Sunday, November 23.
Specialist John Manalo said the system could affect northeastern Mindanao and Eastern Visayas first, with its impact most strongly felt starting Monday.
“If the TCLV develops into a tropical cyclone within the PAR, it will be named Verbena,” Manalo explained.
He added that the system could traverse the country and emerge over the West Philippine Sea between November 28 and December 4. During that time, a second TCLV may form in the eastern monitoring domain, though it has a low chance of intensifying into a tropical cyclone.
Pagasa advises residents to monitor weather updates, secure loose outdoor items, and exercise caution near coastal and flood-prone areas as the potential low-pressure area approaches./ with reports from Inquirer.net
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Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) celebrates with teammates after hitting the winning shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
PH…
Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) celebrates with teammates after hitting the winning shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
PHOENIX — Collin Gillespie made a go-ahead jumper with 6.4 seconds left and the Phoenix Suns stunned the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-113 on Friday night with a final-minute rally in the NBA.
Minnesota appeared to have a comfortable 113-105 lead with 1:09 left, but Phoenix rallied to cut it to 113-112 on Jordan Goodwin’s layup with 21.4 seconds remaining.
Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards — who had 41 points — missed two free throws with 12.7 seconds to go, giving the Suns a chance at the win.
Gillespie obliged, driving into the lane and hitting a contested 10-foot jumper for the lead and the last of his 20 points.
Minnesota scrambled for the final shot, but Julius Randle’s 3-pointer at the buzzer was off the mark.
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The Timberwolves erased a 15-point halftime deficit less than five minutes into the third quarter after Edwards made a driving layup for a 69-68 advantage. Edwards — a three-time All-Star — had 19 points in the third on 7-of-9 shooting and Minnesota led 82-81 entering the fourth.
It was a tough night for Suns star Devin Booker, who finished with just 16 points on 4-of-18 shooting and nine turnovers before fouling out. Turnovers have been a problem for the four-time All-Star — he came into the game with a league-high 57.
Booker fouled out with more than three minutes remaining and earned a technical foul on his way off the floor. The Suns had 27 turnovers.
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Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 22 points before fouling out. Williams added 19.
The Suns led by 18 points in the first half before settling for a 62-49 halftime advantage. Gillespie led the Suns with 16 points after making four 3-pointers. Edwards had 16 for the Wolves before the break.
The Suns improved to 2-0 in the NBA Cup, while the Timberwolves fell to 2-1.
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Scene from Baby Ruth Villarama’s “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea,” and Lav Diaz’s “Magellan.” Image: YouTube/Voyage Studios, Janus Films
Two Filipino films have secured spots on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences…
Scene from Baby Ruth Villarama’s “Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea,” and Lav Diaz’s “Magellan.” Image: YouTube/Voyage Studios, Janus Films
Two Filipino films have secured spots on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ list of qualified titles for the 98th Academy Awards.
The Academy released the official list of qualified entries on Nov. 22 (Manila time), covering the categories of Animated Feature Film, Documentary Feature Film, and International Feature Film.
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“Food Delivery” producer Therese Malvar welcomed the inclusion of the two Philippine titles, noting the extensive Oscar efforts behind Villarama’s documentary.
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“I’m super happy that we are very much visible with the Academy!” she told Inquirer Entertainment. “Knowing the efforts of Director Baby Ruth Villarama and Sir Chuck Gutierrez with their Oscars campaign in the US, this is really worth it.”
Hoping for many voters
“I hope more people get to see the magic and beauty of our West Philippine Sea and the protectors of our waters. Being part of the list is already an honor—hoping many of the voters will vote for the film, along with “Magellan.” A great year indeed for Filipino films!”
This year, 201 titles are eligible for consideration in the Documentary Feature Film category. According to an article by Deadline, a major US-based entertainment news outlet, members of the Academy’s documentary branch will determine the shortlist of 15 titles, set for release on Dec. 16, alongside the shortlists for Live Action and Animated Shorts.
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English-language scenes allowed
In the International Feature Film category, 86 countries or regions submitted qualifying titles, said the Deadline report. The category — formerly Best Foreign Language Film — accepts feature-length productions created outside the United States with over 50 percent non-English dialogue. The Academy noted that films can still qualify even if they include English-language scenes, provided they do not exceed the allowed threshold.
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Academy members from all branches may opt in for the preliminary round of international feature voting, subject to minimum viewing requirements. The 15-title shortlist will also be announced on Dec. 16.
Preliminary voting for select Oscar categories runs from Dec. 8 to 12. Nominations for the 98th Academy Awards will be revealed on Jan. 22, 2026.
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The 98th Oscars ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood, and will air live on ABC in more than 200 territories worldwide. /ra
The current Mandaue City Hospital is set to be replaced with a 257-bed-capacity modern hospital, with the city securing the needed billion-peso funding.| 📷: Mary Rose Sagarino
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Mandaue City has secured ov…
The current Mandaue City Hospital is set to be replaced with a 257-bed-capacity modern hospital, with the city securing the needed billion-peso funding.| 📷: Mary Rose Sagarino
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Mandaue City has secured over P1 billion in funding pledges from national lawmakers for the construction of a modern city hospital and a new Mandaue City College campus.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said he received information confirming commitments amounting to almost P1.5 billion. The commitment follows Ouano’s visit to the Senate, where he met with several senators.
“Nalipay lang kaayo ta, at least matukod na gyud ni atoang modern Mandaue City Hospital and [City College],” said Ouano.
(“We are so happy. At least our modern Mandaue City Hospital and [City College] will be finally constructed.”)
Early next year
The government scheduled both projects to begin construction in the first quarter of next year.
The 257-bed-capacity hospital project is estimated to cost P800 million to P1 billion, including equipment.
Ouano assured residents that the existing hospital will remain open throughout the construction period and will only be closed once the new facility becomes operational. The new hospital will rise within the same compound.
He said the construction will take two to three years, similar to the Government Center. However, unlike the Government Center, he stressed that the city will not take out loans for the new hospital, with contributions from Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, senators, and party-list groups helping ease the financial load on the city.
The new Mandaue City College campus will rise in Norkis Park, Barangay Looc. It will be a seven-story building designed to accommodate the growing student population and expand the school’s academic facilities. The expected cost reach P500 million.
The current Mandaue City College is located inside the compound of the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex in Barangay Centro.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on added that while senators have pledged amounts, these will only be confirmed once reflected in the General Appropriations Act.
The pledgers
In the profile of funding, pledges for the Mandaue City Hospital (total: P1.002 billion) are as follows:
Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon: P387 million for Phase 1
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go: P250 million for Phase 2
Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III: P300 million for Phase 3
Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid: P65 million for Phase 4
Pledges for the new Mandaue City College campus total P490 million:
Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon: P215 million for Phase 1
Senator Raffy Tulfo: P200 million for Phase 2
Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid: P75 million for Phase 3.///
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Philippine Heart Center — Photo from Philippine Heart Center/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) is aiming to produce world-class cardiac and vascular surgeons in the count…
Philippine Heart Center — Photo from Philippine Heart Center/Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday said the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) is aiming to produce world-class cardiac and vascular surgeons in the country, as the hospital recently inaugurated its National Academy for Cardiac and Vascular Surgery (PHC-NACVS).
In an episode of dzMM Teleradyo, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that as cascardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke remain the leading cause of death in the Philippines, more and more Filipinos would need to undergo cardiovascular surgery.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischemic heart disease, or coronary heart disease, was still the leading cause of death among Filipinos in 2024. It accounted for 96,049 cases or 19.3 percent of deaths in the country from January to November 2024.
“This academic institution aims to produce more experts in the community that will address increasing cases of heart diseases needing immediate operation,” DOH Health Promotion Director Tina Marasigan said in the same episode.
In a separate Facebook post on Friday, the PHC said the educational institution “stands as the Philippines’ premier hub for specialized, unified, and competency-based training in cardiac and vascular surgery.”
The PHC also said that the institution aims to expand training opportunities nationwide; decentralize specialized surgical training beyond Metro Manila; and strengthen regional capacity for advanced cardiac and vascular care.
PHC Executive Director Dr. Avenilo Aventura Jr. said the academy “is more than just an educational institution” but a “national investment in the future of cardiac and cardiovascular surgery.”
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“It will strengthen our capacity to produce world-class Filipino surgeons, professionals, equipped not only with technical expertise but with compassion, integrity, and the heart to serve,” Aventura said in a video message shown in the radio episode.
“So by elevating training standards and expanding opportunities for learning, we ensure that every Filipino, regardless of region or socio-economic status, benefits from high-quality cardiovascular care,” Aventura added.
The PHC-NACVS is partnering with the following health institutions:
Philippine Heart Center
Western Visayas Medical Center
Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center
Northern Mindanao Medical Center
The PHC, a government-run hospital, was established through the Presidential Decree No. 673 and inaugurated on February 14, 1975. /das
