Category: Philippine Star

The Cebu City Youth Development Office (CCYDO) and two of its Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils-Barangay Tisa and Barangay Lorega-San Miguel-were among the honorees in the 5th Philippine Sangguniang Kabataan Awards (PSKA) held recently in Manila.

For the third consecutive year, the CCYDO was recognized as one of the Most Outstanding Local Youth Development Offices (LYDOs) in the Philippines.

The award, conferred by the Positive Youth Development Network, the Youth Work Research and Training Center, and the National Youth Commission (NYC), affirms the office’s sustained commitment to inclusive, participatory, and sustainable youth development.

The recognition, CCYDO said, reflects a deeply rooted culture of bayanihan and inter-agency collaboration that empowers young Cebuanos to lead, serve, and shape their communities.

Barangay Tisa’s SK Council was also named among the Most Outstanding SK Projects in the country under the Governance Category for its flagship initiative, the Tisa Youth Development Council (TYDC).

The project exemplifies transparent leadership, youth-led policy initiatives, and consistent civic engagement. TYDC, the group said, stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when young leaders unite with a shared vision to empower, educate, and uplift their peers.

‘This national distinction is a milestone for every Tisaanon youth who continues to dream big, take action, and work hand in hand for positive change,’ the council said.

Meanwhile, Barangay Lorega-San Miguel’s SK Council was recognized under the Environment and Agriculture Category for its twin initiatives-the Lorega Microfarm and Lorega Bazaar-also named among the Most Outstanding SK Projects in the Philippines.

What began as a simple vision to build a greener, more sustainable Lorega has grown into a movement of hope, unity, and transformation.

The Microfarm, nurtured by the barangay’s Eco-Warrior Youth, has become a living classroom for sustainable farming, environmental stewardship, and youth-led innovation.

The project was made possible through the support of mentors, barangay officials, and partners such as Kids Who Farm of Zamboanga and Visayan Electric Company, along with guidance from Barangay Captain Nilo Andrin Dela Cerna, Mayor Nestor Archival, and SK Federation President Rhea Mae Jakosalem.

Through this project, Lorega’s youth have cultivated not only crops but also leadership, resilience, and community pride.

South District Representative Edu Rama lauded the achievements of both SK councils, calling it a proud moment for Cebu City’s 2nd District.

He said the awards highlight the strength, creativity, and dedication of Cebu’s youth-and that true progress begins and endures through young leaders who serve with heart and purpose.

‘Kini nga mga pasidungog nagpamatuod nga lig-on, mamugnaon, ug kugihan ang atong kabatan-onan. Nagpakita usab kini nga ang tinuod nga kalamboan magsugod ug magpadayon pinaagi sa atong mga kabatan-onan nga manguna usab uban ang ilang tinguha ug kasingkasing sa pagpanerbisyo,’ Rama said.

Following reports of eruptions and earthquakes in Taal and Kanlaon Volcanoes, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged residents in nearby communities to be always on alert and for town or city governments to activate their disaster councils.

‘Local government units are directed to activate their disaster risk reduction and management councils, preposition emergency supplies and ensure the readiness and safety of evacuation centers,’ the DILG said yesterday.

The DILG also urged local executives to continuously coordinate with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, as it stressed the importance of following verified advisories from Phivolcs.

In a separate advisory, the DILG directed local chief executives in Batangas and Cavite to implement critical preparedness measures ‘as Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, following two minor phreatomagmatic eruptions at its main crater on Oct. 26.’

Local governments in those areas are directed to ‘strictly prohibit entry’ into Taal’s main crater and Daang Kastila fissure, prepare for potential increases in volcanic sulfur dioxide and enforce proper health measures to protect residents.

‘The public is urged to observe health precautions such as wearing N95 masks, avoiding eye contact with ash particles and staying hydrated. Households are encouraged to keep ready the emergency go bags containing water, food, protective equipment, clothing, first aid kits and essential medicines,’ the DILG said.

Filipino pride Miguel Tabuena recently ruled the first-ever International Series Philippines (ISP) presented by BingoPlus, the flagship brand of leading digital entertainment company DigiPlus.

The successful staging of the international golf tournament has positioned the country as a premier world-class golf destination.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the country’s premier digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, recently marked a new milestone after successfully bringing in the first-ever world-renowned golf tournament, placing the country as a premier world-class golf destination.

Presented by DigiPlus’ flagship brand, BingoPlus, ISP, held from October 23-26 at Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club, marked the first time the country hosted the global tournament and was participated by world-renowned sports personalities including golf star players Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel, Dustin Johnson, and Filipino pride Tabuena.

‘DigiPlus is honored to have championed the inaugural International Series Philippines. The event proved that the Philippines is ready to shine as a premier global sporting destination, showcasing both our world-class talent and our renowned Filipino hospitality,’ said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco.

‘The International Series Philippines marked a major milestone – not only in global and local golf history but also for the entire Philippine sports community.’

Tanco added that the company’s goal was to help position the Philippines on the world stage as a hub for world-class sporting events while inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes.

‘By hosting an event of this caliber, we have shown that the Philippines can proudly stand alongside other global sporting destinations, sharing our nation’s warmth, talent, and spirit with the world,’ he said.

The ISP was a week-long celebration that blended elite sports with high-energy entertainment from October 21-26. Highlights included pre-event mall tours, press conferences, a gala night, and the culminating music festival, “Swing for the Filipino Sports Dream’.

Held at the Aseana City Concert Grounds, the music festival was top-billed by Norwegian DJ and EDM superstar Alan Walker and Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.Ap, alongside Filipino icons Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Sandwich, LILY, Urbandub, Kiara, and dance groups A-Team and UPeepz.

The ISP will be shown via delayed telecast on GTV, BingoPlus social media pages, and partnered media Facebook pages on October 31 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.. GMA7 will also broadcast the concert on November 2 starting at 10 a.m.

Angelo Que, Keanu Jahns and Clyde Mondilla headline the crack field in the P3.5 million ICTSI South Pacific Golf Classic that unwraps today.

Also in the mix is the in-form Fidel Concepcion, who’s soaring high following his breakthrough win at Apo last Friday.

The Philippine Golf Tour event serves as the penultimate stop of the 10-leg circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

In the ladies side, Chanelle Avaricio enters the P1 million championship as the clear favorite as she seeks back-to-back titles and a third overall – after Forest Hills and Apo.

Hot on Avaricio’s trail is Mafy Singson, the Eagle Ridge playoff champion, who finished runner-up at Apo after rebounding with a closing 68.

Also expected to make their presence felt are Princess Superal and Sarah Ababa.

Every year stroke affects an estimated half a million Filipinos, claiming the lives of over 87,000, making it the second leading cause of death in the Philippines.

In response to this crisis, Mary Mediatrix Medical Center (MMMC), a tertiary hospital in Lipa, Batangas, has launched its Institute for Clinical Neurosciences to help ease the burden for patients in Southern Luzon.

The institute’s head Dr. Edna Cuasay said the new Center for Excellence provides neurology expertise to treat stroke and other brain diseases.

“At the same time, it is bringing in advanced equipment like MRI machines, CT Scans, neuro-microscope for neurological procedures, EMG-NCV machines, EEGs; and an epilepsy monitoring unit,” Dr. Cuasay added.

The Institute for Clinical Neurosciences is intended to address the shortage of neurologists in Batangas and nearby provinces as well as provide advanced, high-tech diagnostic and treatment services, and research to add to the knowledge resources for brain diseases in the country.

Dr. Cuasay noted that venues for training neurologists were concentrated in Metro Manila, “However, thanks to the efforts of both government and tertiary hospitals, we are expanding these training facilities outside the capital region.”

According to Dr. Cuasay there are two types of stroke: an ischemic stroke where a blood clot blocks a brain blood vessel, and a hemorrhagic stroke where a brain vessel bursts and bleeds.

“Here in MMMC, we have full services to perform procedures that treat both stroke types,” she explained. “Whether that calls for a thrombolysis that can reverse the stroke, or removing the blood clot through thrombectomy or the basket method.”

The doctor said that stroke is the number one cause of disability in the Philippines and in Batangas, underscoring the crucial importance of responding as quickly as possible in cases of disabling, potentially fatal diseases like stroke.

“Time is the most important factor not only in saving a patient’s life but also in helping a patient recover and restore quality of life,” Dr. Cuasay noted. “When responders, whether emergency personnel, doctors, or loved ones, save time in accessing treatment for a patient, they are saving lives.”

Through the new Institute for Clinical Neurosciences of MMMC, patients in Southern Tagalog, and even as far as Quezon or Bicol can now access advanced, effective treatment for stroke and other brain conditions faster.

Those disabled by stroke will have a greater chance to recover mobility and restore physical and mental functions through medical treatment and therapy.

Police arrested a Chinese for illegal possession of firearms during a raid on his rented house in Barangay Talon-Talon here on Sunday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said.

The CIDG said operatives arrested Wang Xidong, 27, during the enforcement of a search warrant under the OPLAN Paglalansag Omega – a police operation plan against private armed groups and loose firearms.

Police recovered a caliber .45 pistol and a 9mm pistol, both loaded with bullets.

Wang told journalists that the guns were for his security as he oversees the business of his sister.

However, investigators said Wang was among those present during a raid on an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator at a condominium unit in Pasay City.

As value mobile brand TNT continues its year-long Anibersaya 25, a carinderia vendor and mother of three from Siargao emerged as the grand winner of a Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw, proving that small acts like loading your favorite TNT promo can lead to life-changing surprises.

Gloryjean B. Acido, 30, of Daku Island, Siargao, recalled that she simply loaded TNT Saya All 99 and joined the raffle on a whim. Little did she know that her entry would make her one of TNT’s biggest winners this year.

‘Naghahalong saya at kaba,’ she said, describing her emotions upon learning that she had won the brand-new vehicle.

A longtime TNT subscriber of five years, Acido also manages a small loading business on the side. She shared that the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw will go a long way in supporting their family livelihood.

‘Malaking tulong po ito lalo na sa asawa ko dahil siya po construction worker. Magagamit po ang sasakyan para sa mga materyales,’ she shared.

Throughout its Anibersaya 25 campaign, TNT, the country’s biggest mobile brand, has shown appreciation to its subscribers through exciting prizes such as smartphones, watches, and cash. On the same day as the grand draw, TNT also awarded another major prize-a one-year supply of load to twenty-five lucky subscribers.

‘Our Anibersaya 25 Raffle Promo is our way of celebrating this milestone year with our Ka-Tropas across the country. Their continued loyalty and support inspire us to stay true to our mission of bringing saya to more Filipinos through value-packed offers and a superior mobile experience,’ said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP at Smart, parent company of TNT.

To bring more ‘saya’ to Ka-Tropas nationwide, TNT is ushering the holiday season with its Surepresa Promo, which gives subscribers a chance to win up to P2.5 million cash and other prizes.

With TNT Surepresa, subscribers who load up with select TNT promos can earn raffle entries to win P25,000 weekly for Week 1 to 8, P100,000 in Week 9, P500,000 in Week 10, P1 million in Week 11, and a grand prize of P2.5 million in the final draw.

To join, simply text SUREPRESA to 5858. The bigger the load, the more tokens and raffle entries earned – giving subscribers more chances to win life-changing cash rewards.

In 2016, Adolfo Rosal started his journey as a loan consultant, driven not by comfort but by the hope of giving his family a better life. Back then, he and his loved ones were renting a small home, working hard every day and holding on to their faith in God.

Nearly a decade later, Adolfo’s story stands as a powerful reminder that anything is possible when you stay dedicated and believe in what you do. Through his partnership with Global Dominion, and by living with the same values that guided him from the start ‘sipag, tiyaga at pananalig sa Diyos,’ he turned his once simple dreams into remarkable milestones.

From being a renter, Adolfo is now a proud homeowner of three houses, owns more than two vehicles, and has provided his family with a life of comfort and security. He has also fulfilled another dream, sending his child to one of the top private schools in their area. Beyond his personal achievements, Adolfo has already helped more than 500 clients throughout his journey as a loan consultant, fulfilling their dreams of owning cars and homes while also assisting many of them in expanding their businesses through Global Dominion’s financing solutions. His dedication and consistency have made him one of the most trusted loan consultants in his area and a proud member of Global Dominion’s growing community of successful Ka-Partners.

Of course, Adolfo’s success didn’t come easily. He faced financial challenges, long days of client visits and moments of doubt, but he never gave up. Each obstacle became a stepping stone that strengthened his determination to move forward.

Today, Adolfo continues to serve as a bridge between clients and Global Dominion, connecting people to opportunities that can change their lives. What makes his story even more inspiring is that his child now walks the same path, proudly joining him as a fellow Loan Consultant, a true symbol of legacy, faith and shared success.

Proof that great things happen with hard work, courage and faith, Adolfo Rosal’s journey is a story of transformation and hope. He turned struggles into success and perseverance into progress. With determination and the right partner, #PwedePala. Adolfo and Global Dominion continue to inspire others to believe that growth is always possible. Together, we rise. #KaPartnerMoSaPagAngat.

Kapuso actress Rita Daniela dedicated her win against Archie Alemania to all the victims of abuse like her.

In a decision penned last October 24, the Bacoor Municipal Trial Court convicted Archie of acts of lasciviousness in a complaint filed by Rita last year.

The court sentenced Archie to an indeterminate prison term of one month and one day to one year and one day, and was also ordered to pay Rita a total of P40,000 in civil indemnity and moral damages for the psychological harm caused, with 6% annual interest until fully paid.

On her Instagram account, Rita expressed elation for the legal win by posting an art card thanking the Lord.

“The justice I received today is not just for me. This is also for all the women and men who were abused, harassed, and molested that didn’t have the voice and platform to fight for their own rights,” Rita wrote on the card’s text.

“So, I am celebrating with justice with you. Today, we all won. We won. God loves us,” Rita ended.

The case stems from allegations by Rita that an intoxicated Archie inappropriately touched her, hugged her, and forced a kiss without consent during a car ride home.

The court cited messages submitted by Rita, where Archie apologized for the incident, constituted an admission of guilt and showed that the actor had voluntarily acknowledged his inappropriate conduct.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, is pushing for more public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop large-scale infrastructure projects such as water supply.

PPPs, which involve collaboration between government and private entities to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain infrastructure, are seen as key to addressing the water needs of rapidly growing regions like Cebu.

‘Solving Cebu’s water challenges cannot be done overnight. This requires a multi-pronged approach involving both medium- and long-term solutions,’ said AIC vice president and head of water Eduardo Aboitiz in his speech during the recent Cebu Water Summit held at bai Hotel, Mandaue City, Cebu.

As Cebu’s economy continues to grow, AIC emphasized the importance of enhancing water availability and reliability through sustainable infrastructure solutions.

AIC Water explained that PPPs combine the innovation and investment from the private sector, and accountability and oversight from the government.

The company also expressed its openness to explore potential partnerships with local governments in Cebu to address the water situation.

‘We Cebuanos, in the government, academe and private sector, have one clear choice: work together to secure our water future. Because when we do, we have a greater chance of succeeding,’ Aboitiz said.

According to AIC Water, an example of its successful PPP is Apo Agua – a partnership between AIC Water and the Davao City Water District (DCWD). Since starting commercial operations in February 2024, Apo Agua now supplies 70 percent of DCWD’s water requirements, resulting in 24/7 water availability for 96 percent of customers, and improving the quality of life for Davaoeños.

AIC Water said it envisions replicating the success of Apo Agua in Cebu in the future.