FiberXers remain hungry despite preseason success

Justin Arana knows that he and Converge can’t take their tuneup victory over San Miguel Beer over the weekend at face value, saying that the real measure will be known once real games are played in the season-opening of the PBA Philippine Cup.

‘We do take this as a win, but we’re not satisfied,’ Arana told the Inquirer in Filipino after the 114-99 mangling of the powerhouse Beermen at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

Preseason games are used primarily as a dress rehearsal, with coaches spreading the minutes while also tinkering with things to be executed before the season tips off this Sunday. That was exactly the case in this anticipated exhibition between both teams.

Converge is seen as a potential spoiler to the dominance of the usual contenders in San Miguel, TNT and Barangay Ginebra, especially after the selection of Juan Gomez de Liaño created a talented five-man combo with Arana, Justine Baltazar, Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston.

The FiberXers showed their quality against the Beermen, breaking away from a 51-all tie at halftime behind that core, along with rugged big man Pao Javillonar, to pull off another win, the fourth straight since Gomez de Liaño began to suit up in the preseason.

But then, San Miguel didn’t go into the contest like the usual San Miguel, as June Mar Fajardo played sparring minutes, CJ Perez and Chris Ross opted to be spectators and coach Leo Austria opted to give his 34-year-old PBA rookie Chris Miller much exposure as he could.

And those are things that Arana and the FiberXers acknowledged.

‘June Mar didn’t play like the June Mar that we know and CJ didn’t play,’ said Arana. ‘Tuneup games are more about scouting and adjustments. Like I said, we won, but we’re not satisfied because the goal is to get wins during the season.’

San Miguel, meanwhile, is going into the Philippine Cup as defending champion after denying TNT’s quest for a historic Grand Slam last July.

Fajardo is expected to be in his best form once the conference starts, while Jericho Cruz could take some of the confidence from his Finals Most Valuable Player award and role in Guam’s entry to the qualification for the quarterfinals game of the Fiba Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Perez, however, could be doubtful for the start of the conference due to an ankle injury sustained with Gilas Pilipinas in the same continental competition.

But there might be some optimism toward Miller, picked ninth in the Draft, as he showed some promise on offense during the tuneup contest. While he’s a PBA greenhorn, Miller has been playing overseas for the past decade, most notably in Europe. INQ

New LPA enters PAR, poses ‘medium’ risk of developing into cyclone

A new low-pressure area (LPA) has entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), the state weather bureau said Tuesday night.

According to the 10 p.m. update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the LPA entered the PAR around 8 p.m. Tuesday. It was last located 1,095 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon.

Pagasa said the LPA still has a ‘medium’ potential of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the weather bureau earlier reported that the easterlies-warm winds coming from the Pacific Ocean-are expected to continue bringing scattered rains to Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Lee Chae-min basks in success of ‘Bon Appetit, Your Majesty,’ to visit Manila soon

Korean actor Lee Chae-min, star of the hit Netflix series ‘Bon Appetit, Your Majesty’ is set to visit the Philippines, as well as other countries, for a fan meeting.

Details of his fan meet are yet to be announced, but Lee, who stars as the titular King Lee Heon in the series took to Instagram on Monday, Sept. 29, to express his gratitude to the viewers who supported the drama.

Lee also shared behind-the-scenes photos of himself with leading lady Im Yoon-ah.

‘I would like to thank everyone who has loved ‘Tyrant’s Chef.’ I am happy to see that everyone’s hard work has been receiving so much love. I hope this will remain in your memories forever,’ he wrote in Korean. Lee thanked his co-actors, director, and production team for putting the drama together. He also hoped that his character and Yeon-Ji-young (Im) would stay happy.

‘Once again, thank you very much to everyone who loved ‘Tyrant’s Chef’ and Lee Heon. And thank you to all the actors, staff, directors, writers, and those who brought this together,’ he said.

‘Lee Heon and Ji-young, please be happy forever. Ji-young, your cooking skills are the best. I will now make you bibimbap every morning,’ he added.

Achieving a double-digit rating in South Korea, ‘Bon Appetit, Your Majesty’ is currently the highest-rated K-drama on cable network tvN in 2025. A special episode is scheduled to be released on October 4, according to reports.

BIR to file raps vs ‘flood control’ personalities for tax evasion

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) will file criminal complaints against public officials and contractors allegedly involved in flood control anomalies who are found to have committed tax violations.

BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said this in an ambush interview with reporters after meeting with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) at its office in Taguig City on Tuesday. According to Lumagui, the BIR is coordinating with the ICI and other government agencies to investigate the government officials and contractors named in the flood control probe for possible tax evasion.

‘As far as the BIR is concerned, we are looking at the tax angle here, which includes possible tax deficiencies and tax evasion as a criminal case. So for this particular criminal case, we will be the ones to file it. That’s why we will gather all the information involved in the ongoing investigations,’ Lumagui said in Filipino.

According to the BIR commissioner, the first criminal complaint may be filed this week or next, as the agency continues compiling comprehensive evidence on certain personalities.

‘Maybe this week or next, we will file some initial criminal cases. But again, these are not yet complete; we will only be filing cases on specific issues for now,’ he said. Lumagui also mentioned that there are already certain personalities who could serve as complainants in the cases they plan to file. ‘Even before, we had already checked the tax compliances, other information, and reported revenues. We are also conducting lifestyle checks on the contractors and other personalities being mentioned,’ he explained.

‘Billions of taxes being chased’

When asked how much in taxes the BIR is pursuing from personalities allegedly involved in flood control anomalies, Lumagui said, ‘Definitely in the billions.’

‘Because in a particular case, in just one taxable year for a single taxpayer, we already found a billion in tax evasion,’ the BIR commissioner noted.

‘As for the total amount, we still don’t know yet because our examination and collation of information and data from other government agencies are still ongoing,’ he added.

‘Pay for deficiency tax, be rotten to jail’

According to Lumagui, those found liable for tax evasion will face penalties, including payment of deficiency taxes, and may also face imprisonment depending on the amount evaded.

‘First, we will collect the deficiency tax-the amount they were supposed to pay,’ Lumagui said in Filipino. ‘Second, if it is found that there was criminal intent, such as fraud, a criminal case for tax evasion will also be filed. So they will pay the deficiency tax and face a criminal complaint.’ ‘If the Department of Justice prosecutes the case, the penalty could include imprisonment,’ he added, noting that those who evade billions in taxes may face more than 10 years in jail.

Angara asks lawmakers to pass bills on feeding programs, teacher reforms

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday called on Congress to prioritize several measures, including amendments to school-based feeding programs and the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act.

DepEd made the call during a meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, which was presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ‘In the New Philippines, we must ensure that every student has adequate nutrition, quality teachers, safe schools, and equal opportunities-whether they study in public or private institutions. These proposals are concrete steps to make sure that not a single learner is left behind,’ Education Sec. Sonny Angara said in Filipino in a statement.

The priority education bills endorsed to Congress include:

Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act (RA 11037): Expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program to 160 feeding days and universal feeding for Kindergarten to Grade 3; inclusion of marginalized groups such as indigenous learners and adolescent mothers; allowance of milk-based substitutes for the Milk Feeding Program; weekly micronutrient supplementation for female learners; and establishment of Central Kitchens in every School Division Office, among others.

Amendments to the E-GASTPE Act (RA 8545): Institutionalization of anti-fraud mechanisms through centralized verification, audits, whistleblower protection, and data- sharing with other agencies; expansion of voucher coverage to Kindergarten through Senior High School learners and teachers, among others.

Amendments to the Teacher Professionalization Act (RA 7836): Flexibility in creating distinct licensure examinations per teacher education program, diversification of the Board for Professional Teachers, and additional graduate quality assurance measures such as portfolio assessment and literacy and numeracy testing, among others.

Amendments to the Local Government Code – Special Education Fund (SEF): Raising the SEF levy from 1% to 2% of assessed property value and expanding allowable uses to cover operations of special education, IP and madrasah classes, open high schools, flexible learning, school site acquisition, and school building maintenance, among others.

Meanwhile, Angara also noted DepEd’s support of the Classroom Building Acceleration Bill to fast-track the construction of classrooms nationwide by providing flexibility and engaging more partners in the implementation.

According to Angara, strengthening these programs is essential to deliver better learning outcomes and to give every Filipino learner a fair chance at success.

Nigeria risks instability without education, skills devt – Obasanjo

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria faces the risk of instability, insecurity and economic hardship if urgent steps are not taken to invest in education, skill acquisition, and national unity.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Bakhita ICT Centre in Sokoto on Tuesday, Obasanjo said the neglect of millions of out-of-school children poses a direct threat to national stability.

‘Twenty-four million children who should be in school are not in school,’ he said. ‘You don’t need an oracle to know they will become the recruiting ground for Boko Haram of tomorrow.’

The centre was built by Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah with the support of legal luminary, Aare Afe Babalola.

Obasanjo, who has remained one of Nigeria’s most outspoken elder statesmen, urged the nation to prioritise ‘human development, skill acquisition, empowerment and employment,’ stressing that the country’s diversity should be harnessed as a strength rather than a division.

‘It is not unity in diversity alone, but unity of purpose for our country, in spite of our diversity,’ he said.

He commended the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Bishop Kukah for promoting dialogue across faiths and cultures. Describing Kukah as ‘a different sort of Bishop,’ he added: ‘When he talks, he talks sense; when he shouts, he shouts against evil, misconduct and oppression.’

Obasanjo warned that Nigeria’s rapidly growing population, projected to reach 400 million by 2050, could become unmanageable if leaders fail to plan ahead. ‘If we fail to prepare now, Boko Haram of today will be child’s play compared with what we may face in the future,’ he cautioned.

The former president also highlighted the impact of technology and artificial intelligence, which he said would displace many jobs unless Nigeria equips its people with the right digital skills. ‘AI will take over many jobs. We must prepare our people with the right knowledge and skills,’ he said.

On the economy, he lamented the nation’s dependence on food imports despite vast agricultural potential. ‘Why should we import our staple food? If farmers cannot make a profit, they will stop planting,’ he warned.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Obasanjo recalled how the late Sultan of Sokoto supported universal adult suffrage in 1979 by encouraging women to vote – a move he described as a milestone in the country’s political history.

He concluded with a message to current leaders: ‘Nigeria is not a difficult country to govern if we are honest with ourselves, with God, and with the people.’

Niger govt signs land lease agreement to boost rice production

The Niger State Government, through the Niger Food Security System and Logistics Company Limited, has signed a land lease agreement with communities in Wushishi Local Government Area, aimed at boosting rice production and strengthening food security.

The land lease agreement, signed on Tuesday at the Niger Foods office in Minna, brings together over 100 communities represented by their District Heads, Hakimis, and Village Heads, signalling strong grassroots support for the initiative.

Chairman of Niger Foods, Mr Sammy Adigun, who addressed journalists immediately after the signing, described the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a transformative step for both the state and Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He explained that the project targets an annual production of about 360,000 tons of rice, representing between 7 to 10 per cent of Nigeria’s total rice demand.

‘This development is not just about food production; it is a complete value chain that will create job opportunities, especially for young people. It will also drive community development through the provision of infrastructure such as roads, power supply, and schools,’ Adigun said.

He stressed that the initiative aligns with the national goal of achieving food sovereignty and enhancing agricultural capacity, while also empowering communities through employment across the value chain, from farming to factory operations.

Chairman of Wushishi Local Government, Hon. Mohammed Yelwa, commended the state government and Niger Foods for bringing the project to his constituency, pledging his support and commitment to ensuring its success.

In separate remarks, the District Heads of Akera and Zungeru assured of their communities’ readiness to cooperate fully to ensure the project’s success, describing it as a dream that would benefit not just Nigerlites but Nigeria as a whole.

The project is expected to significantly boost rice production, strengthen food security, and deliver socio-economic benefits across Niger State and beyond.

PDP dissolves Akwa Ibom exco, names 31-member caretaker committee

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has named a 31-member Caretaker Committee to oversee the affairs of its Akwa Ibom State chapter.

The development followed the dissolution of the State Executive Committee by the National Working Committee (NWC) on Tuesday, in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution.

‘Consequently, the NWC approved the composition of a Caretaker Committee to run the affairs of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of our Party from today, Tuesday, 30th September 2025, for a period not exceeding three months, or until such a time a new State Executive Committee will be elected in the State,’ the National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Debo Ologunagba, said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Caretaker Committee is chaired by Igwat Umoren. His Deputy is Harrison Ekpo, while the Secretary of the Committee is Borono Bassey.

‘The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Akwa Ibom State to remain united and continue to work together for the progress of the Party,’ the statement added.

FG launches pound 175m climate resilience project

The Federal Government on Tuesday officially launched the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), designed to support the country in erosion control, flood management, and watershed restoration.

Minister of Environment and Chairman Steering Committee of NEWMAP-EIB, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, inaugurated the project in Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s climate resilience project efforts.

He announced that the European Investment Bank approved a facility of pound 175 million for the project that would be implemented over a period of five (5) years across twenty-three (23) states, namely: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto.

The Minister revealed that the Federal Government had released ?750 million as the first tranche of counterpart funding to the Federal Project Management Unit.

He explained that this was to enable preparatory activities such as office setup, equipment, and other operations necessary for the project’s take-off.

He added that the participating states have shown commitment by also providing counterpart funds to their State Project Implementing Units, further ensuring the initiative’s success and sustainability of the climate resilience project.

He expressed delight that the Federal Government of Nigeria has fulfilled all the outlined conditions precedent for the implementation of the project.

‘Consequently, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Assisted Nigeria Climate Adaptation – Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB) is now disbursement-effective,’ he said.

The Minister recalled that in 2010, the Federal Government, with support from the World Bank, launched the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-IDA) to address soil degradation, food insecurity, and land remediation under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

According to him, the multi-sectoral NEWMAP-IDA project stabilized gully erosion sites, improved livelihoods, and strengthened institutions, noting that it commenced in 2013 with seven (7) states and later expanded to 23 states. The project closed in June 2022.

‘In 2020, the Federal Government secured additional financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand the scope of the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

‘The EIB approved a facility of pound 175 million aimed at building upon and deepening the achievements recorded under NEWMAP-IDA, using the Strategic Watershed Management approach,’ Lawal stated.

He added that the project became technically effective in 2023 and now disbursement-effective in 2025.

He underscored the importance of effective implementation of the project in tackling flooding, saying Nigeria, like many nations, faces worsening climate disasters. This underscores the need for a robust climate resilience project.

‘Gully erosion and annual flooding continue to cause havoc and loss of lives, destruction of property as well as severe environmental degradation, particularly across rural communities, urban centres, and farmlands,’ he stated.

Lawal, however, noted the success of the project would largely depend on the commitments from state governments, urging State Governors to increase their counterpart fund contributions just as the Federal Government is also processing another tranche of disbursement.

He thanked the European Investment Bank for providing Nigeria with a vital lifeline for erosion control, flood management, and watershed restoration, integral aspects of the climate resilience project.

He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes climate-smart resilient cities.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, said the partnership reflects the kind of transformative collaboration the world needs, one that prioritizes people, planet, and prosperity.

National Project Coordinator, NEWMAP-EIB, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks, while presenting an overview of the project noted that The NEWMAP-EIB initiative is a strategic extension of the longstanding efforts to address land degradation, strengthen institutional capacity, and empower communities to adapt to the changing climate through the climate resilience project.

He disclosed that like its predecessor, the NEWMAP-EIB is overseen by the Federal Steering Committee, chaired by the Minister of Environment and comprising members from various MDAs. At the Technical Committee level, it is chaired by the Permanent Secretary.

Yalaks added that the project is driven by a Federal Project Management Unit under the coordination of a National Project Coordinator and that this institutional arrangement is being replicated at the state level.

According to him, the NEWMAP-EIB have been restructured into two key components: Erosion and Watershed Management Infrastructure Investment and Project Management.

Ogun govt suspends school principals over illegal fees

The Ogun State Government, on Tuesday, suspended the principals of Ilugun High School, both Junior and Senior schools, Mrs. Olukoga Adeyemi and Mrs. Ladipo Temitope, over illegal fees, which led to students’ protests.

Students of the school were seen in a video destroying school property.

Addressing newsmen, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, said the Ministry is conducting a preliminary investigation over the death of a yet-to-be-identified person whose death might have sparked the protest.

He explained that the deceased might have been illegally enrolled into the school, saying he was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola.

The Commissioner stated that the Principal of the Junior School, Olukoga, had been involved in collecting illegal fees.

‘We have all become aware of the incident that took place at Ilugun High School (Junior), Elega. I stand before you this afternoon to confirm that the incident did happen in the school.

‘First, let me, on behalf of the State Government, express condolences to the parents and family of the deceased.

‘Our preliminary investigations have revealed a twist. The young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a student of the school.

‘He was identified by three different names Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola. Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, the OGSERA platform, which authenticates all school enrolments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrolment.

‘In addition, we also discovered that the Principal of Ilugun High School (Junior) had been involved in the collection of illegal fees. In light of these findings, government has decided to place both the Junior and Senior Principals of Ilugun High School on suspension while we conduct an investigation into the causes of this incident.

‘Also, in order to keep abreast of happenings in schools, a scheme called Whistle Blowers has been established by the government through the Teaching Service Commission to control illegalities and wrongdoings.

‘Let me assure the people of Ogun State that the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, remains committed to provide free education for every school-age child in this State, irrespective of where they live, their gender, economic status, religious belief, or political affiliation,’ he said.