Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora led the distribution on Monday of version 2 of the Makabagong San Juan customized rubber shoes and physical education uniforms to 13,000 kindergarten-to-grade-12 public school students at the Makabagong San Juan Theater.

According to a statement from his office, the distribution was part of the city’s comprehensive educational assistance to support San Juan students, aimed at reducing the financial burden on their families while ensuring that they have the resources they need to focus on their studies.

Zamora was joined by his son, Special Assistant to the Mayor Rocco Zamora; Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili; and city councilors.

Mayor Francis Zamora ties a student’s shoe. -Photo from his office.

The new rubber shoes and PE uniforms replaced those previously provided by the city to continuing K-12 students, while newly enrolled students also received their own sets.

Beyond school necessities, the city government also provides financial incentives to honor students and graduating students moving up from Grades 6, 10, and 12.

Another student receives a pair of new shoes from San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora. -Photo from Zamora’s office

Students who distinguished themselves by winning regional, national, and international academic and sports competitions also received financial incentives in recognition of their achievements. All families of public school students are also provided financial assistance for educational expenses.

Public school teachers also received their own laptops and financial incentives.

The Makabagong San Juan Theater fills up with students who received new rubber shoes and PE uniforms from Mayor Francis Zamora. -Photo from Zamora’s office

Zamora has consistently identified education as one of his administration’s foremost governance priorities.

The results of the city’s sustained investments in education were already evident. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS), released in 2025, San Juan registered a functional literacy rate of 95 percent, ranking No. 1 among all highly urbanized cities in the Philippines

In-person classes have been suspended in some areas for Wednesday, Aug. 26, due to inclement weather brought by the southwest monsoon.

Here are the areas where classes have been suspended:

Pampanga

Macabebe – no face-to-face classes (public and private); shift to alternative modes of learning

San Simon – no face-to-face classes (public and private); shift to alternative modes of learning; until Aug. 28

Santo Tomas – no face-to-face classes (public and private); shift to alternative modes of learning; until Aug. 28

Benguet

Kibungan – no face-to-face classes (preschool to senior high school) until Aug. 27.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration said in a weather advisory that the southwest monsoon will affect parts of Luzon in the next few days

Lea Salonga has defended her decision to unfollow BTS members RM and J-Hope following their attendance at a Chris Brown concert, saying the move was made for her own well-being and not as a punishment against the K-pop stars.

Salonga, who has been long vocal about her admiration for BTS, addressed the issue during her ‘Ask Miss Lea’ session on Threads on Tuesday, Aug. 25, after a netizen asked whether her views had changed about RM and J-Hope’s appearance at Brown’s concert.

‘First off, my being a fan can be equated to a single grain of sand on a massive beach,’ Salonga said. ‘Whatever my actions are won’t affect anyone, except maybe cause consternation in the minds of other fans, which I do expect and accept responsibility for.’

‘Yes I did unfollow, but I did it for my own sake,’ she added. ‘It’s not meant to be punitive to either of them, at all.’

Salonga explained that she decided to distance herself from the BTS members after realizing that the controversy was affecting her emotionally.

‘But I recognized that I was waking up sad and/or upset, or find myself way too affected. This was unhealthy so I took a step back, for me,’ she expressed.

The Broadway star also acknowledged that RM and J-Hope are autonomous individuals who can make their own decisions, just as she has the right to make her own.

‘As many fans have rightly pointed out, we are owed nothing really. They are autonomous human beings, but so am I, and whatever decisions I make are mine alone,’ Salonga explained.

‘If I hurt anyone in the aftermath, that isn’t my intention but I’m sorry if I hurt you nonetheless,’ she continued.

Despite unfollowing the two BTS members, Salonga made it clear that her affection for the group and the role their music played in her life remain.

‘I am still so grateful for the typhoon they created in my life when they arrived in 2020. I was navigating my marriage ending, raising a teenager, and a global pandemic (not to mention the occasional death threat due to politics). They saved my sanity when I needed saving. I’ll never forget that,’ she said.

Salonga was also asked how difficult it was for her to ‘give Joon and Hobi grace,’ referring to RM’s real name, Kim Nam-joon, and J-Hope’s real name, Jung Ho-seok.

‘Right now, it’s not about giving them grace or not, but rather giving myself the space to stop being upset,’ she replied.

‘I’m giving them as much grace as I can. As I’ve said, this isn’t punitive, I’m not doing this to punish them. This is a step to take in order for me to be able to enjoy the music again, and I will get there eventually. I hope you understand,’ concluded the Filipina actress-singer.

RM and J-Hope have faced criticism from some fans since attending Brown’s co-headlining concert with Usher at Rogers Stadium in Toronto on Aug. 12.

J-Hope later shared photos and videos from the concert on social media, while Brown posted a backstage photo of himself with RM and J-Hope.

The images prompted backlash from fans who questioned the BTS members’ decision to publicly associate with Brown, whose career has been marred by legal controversies and allegations involving violence.

Brown pleaded guilty in 2009 to assaulting his then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna, and has faced other allegations and legal cases involving violence.

The controversy also prompted The Pixel Project, a nonprofit organization focused on ending violence against women, to indefinitely suspend RM from its list of ’16 Male Role Models Helping to Stop Violence Against Women.’

The organization said it had waited for RM to publicly address the controversy before taking action, while noting that being a role model does not require perfection.

‘We have never expected any male role model (including RM) to be perfect. Everyone is human after all,’ The Pixel Project said in a public statement.

‘But being a decent human being also means being accountable when your choices hurt other people,’ it added.

The organization said RM and J-Hope’s decision to pose with Brown was ‘at best, careless about the wider damaging impact’ of publicly associating with him.

Some fans have defended the BTS members, arguing that attending a concert or taking a photograph with another artist does not necessarily mean endorsing that person’s past behavior. Others suggested that RM and J-Hope may have attended as fellow musicians.

Presented by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD), the Apolinario Mabini Awards is one of the country’s longest-running recognition programs promoting the rights, welfare, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The Disability-Friendly Establishment Award recognizes organizations that go beyond compliance by providing facilities, services, and environments that enable PWDs to navigate public spaces with dignity, independence, and confidence.

The recognition reflects Robinsons Land Corporation’s belief that accessibility is fundamental to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can participate in community life. Through Robinsons Malls, the company continues to design and operate developments that are inclusive, and responsive to the diverse needs of its customers. As the heart of the communities it serves, Robinsons Malls is committed to creating environments where every individual can connect, participate, and thrive.

‘We are honored to receive this recognition, which affirms our commitment to creating spaces that are accessible and inclusive for everyone,’ said Maria Kristina Real-Lim, Deputy Business Unit General Manager of Robinsons Malls. ‘At Robinsons Malls, we believe every individual deserves to enjoy meaningful experiences in spaces designed with dignity, comfort, and accessibility in mind. Through thoughtful design, responsible operations, and meaningful partnerships, we continue to build communities where everyone feels welcome and empowered.’

Beyond its physical spaces, Robinsons Malls actively partners with government agencies, advocacy groups, and local communities to promote programs that advance inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity. These collaborations form part of the company’s broader commitment to creating developments that generate lasting social value while improving everyday experiences for the communities it serves.

The recognition builds on Robinsons Malls’ longstanding commitment to accessibility, following previous honors received by Robinsons Magnolia and Robinsons Galleria South at the Apolinario Mabini Awards. It further reflects the company’s continued efforts to embed inclusivity into the way its malls are designed, operated, and experienced.

As Robinsons Land Corporation continues to expand its portfolio of Robinsons Malls across the country, it remains committed to creating destinations where everyone can connect, participate, and thrive. By championing accessible, inclusive, and community-centered developments, Robinsons Malls continues to build better lives while serving as a steady and dependable presence at the heart of the communities it serves.

Angel Reese broke the WNBA single-game rebounding record with 26 while also breaking the league’s season record for rebounds as the Atlanta Dream beat the Los Angeles Sparks 78-71 on Monday night.

Reese surpassed Chamique Holdsclaw’s record of 24 rebounds, set on May 23, 2003 for Washington.

The Dream star has 458 rebounds this season, seven more than A’ja Wilson’s mark set in 2024. Atlanta still has six games remaining in the regular season.

‘I’m just in awe watching her rebound,’ teammate Allisha Gray said after the game. ‘That’s a talent.’

Reese finished with 11 points. She secured her WNBA-leading 27th double-double of the season on a basket with 13.9 seconds left in the game.

The Dream have won four straight games – all on the road.

Gray led Atlanta (25-13) with 20 points. Rhyne Howard added 18 points to eclipse 3,000 for her career. Gray set an Atlanta record for field goals in a season with 247.

Nneka Ogwumike had 27 points and 16 rebounds for Los Angeles (13-25), which has lost nine straight games in the series. Dearica Hamby and Cameron Brink each scored 15 points.

Atlanta trailed 37-36 at halftime before starting the third quarter on a 9-2 run. The Dream also began the fourth on a 9-2 run to make it 71-57 with 6:57 left.

A youth-led grassroots voter education caravan traveled across schools in Lanao del Sur to inform and prepare first-time voters about the historic parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Sept. 14.

In an email to the Inquirer on Tuesday, Noel Biadnes, project manager of Youth Leadership, Engagement and Advocacy for Development (Y-LEAD BARMM), said the program is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by Relief International in partnership with the United Youth for Peace and Development-Relief Assistance Network and Organization (UNYPAD-RANAO).

He said the youth are clamoring to be educated about the first parliamentary elections in the BARMM.

After attending a Peer Election Educators’ Training of Trainers (ToT), 36 student leaders and peer educators from Balindong, Binidayan, Madamba, and Masiu towns led in holding community learning sessions.

The school caravan toured Unda Memorial National Agricultural School in Masiu on Aug. 12, Madamba National High School on Aug. 17, Balindong National High School on Aug. 20, and Sittie Ayeesha National High School in Binidayan on Aug. 23.

During the sessions, the youth facilitators set up interactive educational booths covering background information on regional governance, parliamentary positions up for election, the voting process, and hands-on mock elections to give students practical polling experience.

The initiative aims to reach approximately 1,000 young and first-time voters across the four towns.

‘They also reflected on how the project had prepared them to become informed, responsible, and peace-promoting voters in anticipation of the upcoming BARMM parliamentary elections,’ Biadnes said.

Student participants emphasized their role in setting a standard for peaceful civic participation.

‘As an SK (Sangguniang Kabataan) Federation member, I can educate my peers on voting rights and the importance of a non-violent election process. I will be a role model in refusing to engage myself in smear campaigns and sharing of unverified political misinformation,’ said Sittie Raymah Abdullah from Binidayan.

Sonaya Asgar, protocol officer of the Supreme Secondary Learner Government at Balindong National High School, highlighted the importance of critical engagement.

‘I can promote peaceful elections by encouraging responsible voting, sharing accurate and reliable information, respecting different political opinions and to choose leaders based on their qualifications, integrity, and platforms. I will discourage vote-buying and spreading of unreliable resources,’ Asgar said.

Jerome Balinton, Relief International Philippines country director, underscored the long-term impact of youth engagement in the region.

‘As BARMM prepares for its first parliamentary elections, initiatives like Y-LEAD BARMM are more relevant than ever,’ said Balinton.

By equipping peer educators, Balinton added, the initiative helps build a generation of informed voters who can participate peacefully, think critically, and contribute to stronger democratic governance

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against a police officer and aunt of the 14-year-old boy, who is suspected to have fired a gun in a school in Tacloban City last month.

DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez on Tuesday confirmed that the office of the city prosecutor of Tacloban City filed a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and physical injuries against Police Staff Sergeant Arla Rey Pacencia.

This is in connection with the school shooting on June 22.

The charges were brought before the family court of the Tacloban City regional trial court.

‘The recommendation follows the preliminary investigation conducted on the complaint filed by parents and students of San Jose National High School, in connection with the shooting incident involving a child in conflict with the law,’ Martinez said in a statement to reporters.

He added: ‘The DOJ trusts that the criminal process will proceed in accordance with the rules on due process for all parties concerned.’

Pacencia is identified as the aunt who owned the government-issued 9mm Glock 17 firearm that alias ‘Nash,’ a Grade 9 student, used in the tragic shooting that left three people dead and at least 20 others injured.

The police officer, who has since been relieved from duty, said last month in a Senate inquiry into the tragic incident that she once brought Nash to a firing range because her nephew ‘looked up to her.’

A letter from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) to the Department of Budget and Management requesting confidential funds was presented during Day 18 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

OVP Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio confirmed that no records of confidential funds were found under former Vice President Leni Robredo, which he said prompted Duterte’s office to request confidential funds

A 23-year-old man has been reported missing after he was reportedly swept away by strong waves while swimming off Masinloc town in this province here on Sunday (Aug. 23), according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday (Aug. 24).

Based on Coast Guard reports, the missing man, identified as Danillo Conejos, a resident of Malinta, Valenzuela City, was last seen swimming in the waters off Sitio Duhok in Barangay Bani.

The Deployable Response Group of PCG Zambales was mobilized and coordinated with the Masinloc Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to assess the area and conduct search and rescue operations.

However, search efforts have so far yielded no sighting of Conejos.

Search operations continued on Monday night with responders scouring the area and adjacent waters.

Thirteen towns in Zambales suspended face-to-face classes at all levels on Tuesday as the southwest monsoon continued to bring rain across the province.

The towns of Subic, Castillejos, San Antonio, Cabangan, Botolan, and Masinloc suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools

Other towns – San Marcelino, San Narciso, San Felipe, Iba, Palauig, Candelaria and Santa Cruz – also suspended classes but will shift to alternative learning protocols like online or modular learning, to allow students to continue their education while face-to-face classes are suspended.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), in its 4 a.m. forecast on Tuesday, said Zambales could receive 50 to 100 millimeters of rain from Monday to Thursday noon (Aug. 27).

Meanwhile, Typhoon Saudel, formerly known as ‘Obet,’ was outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as of 3 a.m. Tuesday, with maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h and gustiness of up to 185 km/h. Another tropical cyclone, Tropical Depression Atsani, was being monitored outside the PAR