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FOLLOWING earthquakes that hit Bogo City, Cebu; Manay, Davao Oriental; and other areas, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro directed government agencies and local governments (LGUs) to intensify earthquake preparedness measures through regular drills, infrastructure audits, and retrofitting of critical facilities.

In Memorandum 279 dated October 15, Teodoro ordered the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and all Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs) to ‘immediately intensify earthquake risk reduction measures while ensuring public service continuity.’

Teodoro sits as chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

Regional DRRMCs, chaired by OCD Regional Directors, were tasked to coordinate these activities and ‘assess the performance of LGU Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management [LDRRM] Offices, in coordination with the OCD and the Department of the Interior and Local Government [DILG], and provide performance evaluations to both agencies.’

Teodoro also ordered RDRRMCs to consult with the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) for technical support.

Earlier this month, during a National Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (Niacc) meeting, Teodoro directed the review of local contingency plans ‘to ensure all established disaster protocols of LGUs within their Area of Responsibility (AOR) are validated, and up-to-date.’

The OCD said it ‘continues to collaborate with various agencies and LGUs to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness amid the ongoing threats of hazards and disasters.’

Locatd in the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is frequented by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The series of earthquakes and aftershocks in Bogo City and the doublet earthquakes near Manay town in Davao Oriental claimed the lives of 79 and eight people, respectively.

A total of 217,012 families or 743,379 persons in 260 barangays of the province’s 18 cities and municipalities were affected due to the 6.9 Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake. On the other hand, the 7.4 and 6.8 doublet earthquakes near Manay town, on the other hand, affected a total of 345,057 families or 1,467,803 persons in 675 barangays in 60 cities and towns.

In both events, thousands of houses were destroyed or damaged, leaving many of the victims homeless.

More funds for disaster aid, more homes

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) is seeking to raise disaster shelter aid for families affected by recent calamities.

DHSUD proposed a P4-billion Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (Idsap) fund for 2026, saying that this would help speed up recovery efforts in areas hit by strong earthquakes in recent months.

As of October, the agency reported P199.15 million in released IDSAP funds, covering 8,241 partially damaged and 3,551 totally damaged houses.

The department also recommended a P500-million Quick Response Fund for the National Housing Authority (NHA) to support emergency shelter repair and immediate assistance in disaster-stricken communities.

In a Senate budget hearing last week, Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said easing the housing backlog and strengthening post-disaster support remain among the agency’s top priorities.

‘We streamlined the process for developers to get permits and clearances,’ Aliling said in Filipino. ‘The price ceiling for socialized housing is also due for adjustment this October, which we expect will encourage the private sector to produce more inventory.’

Under the Marcos administration, total housing provision, both direct and indirect, has reached 399,671 units as of October. The agency projects that figure to climb to 734,005 by 2028, with 300,106 units coming from direct programs and 433,899 from indirect financing.

The NHA accounted for 50,757 completed units, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) for 30,840, and DHSUD’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program for 18,826 under direct housing provision.

Meanwhile, the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) produced 295,923 units and the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) 3,325 through indirect financing.

To expand the delivery of housing programs, DHSUD has asked the upper chamber to increase the NHA’s budget from P2.2 billion to P10 billion and the SHFC’s allocation from P166 million to P500 million.

For the first half of 2025, DHSUD reported P2.98 billion in appropriations, with 23 percent obligated and 88 percent of funds already disbursed.

The agency earlier acknowledged that limited funds and supply-side hurdles have slowed housing targets.

Under the Philippine Development Plan, only about 300,000 units are expected to be completed by 2028-far below the original goal of addressing the 3 million-unit backlog.

The ultimate fusion of music, sports, and purpose is just 1 week away! The country’s leading digital entertainment platform, BingoPlus, is turning up the volume for The International Series Music Festival presented by BingoPlus – a one-night celebration of sports entertainment and Filipino charity happening on October 25 at the Aseana City Concert Grounds in Parañaque.

Carrying the inspiring theme ‘Swing for Filipino Sports Dream,’ the festival brings together global and local icons for an unforgettable night. EDM superstar Alan Walker leads the lineup, joined by Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, and OPM legends Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Urbandub, Sandwich, and Lily. Keeping the energy high are DJs Arthur Tan, Hoest, and DJ Kiara, along with powerhouse performances from world champion dance crews A-Team and UPeepz. Hosting the event are Anjo Pertierra and Shaira Diaz, bringing the right mix of fun and flair.

Beyond the beats and lights, festival-goers can look forward to games, interactive booths, and tons of exciting prizes. But what truly sets this event apart is its heart: BingoPlus will be donating ?5 million, plus ?200 for every ticket redeemed on-site, to support Filipino sports development and charity efforts. And because BingoPlus knows how to make the night even more thrilling, all guests will get special gifts and the chance to win cash prizes worth ?5 million.

How to get your tickets?

To secure regular tickets, check out promotions on BingoPlus’ official social media pages for various online activities to get free regular tickets, which includes posts, likes, comments, and sharing mechanics. You can get free VIP and SVIP tickets by topping the BingoPlus EDM leaderboard in the app or at website www.bingoplus.com. All ticket holders are guaranteed with meal vouchers, gift packs, exclusive access, and gift packs with worth varying from P500.00 to 1,500.00.

Gates will open at 11:00 AM, with main stage performances starting at 8:00 PM.

These exciting festivities are part of a week-long celebration of world-class golf, entertainment, and fun at the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus. Get your tickets now at SM Tickets.

Artemyo and Fedelina, a modest farming couple living in the rural countryside, cling to hope and dignity as they face daily struggles, threatened by the risk of uncertainty, in a world where personal resilience grows in the cracks.

Facing the harsh reality of farming. As external pressures mount-such as threats of displacement, land insecurity, and the creeping influence of powerful interests-their private struggles become inextricably tied to larger systemic issues, highlighting the fragile position of many farmers who depend on the land for their survival and dignity.

Such is the story of Binhi, a film directed by Ayaa R. Ahmed from Holy Cross of Davao College that bagged the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Category Film.

Such were the compelling stories of hope and highlights of the PelikulAgraryo 2025.

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently held the PelikulAgraryo 2025 Central Film Festival Awards at Novotel Manila Araneta City to celebrate the inspiring stories and triumphs of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and their organizations (ARBOs).

A total of 68 schools and universities across the country joined the first PelikulAgraryo, producing 101 film entries. From the regional rounds, 27 short films were selected as finalists-12 under the ARBO category and 15 under the ARB category.

‘Thank you for participating and supporting DAR’s programs. You are the new heroes-our modern-day youth heroes,’ DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III said in a statement as he praised the students’ talent and compassion.

‘Today’s youth are exceptional-more informed, more capable, and full of fresh ideas. We should listen to them.’

According to DAR, PelikulAgraryo 2025 was not just a film festival-it was a movement. ‘It reminded everyone that the stories of the land and its people must be told, celebrated, and preserved. The films used the youth’s creativity to uplift the most vital yet often overlooked sector-agriculture. As the festival concludes, a new chapter begins-for DAR, for the storytellers, and for every farmer whose story continues to unfold.’

Currently, the 27 winning short films are already available for public viewing on the DAR official website, allowing audiences to experience the real and inspiring journeys of farmers and communities empowered by agrarian reform.

Moving forward, the agency aims to further amplify these stories by sharing all short films gathered from 68 schools nationwide across various digital and broadcast platforms.

‘These remarkable entries reflect the creativity and empathy of student filmmakers who brought to life the stories of our Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) and Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs),’ it said.

‘This initiative seeks not only to promote the mission and vision of the Department but also to highlight the hope, perseverance, and success that define agrarian life. Through these films, DAR envisions a broader appreciation of the transformative power of land reform and the enduring spirit of the Filipino farmer.’

There are various award categories that include Best Teaser, Best Poster, Best Production Design, Best Music, and Best Sound. It also gave awards to actors who portrayed the characters.

The winners took home cash prizes of P20,000 to P60,000.

Players from Italy’s national rugby team, activists and influencers recently joined Italian celebrity chef Alessandro Borghese and global actress Monique Coleman for a celebration of food and creativity on Junior World Food Day, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The room buzzed with the energy of around 1,000 young students aged 9 to 13, their enthusiasm lighting up the space along with 80 high school students from the World Food Forum School Assembly. Players from Italy’s national rugby team and members of the Federazione Italiana Rugby burst through the doors passing rugby balls before being challenged by Celebrity chef Borghese to cook on stage with kids.

As FAO celebrates its 80th birthday, the organization said it is looking ahead to the future.

‘This means giving today’s youths a voice. There’s a need to work as a team – across generations and across borders-to make sure that everyone, everywhere, has enough food to eat,’ FAO Director General Qu Dongyu said.

Speakers and ‘Food Heroes’ including Indigenous Leader Judy Kipkenda, Professor and chef Ricardo Frugoli and celebrity chefs Victoire Gouloubi and Xin Ge Liu told inspirational stories, while offering tips on nutrition and healthy diets, food diversity and reducing food waste.

Young curiosity and passion filled FAO’s Plenary Hall – a space usually reserved for Members making key decisions on global food security and agriculture. Their energy was a powerful reminder of what’s needed to build a better food future: one where every idea, big or small, can help shape a more sustainable tomorrow.

The event included a lively break dance performance by Studio 7 and a performance of FAO’s 80th anniversary youth song ‘Hand in hand for Better Foods and a Better Future’ by the Piccola Orchestra di Tor Pignattara and friends. Young participants also learned about the newly opened Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (FAOMuNe), youth activities like the global Poster Contest and FAO’s work around the world.

Food forum

Junior World Food Day is part of FAO’s annual World Food Forum, a week-long series of events that featured the participation of heads of state and government, government ministers, as well as numerous representatives from the private sector, civil society, international organizations, research institutions, youth, Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders in agrifood systems.

Notable participants this year included Pope Leo XIV, who delivered a keynote speech on World Food Day, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The World Food Forum also featured the Global Youth Forum, which brought together thousands of young changemakers, government representatives, scientists and partners, further underscoring FAO’s investment in future generations.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) stands firm to its commitment to protecting the privacy and personal data of all its members. Its feedback channel through the Corporate Action Center does not collect personal information on official social media pages such as Facebook, X (formerly twitter), YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok and Spotify.

This commitment aligns with the broader national push for data security, a priority emphasized by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s vision of a digitally secure Philippines.

PhilHealth assures everyone that its official social media platforms are used solely for:

Disseminating official information

Responding to general inquiries

Directing members to appropriate channels for specific concerns

Members are reminded to never share personal details such as full name, address, birthdate, or PhilHealth Identification Number (PIN) on social media platforms.

For queries involving PIN Verification, claims status, contribution history, and other matters, members should contact PhilHealth through its official hotlines and email. These channels are designed to safely handle personal data in accordance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Members may also refer to the Privacy Notice posted on PhilHealth official website at www.philhealth.gov.ph/privacy/ .

PhilHealth also encourages the public to be watchful and report any suspicious activity or unofficial accounts claiming to represent the agency.

For official updates and assistance, please contact the PhilHealth Corporate Action Center through the following channels:

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will open more special registration sites across the country to make it easier for Filipinos to register without having to go to local poll offices.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the ‘Register Anywhere Program,’ which allows applicants to register at select locations regardless of their residence, will soon be implemented in all highly urbanized cities and capital towns nationwide.

‘We hope our fellow Filipinos take advantage of this while lines are still short. Please don’t wait for the last minute because we don’t extend these types of registration periods,’ Garcia told reporters in a chance interview at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).

Garcia, who personally visited the PITX registration site, said Comelec will also open additional sites in airports, hospitals, and data centers that will operate beyond regular hours to accommodate those working night shifts.

Aside from new voter applications, the special registration sites will also process reactivation, transfer, record updates, and even free issuance of voter’s certifications.

The poll chief reminded registrants to bring at least one government-issued ID-excluding police clearances, barangay certificates, and cedulas.

‘Any valid government-issued ID, even a student or senior citizen ID, will do as long as it clearly shows proof of identity and residence,’ he added.

Beyond these special registration sites, local Comelec offices will also continue accepting applications until May 18, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays.

Garcia said the ongoing registration period, which runs for nearly seven months, is expected to add at least 1.4 million new voters for next year’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

He added that Comelec’s 2026 budget already accounts for a potential increase in registrants.

‘We believe the number of precincts we have proposed is sufficient, since not all will be filled. We can assign new voters either to newly created precincts or to existing ones with available space,’ he explained.

BARMM residents still excluded

Garcia reiterated that the voter registration rollout does not include the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

However, he said Comelec will still accept applications from BARMM residents at special registration sites, though these will only be processed at a later date.

‘If you happen to register at a special site and you’re from Bangsamoro, we will still accept your application. But Comelec will not yet take action to approve or disapprove it,’ he clarified.

According to Garcia, applications from Bangsamoro voters will likely be processed by the Election Registration Board around May, once the region’s parliamentary elections-expected to be held no later than March 31, 2026-have concluded.

Comelec earlier said voter registration in BARMM will resume only after the parliamentary elections, as only those already registered for the May 2025 midterm polls will be allowed to vote for parliament.

Players from Italy’s national rugby team, activists and influencers recently joined Italian celebrity chef Alessandro Borghese and global actress Monique Coleman for a celebration of food and creativity on Junior World Food Day, which this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The room buzzed with the energy of around 1,000 young students aged 9 to 13, their enthusiasm lighting up the space along with 80 high school students from the World Food Forum School Assembly. Players from Italy’s national rugby team and members of the Federazione Italiana Rugby burst through the doors passing rugby balls before being challenged by Celebrity chef Borghese to cook on stage with kids.

As FAO celebrates its 80th birthday, the organization said it is looking ahead to the future.

‘This means giving today’s youths a voice. There’s a need to work as a team – across generations and across borders-to make sure that everyone, everywhere, has enough food to eat,’ FAO Director General Qu Dongyu said.

Speakers and ‘Food Heroes’ including Indigenous Leader Judy Kipkenda, Professor and chef Ricardo Frugoli and celebrity chefs Victoire Gouloubi and Xin Ge Liu told inspirational stories, while offering tips on nutrition and healthy diets, food diversity and reducing food waste.

Young curiosity and passion filled FAO’s Plenary Hall – a space usually reserved for Members making key decisions on global food security and agriculture. Their energy was a powerful reminder of what’s needed to build a better food future: one where every idea, big or small, can help shape a more sustainable tomorrow.

The event included a lively break dance performance by Studio 7 and a performance of FAO’s 80th anniversary youth song ‘Hand in hand for Better Foods and a Better Future’ by the Piccola Orchestra di Tor Pignattara and friends. Young participants also learned about the newly opened Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (FAOMuNe), youth activities like the global Poster Contest and FAO’s work around the world.

Food forum

Junior World Food Day is part of FAO’s annual World Food Forum, a week-long series of events that featured the participation of heads of state and government, government ministers, as well as numerous representatives from the private sector, civil society, international organizations, research institutions, youth, Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders in agrifood systems.

Notable participants this year included Pope Leo XIV, who delivered a keynote speech on World Food Day, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The World Food Forum also featured the Global Youth Forum, which brought together thousands of young changemakers, government representatives, scientists and partners, further underscoring FAO’s investment in future generations.

ALL minimum wage earners in the private sector in Cagayan Valley will soon receive a uniform daily pay of P500 beginning November 5, following the approval of new wage order.

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) II announced on Monday that non-agriculture workers will get a P20 increase, while those in agriculture will receive a P40 hike-raising their daily rates from P480 and P460, respectively.

The RTWPB II said the adjustment will apply to regular working hours not exceeding eight hours a day.

‘The wage increase prescribed herein shall apply to all minimum wage earners in the private sector within the region, regardless of their position, designation or status and irrespective of the method by which their wages are paid,’ it added.

Aside from private-sector employees, domestic workers (kasambahays) will also see an increase in their pay, with a P500 raise bringing their new monthly minimum wage to P6,500.

‘WHEREAS, after a thorough review and evaluation of the results of the consultations and public hearings, existing socio-economic conditions in the region, the needs of the domestic workers and their families, as well as the employers’ capacity to pay, the Board deemed it necessary to increase the prevailing minimum wage rate for domestic workers,’ the regional board said.

The new rate, which will also take effect on November 5, applies to all household workers, whether living in or outside their employers’ homes, including househelp, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and laundry workers.

This undated photo courtesy of the Security Bank Corp. shows (left to right) Television Host Mimi K. Ong, former US Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank Curtis S. Chin and Ateneo de Manila University Economics Professor Cielito F. Habito during the panel session discussing the implications and the ways forward as Asean and the Philippines navigate global uncertainty.

Now in its 15th year, the Security Bank Economic Forum continues to be a premier platform for business and investors to understand trends driving growth and opportunity across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara reported on Monday reported that several schools damaged by typhoon ‘Opong’ in Masbate are now nearing completion of repair works, with some already fully restored.

Angara who led an inspection of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) recovery efforts at Masbate Comprehensive National High School and Nursery Elementary School, two of the most affected campuses, where he saw first-hand the quick progress of rehabilitation works being carried out by the agency in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and local government units.

At Nursery Elementary School, minor repair of damaged roofs, ceilings, and electrical wirings has already reached 100 percent completion, while school building repairs are at 40 to 45 percent completed.

At Masbate Comprehensive National High School, multi-story buildings and other structures are between 30 to 90 percent finished.

‘Ang kabilin-bilin ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos sa pagtulong sa mga naapektuhan ng kalamidad: hindi aalis ang tulong ng national government hangga’t hindi tuluyang nakakabangon ang ating mga kababayan,’ Angara said.

He added, ‘Sa utos ng Pangulo, agad nating sinimulan ang pagkukumpuni ng mga paaralan dito sa Masbate,’ Angara added. ‘Gusto nating matiyak na tuloy ang pag-aaral kahit tinamaan ng bagyo, at mas handa tayo sa mga darating pang sakuna.’

DepEd data show that 1,651 classrooms-most in Masbate City-were damaged by the typhoon, with estimated losses amounting to P1.079 billion.

The agency has already downloaded P14.4 million to the Schools Division Offices of Masbate and Masbate City for cleanup and minor repairs and has requested an additional P23.4 million to sustain ongoing rehabilitation.

The DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS) has also allocated 20 upgraded temporary learning spaces in the ongoing emergency procurement to accommodate learners from schools still under repair.

DepEd said it expects most of the remaining major repair works to be completed between December 2025 and February 2026, while funding for the replacement of totally damaged classrooms is being programmed under the Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEFF) 2026 and the Quick Response Fund (QRF) 2026.

Earlier in the day, Angara also joined Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, and local officials in visiting an outreach station storage facility in Masbate City, where they inspected the nursery of pili and cacao seedlings, led the distribution of palay and corn seeds to local farmers, and toured a livestock area as part of the government’s livelihood recovery support for communities affected by typhoon Opong.

He also attended a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) payout for 500 tourism workers held at the Magallanes Coliseum, underscoring the government’s inter-agency commitment to both education and livelihood recovery in the province.

Angara was welcomed by Masbate Governor Richard Kho, who pledged continued support for the province’s education rehabilitation efforts. DepEd has likewise directed its regional offices in Cebu and Davao to expedite the assessment and repair of schools affected by the recent earthquakes.