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President Marcos has signed the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act into law, paving the way for more campuses to rise in various parts of the country.

Under Republic Act 12310, more campuses will be established to offer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM education in line with the government’s efforts to produce more Filipino scientists and innovators.

The law mandates the establishment of at least two PSHS campuses in every administrative region, including one in the Negros Island Region, and consolidates all existing campuses under a unified system of governance

The Expanded PSHS law reflects the government’s commitment to make premier STEM education more accessible to Filipino students with exceptional aptitude in science and mathematics, while ensuring that the Philippine Science High School System remains a symbol of academic excellence, innovation and public service.

The PSHS System is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology.

The expansion allows more talented youth to experience world-class STEM learning and to be part of a community that nurtures curiosity, creativity and scientific leadership.

Chaired by the DOST secretary, the PSHS board is composed of representatives from the Department of Education, University of the Philippines, Congress, the Alumni Association and the private sector.

Recognized as specialized science educators, PSHS teachers are exempt from civil service examinations and may extend their service under the Magna Carta for S and T Personnel, ensuring the retention of top STEM talent.

The law also grants tax and duty exemptions on donations and imported research equipment, enabling more resources to be directed toward innovation, research and student development.

A Filipino seafarer injured by Houthi rebels has died, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported yesterday.

Houthi militants fired missiles at the ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden on Sept. 29.

Twelve Filipinos were among the ship’s crew. Ten of them have returned to the Philippines.

‘We convey the sad news of the passing of the seafarer who was injured in the attack on Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden,’ Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac posted on social media.

Rescuers drove a helicopter to save 19 of the ship’s crew, who are Russians, Ukrainians, Filipinos and Sri Lankans.

Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Iran-aligned group has been assaulting vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, targeting ships they deem linked to Israel, in what they describe as solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the DMW is seeking the immediate repatriation of the sailor’s remains.

Cacdac assured the seaman’s family of full support.

He is flying to Djibouti to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Amsterdam-based shipowner Spliethoff for the transport of the Filipino worker’s remains.

The victim’s wife and sister will accompany Cacdac.

While in the East African country, Cacdac said he would also visit the other injured Filipino sailors recovering in a hospital.

Christmas in the Philippines begins early, and this year, the spirit of togetherness takes center stage at Makati’s Power Plant Mall.

Pasko at Nayon Natin, a vibrant bayanihan pop-up led by ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, has been extended until the end October of October, inviting everyone to step into a Christmas village where the fiesta comes alive through craft, color, and collaboration.

Launched last August in time for Buwan ng Wika, Nayon Natin: A Bayanihan Pop-Up was designed as a living storybook and a two-month immersive marketplace filled with vibrant, community-centered brands.

Now continuing through the holiday season, this edition of Pasko at Nayon Natin is a feast not to be missed: showcasing festive collections, new unexpected collaborations, and shared experiences rooted in community.

“We wanted to recreate the feeling of a Filipino fiesta at Christmas – where togetherness, joyful exchange, and celebration of who we are as a people are at the center,” said ANTHILL co-founder Anya Lim in a statement, calling community the greatest gift. “Textiles are our language here, from woven threads to wearable statements of identity.”

Andanté Footwear co-founder Larcia Lim added that the pop-up is “bayanihan in the form of fashion” and her brand creates shoes made from fabrics honoring two different communities, Marikina and Cebu.

Other present Filipino brands are the handmade jewelry of Tropik Beatnik and home decorations of Studio Sursidan.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to issue the suggested retail price (SRP) for Noche Buena products by mid-October.

‘In the next two weeks, we should put them out,’ Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the Federation of Philippine Industries Business Summit 2025 yesterday.

She said the DTI is encouraging manufacturers not to implement price increases to make the products affordable for consumers.

One ham manufacturer, Roque noted, has committed to reduce its prices.

Meanwhile, the secretary is hopeful other manufacturers will keep their prices steady.

To help consumers make informed choices, the DTI issues a list of SRPs for Noche Buena products during the holiday season.

Last year’s Noche Buena price guide showed that over 100 stock keeping units (SKUs) posted price increases.

Meanwhile, 121 SKUs maintained their prices and 13 had price reductions.

Despite recent calamities that affected the country, the Department of Finance emphasized its commitment to keeping the prices of basic commodities affordable.

Mon Confiado is set to play Emilio Aguinaldo for the third time in “Quezon,” the latest Bayaniverse movie that centers on the politician that ran against Quezon in the 1935 elections.

Viewers last saw Confiado’s Aguinaldo at the end of 2018’s “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” in Malacañang as a prisoner of war of the Americans. The film’s mid-credits scene teased his and Quezon’s campaigns.

The face of TJ Trinidad was used in those posters but for the upcoming movie, Jericho Rosales steps into the role of Quezon after the former retired from acting.

“Quezon” sets up an interesting rivalry between the country’s first and would-be second presidents.

During the press conference for “Quezon” held at the historic Manila Hotel last October 7, Confiado was asked to describe the upcoming film in one word and the actor went with “pulitika.”

“Mula noon, hanggang ngayon, makikita niyo dito sa ‘Quezon’ walang pinagbago ang pulitika natin,” Confiado said, adding that politics keeps revolving around the wealthy, powerful, and social elite.

The actor also said that the current political climate is all about vilification and ambition for power, themes that will be explored in the film.

He echoed the popular Filipino saying: “Kung hindi ka marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi ka makakarating sa paroroonan.” The prolific actor said that this is the reason why movies like “Quezon” should be seen.

“Alam naman natin na ang kasaysayan ay napakahalaga,” Confiado ended. “Hindi tayo natuto sa kasaysayan natin, kaya ‘yung pulitika [noon] nandito pa rin.”

Starring with Rosales and Confiado in “Quezon” are Karylle, Romnick Sarmenta, JC Santos, Angeli Bayani, Bodjie Pascua, Joross Gamboa, Ketchup Eusebio, Jake Macapagal, Therese Malvar, and “Game of Thrones” star Iain Glen as Leonard Wood.

Benjamin Alves will reprise his role as a younger Quezon, while Arron Villaflor and Cris Villanueva will once again play the fictional character Joven Hernando at different ages.

“Quezon,” directed and co-written by Jerrold Tarog, will hit Philippine theaters nationwide beginning October 15.

One of the current big news items is the much anticipated appointment of Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla. The process for selecting Remulla started with a list of 17 applicants who were then interviewed by the Judicial and Bar Council. The public reception to this appointment was extreme. On one side, there was anticipation that Remulla would finally run after Sara Duterte. On the other side, there was apprehension, for better or for worse, that his major task would be to run after the Duterte group.

When he finally takes his oath, he will have two major cases that he would have to contend with. The first is a pending case against Sara Duterte for the alleged misuse of the P600-million confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President. It should be noted that the plunder law says that any amount over P50 million that is misused by a government official is classified as plunder. If found guilty, government officials will be removed from office and imprisoned and held without bail even while the trial is going on. All these judgments are the sole discretion of the ombudsman.

The second category of major cases are all those flood control corruption cases that will be referred to the ombudsman by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). If Remulla is able to put all these people in jail, including contractors, senators and congressmen, he will be hailed as a hero by the majority of the Filipino people.

The last ombudsman who was hailed as a fearless and courageous person was Conchita Carpio Morales. However, during her tenure, she ordered Joel Villanueva to be removed from office. This decision was overturned by the Senate. Hopefully, this will not happen during the tenure of Ombudsman Remulla.

As of the date of this writing, no one has been named to succeed Sen. Ping Lacson to head the Senate Blue Ribbon committee. Of the five nominees, two have already declined – Senators JV Ejercito and Raffy Tulfo. Of the remaining nominees, I believe that the most qualified is Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. He has the political courage and an unblemished record of integrity which are the basic requirements to hold this chairmanship. At the same time, he is also a lawyer, which would be a major asset for anyone chairing this committee.

With Crispin Remulla as ombudsman and Kiko Pangilinan as chair of the Blue Ribbon committee, the public can be assured that at least a few ‘big fish’ will end in jail.

If the ICI does its job thoroughly and not bow to any outside pressure, the actions of this troika – ICI, Remulla, Pangilinan – will finally accede to the people’s demands for the ‘big fishes’ to go to jail.

Amidst all these, however, there is need for a word of caution. Even placing the ‘big fish’ in jail will only stop corruption temporarily. In order to completely eradicate corruption in our society, we need to address the root causes of corruption – a topic I have written about in past columns.

Before the 20th century, governments believed that countries could wage wars to seize others’ lands and resources and that in some circumstances, they actually should. War was considered legal and invasion of even independent nations was considered legal. One example was that the United States invaded the Philippines even after the Philippines had declared independence and had drafted its own Constitution.

This all changed in 1928 when nearly every country in the world at that time joined the Kellogg-Briand Pact, agreeing that wars of aggression should be illegal and territorial conquest prohibited. This change in attitude was brought about by the first World War when nations of the world said that there should be an end to all wars.

In 1945, the United Nations Charter reaffirmed and expanded that commitment. The UN agreed to a prohibition on the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state.

Wars between nations became far less common. The world also became more peaceful and prosperous. With the start of the 21st century, it seems that the world has again resorted to claiming that wars could be justified.

The use of military threats to advance political or economic demands was used to justify powerful countries to wage war, to pressure countries into signing unequal treaties.

Trump has threatened to use force to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal. Russia invaded Ukraine, claiming that Ukraine was part of their country. Israel has invaded Palestine even though it had previously signed a treaty recognizing Palestine as a state. China has unilaterally declared the South China Sea as its sole territory, thus violating the sovereign rights of its neighboring nations like the Philippines and Vietnam.

In the future, if the prohibition on the use of force collapses, then Putin, Trump and Xi Jinping can simply agree to carve the world into spheres of influence.

The European Union can become an example. None of its 27 member-states has great power on its own but together they are a force. Midsize and small countries need to form broad coalitions to defend themselves. The lesson is that states can wield real power when they work in concert.

Mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) said it is going all out with its offers for the much-anticipated iPhone 17 Series.

In a news release, the telco announced it is now accepting pre-orders from Smart Postpaid, Smart Infinity and Smart Prepaid customers.

‘Through its exclusive data rewards and lifestyle treats, Smart empowers subscribers to make the most of Apple’s most advanced iPhone yet, powered by its superior 5G network,’ the company said.

For new and recontracting Smart Postpaid customers, the iPhone 17 (256GB) or iPhone Air can be availed at Plans+ 149, which comes with unlimited 5G for 12 months, 40GB for all apps and sites, a Netflix Mobile subscription, unlimited texts and calls to all networks and landlines. The plans include exclusive Smart Postpaid Perks from select restaurant, retail, beauty, wellness and travel partners.

With Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1499, new customers can get the iPhone 17 (256GB) for a down payment of P18,400 and a monthly amortization of P1,500 under a 24-month contract. Recontracting customers can get the same device for only P2,204 per month for 24 months, while those eyeing the iPhone Air (256GB) can avail of it for just P2,758 per month for 24 months, inclusive of a FREE eSIM upgrade for new and existing subscribers.

Customers can also sign up for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999, which includes UNLI 5G for 12 months, 60GB for all apps and sites, Netflix Mobile, unlimited texts and calls, and access to premium lifestyle perks via Smart Postpaid Perks.

With Smart Postpaid, customers can also enjoy a 0% installment option to get the iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) for only P69,800, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256GB) for only P79,500.

As an exclusive pre-order treat, Smart Postpaid subscribers who pre-order the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, or iPhone 17 Pro Max from October 9-31, will also enjoy free 17 GB 5G data per week for 17 weeks, plus more freebies on launch day, including unlimited data for 17 days.

Additionally, customers with successful orders on the Smart Online Store from October 9-31,will enjoy an additional P1,700 off via bill rebate.

Meanwhile, the company said Smart Infinity members can get the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17 or iPhone Air with their chosen Infinity Plan, which comes with unlimited data, calls, and texts, a data roaming allowance, and up to P4,500 in monthly consumables for premium services and app subscriptions like iCloud, Apple Music, and Apple TV+.

All plans include 24/7 access to the Infinity Concierge for global assistance and lifestyle coordination, while Infinity Plan 5000 and Plan 8000 members enjoy the added benefit of a dedicated Relationship Manager for personalized, one-on-one support.

Smart Prepaid customers who prefer a device-only option can get the iPhone 17 for as low as P2,425 per month for 24 months at 0% interest.

Those who sign up during the preorder period will receive a free Smart Prepaid eSIM and a bundle with an additional 1.7GB data for 17 weeks. Smart also offers flexible payment options through partner banks and financing institutions, making it easier for customers to upgrade to the latest iPhones.

The iPhone 17 Series is powered by Apple’s advanced A19 chip, ensuring lightning-fast performance and exceptional energy efficiency for day-long productivity. It also delivers smoother scrolling and more immersive visuals with its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology. Available in elegant colors such as Black, White, Mist Blue, Sage, and Lavender, the iPhone 17 Series also lets users match innovation with style.

‘The iPhone 17 delivers everything users could ask for on an iPhone – and more. We’re excited to match this energy by going all out with our offers so our subscribers can enjoy the best iPhone experience, powered by Smart 5G,’ said Marjorie Garrovillo, first vice president at Smart.

Customers may pre-order the latest iPhones and avail of Smart’s exclusive deals by visiting this link or heading to the nearest Smart Store.

While growing up in our upland community some decades back, I could count by my fingers the few professionals left in our community. Most of them were teachers. I seldom saw other professionals who were most likely lured to the big city or found work abroad.

The teachers left an indelible mark on us. I and the other children had a direct encounter with them because they stayed to teach in our elementary school. School time, of course, was a welcome break from the normal rhythm of countryside life: raising cattle and goats, plowing the fields, and laboring to exhaustion. While these teachers celebrated and extolled the hard work of ordinary folks, we had a break from backbreaking work whenever we were in school.

We learned from our teacher back then the many uses of slender bamboo sticks. They could be used as pointers on the board. But once in a while they could also be used to whack the bottoms of some naughty students.

Our teachers were quite ingenious. With the scarcity of teaching materials, old calendars were reused as charts and reading materials. Improvised reading stands were fashioned from the branches and twigs of the nearby trees. These simple tools of providing learning opened the gateways to knowledge and began to stir us into embracing newfound ambition.

I always looked upon our teachers as heroes in our community. Their voices and influence awakened my dreams of one day breaking myself free from the farmland. They created the ditches where these dreams were slowly watered, nurtured and ultimately flourished.

Teachers do make our dreams come true. It’s no wonder then, that I too, became a teacher. Many others in our community became teachers too. And many others became professionals that our small upland community has become a community of professionals.

So, whenever you meet a teacher today and every day, always whisper a prayer for them. Without them, what would our future be?

Happy World Teachers’ Day to my colleagues.

Officials launched on Wednesday, October 8, the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center in Datu Hoffer town in Maguindanao del Sur, the first-ever largest and well-equipped hospital in the autonomous region.

The BRHMC was established under the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 74, authored by regional lawmakers Kadil Sinolinding Jr., a physician-ophthalmologist; Sittie Fahanie Oyod, a lawyer; and civil engineer Baintan Ampatuan. Sinolinding also serves concurrently as BARMM’s regional health minister.

The bill, supported by 34 other members of the 80-member BARMM parliament, was approved on May 26, 2025.

BARMM Deputy Health Minister Zul Qarneyn Abas, Ampatuan, Uyod, representatives of Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua, IPHO-Maguindanao chief Mohammad Ariff Baguindali and other parliament members led Wednesday’s inauguration. The ceremony was also attended by provincial officials from Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte.

The BRHMC replaces the 52-year-old Maguindanao Provincial Hospital and is located on the same compound as the former facility.

‘The setting up of the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center is a big help for residents of the Bangsamoro region. We are grateful to the Bangsamoro parliament for having established this,’ said Baguindali, who will oversee the BRHMC.

Baguindali and other provincial officials also thanked the BARMM parliament for passing BAA 74 into law.

‘We are also thankful to the chief minister of the Bangsamoro region, who leads the regional parliament, for signing into law, without hesitation, the approved bill that enabled the creation of this hospital,’ Baguindali added.

Sinolinding said the Ministry of Health-BARMM will extensively support the hospital’s operations.

Ampatuan told reporters that the BRHMC will have an initial budget of P50 million from the regional government this year. ‘The succeeding allocations for its operation shall be included, by phases, in the annual appropriations for the expenditures of the regional government,’ he said.

Baguindali added that the BRHMC will operate on a ‘zero billing policy’ for all patients.

Teams from Cabangahan, Tolotolo, and Polog stepped a win away from securing the crown of their respective categories in the 15th Mayor Teresa Alegado Cup Inter-Barangay Fiesta Basketball League in Consolacion, Cebu.

Kervin Garcia fired 28 points with seven rebounds and seven assists as Cabangahan pummeled Casili, 88-68, to draw first blood in the best-of-three SK Category A finals.

Jonel Colubio and Adrian Panangin complemented Garcia with 26 points in between them.

In the battle for third place, Jugan prevailed over Tugbungan, 94-89.

In SK Category B, Tolotolo needed only one more victory to clinch the title after trouncing Polog, 93-78.

Christian Manto paced Tolotolo with 23 points, eight rebounds, and five assists while Joshua Avila and Gabriel Yap chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.

On the other hand, Prince Soquino sizzled with 18 points, five rebounds, eight assists and four steals while Kymbert Ponce and Adrian Tan connived for 26 points as Panas blasted Panoypoy, 97-86, to settle for third.

In Midget Category B, Polog demolished Tolotolo, 93-61, to move on the doorstep of championship glory.

Gabriel Godinez filled the stat sheet with 19 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, Jared Padayogdog added 17 points while Klent Lato nailed 11 markers for Polog.

Tilhaong emerged as bronze medalists after whipping Panoypoy, 71-57.

John Tulingin led Tilhaong with 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists while Jake Fuentes and France Galamiton cashed in 18 and 14 points.

Meanwhile, Emman Villamor unloaded 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals, Kindrick Alcover scored 16 while Warren Cadampog contributed 13 points as Casili dumped Nangka, 104-86, to advance to the Senior Category A finals against the defending champion Pulpogan.