Category: Business Mirror

DIRECTOR General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. of the Bureau of Corrections has ordered the relief of two senior officers from the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) to pave the way for an investigation into the P6 million missing trust fund of persons of deprived of liberty (PDLs).

Relieved were Corrections Senior Supt. Daisy Sevilla-Castillote, CIW, superintendent and her deputy. C/Ssupt. Marites Lebardo.

Catapang directed the two officers to report to the Office of the Deputy Director General for Administration (DDGA) at the National Headquarters in Muntinlupa City.

He also sought the assistance of Muntinlupa Police Station in tracking down Corrections Officer 2 Bianca Ramos, who handles the PDLs’ trust fund.

Ramos has been absent without leave (Awol) since July 29.

Corrections Technical Senior Insp. Lariza Martin, the chief of the Reception and Diagnostic Center, has been designated as the acting superintendent of CIW.

Catapang has also directed BuCor’s Chief of the Internal Audit Service Unit Edgardo Virtudazo to conduct an internal audit concerning the alleged mishandling of trust funds.

The audit will include gathering and verifying all relevant details, existing information, and reports related to the issue.

Catapang also directed the Directorate for Intelligence and Investigation chief, lawyer Ferdinand V. Balduman, to conduct a parallel investigation to determine the extent of culpability among both former and current CIW officers.

‘If it were true that there are missing funds amounting to about P6 million, this did not happen overnight. We need to get to the bottom of this and hold those accountable in their proper place,’ said Catapang.

Catapang also expressed disappointment over the alleged involvement of BuCor personnel over the alleged anomaly.

‘It pains me that while we are striving to reform the Bureau of Corrections, our own men would be involved in this kind of anomaly. That is why I want this to be thoroughly investigated so that we can determine who should be held liable,’ Catapang said.

Maya Inc. announced last Wednesday of having bagged seven recognitions at the ‘2026 Stevie Awards for Great Employers’ after extending the artificial intelligence (AI) tools it uses in its consumer products into how it recruits, onboards and engages its workforce.

The haul covered four organizational categories and three individual honors. Maya took a ‘Silver Stevie’ for experience-driven employer branding, and ‘Bronze Stevies’ for scaling hiring with embedded AI, for its employee engagement program, and for its end-to-end onboarding design.

A higher penalty of P5,000 awaits violators of proper garbage disposal, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Wednesday.

Chairman Romando Artes of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that the fine was raised from P500 to P5,000 across Metro Manila, following the approval of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) while violators in Pateros will be paying P2,500.

Artes said that they are just waiting for the ordinances from each city.

‘Ifo-follow up po natin ‘yan sa next Metro Manila Council meeting,’ Artes said. The MMC, composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors, is the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA.

The MMDA and Metro Manila mayors have expressed alarm after a sea of trash clogged the Redemptorist Water Channel, Brgy. Baclaran, in Parañaque City after days of massive downpour brought about by heavy monsoon rains (habagat) and Tropical Depression Crising.

As of 3 p.m. of August 12, the MMDA reported that a total of 96 truckloads trash or 418.4 metric tons of waste/debris hauled at Redemptorist Water Channel.

A NATIONAL federation of fishermen has expressed support for the investigation of the ‘unauthorized’ reclamation activities disguised as flood control projects in the Taguig City side of Laguna de Bay, citing its violation of the ‘socio-economic and environmental rights’ of fisherfolk and urban poor families.

In a statement, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) said that the reclamation is part of the 37-kilometer Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) that has already displaced urban poor families and fishermen in Muntinlupa and Taguig City.

The LLRN Phase 1 orginates in Calamba, Laguna, and ends at Lower Bicutan in Taguig City.

‘Whether it be unauthorized or compliant with the proper procedures, reclamation is never beneficial to the coastal residents and aquatic resources. The said activity has been proven to be disadvantageous to the socio-economic rights of the people and the environment. Indeed, the Cayetano political clan in Taguig City must be held accountable for pushing for the destructive reclamation projects in Laguna de Bay, under the guise of flood control projects,’ Ronnel Arambulo, Pamalakaya vice chairperson said.

Pamalakaya also refuted Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s defense of the reclamation projects, which he claimed are meant for flood control and lake’s protection.

‘May we remind Senator Cayetano that the reclamation project can never be a flood control, nor a protectionary measure to the lake’s ecosystem. Scientific records and our actual experiences already point to a different reality from what Senator Cayetano is saying.

‘Reclamation projects carried out across the lake have further weakened the coastal communities’ defense against flooding because such activities obstruct the natural waterways,’ Pamalakya noted.

The said government activities are also to blame for the gradual degradation of Laguna de Bay’s aquatic and fishery resources. Aside from displacement, Laguna de Bay fishermen experience first-hand environmental degradation through depleted fish catch and the loss of the lake’s traditional and endemic fish species.

‘We support any investigation that will hold accountable the officials who pushed for the destructive reclamation projects in Laguna de Bay,’ Arambulo said.

Global leading AI device ecosystem company HONOR today announced the launch of the highly anticipated HONOR Robot Phone. A revolutionary, category-creating device, the Robot Phone shatters the physical boundaries of traditional mobile technology by integrating a fully motorized 3-axis mechanical gimbal directly into its premium smartphone design. It combines selected elements of ARRI Image Science and professional cinema workflows, going beyond a traditional smartphone to serve as an active physical companion and a formidable mobile production studio.

The Industry’s First Smartphone with a 4DoF Titanium Agile Gimbal

The HONOR Robot Phone integrates an ultra-compact 4DoF mechanical system featuring the HONOR Titanium Agile Gimbal. Developed through 60 manufacturing processes, the system integrates more than 100 precision components and is supported by more than 100 patents. Compared with mainstream gimbals, HONOR has reduced the overall system size by 65% while increasing structural strength by 200%.

Its 2.6g Titanium Gimbal Motor enables control speeds of up to 360° per second, while the HONOR Super steel Flip Motor delivers a torque density of 120 N·m/L. Together, these technologies enable fast, precise movement and stable positioning within a pocketable flagship design.

Intelligent Imaging Through the HONOR-ARRI Cinematic Imaging Partnership

The HONOR Robot Phone marks the first product milestone under the Cinematic Imaging Partnership between HONOR and ARRI, the world-renowned designer of professional cinema cameras. Moving beyond simple filters, the device adapts selected elements of ARRI Image Science and professional cinema workflow for use in a smartphone.

The rear camera setup is anchored by a Dual 200MP Camera system, featuring a 200MP Agile Gimbal Main Camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor and f/1.6 aperture, paired with a 200MP Periscope Telephoto Camera with a 1/1.4-inch sensor and 2.7x optical zoom. The 200MP Agile Gimbal Main Camera supports 10-bit ARRI LogC3 recording in ARRI CINEMA mode, while a 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera with a 122° field of view completes the versatile imaging system.

Through the HONOR-ARRI Cinematic Imaging Partnership, the Robot Phone combines ARRI LogC3, ARRI Wide Gamut 3 and ARRI Looks with the HONOR H1 Image Chip. AI noise reduction improves video SNR by 8 dB, while AI dynamic range optimization supports up to 14 stops of dynamic range.

The video pipeline performs noise reduction earlier in the RAW domain, processes data in 14-bit 4:4:4, and outputs 10-bit LogC3 and 4:2:2 video, preserving more usable image information for post-production. ARRI Looks can also be previewed in real time, helping creators achieve a controlled cinematic look more easily.

For creators, ARRI LogC3 preserves more highlight and shadow information for post-production, while ARRI Wide Gamut 3 provides a broader color space and ARRI Looks offer controlled cinematic color styles. Footage can also be taken into professional editing tools such as DaVinci Resolve, where creators can directly apply ARRI LUTs as part of a complete mobile capture-to-post-production workflow.

‘For more than a century, ARRI has helped filmmakers translate technology into compelling visual stories. Our cooperation with HONOR brings selected elements of ARRI Image Science and professional workflow thinking into a new mobile context, giving creators greater consistency, control, and creative flexibility from capture through post-production. With the HONOR Robot Phone, we are taking an important first step in exploring how established cinematic principles can support a new generation of visual storytellers,’ said Harald Brendel, Director of Image Science at ARRI.

As part of this ongoing work, the companies will continue to refine and advance the integrated imaging technologies and workflows based on technical validation and real-world use.

Embodied AI and Hands-Free Creation Powered by MagicOS

Pioneering a new era of multimodal embodied interaction, the Robot Phone introduces AI-powered, robot-grade motion control that transforms the device into an autonomous personal camera crew. The camera arm supports a range of cinematic movement modes, including Tilt Lock, First Person View (FPV), FPV Vertical and AI SpinShot, helping creators capture smoother and more dynamic footage with greater ease. Running on MagicOS, the HONOR Robot Phone introduces YOYO Robot Mode, combining multimodal perception, contextual understanding, gesture recognition and physical movement. Voice Source Localization and AI Live-Tracking allow the camera to automatically pan and tilt, keeping users in frame while recording a vlog, live-streaming or moving during a video call. Hands-free gesture controls also allow users to deploy the camera arm and capture shots without touching the device. Beyond imaging, YOYO Auto Execution enables the system-level AI agent to understand user intent and execute complex, multi-step tasks across supported applications and system settings. Through its open Agent Skills interface, the Robot Phone enables third-party developers to create new experiences using its gimbal, perception and embodied-interaction capabilities.

Elite Flagship Performance and Premium Craftsmanship

Powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform, the Robot Phone delivers flagship performance for AI processing, imaging and multitasking. An advanced, custom-built cooling system seamlessly dissipates heat, ensuring the device maintains peak performance even during extended recording sessions. Meanwhile, the 7,060mAh Next Gen HONOR Silicon-carbon Battery supports all-day endurance, together with 120W Wired and 50W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge.

The HONOR Robot Phone features an Android-first all-metal integrated molding unibody. It features a stunning 6.31-inch LTPO OLED HONOR AI Eye Comfort Display protected by the HONOR NanoCrystal Shield. The screen supports adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rates and reaches an astonishing peak brightness of 6,800 nits. Advanced eye-comfort technologies, including 4320Hz PWM dimming, provide a comfortable viewing experience during extended use.

A Global Journey to Launch

The official HONOR Robot Phone launch event represents the culmination of a spectacular global journey. First showcased at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in March to critical acclaim, the device went on to captivate the film industry with stunning stabilized tracking shots at the Cannes Film Festival’s China Night and the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. Now beginning its commercial rollout, the Robot Phone is ready to democratize professional filmmaking for consumers worldwide.

THE House Committee on Energy has approved an unnumbered substitute bill establishing the Philippine Strategic Petroleum Reserve (PSPR) System, a government-owned petroleum reserve designed to protect the country from global supply disruptions, extreme oil price fluctuations, natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, and other national emergencies.

Party-list Rep. Arthur C. Yap of Murang Kuryente, Energy committee vice-chairperson, described the measure as an important step toward strengthening national energy security and protecting Filipino consumers.

The proposed reserve will be equivalent to 60 days of petroleum supply and will remain separate from the commercial inventories maintained by private oil companies. It will serve exclusively as a national buffer and may be released only during authorized emergencies – not for routine market intervention or the administrative fixing, capping, or control of fuel prices.

Under the measure approved on Tuesday, the Department of Energy (DOE) will lead the implementation of the PSPR, while the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) or its affiliates will serve as the principal operating arm. The framework covers the acquisition, storage, maintenance, rotation, and emergency release of petroleum stocks.

The bill also institutionalizes minimum inventory requirements for refiners and importers. These requirements will be implemented gradually and in a commercially feasible manner, allowing the DOE to consider the financial capacity and available resources of industry participants.

‘We need resilience without unnecessarily disrupting the industry. The bill takes a balanced approach: the government builds a strategic reserve for emergencies, while private refiners and importers maintain their own minimum inventories under a commercially feasible framework,’ Yap explained.

Public-private participation in developing reserve infrastructure will also be permitted through procurement, public-private partnerships, and other lawful arrangements. Private storage facilities may be used for the reserve through mutual agreements, fair market-based compensation, and commercially negotiated terms.

During an authorized emergency release, petroleum supplies will be prioritized for critical sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, public transportation, power generation, and national defense and security, depending on the severity and regional impact of the disruption.

Yap stressed that the country’s dependence on imported crude oil and petroleum products makes it particularly vulnerable to external shocks.

‘When geopolitical conflicts, natural disasters, or global market disruptions affect petroleum supply, the consequences extend beyond fuel prices. They affect transportation, agriculture, electricity, manufacturing, livelihoods, and the cost of basic goods,’ he said.

The measure includes safeguards for transparency and accountability. The DOE will be required to submit an annual report to Congress detailing reserve levels, storage capacity, expenditures, acquisition strategies, and emergency releases. Stakeholder consultations must also be conducted before major changes are made to inventory requirements and operational policies.

Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan has filed a resolution calling for a Senate investigation into the structural integrity, design, construction, implementation, and maintenance of flood control projects, while urging the development of a comprehensive national flood management plan.

Proposed Senate Resolution No. 592, filed on August 11, aims to develop an integrated and evidence-based national flood management plan after heavy monsoon rains and typhoons flooded Metro Manila and nearby provinces in recent weeks.

‘Ang flood control projects ay hindi lamang nasa papel at inaagiw sa mga opisina ng pamahalaan. Dapat itong ikinakasa nang wasto, nai-implementa nang tama, at napoproteksyunan ang mga Pilipino,’ he said.

‘At hindi rin sapat na may proyektong nakikita. Ang tanong ay kung tama ba ang proyekto? Tama ba ang disenyo? Maayos ba ang pagkakagawa at bahagi ba ito ng isang malinaw na plano para sa buong lugar? Kung kanya-kanya ang proyekto at walang kabuuang direksyon, baka imbes na solusyon, lalo pang lumala ang problema,’ he added.

In the resolution, the lawmaker pointed out that it’s not enough that the government is implementing various flood control projects, but that these projects must be planned and implemented with an integrated national flood management master plan in mind.

‘Again, walang kwenta ang mga flood control projects kung iba-iba ang sistema, proseso, at disenyo. Kailangan well-coordinated yan sa bawat bayan, munisipalidad, at siyudad. Hindi naman nalilimitahan ang tubig. Pupunta ‘yan kung saan may espasyo, kaya dapat ang ating flood control projects ay magkakarugtong,’ he explained.

Pangilinan also stressed in the resolution the need to strengthen transparency and accountability in the use of public funds for flood control projects, acknowledging ‘reports of alleged ghost, substandard, redundant, or improperly implemented’ flood control projects that are the subject of ongoing investigations.

The resolution seeks the development and adoption of an evidence-based National Flood Management Plan that will ‘provide a common framework for national and local flood control projects, river basin and watershed management, drainage and land use planning and other measures necessary to reduce flood risk and protect affected communities.’

Whoscall, the caller ID and anti-scam mobile app developed by Gogolook Philippines, convened its first Anti-Scam Community Meet-Up at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City, signaling a new era of collaboration between the public and private sectors in the fight against digital scams.

Held in strategic collaboration with Globe Telecom and ScamWatch Pilipinas, this initiative serves as a core component of Whoscall’s broader ‘Know the Unknown’ movement. The campaign is dedicated to empowering Filipinos with the tools to authenticate dubious URLs and proactively report fraudulent activities. By convening influential figures from the public sector, banking industry, and technology sphere, the meet-up tackled the urgent challenge of digital security in the Philippines, where the suspected scam rate of 4.1% continues to outpace international averages for the sixth year running.

Whoscall’s first anti-scam community meet-up aims to strengthen partnerships among stakeholders, increase knowledge sharing on scam trends and prevention strategies, generate actionable insights to improve Whoscall’s anti-scam solutions, and build an expanded community that promotes a safer digital environment for all Filipinos.

Strengthening digital trust through collaboration

Mel Migriño, Country Head and General Manager of Gogolook Philippines, described the meet-up as a trailblazing effort to unite diverse sectors in a shared mission.

‘This first Anti-Scam Community Meet-Up is a landmark moment. For the first time, we are enjoining government, private sector, and communities in one ecosystem to fight scams. Whoscall’s vision is to build a safer digital environment for Filipinos by expanding the anti-scam community, strengthening enterprise protection through innovative solutions, and supporting the government’s efforts against scams. Collaboration is the most powerful weapon against digital threats.’ Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, highlighted the GoSafe program as an important initiative for Globe’s customer protection. ‘The First Anti-Scam Community Meet-Up demonstrates how partnerships can empower communities and stakeholders to take control of their digital safety. Globe’s GoSafe program is designed to educate and protect customers through awareness campaigns, security features, and customer protection measures. By joining forces with Whoscall along with ScamWatch Pilipinas, we are extending our commitment to help Filipinos navigate the digital world safely and confidently.’

‘Scam awareness is not enough. Communities must not only understand how scams work but also be equipped with practical tools that allow them to fight back. This is why Whoscall is an important part of the Scam Watch Pilipinas Anti-Scam Quad Model. It gives people the power to identify suspicious calls and messages, prevent scams before they happen, report potential threats, and help protect others in the community. When people are informed, connected, and armed with the right technology, they become active defenders against scammers,’ Jocel De Guzman, Co-Founder of ScamWatch Pilipinas, emphasized the importance of collective action through the group’s Anti-Scam Quad Model.

Industry and government perspectives

The meet-up also featured insights from Derick Adil, Globe Head of AI and Privacy Governance, who presented GoSafe’s advanced security features; Meta’s Head of Public Policy, Gio Tingson, who outlined the platform’s detection technologies and user education initiatives; and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Director Paulo Ullado, who shared updates on the Philippines’ scam landscape and the upcoming National Anti-Scam Hub (NASH), a centralized initiative to strengthen inter-agency coordination, scam reporting, and response capabilities nationwide.

Building a nationwide anti-scam ecosystem

The event concluded with networking and community engagement sessions, enabling participants from government, private sector, financial institutions, technology companies, and advocacy groups to exchange ideas and explore future collaborations.

Migriño reaffirmed Whoscall’s mission: ‘We are protecting individuals, enterprises, and industries. Every partnership forged is a step toward a safer tomorrow, where trust in digital experiences fuels growth and innovation.’

Mobile users can download Whoscall via the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store for caller identification, scam detection, and other digital safety features. For more info, visit https://whoscall.com/en.

Alternative pop band embraces raw emotion, infectious energy, and a fresh musical direction with their latest release

After a string of well-loved releases, alternative pop band Madeline is back with a brand-new single, ‘Di Mapigilan,’ a vibrant and emotionally charged anthem that captures the exhilarating feeling of emotions that can no longer be contained.

Composed of vocalist and guitarist Madeline Ramboyong, lead guitarist RB Bandiola, bassist Jerome Faustino, and drummer Shan Regalado, the four-piece band continues to evolve while staying true to the heartfelt songwriting that has resonated with listeners through tracks such as Kaya Kong Mag-isa, Tinamaan, Hintay, ‘Di Bale Na Lang, Wala Na, Sayang, Sa Panaginip, Akin Ka, Kahit Sandali, and Kung Hindi Na Tayo.

A Song About Embracing Unstoppable Emotions

‘Di Mapigilan’ explores the overwhelming emotions that come with falling for someone, experiencing excitement, or pursuing a passion with complete honesty. Inspired by both personal experiences and a Korean drama that sparked the initial idea, the song blends relatable storytelling with an energetic, feel-good sound.

‘It’s all about those intense feelings na hindi mo na kayang itago or kontrolin, whether that’s falling for someone, excitement, or pure passion,’ shares vocalist Madeline Ramboyong.

‘Life is too short to hold back whatever you’re feeling.’

Bassist Jerome Faustino adds that the song encourages listeners to be honest about their emotions. ‘It’s really about realizing that it’s okay to express what you’re truly feeling.’

For lead guitarist RB Bandiola, the song serves as a reminder that every emotion deserves to be embraced. ‘It’s okay to be sad or happy and to let yourself love someone, even if it feels scary or unexpected.’

The title, ‘Di Mapigilan,’ perfectly captures the heart of the track. It reflects a moment when emotions become so genuine and overwhelming that holding them back is no longer possible.

A Brighter Sound for a Growing Band

While Madeline has built its identity around emotionally driven music, ‘Di Mapigilan’ introduces a brighter, funk-inspired sound with a faster pace and more playful lyricism.

The band considers the track a reflection of its artistic growth, balancing catchy melodies with emotional authenticity while creating a song audiences can sing along to and enjoy.

From the initial demo to the final recording, ‘Di Mapigilan’ went through months of jam sessions, preproduction, arrangement refinements, and studio work, allowing the song to evolve into its polished final form. ‘We didn’t rush the process,’ says Faustino. ‘We wanted everything to feel complete before releasing it.’

A Performance-Driven Music Video

To match the song’s high-energy vibe, Madeline chose to release its first-ever performance-focused music video, directed by Jeremy Jay Abaño and Charls Anthony Mangubat.

Instead of following a traditional narrative, the video highlights the band’s chemistry and live performance energy through dynamic visuals, creative camera work, and striking visual effects.

‘We felt that a standard storyline wouldn’t do justice to the song,’ Ramboyong explains. ‘We wanted viewers to experience the excitement and fun of performing it.’

The shoot required multiple takes and long hours to maintain the same level of energy throughout every performance, making it both physically demanding and incredibly rewarding.

‘Rather than telling a specific story, we let the performance become the story,’ says Bandiola.

Since its release, ‘Di Mapigilan’ has already begun connecting with listeners, with fans sharing that the song has become part of their driving playlists and keeping it on repeat.

For the band, hearing that listeners personally relate to the track remains the most meaningful feedback. ‘We hope people see themselves in the song,’ says Faustino. ‘Everyone experiences moments when they simply want to be honest about what they’re feeling.’

More Music on the Horizon

While ‘Di Mapigilan’ currently takes center stage, Madeline confirms that more music is already in development.

The band hopes to eventually release a full-length album, but for now remains focused on promoting the single through live performances, visual content, and upcoming releases.

Fans can also expect new material that explores different sides of Madeline’s sound while preserving the distinct musical identity that has become the band’s signature.

‘We’re continuously writing and creating new songs,’ says Ramboyong. ‘The next release will definitely showcase another side of our music-something fresh, but still unmistakably Madeline.’

With ‘Di Mapigilan,’ Madeline delivers a powerful reminder that the strongest emotions are often the ones worth embracing-and that sometimes, the best thing to do is simply let them flow.

‘Di Mapigilan’ is now available on major digital streaming platforms.

Follow Madeline on their official social media channels @madelinemusicph for updates on upcoming releases, live performances, and new content.

Some 630,000 children aged six months to five years in Central Visayas are being eyed for vaccination as health authorities and the Cebu Provincial Government intensify efforts to curb measles and rubella cases through a supplemental immunization campaign.

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH 7) and the Cebu Capitol are conducting the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) from August 10 to 28, covering eligible children in Cebu and Bohol.

In Cebu, the campaign is being implemented as ‘Ligtas Tigdas 2026,’ with vaccination activities extending from provincial and municipal health facilities to communities and barangays.

Dr. Faith Curaraton, DOH 7 Regional National Immunization Program medical coordinator, said the campaign is intended to give children additional protection against the two highly contagious diseases.

She emphasized that the vaccines are provided at no cost and are considered safe and effective.

‘It is free, it is safe, it is effective. Mao ra gyud na amoang mahatag sa mga bata para ma-protektahan sila,’ Curaraton said.

The provincial government is supporting the effort through the mobilization of its health personnel and facilities.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro earlier issued Executive Order No. 40, establishing the Provincial Immunization Task Force to improve coordination among agencies and local government units in carrying out the vaccination program.

Baricuatro said the campaign should be viewed beyond vaccination statistics, as every child immunized represents another family being protected from a preventable illness.

‘Every vaccination is not simply a number added to our accomplishment. Behind that number is a child we are protecting, a parent we are giving peace of mind, and a family we are helping keep safe,’ the governor said.

She added that Cebu should work toward ensuring that no child becomes seriously ill from a disease that can already be prevented through vaccination.

Provincial Health Officer Dr. Sheila Faciol said 16 provincial and district hospitals will be used as vaccination venues. Rural health units in the province’s cities and municipalities will, likewise, participate in the campaign. The Provincial Health Office will coordinate with DOH 7 and local health offices throughout the three-week activity to locate and vaccinate eligible children, including those in barangays.

Barangay health workers are also being enlisted to help identify children within the target age group and facilitate their registration for vaccination.

The intensified campaign follows a reported increase in measles and rubella infections nationwide. Based on DOH figures, cases rose by 32 percent in 2025 from the previous year, while 73 percent of reported cases were among unvaccinated children.

Measles and rubella, both commonly referred to as tigdas, spread easily through the air and can result in serious health complications. Severe measles infections can be fatal, while vaccination remains the primary preventive measure, as there is no specific medicine that cures measles.

Children infected with measles may develop fever, red or watery eyes, coughing, colds, skin rashes, and swollen lymph nodes, or lusay.

At the campaign’s regional launch at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall on August 10, eight babies were vaccinated. Baricuatro also took part in the activity by giving Vitamin A supplements to children.