Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (Opapru) has broken ground on P135 million worth of road projects in Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga and Apayao to improve access in conflict-affected communities.

Opapru said Saturday that Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento joined local officials in the three provinces on Sept. 28 and 29 for the groundbreaking of four projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program.

The projects include the P30-million Alsem-Tunuato Road Phase I in Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya; a P25-million road in Barangay Agbanawag in Tabuk City and the P40-million Awichon, Dangoy-Upper Uma Road Phase II in Lubuagan, both in Kalinga; and a P40-million farm-to-market road serving Talifugo and Ili in Conner, Apayao.

Pamana funds development projects in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities.

Opapru said the projects would improve the transport of agricultural products and residents’ access to markets and basic services.

In Quezon, Mayor Anabelle Mae Binwag said farmers have difficulty traveling during the rainy season.

‘When the road is improved, it will be easier to bring our products to market,’ Binwag said.

Sarmiento also cited Nueva Vizcaya’s inclusion of former rebels in its Provincial Development Council, allowing them to take part in the province’s development planning.

In Kalinga, Lubuagan Mayor Joel Tagaotao said the road project in his municipality would improve mobility and access to jobs, businesses, schools and health services, aside from making it easier to transport agricultural products.

In Apayao, Conner Mayor Jorico Bayaua said residents of Talifugo and Ili have also faced difficulty traveling during heavy rains.

Sarmiento said infrastructure spending under the government’s peace and development efforts should translate into improvements in people’s lives.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has once again declared Quezon province free of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

This situation comes following the implementation of disease control measures and subsequent negative test results.

The provincial government’s Public Information Office (PIO) reported that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel issued the declaration pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 45 on Sept. 24.

The circular officially recognizes Quezon as an avian influenza-free province.

‘The declaration is significant in ensuring the continued safe and orderly production and trade of poultry and poultry products in the province,’ the PIO said in an advisory on Thursday, Oct. 1.

‘It also highlights the sustained implementation of disease surveillance, biosecurity measures, and other programs aimed at maintaining the health of livestock and protecting the livelihoods of poultry raisers,’ it added.

Quezon recorded avian influenza cases in the towns of Lucban and Sampaloc in February and March this year, according to the DA.

Following the depopulation of affected poultry, cleaning and disinfection, imposition of movement restrictions, and continued disease monitoring and surveillance, subsequent confirmatory tests yielded negative results.

Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease that naturally circulates among wild birds, particularly aquatic species such as ducks, geese and gulls.

While many wild birds can carry the virus without showing symptoms, certain strains can cause severe outbreaks in domestic poultry and, in rare instances, infect humans.

Jessica Sanchez was announced as one of the new inductees into the Asian Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Blackpink’s Rosé and Emmy Award-winning personalities Simran Baidwan and Frank Buckley.

Sanchez is being honored for her victory as the reality talent competition ‘America’s Got Talent’ season 20 champion.

‘During times of worldwide conflict, Asian Hall of Fame serves as a beacon of cross-cultural collaboration and interracial synergy. Class of 2026 Inductees and Goodwill Ambassadors are role models whose endearing legacies advance culture, commerce, and community for generations to come,’ said Maki Hsieh, president and CEO of Asian Hall of Fame, in a press release.

The induction ceremony will be held in Los Angeles, California, on Nov. 5, with prior honorees including Fiona Ma, William Wang and Lee Soo-man presenting the incoming inductees.

Here’s the complete list of the 2026 inductees and medalists:

Inductees

Dave Lu, Managing Partner, Hyphen Capital

Dr. Charles Huang, Founder and Chairman, Pasaca Capital Inc.

Frank Buckley, Emmy Award-Winning KTLA 5 Anchor

Jessica Sanchez, 2025 Winner, America’s Got Talent

Jerry and Charlene Lee, Philanthropists

Kitty Lo, Chair, MHG

Lisa Lu, Cinema Trailblazer

Maggie Tseng, Founder and CEO, TAO

Rose, K-Pop Icon (BLACKPINK)

Simran Baidwan, Emmy Award-Winning Executive Producer

Din Tai Fung, Global Family Legacy Inductee

TSMC, Corporate Tech Inductee

Dennis Quaid, Goodwill Ambassador

Robert Vargas, Goodwill Ambassador

Advocacy Prize to LAPD Detective Sharon Kim

Class of 2026 Medalists

Hideo Nomo, Hall of Fame Sports Pioneer Inductee

Miky Lee, Centennial Medal of Lifetime Achievement

Sophie Chang, Humanitarian Service Medal of Honor

Heritage Excellence Medal to Lynn and Steve Valbuena, Rich Le Roy, Sabrina Castaneda

Police uprooted and burned about 2,500 marijuana seedlings worth P100,000 during an eradication operation in Bakun, Benguet, on Wednesday.

The operation was conducted in Sitio Lubban, Barangay Kayapa, by personnel from the Bakun Municipal Police Station, Benguet Provincial Mobile Force Company, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Regional Intelligence Division and Regional Intelligence Unit-14, with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Cordillera.

The plantation was discovered during continuing operations against illegal marijuana cultivation in the region, police said.

Authorities are investigating to identify those behind the plantation and determine whether other marijuana-growing sites are operating nearby.

The search is on for the new batch of Galaxy trailblazers as Samsung opens the applications for the Galaxy Campus Batch 4, its flagship student ambassador program for bold, driven college students ready to develop their voice, strengthen their influence, and discover what they can achieve beyond the feed.

Extended until October 4, 2026, current college students from any Philippine college or university can submit their applications for a chance to be part of the 50 new Galaxy Campus student ambassadors.

What’s in it for the Batch 4 of Galaxy Campus?

More than just a student program, the Galaxy Campus Batch 4 serves as the launchpad for the next generation of tech-driven leaders, storytellers, and changemakers. This program offers relevant skill-building activities and exclusive access to Samsung events and early hands-on experiences with the latest Galaxy devices.

Designed to bridge student creativity with industry excellence, Galaxy Campus offers comprehensive training in content creation, digital marketing, and strategic leadership. Student ambassadors gain hands-on experience through exclusive workshops, innovative brand challenges, and direct mentorship from top tech and creative professionals.

Some of the exciting things that the Galaxy Campus Batch 3 student ambassadors did were going through different universities with the Galaxy Campus Club to showcase Galaxy devices and introduce the Samsung Education Store among their peers. They also participated in meaningful activities like A Galaxy of Giving where they collaborated with the students of Philippine School for the Deaf to design tables and chairs for the school.

How to apply

If you are a college student in the Philippines with at least one academic year left, demonstrate leadership, are willing to create content and join affiliate marketing, and maintain good academic and disciplinary standing, then you might be one of the next Galaxy Campus Student Ambassadors!

You can join by following the mechanics below:

Prepare: Gather your requirements and get ready to stand out.

Commuters in Eastern Visayas will pay higher fares for public utility vehicles following the approval of a fare increase aimed at helping drivers and operators cope with rising fuel and operating costs.

For traditional public utility jeepneys, the minimum fare has increased from P13 to P14 for the first four kilometers, with an additional P0.20 for every succeeding kilometer.

For modern public utility jeepneys, the minimum fare is now P17 for the first four kilometers, up from P15, with an additional P0.20 for every succeeding kilometer.

Fares for public utility buses and minibuses have also increased by P1.00 for the first four kilometers, with an additional P0.20 for every succeeding kilometer.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Eastern Visayas (LTFRB-8) said the adjustment, which implemented by the sector this week, would provide some relief to transport operators and drivers who have been dealing with higher fuel prices and other operating expenses.

LTFRB-8 Regional Director Gualberto Gualberto said the fare increase was timely given the continuing volatility of fuel prices.

‘Government support can only go so far. With volatile fuel prices, we see this fare hike as very timely. I am sure our commuters would also understand,’ Gualberto said in a media interview.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier approved the recommendation to increase public utility vehicle fares, citing rising operating costs and the need to keep public transportation services viable.

The fare adjustment covers traditional and modern jeepneys, as well as public utility buses and minibuses. The DOTr approval supports the fare adjustment earlier approved by the LTFRB, along with provisional fare adjustments for UV Express and taxi services while their respective petitions are being resolved.

Transport groups in Leyte welcomed the fare increase, saying the adjustment would help them cope with the continuing rise in fuel and other operating expenses.

Operators from the Leyte-based CATADOTCO, TACATRANSCO and RELTRANSCO said the higher fares would provide additional income for drivers and operators whose earnings have been squeezed by increasing costs.

‘This is a big help to us drivers and operators. Since fuel prices started increasing, they have never really returned to their previous levels. Fortunately, the government provided assistance before this fare increase, which has also helped us,’ said CATADOTCO chairperson Andres Castro.

RELTRANSCO head Michael Camiller also expressed appreciation for the approval of the fare adjustment.

‘We are very grateful that, finally, our request was heard,’ Camiller said.

Transport groups said the additional income could help offset the daily expenses of operating public utility vehicles, including fuel, maintenance and other costs.

The fare increase, however, also means an additional expense for commuters who rely on public transportation for their daily travel to work, school and other activities.

Transport groups acknowledged the need to balance the financial sustainability of public transportation operations with the ability of commuters to afford higher fares.

The fare adjustment comes as the national government implements measures to cushion consumers and transport workers from the effects of higher oil prices.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the temporary suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene as part of government efforts to ease the impact of increasing oil prices on consumers.

For the transport sector, however, fuel remains one of the largest recurring expenses in keeping public utility vehicles on the road.

Gualberto said government assistance could help, but fare adjustments remain necessary when operating costs continue to rise.

The LTFRB-8 reminded operators to strictly follow the approved fare rates and comply with existing regulations in implementing the increase.

Ateneo overcame a slow start and a 17-point deficit to beat National University, 87-76, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at Philsports Arena on Saturday.

Kieffer Alas came through down the stretch to finish with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals as the Blue Eagles improved to 3-1.

He scored seven points in a decisive 12-4 pullaway that pushed Ateneo’s lead to 82-74 with 1:07 to go, after the Blue Eagles rallied to tie the game at 70-all midway through the fourth quarter.

‘Talagang makapal ang mukha,’ said Ateneo coach Louie Alas in jest, pertaining to his son. ‘Kidding aside, I told him that as long as it’s not bad shots, as long as you’re free, go. That’s his role, to score.’

Alas and the Blue Eagles were able to get back in the game despite the Bulldogs’ 9-0 start that soon ballooned to a 24-15 lead after the first quarter.

NU stretched its advantage to its biggest at 36-19 in the second quarter, but still dropped to 2-2.

Andrew Bongo added 16 points for Ateneo while the duo of Shawn Tuano and Travis Roberts turned in 14 points each.

Tebol Garcia paced the Bulldogs, who had their two-game winning streak snapped, with 18 points. Reinhard Jumamoy added 15 and Paul Francisco 14.

The delegates of the 2026 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant continue to prepare for the upcoming competition, learning how to speak with confidence through another learning session.

Toastmasters International (Philippines) conducted a session called ‘Voice of Beauty,’ which the pageant said would sharpen the participants’ ‘public speaking, communication, and leadership skills while building confidence and finding their voices.’

The activity also chose the ‘Circle of 5 Speakers,’ which included the Philippines’ Gabrielle Galapia, Cambodia’s Ry Srey Neth, Colombia’s Maria Valentina Alzate, South Africa’s Nompumelelo Malindi and Guam’s Cyndal Abad.

Galapia’s inclusion among the best speakers of the batch came as no surprise to those who have been following her pageant journey. She topped the ‘Head-to-Head’ competition of the 2026 Miss World Philippines pageant, a pre-final contest with different rounds wherein the candidates spoke their mind and answered tough questions.

The Filipino bet, who was proclaimed ‘Second Princess’ at the national pageant, had earlier topped the poll among members of the media and was proclaimed Miss Asia Pacific International ‘Darling of the Press.’ She also finished second in the National Costume Competition.

The international pageant organization extended its gratitude to Toastmasters International (Philippines) for the ‘meaningful session empowering women to speak with confidence, lead with purpose, and inspire beyond the stage.’ The ‘Voice of Beauty’ session was held in Cebu City on Friday, Oct. 2.

Before sharpening their public speaking skills, the 38 delegates had earlier worked on their stage presentation performance through a ‘pasarela’ (pageant walk) workshop with Cebu-based coach Antonio Gonzales of Muse Philippines. They also ‘found their balance’ and enjoyed a time for wellness through a yoga session.

The 2026 Miss Asia Pacific International Grand Coronation Night will be held at Mactan Expo in Cebu City on Oct. 10. Reigning queen Isabela Fernandes from Brazil will crown her successor at the end of the competition.

Transport and commuters’ groups are urging six Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) to delay or clarify the return of the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) on Oct. 5, citing concerns over implementation, due process and added costs for motorists.

The policy will cover Manila, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Quezon City, San Juan and Valenzuela.

Transport group Manibela urged the LGUs to defer implementation, citing high fuel prices and rising costs of goods and services.

‘We are calling on all local government units (LGUs) implementing the NCAP to temporarily suspend its enforcement due to the ongoing oil crisis, with fuel prices remaining high,’ Manibela said in a statement.

‘This is on top of the rising cost of goods and services, which is already placing a burden on motorists and the public,’ it added.

Manibela also called for public consultations on how motorists, particularly public utility vehicle drivers, would be apprehended and how violations would be adjudicated.

The group questioned the possible involvement of private contractors and whether LGUs would impose higher penalties to recover the cost of NCAP equipment.

NCAP uses CCTV and digital camera footage to identify traffic violators, with citation tickets sent to vehicle owners.

The Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) likewise urged LGUs to consult stakeholders before implementing their respective NCAP systems.

LCSP questioned how the local systems would fit into the uniform traffic-enforcement framework under the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) already implementing NCAP.

The group also raised concerns over due process and the possible involvement of private contractors in operating the systems.

‘LGUs should first clarify whether the NCAP they are implementing involves a private contract provider that will earn from the fines paid by motorists,’ LCSP said.

LCSP president Ariel Inton said NCAP could be ‘doing more harm than good’ if its rules and enforcement framework remained unclear.

‘We will implement something without fixing the framework of the rules. There are so many roads under construction, and experiencing floods right now, this is not the time to add hardships to our drivers,’ Inton told the Inquirer.

The Supreme Court recently dismissed petitions challenging NCAP ordinances, saying the issues had become moot following the adoption of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023.

The court clarified, however, that the dismissal did not rule on the validity of the challenged NCAP issuances and that future challenges could be filed if the revised system gives rise to an actual controversy.

Manibela said stakeholder consultations were needed before NCAP enforcement resumes.

A drug den was dismantled in Midsayap, Cotabato, with three high-value targets arrested and two fragmentation grenades and P47,000 worth of shabu recovered, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.

The operation was conducted at 1:45 p.m. Friday in Barangay Upper Labas by the PDEA-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM).

Eugene Morcilla, PDEA provincial officer for the BARMM Special Geographic Area, said the suspects, identified only by their aliases ‘Tammy,’ ‘Vern’ and ‘Roel,’ had been under surveillance for more than a month.

PDEA-BARMM Regional Director George Paul Alcovindas said the operation disrupted an illegal drug network operating in the area.

Four other suspects eluded arrest, Morcilla said.

The three suspects are detained at the PDEA-BARMM facility in Cotabato City and face charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.