Category: Business Mirror

Some of the families that were affected by a recent rockfall in Naga City are among the initial 56 beneficiaries of the city government’s low-cost housing program, which is moving forward despite rising construction costs.

The city has prioritized 18 families in barangay Uling who were affected by the rockfall, while the other initial number of beneficiaries are from barangay Cantao-an, Mayana, Lanas, Naalad, Tangke, Cogon and Lutac.

Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the housing program was conceptualized last year but has faced several challenges, including delays and higher prices of construction materials amid the fuel crisis.

‘Daghang [Major] challenges because this was conceptualized na last year pa,’ Chiong said, noting that the original allocation is no longer sufficient to cover the increasing cost of construction.

The city initially allocated P28 million in 2025 for 160 housing units, with a budget of P160,000 per unit. Due to the increase in material prices, the city is raising the allocation to P200,000 per house this year.

About P20 million has been set aside for the construction of another 100 houses under this year’s allocation.

Chiong said 77 housing units are currently under construction, while the city is also taking measures to help reduce construction expenses.

The local government has asked suppliers to deliver aggregates and other construction materials to City Hall, allowing the city to handle their delivery to project sites.

‘We asked them to deliver the aggregates here at City Hall, and we will be the ones to deliver them to the project sites,’ Chiong said.

The project, which is a city-led initiative that aims to address woes on housing backlogs, will provide 20-square-meter houses free of charge to qualified beneficiaries. It is intended for families living in damaged, overcrowded or substandard homes, including those whose roofs, walls and other portions of their houses have deteriorated.

However, Chiong said the city cannot immediately proceed with all the originally targeted units because some identified beneficiaries are living on land they do not own.

‘We need a consent or deed of donation from the owner of the land because what we are extending is only the houses,’ he said. The mayor said barangay officials are helping identify families who are most in need of housing assistance. Beneficiaries are also required to provide documentation, including photographs of their existing houses.

City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Joveno Garcia said the program is designed to address the city’s housing backlog while improving the living conditions of vulnerable families.

‘Providing housing is essential to improving the quality of life of vulnerable families by ensuring access to secure, durable and healthy living environments,’ Garcia said.

Garcia said the project will also generate jobs for local residents during construction and stimulate demand for locally sourced materials.

He added that the initiative supports social equity and inclusive development by giving economically disadvantaged families access to affordable and dignified housing.

The housing program also forms part of Naga’s efforts to assist families living in areas vulnerable to hazards, particularly landslides and rockfalls.

Despite the challenges, Chiong said the city government remains committed to finding ways to continue the program and provide safer homes for families in need.

The National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) is offering free lectures and training to schools to help equip students and teachers with the knowledge needed to respond during an active-shooter or school shooting incident, but so far, private schools have been the only ones taking up the offer.

NBI-7 agent Maria Contessa Lastimoso said the bureau has been conducting its Active Shooter Preparedness and Prevention Seminar every two weeks, but public schools have yet to participate.

‘Despite the free lectures that NBI offered, no takers among the public schools. Only the private schools,’ Lastimoso told Cebu media on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.

She said students have also been included in the seminars, rather than limiting the discussions to school personnel.

At St. Theresa’s College (STC), for instance, both teachers and students attended the seminar. Bethany Christian School has also participated, while the University of Cebu sent its security personnel.

The Redemptorist Seminary is scheduled to attend a seminar this week, Lastimoso said.

Lastimoso said the NBI has also reached out to several public schools, including Abellana National School, Lahug Elementary School, Zapatera Elementary School and Guadalupe Elementary School, through letters inviting them to participate in school information drives.

However, she said the schools have yet to communicate with the bureau.

The NBI-7’s push comes amid growing concern over school security and the need for institutions to prepare for the possibility of an armed attack.

Lastimoso said schools should not wait for an actual incident before taking preparedness seriously.

‘We offer our lectures for free. Lets not wait for something like this to happen. Awareness is key,’ she said.

In a separate interview on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, Naga City Mayor Valdemar ‘Val’ Chiong, meanwhile, said he is open to introducing active-shooter preparedness measures in public schools in the city. Chiong said police personnel regularly patrol schools, while the city government employs watchmen assigned to every school. However, he said Naga’s public schools do not currently use metal detectors.

Asked whether active-shooter drills or simulations could be introduced in schools in the same way as earthquake drills, Chiong said he was open to the idea.

‘I’m open to that,’ he said.

Naga has 28 barangays, 22 of which have high schools, making coordination and implementation a consideration for the city government, Chiong said.

The mayor also said schools have counselors to assist students dealing with bullying and traumatic experiences, while parents should take primary responsibility for monitoring their children’s activities, particularly online.

DepEd-7 working on active-shooter protocols

Last month, the proposed school-based training also came into light as the Department of Education in Central Visayas (DepEd-7) works with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on formal protocols for active-shooter drills in public schools.

DepEd-7 Legal Officer IV Atty. Leslie Joie Babatuan earlier said the regional office is finalizing a memorandum of agreement with the PNP that would provide clearer procedures for responding to active threats on school campuses.

The initiative follows recent incidents that have heightened concerns about school security.

Babatuan said DepEd-7 is studying how public schools can conduct preparedness activities with law enforcement agencies while avoiding an excessive police or military presence on campuses.

She noted that an active-shooter drill had already been conducted at a Cebu City school with the participation of the PNP, its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units, the Bureau of Fire Protection and other agencies.

At the same time, Babatuan stressed that schools must remain ‘zones of peace’ and places where children can learn without feeling that their campuses have been militarized.

She said DepEd has existing policies governing police presence and firearms in schools and would rather strengthen prevention measures while ensuring schools are prepared to respond to emergencies.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said 30 sites across Metro Manila, including Camp Aguinaldo and Rizal Memorial Stadium, have been identified for proposed nature-based flood mitigation measures designed by Dutch engineering consultancy Haskoning.

Marcos made the announcement after attending a briefing at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Command Center in Pasig City on Wednesday on measures to address perennial flooding in the National Capital Region.

‘Moving forward, what we are looking at is…we found someone from the Netherlands who conducted a study on what we can do [to mitigate flooding]. This will involve digging in existing facilities. For example, these are football fields, open fields, and even those with buildings,’ Marcos told reporters partly in Filipino.

He said the 30 sites include Rizal Memorial Stadium, Camp Aguinaldo and the University of Santo Tomas, where underground cisterns or water-storage facilities could be built.

‘We are just waiting for the detailed engineering [design], which will be finished within this month,’ Marcos said.

MMDA Chairman Romando S. Artes said Haskoning has already submitted a preliminary draft of its plan for nature-based flood-control measures and water catchments.

Among the proposals is the construction of a 10-meter-deep rainwater catchment designed to reduce flooding along EDSA near the White Plains subdivisions.

The plan also calls for deepening the Sunken Garden at the University of the Philippines Diliman so it can temporarily hold more water during heavy rainfall, which can then be discharged gradually.

‘The purpose of the nature-based solutions and catchment is to prevent runoff, which overwhelms antiquated and small drainage, which also gets clogged by garbage during heavy rainfall,’ Artes said.

Marcos also instructed the MMDA to study how water collected in the catchments could be put to productive use.

‘He told us to coordinate with water concessionaires on what we can do to use the water that we can save in the rain catchment,’ Artes said.

The MMDA is targeting the implementation of some components of the plan before the start of next year’s rainy season.

‘A lot of the 30 sites which were identified will not need large infrastructure…We will coordinate with the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] to make sure there will be no duplication [in flood-control measures],’ Artes said.

The MMDA plans to seek funding for the project under the proposed 2027 national budget once the detailed engineering plan is completed.

Artes said the project is expected to be financed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, with counterpart funding from the Philippine government.

THE Philippines has renewed its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Chile as the two Pacific nations mark 80 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

This developed as Secretary of Foreign Affairs (SFA) Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro paid a courtesy call on President José Antonio Kast Rist of Chile at the Palacio de La Moneda in Santiago.

Lazaro conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s greetings to Kast, who assumed office as Chile’s chief executive in March 2026. The secretary also invited Kast to visit the Philippines.

The call covered topics of mutual interest, including the recent conclusion of negotiations for the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement-the Philippines’ first free trade agreement in Latin America. Both officials share the view that the CEPA holds immense promise in bringing the two APEC economies even closer.

They also discussed bilateral cooperation in the economic and maritime sectors, as well as people-to-people exchanges during the call. On expanding relations with Chile, the SFA commented that ‘the Pacific Ocean does not separate us; [but rather] links our destinies.’

The secretary was in Santiago for an official visit, which also included a bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Francisco Pérez Mackenna.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Chile were established on July 4, 1946. Some 1,017 make up the Filipino community in Chile by the end of 2025.

With Metro Manila continuing to struggle with garbage buildup despite repeated cleanup drives and anti-littering campaigns, a lawmaker is pushing for a more preventive, Japanese-inspired solution-one that focuses not only on collecting waste but also on teaching people, especially children, not to create the problem in the first place.

Following the support of Metro Manila mayors for his anti-littering proposals, Las Piñas Lone District Rep. Mark Anthony Santos urged local government units (LGUs) and schools to consider adopting Japan’s concept of Dotoku, or moral education, under a broader Clean Schools, Clean Communities program.

The Japanese approach places strong emphasis on discipline, personal responsibility, respect for shared spaces, and the understanding that cleanliness is a responsibility of every citizen. Rather than relying mainly on street cleaners, penalties, or government personnel, the system encourages individuals to take responsibility for their waste.

Santos said this kind of mindset could provide Metro Manila with a more sustainable response to its garbage problem.

‘Laws, fines, and enforcement alone are not enough. We need to change the mindset and behavior of our young people. This is where the concept of Dotoku, or moral education, comes in-teaching discipline, responsibility, and respect for others and our environment,’ Santos said.

Santos said this illustrates an important lesson from the Japanese experience: clean communities are created by combining an effective waste-management system with a strong culture of personal responsibility.

Under the proposed approach, LGUs would continue improving waste collection, segregation facilities, and enforcement, while schools would strengthen values formation among students.

The lawmaker said public and private schools could become the starting point for building this culture. In partnership with LGUs, the Department of Education (DepEd), barangays, and community organizations, students could participate in classroom discussions on environmental responsibility, proper waste segregation, recycling projects, school cleanliness activities, and community-based environmental programs.

However, Santos stressed that the purpose should not simply be to require students to clean their surroundings.

Participating schools could also be encouraged to prepare their own Clean School Action Plans, covering proper waste segregation, recycling, reduction of single-use plastics, responsible disposal practices, and regular environmental activities.

The school-based initiative would complement Santos’ earlier proposal to establish dedicated ‘Garbage Police’ units across Metro Manila’s 17 LGUs, together with common minimum standards and coordinated policies against littering and illegal dumping.

Rather than depending on recurring cleanup operations after streets, waterways, and public spaces have already become polluted, Santos said the Japanese-inspired strategy would attempt to stop garbage at its source by changing everyday behavior.

Santos said the initiative should be developed in consultation with the Metro Manila Council (MMC), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), DepEd, Metro Manila’s 17 LGUs, barangays, and other stakeholders.

Around the world, smoking is once again finding its way into popular culture. From films and television to fashion, music and social media, tobacco use is increasingly being portrayed as stylish, nostalgic or rebellious.

Recent discussions about the return of smoking imagery in popular culture, including in fashion editorials, films, television, music and digital media, have renewed concerns among public-health advocates about the re-normalization of tobacco use, particularly among young people.

As these portrayals extend far beyond traditional media, Global Youth for Tobacco Control (Y4TC) is calling on governments to fully implement and enforce the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), particularly Article 13, which seeks to eliminate all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS), including indirect promotion through entertainment and digital media where appropriate.

Evidence has consistently shown that exposure to smoking imagery in entertainment and media can influence young people’s attitudes toward tobacco and increase the likelihood of tobacco initiation, Y4TC said.

Sending the wrong message

The group added that at a time when countries are working to reduce tobacco use and protect future generations, the re-emergence of smoking as a cultural trend sends the wrong message.

‘Smoking should never be romanticized or portrayed as a symbol of confidence, freedom or success. Such portrayals undermine decades of tobacco-control efforts and increase the risk of tobacco initiation among young people,’ Y4TC said.

The group noted that tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide, claiming more than 8 million lives each year.

While recognizing the important role of artists, filmmakers, content creators, influencers and digital platforms in shaping public attitudes, Y4TC stressed that creative expression also presents an opportunity to promote healthier narratives and avoid glamorizing tobacco use.

‘Creative expression is essential, but it also comes with the opportunity to promote healthier narratives and avoid the glamorization, commercial promotion or presentation of tobacco use without appropriate context, particularly where young audiences are concerned,’ the group said.

Specifically, Y4TC called for the following actions:

Governments and regulators: Enforce comprehensive TAPS bans, including on digital and cross-border promotion; monitor tobacco product placement; and require appropriate classifications and public-health messaging.

Media industries and creators: Refuse payments, products or other benefits from the tobacco industry, and avoid identifiable tobacco branding and glamorized depictions aimed at young audiences.

Digital platforms: Enforce restrictions on tobacco advertising and paid influencer promotion, establish accessible reporting mechanisms, and act promptly on violations.

Y4TC said protecting young people from the normalization and glamorization of tobacco use requires stronger enforcement across both traditional and digital media, as well as greater responsibility from those who shape popular culture.

The camp of Marikina Rep. Marcy Teodoro is ready to face the charges filed against him in court and will not seek to delay the proceedings, his legal counsel said.

Atty. Alma Mallonga said Teodoro’s defense team is confident in its case and is prepared to confront the accusations through the judicial process, where evidence can be examined and witnesses can be questioned.

‘We will face it,’ Mallonga said, adding that the defense looks forward to a court process that could finally bring an end to the controversy surrounding the congressman.

Meanwhile, Marikina residents have cried foul over the continuing cases filed against Teodoro, saying the complaints have become a source of frustration among families who believe politics is being used to damage the lawmaker’s reputation.

The Samahan ng mga Angkan sa Marikina, composed of 50 clans representing around 10,000 individuals, expressed dismay over what it described as repeated attempts to bring Teodoro down through accusations it considered baseless.

‘The cases against Cong. Marcy Teodoro are bogus and without sufficient basis, and it is disheartening that they are being used to pull down someone whom we have worked with and known for a long time in Marikina,’ the group said in a statement.

They said the repeated accusations have affected communities and families who have known Teodoro through his years in public service and who believe that a single allegation should not automatically erase that history.

The residents also appealed for an end to what they described as political mudslinging, arguing that such attacks run contrary to the values they associate with Marikina.

Teodoro’s legal team questioned the process surrounding a Department of Justice resolution involving the criminal complaints against him.

Mallonga said the defense found it unusual that the resolution was not prepared or signed by the DOJ panel that conducted the preliminary investigation.

Despite these concerns, Mallonga said Teodoro’s camp does not intend to cause delays and is prepared to answer the allegations before the courts.

‘We will not be the cause of delay,’ she said, stressing that the defense intends to follow the trial schedule and challenge the accusations through the judicial process.

The Department of Justice confirmed that five criminal cases have been filed against Teodoro, consisting of four counts of sexual assault and one count of acts of lasciviousness involving two female police officers who previously served as his security personnel.

Manila Water continues to ensure reliable and uninterrupted water services across its East Zone concession area through proactive measures designed to strengthen operational resilience during the habagat season, its official said.

In a statement, Manila Water, the private water concessionaire for the East Zone, said that while the country is experiencing the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which may result in fewer rainfall events, periods of intense rainfall remain possible and can pose operational challenges brought about by flooding, power interruptions, and severe weather conditions.

Anticipating these risks, Manila Water has put in place a comprehensive preparedness program to help safeguard its facilities, personnel, and essential services.

As part of its rainy season readiness initiatives, Manila Water has completed preparedness activities at its three major water treatment facilities in Quezon City, namely Balara Treatment Plant 1, Balara Treatment Plant 2, and East La Mesa Treatment Plant. Each facility is equipped with backup generators to support continuous operations during power outages and other weather-related disruptions.

The East Zone concessionaire has likewise completed inspections and readiness checks of its 33 water reservoirs. Flood mitigation measures, including the placement of sandbags and dewatering pumps, have been implemented in key facilities to address potential flooding incidents.

Personnel across Manila Water’s critical facilities also adhere to established emergency preparedness protocols, ensuring the availability of system backups, fuel reserves, batteries, medical and first-aid kits, food provisions, and other essential emergency supplies needed to sustain operations during severe weather events.

To further enhance disaster response capabilities, Manila Water has strategically positioned emergency assets and equipment across its concession area to support rapid deployment when needed.

The company’s emergency fleet includes six mobile treatment plants, a mobile command center, a mobile stage, a mobile toilet, a mobile sleeping quarter, an amphibious vehicle, a tractor head, six 4×4 rescue vehicles, an ambulance, an all-terrain vehicle, a jet ski, three speed boats, 38 water tankers, and two folding boats. These assets provide additional operational support and enable immediate response to communities and employees affected by emergencies and extreme weather conditions.

Manila Water also has 64 desludging trucks that may be utilized to siphon floodwater in support of local government units’ disaster response and recovery efforts.

‘As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, Manila Water has been maintaining resilient operations and ensuring uninterrupted service for our customers, even during the most challenging conditions,’ said Manila Water Corporate Communications Head Dittie Galang.

Through careful planning, proactive infrastructure protection, and sustained operational preparedness, Manila Water remains ready to address the challenges of the Habagat season while continuing to deliver essential water services to the communities it serves.

AS disaster threats intensify during the monsoon season, a House of Reprsentatives deputy majority leader urged the Congress to pass a measure that would provide stronger financial, medical, and employment protection for public disaster responders who put their lives at risk during emergencies.

Filed by Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, House Bill 2269, or the proposed Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Workers, seeks to grant qualified DRRM personnel hazard pay of up to 25 percent of their daily basic salary, 50 percent standby or on-call compensation, and fully subsidized hospitalization and medical treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Vargas renewed his call for the bill’s swift passage as heavy monsoon rains continue to expose communities across Luzon to flooding, landslides, and other disaster risks.

‘During our visits to affected communities, we witnessed firsthand the tremendous sacrifice and dedication of our DRRM workers in making sure residents are safe and evacuation centers are properly prepared,’ Vargas said.

‘They are putting their lives on the line to protect Filipino families. It is time that the government give them the protection, compensation, and recognition they deserve,’ he added.

The measure seeks to institutionalize comprehensive socioeconomic safeguards and employment benefits for public disaster personnel, including permanent employees, contract of service workers, and job order personnel.

Under HB 2269, responders assigned to high-risk search, rescue, and retrieval operations may receive a hazard allowance equivalent to up to 25 percent of their daily basic salary.

Personnel placed on standby during emergencies would also be entitled to on-call compensation equivalent to 50 percent of their regular wages.

Field personnel would receive full subsistence allowances, monthly laundry allowances, and a five-percent longevity pay increase for every five years of service. Those deployed away from their permanent residence may also be provided free living quarters or a corresponding housing allowance.

Beyond financial benefits, the proposed Magna Carta places strong emphasis on the physical and mental well-being of disaster responders.

The bill mandates free annual medical, mental health, and psychosocial examinations, as well as full government coverage of hospitalization, treatment, and medicines for injuries or illnesses acquired in the line of duty.

Responders would also be provided complete personal protective equipment, free vaccinations, and necessary medical prophylaxis against contagious diseases that they may encounter in disaster and emergency zones.

HB 2269 also seeks to strengthen long-term employment security by ensuring appropriate social protection coverage under the Government Service Insurance System, Social Security System, PhilHealth, and the Universal Health Care Act.

The measure includes safeguards against arbitrary dismissal and politically motivated reassignment while giving DRRM workers priority access to professional training, scholarships, and postgraduate programs related to disaster risk reduction and management.

TEAM North fought for every point down the stretch to escape with a crucial 7-5 victory over South in Foursomes in Day 2 of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. North vs South Elite Junior Philippine Golf Tour Championship at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro on Wednesday.

North surged to an imposing 8-4 lead midway through the alternate-shot format, but South refused to fold and pulled within striking distance at 4-6 and needed only to win the final two matches to salvage a dramatic overall draw for the day.

But North held its nerve when the pressure peaked.

Jakob Taruc and Nathan Belandres battled from three holes down in the stretch and forced Clement Ordeneza and Sebastian Sajuela to an all-square finish, while Mona Sarines and Kendra Garingalao also halved their match against Tashanah Balanguan and Precious Zaragosa-both matches ending level in the 15-18 division.

Those two halves proved decisive.

Instead of completing the comeback, South was forced to settle for a split of the day’s final two points, leaving North with a 7-5 victory to preserve its advantage heading into the remaining singles matches.

North consequently stretched its overnight three-point cushion to five points, 14 1/2-9 1/2, putting itself in a strong position heading into the deciding singles matches of the North-South duel on Thursday.

North team captain Joey Anciano said his side’s comeback in the boys’ 15-18 category was crucial in salvaging a draw and making for an exciting day of matches.

‘We came from 3-down in the boys’ 15-18 to force a draw,’ Anciano said. ‘So definitely, the matches today were very, very exciting. Kudos to the other team also, which put up the lineup well.’

The result underscored the competitive nature of the North-South showdown, with neither side willing to give ground despite North’s early control and South repeatedly staring at a widening gap.

Like in Day One, North came out firing, winning four of the first five matches, including a sweep of the boys’ 11-14 division.

But South showed its resilience in the boys’ 7-10 class, where Stephen Clementer and Ethan Lago produced a dramatic late comeback to edge Zach Guico and Kingston Ching, 1-up, on No. 18.

Lago blasted brilliantly from the greenside bunker to within pin length, and Clementer calmly converted the putt to snatch the victory, drawing loud cheers from the home gallery.

Zoji Edoc and Kenzo Tan answered for North in the other boys’ 7-10 match, repulsing Lucas Revilleza and Darren Ong, 3and1, while Javie Bautista and Jacob Casuga rebounded strongly from their Four-ball setback with a 5and4 rout of Jared Saban and Ken Guillermo; and Chan Ahn and Vito Sarines routed Ralph Batican and Mico Woo, 6and4, in boys’ 11-14.

North also continued to flex its strength in the girls’ divisions-Jaicee Cervantes and Andrea Dee made it two straight wins with a 2and1 decision over Vanya Go and Soleil Molde.

South, however, responded with another clutch performance as Akeisha Yocte and Blake Aguilar pulled ahead late to stun Winter Serapio and Jehanne Mendoza, 2and1, in a finish that drew another round of applause from the gallery.

The visitors also strengthened their advantage in boys’ 15-18, where Shin Suzuki and Santi Asuncion remained perfect as a partnership after a 4and3 romp over Alexis Nailga and Roman Tiongko. Cailey Gonzales and Georgina Handog added another North point in girls’ 11-14, edging Brittany Tamayo and Rafella Batican, 1-up, in another thriller.

Zuri Bacaloyos and Marqaela Dy hacked out a hard-fought 2-up victory over Mavis Espedido and Quincy Pilac in girls’ 11-14, preserving their perfect 2-0 record in the series, while Apple Gotiong and Lois Lane Go capped the South rally with a convincing 5and3 triumph over Lisa Sarines and Rafa Anciano, bouncing back from their Four-ball loss.