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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has completed the first wave of distribution and dispatch of 216,000 family food packs (FFPs) to earthquake-hit areas in northern Cebu-just three days after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s visit to the province.

‘We are pleased to inform everybody that as of last night, we have fully complied, served, and dispatched 216,000 family food packs after three days. That’s one of the fastest and largest deployments of family food packs done by DSWD,’ said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

Gatchalian visited yesterday the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Barangay Tingub, Mandaue City, where the food packs are produced.

He said the large-scale deployment covered the 12 earthquake-affected towns in northern Cebu.

The initiative was carried out in coordination with local chief executives and Governor Pamela Baricuatro, following a high-level meeting with President Marcos Jr. during his visit to Bogo City, the quake’s epicenter, on October 2, 2025.

Gatchalian said that while the DSWD handled the preparation and delivery of the food packs, local government units (LGUs) took charge of the ‘last mile’ of distribution since they know their communities best.

‘The national government will augment their capacity, ibibigay sa local government units yung mga food packs. Because they know their constituents and the terrain better, sila yung magdi-distribute all the way to the households,’ he said.

As of Sunday, most LGUs had completed the first wave of relief, with the DSWD now preparing for the second round of food distribution.

The agency will meet today, October 7, with Governor Baricuatro, Rep. Duke Frasco (5th District), Rep. Sun Shimura (4th District), and the mayors of affected towns to finalize logistics for the second wave of FFPs and discuss the rollout of financial assistance for affected families.

‘The food packs are meant for immediate response, but we also have to start talking about recovery. That includes financial assistance for affected families,’ Gatchalian said.

He confirmed that P10,000 cash aid has already been provided to families who lost loved ones or were injured. The emergency cash transfer program, he added, will be finalized after consultations with LGUs to assess their needs.

To sustain relief operations, Gatchalian said the DSWD’s VDRC in Cebu is operating at full capacity-producing 25,000 food packs per day, seven days a week.

‘We’re maximizing it. We’re producing 25,000 family food packs every day. Walang tigil ang deployment. The VDRC is focused solely on operations in Bogo and northern Cebu,’ he said.

Previously producing only 10,000 to 15,000 packs daily, the Cebu hub has ramped up its capacity through mechanization and volunteer support. Around 150 volunteers are helping with the packing operations, assisted by automated systems that speed up the process.

‘Because of mechanization, we can now produce 25,000 a day. So in four days, we can already complete 100,000. That’s why we were able to reach 216,000 packs in just three days,’ he explained.

Gatchalian credited local government units and district representatives for helping expedite deployment by providing additional trucks and logistical support.

‘Kaya in three days’ time, 216,000 family food packs ang nailabas. Congressman Frasco and Congressman Shimura helped with their own trucks, along with LGUs. Tulong-tulong lahat to get those goods across,’ he said.

He emphasized that the rapid response was made possible by the President’s directive for year-round preparedness.

‘Bago pa nagkaroon ng sakuna, tandaan ninyo ang instruction ng Pangulo-the preparation has to happen every day, 365 days a year. May kalamidad o wala, tuloy-tuloy ang production,’ he said, adding that the agency maintains a reserve of hundreds of thousands of food packs ready for immediate deployment nationwide.

Gatchalian assured quake victims that the government remains committed to their recovery.

‘Sa mga biktima nitong huling lindol, gusto ko malaman ninyo na ang ating Pangulo at ang buong departamento, you’re on top of our minds. Minadali natin ang deployment ng 216,000 family food packs in three days. Huwag kayo mag-alala, hindi kayo makakalimutan. Sisiguraduhin ng pamahalaang nasyonal na hanggang sa makabangon kayo muli, nandito kami,’ he said.

He added that DSWD has also coordinated the establishment of five community kitchens to provide freshly cooked meals to evacuees, complementing the distributed canned goods and dry rations.

MANDAUE CITY TO GIVE P7M AID TO QUAKE-HIT LGUS

Meanwhile, the Mandaue City Council has approved on first reading an ordinance granting P7 million in financial assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu last week.

City Councilor Atty. Joel Seno said on Monday, October 6, that an additional P2 million was added to the city’s initial P5 million aid. The towns of Sogod and Daanbantayan will each receive P1 million.

According to Seno, the two towns were included after situational reports received over the weekend showed the extent of damage and number of affected families in their areas.

As earlier reported, Bogo City and the towns of Medellin, Tabogon, San Remigio, and Borbon will also receive P1 million each from Mandaue City. The P7 million financial assistance will be sourced from the city’s PAGCOR funds.

Seno said Mayor Thadeo Jovito ‘Jonkie’ Ouano based the allocation on a report from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) detailing the number of affected families in each locality.

He added that other LGUs may still receive assistance once additional reports are submitted.

‘As of now, the mayor has earmarked funds for the seven identified LGUs,’ Seno said.

The ordinance is expected to be approved on second and final reading during a special session on Wednesday, October 8, at the Mandaue City Session Hall. Once approved, the assistance will be released directly to the LGUs.

‘The amount will be given to them so they can decide how to use it,’ Seno said.

In a separate interview, Mayor Ouano confirmed that Sogod and Daanbantayan were among the hardest-hit areas.

Ouano said the funds will go directly to the LGUs since they know best what their constituents need.

‘They can use it, for instance, to buy materials for rebuilding damaged houses. So, hopefully, by this week or next week, ma-distribute na nato ang cheque nga tag P1 million each ani na mga LGUs,’ the mayor said.

Port giant International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has received an extension to its concession to operate two terminals at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and planned to spend $130 million for their upgrade.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, ICTSI said it has received approval from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to extend its concession in Subic.

SBMA, which manages the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, authorized ICTSI subsidiaries Subic Bay International Terminals Corp. (SBITC) and ICTSI Subic Inc. (ISI) to extend the management of the New Container Terminals (NCT) 1 and 2 until 2058.

SBITC and ISI, collectively known as Subic Bay International Terminals, will invest as much as $130 million for the extended contract. The Subic Bay International Terminals have lined up an investment and development plan to improve NCT 1 and 2.

The plan involves the acquisition of additional equipment to scale up NCT 1 and 2’s capabilities and efficiency. It also covers the construction of more infrastructure needed by both terminals.

Given this, the plan seeks to raise NCT 1 and 2’s combined annual capacity by two-thirds to one million TEUs, from 600,000 TEUs, during the concession.

The Subic Bay International Terminals play an important role in handling trade for the northern regions of Luzon, with linkage to some of the busiest national highways and shipping routes.

The terminals also support logistics requirements of businesses in Central Luzon, particularly in Subic and Clark, as well as nearby provinces Bataan, La Union, Pampanga and Tarlac.

Locally, ICTSI is on the lookout for expansion opportunities to put up new projects and upgrade existing ones. In Luzon, the company is building the $800-million Luzon International Container Terminal (LICT), set to become the country’s second largest of its kind.

ICTSI aims to deliver the first phase of the project by 2027, with the entirety done by 2028. The LICT is designed to have a capacity of two million TEUs annually.

For 2025, ICTSI is ready to invest $580 million for capital expenditures, of which 40 percent, or $231.98 million, has been used up as of June.

ICTSI is one of the world’s largest port players in the 50,000 to 3.5 million TEU per year band, with terminals across six continents and more in the pipeline.

DJ Mo Twister bid farewell to the Las Vegas home he previously shared with ex-wife Angelika Schmeing, more popularly known as fellow DJ Angelicopter.

In a now deleted Instagram post, Mo said that the Nevada house was where the former couple’s children grew up.

“For the first time I turned off every single light in the house, and locked the door one last time. I’m not grieving the walls, but what they held. Two beautiful kids were raised in this home, and it was supposed to be theirs,” Mo said.

Without mentioning any names, the DJ-host revealed that a person released from jail came to the house and took what they identified as “valuable.”

Many assumed that Mo was referring to Angelika as her son Lucas from a previous relationship as he wasn’t around anymore when Mo came home.

Mo detailed the “valuable” stuff included an expensive couch and fancy furnishings, and things left behind were considered “junk” by a certain “she.”

“As I went through the ‘junk’ I found the most valuable of things. I found his hospital bracelet from the day he was born, even if I wasn’t a part of his life yet then. His first tooth. His first homework assignment.”

“I found my daughter’s hospital bracelet too. I’ve always kept every tooth and other mementos like their first haircut, ALL their school workbooks and every toy I was always so excited to buy for them,” Mo continued, talking about his daughter Amsterdam.

He doubled down on things taken were Hermes bags, earrings, clothes, and shoes, and all that were left behind were “pieces of ‘junk’ which was the history of these children.”

The one thing he did leave behind was a drawing by Lucas of him and Amsterdam, taped to the wall for posterity.

“It’s not Da Vinci level art but it’s priceless,” Mo quipped. “With the heaviest heart, I left my home today. And it feels like yet another connection I have with him gone.”

Mo ended sharing he bought a new house with the hopes of seeing Lucas again, “In the meantime. There’s literally only one person on this planet that doesn’t call him my son, and that’s the only piece of junk I left behind.”

Mo revealed last year that Angelika broke up with him during their third wedding anniversary.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has opened a Pandora’s box of opportunities for Filipino athletes with Elite Link, which serves as the first-ever database app in history.

PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio on Monday night together with Elite Link launched the groundbreaking mobile app that will become a main hub and community aimed at fostering friendship, connections, network, sponsorship, scholarship and national team opportunities or thousands of undiscovered athletes like every social media platform today.

In Elite Link, all athletes from across the archipelago and even abroad can sign up and create their own profile and backgrounds with video highlights of their chosen sports to serve as their resume for a shot at a university scholarship, sponsorship or brand support and national team call-up.

It’s open to almost 2,000 national junior and elite athletes but is targeted particularly at providing a platform for grassroots and untapped young talents just waiting to be discovered, especially from the far-flung areas of the country.

“It will now be our database to identify young talents, who will soon be elite athletes. This central hub for all athletes is for our future. This will be big for all the athletes from around the Philippines to introduce themselves. Panalo ito ng Atletang Pilipino. Elite Link is for the Philippine sports and the Filipino athletes,” said Gregorio during the app launch with Elite Link led by general manager JP Campos and senior advisor Akiko Thompson-Gueverra, a decorated Filipina Olympian swimmer.

Elite Link will have a profile designations for all Philippine stakeholders for an inclusive, broad and working community, from athletes to parents, coaches, scouts, managers, brands and sponsors, universities and colleges, National Sports Associations (NSAs) and sport officials.

For Elite Link, it’s talent meeting technology in the world’s digital era, making it easier for Filipino athletes to showcase what they’ve got as early as they can with hopes of becoming the next Hidilyn Diaz and Caloy Yulo.

“This is exciting for our young athletes. We try to create an ecosystem for our young athletes where they will be able to be seen, a challenge in the past that’s hard to navigate for starting athletes. They have big dream but don’t know how to get there. Now, we finally have a technology for them. Athletes will now have an easier way to find a partner for their dreams,” said Thompson-Gueverra.

“We really wanted to create an equal playing field for all our Filipino athletes, no matter where you are and what sport you want to pursue. With Elite Link, you can share your progress to coaches, scouts, sponsors and institutions that will guide you along the way. You can also connect with fellow athletes,’ added Campos.

The PSC has already started requiring every athlete on its fold to sign up but will officially begin the rollout in the coming 2025 Batang Pinoy in General Santos City later this month featuring more than 20,000 junior athletes and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand led by 1,600-strong delegation.

“We will definitely have regional launches, introducing Elite Link in different PSC events starting in GenSan. This will now be incorporated and promoted in all PSC programs as part of a nationwide launch. Hopefully, ‘yung mga susunod na makakasama sa Olympics, dito sa Elite Link app natin mahuhuli at makukuha,” beamed Gregorio.

The University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Kicking Panthers and the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC)-Cebu Greywolves subdued separate foes in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 football tournament over the weekend at the Cebu City Sports Center.

USPF beat the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, 2-1, to grab the lead in the college division with a 2-1 win-loss record.

Jordan Quinicot and James Langres darted in goals at the 36th and 45th minute, respectively, to carry the Panthers to another victory.

USJ-R’s Sean Olvido found the back of the net at the 84th minute but it was already too late.

In the other collegiate duel, the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors and the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons fought to a 2-all draw.

UP’s Justine Louie Soco broke the ice of the match at the 11th but Gianrenzo Custado and John Cyril Sinoy blasted back-to-back goals at the 23rd and 43rd to push the Carolinians to a 2-1 lead.

But Soco again delivered a goal for UP at the 70th minute resulting in a stalemate.

In the secondary division, Don Bosco triumphed for the first time after crushing the San Carlos School of Cebu (SCSC) Baby Warriors, 4-1.

Interestingly, San Carlos scored the game’s first goal courtesy of Xyrus Lloyd Maraquio with just eight minutes gone by in the game.

But Joseph Roy Requiron scored a brace at the 23rd and 79th in between goals by Yuki John Ceniza and

Ray Agustine Abuzo at the 30th and 34th minute to spark Don Bosco’s dominant performance over San Carlos.

In the other result, the USJ-R Baby Jaguars and the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles battled to a 2-2 standoff.

USJ-R’s Nino Janry Colina surprised the Sacred Hearters with a goal in just the first two minutes of play.

Jared Tyler Abastas hit the equalizer for SHS-Ateneo at the 27th.

John Michael Diano pulled USJ-R ahead two minutes later, but Ateneo’s Mark Nathan Tabon sank a goal at the 39th that eventually led to a stalemate.

The Sandiganbayan has upheld the conviction of former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Efraim Genuino and four other former top PAGCOR officials over the alleged misuse of P50.05 million in agency funds.

In a 28-page resolution promulgated on Oct. 1, the anti-graft court’s Third Division said Genuino and his four co-accused ‘failed to raise new and material allegations in the respective motions (for reconsideration) that would convince the court to reconsider its previous finding of guilt.’

Also denied were the motions for reconsideration filed by former PAGCOR president and chief operating officer Rafael Francisco, former senior vice president for administration Rene Figueroa, former senior vice president for corporate communications services Edward ‘Dodie’ King and former assistant vice president for internal audit Valente Custodio.

In its May 9, 2025 decision, the Third Division found Genuino, Francisco, Figueroa, King and Custodio guilty of five counts each of violating Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and five counts each of malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

In its new resolution, the Third Division also granted the prosecution’s motion to impose civil liability on Genuino and his co-accused, in addition to the earlier fine.

Accordingly, Genuino, Francisco, Figueroa, King and Custodio were ordered to jointly or individually reimburse the government P40.407 million as civil liability, with a six-percent annual interest to be computed from the finality of the decision until fully paid.

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2013, the cases stemmed from alleged irregular disbursements of PAGCOR funds between 2005 and 2008 for the purchase of tarpaulins, shirts, caps and other promotional items, as well as expenses for the BIDA Foundation, which Genuino founded in 2003.

The court maintained that the prosecution sufficiently proved that the purchases did not undergo public bidding or processing by PAGCOR’s Procurement Department.

Instead, Genuino and his co-accused resorted to small-value procurement, or ‘shopping,’ without valid justification.

The Third Division noted that the amount spent for BIDA members’ identification cards and pins exceeded P9 million.

Charges have been filed against a businesswoman who was arrested for selling over P15 million in relief kits with the logo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Tondo, Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

Complaints for violation of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act and illegal use of insignia have been filed against the suspect, known only as Janice, who was nabbed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in a warehouse in Barangay 56 on Thursday.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered an investigation to determine the supply chain, from their point of origin to their illegal resale in the black market, and why the relief goods have DSWD markings.

‘What’s the purpose and where will the proceeds of the would-be sale of these items go?’ Nartatez said at a news briefing.

Nartatez also wants to know the identities of Janice’s cohorts.

The businesswoman was apprehended after she sold 6,000 boxes of family kits for P2,588 each to police who posed as buyers.

Each family kit contains towels, slippers, t-shirts and underwear for adults and children.

Nartatez reminded the public that government relief goods are for victims of calamities and are not for sale.

‘Anyone who tries to exploit the suffering of our countrymen for personal gain will face the full force of the law,’ he said.

As an innovation-first clinic, Belo Nexa stands as the ultimate symbol of Belo’s 35-year legacy and a technologically advanced aesthetic center that’s set to lead Belo into a bold new future.

A boundary-pushing concept imagined by Dr. Vicki Belo more than three decades ago, Nexa has become synonymous with beauty, technology, and unparalleled patient care.

Thirty-five years ago, the idea of the Philippines as a hub for internationally acclaimed beauty treatments seemed far-fetched. Today, the Belo name has become shorthand for transformative beauty, combining luxury with expert medical excellence.

Where beauty artistry and medical expertise meetAs Belo’s flagship clinic, Belo Nexa redefines beauty through its world-class innovations. Inside its walls are some of the industry’s most forward-looking technologies and treatments, delivered with Belo’s trademark standard of care.

Leading the lineup is XERF Medical Technology (eXperience Exponential RF), a next-generation, non-invasive skin-tightening and rejuvenation treatment powered by advanced radiofrequency energy.

This is complemented by Belo’s trusted skincare solutions, including the ZO Retinol and Blemish Solutions, which remain a gold standard in bottled beauty salves in the market.

Most notably, Belo Nexa is home to maxillofacial surgeries performed by Dr. Dax Pascasio, one of only two trained and certified surgeons in the Philippines.

Under his care, groundbreaking jaw and chin surgeries (orthognathic, genioplasty, mandibular angle reduction, jaw contouring) position Belo to be a frontrunner along with the world’s highly trusted cosmetic surgery centers.

Cosmetic surgery that stands outAlongside these innovations, Belo’s expert medical team continues to offer its signature surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, tummy tucks, and 360° liposuction, a signature method of fat removal that, unlike most liposuction techniques in the Philippines, is not limited to the target area alone.

With the lipo 360 approach, adjacent areas surrounding the problem area are also targeted and addressed for a more streamlined look. This ensures that patients receive a comprehensive range of artistry, precision, and care under one roof.

‘When I started Belo, my first dream was to make Filipinos feel more confident in their own skin. My second dream was to make the Philippines a global destination for aesthetics and research. With Nexa, I feel like we’re closer than ever to achieving that,’ says founder and chairwoman Dr. Vicki Belo.

The innovation promise

Belo’s legacy has always been about staying ahead of the curve. Belo Nexa is the clearest proof that the brand is setting the pace. What lies ahead? More firsts, more science-backed innovations, and the same uncompromising commitment to patient care.

As Belo continues its journey, Nexa will remain its crown jewel: a place where the art of beauty meets the future of medicine, proudly shaping what’s next for Filipinos-and the world.

The 45-year-old Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan collapsed on Monday afternoon, October 6, after multiple trucks reportedly exceeded its 18-ton load limit, leaving seven people injured.

According to the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), four trucks fell along with the bridge when it collapsed over 20 feet.

PDRRMO Head Rueli Rapsing said over dzBB on Tuesday, October 7, that seven individuals sustained minor injuries from the bridge’s collapse, which included truck drivers and passengers. No one died.

In its initial report Monday night, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said three loaded trucks, each carrying an estimated 50 tons, were on the bridge when it collapsed.

However, Rapsing said the exact load of each truck has yet to be confirmed, adding that it remains unclear whether overloading actually caused the collapse.

He said that multiple delivery trucks regularly pass through the Piggatan Bridge, which serves as a major thoroughfare in Cagayan.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency is trying to figure out how to quickly repair or replace the bridge, especially during harvest season when truckloads of agricultural crops like palay and corn are transported in Cagayan through the Piggatan Bridge.

‘Eh kritikal ito papuntang Norte at papuntang Tuguegarao at dahil sa bumagsak na kahapon nito, ang layo ng iikutan ng mga kababayan natin, lalo na ‘yung mga truck na may dala dalang maraming mga palay at mais,’ he said over dzBB on Tuesday.

(This route is critical for travel to the North and to Tuguegarao, and with the bridge collapsing yesterday, residents now have to take a much longer detour, especially trucks carrying loads of rice and corn.)

Motorists and trucks have been advised to take these alternative routes while the bridge remains closed:

To Tuguegarao: Dummon-Capissayan, Baggao-Peñablanca Road

To Aparri and Sta. Ana: Baybayog-Capissayan-Dummon / Burobor Road.

Another alternative: From Tuguegarao Junction Baybayog, pass through Poblacion, Bitag Grande, San Jose and then turn left to Nangalinan, leading to Tallang, Remus and Capissayan, Gattaran

Vehicles from here can turn right to Nabaccayan, leading to Lal-lo or head straight to Dummun Gattaran Centro.

For light vehicles: Piggatan-Maraburab Barangay Road

For heavy vehicles: Junction Gattaran-Cumao-Capissayan-Sta. Margarita Bolos

With the longer detours, logistical costs are expected to rise, Dizon said.

He also urged authorities to inspect other bridges nationwide, noting that many 10- to 18-wheeler trucks regularly cross them to transport goods, often with little oversight.

Dizon added that a temporary bridge may be constructed in the coming months.

Raslag Corp., the Nepomuceno Group’s renewable power arm, has enlisted German experts as technical consultants for its integrated solar facility in Nueva Ecija.

The company has tapped Greencity Energy Philippines Inc. (GCE) as owner’s engineer for its subsidiary, Raslag Liwayway, which is developing a 100-megawatt (MW) solar farm equipped with a battery energy storage component.

GCE and its German-led expert team will serve as a technical partner for 18 months, subject to adjustment by the parties, Raslag said in a regulatory filing yesterday.

As a technical partner, GCE is expected to support project development, design review, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning, as well as operations and maintenance transition.

Located in the municipality of Santa Rosa in Nueva Ecija, the Raslag Liwayway project is set to begin its design phase in the fourth quarter, with completion targeted in the second half of 2027.

Raslag estimates the project’s solar component to cost around P4.8 billion, while the investment required for the battery storage segment has yet to be disclosed.

With GCE on board, Raslag said it is committed to building the solar plant with utmost safety and efficiency, ensuring full compliance with both local and global regulations and industry best practices.

GCE is a consulting and advisory company specializing in renewable energy, especially photovoltaic technologies. Globally, it has served as a developer, owner’s engineer and project manager for over one gigawatt of solar capacity.

Raslag, on the other hand, currently operates four solar assets with a combined capacity of 77.84 MW across Pampanga. It aims to achieve at least 1,000 MW of capacity over the next decade.