9 articles found
Children enrolled in a child development center (CDC) in Barangay La Paz, Santiago, Agusan del Norte on Friday (October 24) give a warm welcome to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian during their visit to the learning facility. The center was built through the Kapit-Bisig […]
In the heart of Floridablanca, Pampanga thrives the resilient members of an Aeta community. For generations, they lived in harmony with nature, carrying the wisdom of their ancestors and dedication to farming as their primary source of livelihood. Ric Guiao, chairperson of the Floridablanca Aeta Ancestral Domain, has been a farmer for 40 years in the mountains and one of the challenges that he has experienced is hauling their produce to sell them in low lying areas. “Sa amin sa bundok, walang mahusay na kalsada. Maka-harvest ka man ng marami, yung magiging cost mo doon sa pag-hauling malaki,” Ric told DSWD’s #Kwento ng Pag-asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP). A new chapter in the Aeta group’s journey in sustaining their livelihood unfolded when the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) at BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished) decided to partner with them and find a sustainable place for their agriculture. The Project LAWA at BINHI is the DSWD’s flagship initiative which combines agriculture and climate adaptation in combatting poverty and hunger. The project empowers vulnerable and indigenous communities to address water scarcity and food insecurity through training, cash-for-work support, and climate-resilient farming practices. “Pangunahing target talaga na tulungan ng LAWA at BINHI ang mga katutubo at kasama na diyan yung katutubong Aeta kaya nakasama natin sila. Una para tulungan dun sa kanilang pangailangan na i-angat ang kanilang kabuhayan lalo na sila yung primary na nakaasa sa ating kalikasan,” Director Maria Isabel Lanada of the Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) told #KPAP. Through the DSWD project and in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Floridablanca, a 10-hectare farmland was lent by the Floridablanca National Agricultural School (FNAS) to the Aeta farmers. “Kung dati purely bare lang po ‘to, walang mga tanim. Ngayon na-cultivate, naging productive, nakatulong sa livelihood ng mga katutubong Aeta,” Floridablanca Mayor Michael Galang explained. The once-barren soil of the FNAS now abounds with life as the Floridablanca Aeta Ancestral Domain farmers now cultivate rows of eggplants, string beans, okra, and other agricultural produce. “Malaking tulong siya lalo na sa amin, sa mga ibang kapatid namin na nagsasaka rin. Ito kasi ay parang training ground din po kasi ito para kung sakali yung nagawa namin dito mai-apply din doon sa loob ng komunidad,” Ric pointed out. For Aeta farmer Mariette Santos, the new farming area equals stability that provides for her children’s education. “Malaking tulong po sa amin sa kabuhayan po namin sa pang araw-araw po, pagbaon po ng mga bata sa pag-aaral po. Nakakaani na po kami kasi ngayon dito tapos medyo malapit po kesa dun sa pinagtataniman po namin medyo malayo po,” Mariette stressed. According to Mayor Galang, the produce of the Aeta farmers does not just sustain their families because it also nourishes other individuals. “Yung produkto po nila hindi lang to basta binebenta sa market bagkus kinukuha na ng provincial government. Sila na ang bumibili para ibigay naman sa mga district hospital, sa mga district jail para po maging sustainable po ‘yung programang ito,” Mayor Galang said. To continue assisting the Aeta community members, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited the farmers on September 11 to bring boxes of family food packs (FFPs) as part of the project’s food-for-work (FFW) component. During the visit, the DSWD chief even joined the Aeta farmers in harvesting their crops as he assured continued government support, including a proposed solar-powered water system to irrigate their fields. For Ric and their members, this commitment is a welcome opportunity to help them sustain their livelihood through LAWA at BINHI. “Bilang namumuno dito sa farm na ‘to. Malaki po ang pasasalamat ko lalong-lalo na kay Secretary Gatchalian. Ngayon po may commitment siya sa amin. Magpapalagay na rin po siya daw ng tubig yung ah water system na solar para pantulong dito sa pang-irrigation dito sa mga gulay namin,” Ric said. As the Aetas of Floridablanca harvest their crops, they also reap a renewed sense of dignity and hope. In every fruit and vegetable they gather lies a story of self-determination, community strength, and the enduring power of being supported as partners in nation-building. The #KPAP — the DSWD’s award winning online documentary – is a joint production of the Traditional Media Service (TMS) and the Digital Media Service (DMS) which are under the Strategic Communications. It is hosted by Information Officer Bianca Piedad-Tamondong and is posted every Tuesday on the DSWD’s official Facebook page. (AKDL)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday (October 22) assured the public of its readiness to bring swift aid to local government units (LGUs) that will be affected by Tropical Depression (TD) “Salome,” the latest weather disturbance to enter the country. “The DSWD, especially through the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), always sees to it that we are updated of the latest weather disturbance, its track and areas that are at risk as it traverses our country. Ito ay kahit na marami tayong tinututukan na disaster-hit areas dahil sa sunod-sunod na bagyo at lindol,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DRMG said on Wednesday (October 22). Asst. Secretary Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said the Department has close to 2 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned in its warehouses nationwide, ready to be tapped to make way for timely relief operations. “Itong mga stockpile na ito na nasa mahigit kumulang na 1,000 warehouses natin ‘yan na naka-preposition na nationwide kaya makakasigurado ang ating mga kababayan na kung saan man magdala ng malakas na ulan itong TD Salome, mabilis tayong makakapag-paabot ng relief items para sa kanila,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out. The DSWD also maintains non-food items (NFIs) amounting to Php863 million, such as blankets, family, hygiene, kitchen kits and modular tents that can be provided to families who will be advised to take temporary shelter in evacuation centers, according to the DRMG assistant secretary. Asst. Secretary Dumlao said tight coordination between the DSWD and concerned local government units (LGUs) is on top of the Department’s priority, in line with the directives of Secretary Rex Gatchalian. “Laging nasa unahan ng listahan natin na walang Pilipinong magugutom sa gitna ng sakuna at nakakapagbigay tayo ng agarang kapanatagan na palaging bilin ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Magkatuwang po ang DSWD dyan pati na rin ang LGUs, as the disaster frontliners in their areas of jurisdiction,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out. The DSWD, as a member-agency of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), will be coordinating for any crucial update on the impact of TD Salome, particularly with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). As of 11:00 a.m. of October 22, TD Salome was located east of Taiwan inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). “We are urging our kababayans to be vigilant and heed all orders from their LGUs for their safety,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said. (LSJ)
Bacolod filmmaker Vincent Joseph Entuna has achieved another significant milestone, winning the Best Director Award at the Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival 2025 last October 18 in Quezon City for his short film “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” (The Barber’s Chair). The victory continues to mark the young filmmaker’s dedication in amplifying the stories and struggles of the marginalized through regional cinema. “Sa Pwesto ni Pistong” is a short period film set during the Martial Law era. It follows a humble barber, Teopisto, and his nephew, Carlos, as they witness the gradual decay of freedom and the consequences of remaining neutral within their community. The barbershop, where Teopisto teaches Carlos the craft before the latter departs for Manila, serves as a microcosm of the larger socio-political climate of the Philippines. The film’s plot sees the restless and idealistic Carlos becoming entangled in the resistance movement against the oppressive regime. Teopisto’s journey from pacifism to action mirrors the struggles of a community in crisis. Stylistically, the film is told entirely through a single locked camera angle, a choice praised by critics for its precision and restraint. This technique powerfully mirrors the themes of control, voyeurism, and silence under dictatorship. In his acceptance speech, Entuna dedicated the award to the voiceless and forgotten. He specifically highlighted the victims of the 1985 Escalante Massacre in Negros Occidental, a tragic event that the film honors and whose victims are commemorated every September 20. “This film is for those who were silenced by history,” Entuna said, following his third Best Director award. He stressed the power of cinema, reminding today’s generation that “art has the power to resist” and that storytelling must not only entertain but also “bear witness.” The Active Vista recognition follows the film’s success at the Bacolod Film Festival in September 2024, where it swept the major awards, Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. It also received a nomination for Best Musical Score. Entuna also won the Best Director Award early this year at the Pangasine Film Festival. The film has also earned multiple nominations, including a Best Picture nod in the Open Category of the Sinag Maynila Independent Film Festival 2025 and another recognition at the Hundred Islands Film Festival 2025. Producer Benj Ramos and Bacolod Film Festival 2024 coordinator Kristin Bactad-Jor were present to support Entuna at the Active Vista awards night. The Active Vista Human Rights Film Festival, organized by DAKILA, is one of the country’s leading platforms for socially conscious cinema, celebrating films that uphold human dignity, freedom, and democracy.
The Clark International Festival of Speed (CIFOS) 4-Wheel Festival cemented its place in Philippine motorsports history this past weekend, headlined by a spectacular 236-car Tour d’Elegance that saw a massive grid of vehicles take a celebratory lap around the Clark International Speedway (CIS). The unprecedented parade was a highlight of a jam-packed weekend that combined high-stakes racing, vibrant car culture, and a commitment to community and tourism. The Historic Tour d’Elegance: From Grounds to Grid The CIFOS Tour d’Elegance was an exclusive, by-invite-only gathering on the festival’s second day, bringing together select racers, hobbyists, and premier car clubs. The event began at the historic Fort Stotsenburg Parade Grounds, where participants bonded over coffee and snacks before the grand rollout. Leading the monumental procession was Kilton Motor Corporation & CIS President Johnny Tan driving a Jaguar XK8 convertible, with Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President & CEO Agnes Vst Devanadera as his esteemed passenger. The parade cruised through Clark before making history at the racetrack. For the first time ever in Philippine motorsports, a whopping 236 cars of different makes executed a full-lap track experience. This figure easily smashed last year’s inaugural car parade, which hosted just over 80 cars. Leading the colossal grid was renowned car enthusiast and racer Angie King, driving her Ferrari 458 GT3 emblazoned with a striking Philippine flag livery. A Vision for International Partnership The car parade serves as the centerpiece of the CIFOS 4-wheel weekend, promoting camaraderie, local tourism, and global partnerships. CIFOS President Johnny Tan shared his ambition: “I have a partner in Japan. Hopefully we can invite some Japanese enthusiasts to also join the Tour d’Elegance. Maybe we will invite the car clubs also to go to Japan and ride their cars also for their Tour d’Elegance. Hopefully, we can do this on an international level in the next few years.” CDC President Agnes Vst Devanadera echoed the sentiment, praising the collaboration: “This is a testament that when the private sector and the government sector join hands, we can have the best of everything.” Celebrating the Lens: PHIMOS Access Day Awards Apart from the car parade, the CIFOS 4-Wheel Festival celebrated the art of motorsports photography and videography. The weekend formally opened with a Media Day luncheon, karting experience and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, coinciding with the inaugural CIFOS Shutter Session Contest. Ten photo finalists and five video finalists were chosen by a panel of judges, with the top winners determined by public voting. Their winning works were prominently displayed at Trade Hall 2. The first phase of the contest aimed to promote the Philippine Motorsport Championship Series (PHIMOS) while providing a valuable platform to discover new talent and open doors to job opportunities for aspiring shutterbugs. VIDEO WINNERS: Champion: Seth Enriquez 1st runner up : Cheiyef Villareal 2nd runner up: Ronald Sioson 3rd runner-up: Cedi santos 4th runner-up : Joseph Caplis PHOTO WINNERS Champion: Alex Alcontin 1st runner up : Erika Santos 2nd runner up: Anneeka Rivamonte 3rd runner-up: Ian Joseph Sarmiento 4th runner-up : Chriziela Abrera PHOTO FINALISTS Cesar Diaz Crispin Ubaldo Jayvee Morallon Jeorge Santos Mark Manlapat The Heartbeat of Racing: PHIMOS Championship The Philippine Motorsport Championship Series (PHIMOS) provided the adrenaline at CIFOS, featuring 196 entries competing across various events and categories. Festival goers witnessed full-speed, serious racing competition on the track, setting a high tone for the event. Though the first two days enjoyed great weather, the Sunday Championship day was cut short due to a sudden, heavy downpour. A Cultural Hub: Car Meets & Exhibits The social and cultural side of the festival flourished with massive evening car meets and a vibrant exhibitor zone. Friday Night: On the Grid led by No Limits, featured a grand night car meet where 220 enthusiasts showcased exotics, tuners, classics, JDM, and domestic cars, fostering a night of music, culture, and connection.Saturday Night: Legends of the 90s hosted their second annual meet with CIFOS, drawing 165 cars to celebrate the people, cars, and community of the 90s era. Running parallel to the pitlane, the exhibitor stretch was a “boulevard of speed, style, and connection.” This zone featured a good variety of food merchants, major automakers, aftermarket brands, and lifestyle gear, mirroring the energy of a race pit and bringing fans closer to the brands they love. A Glimpse of History: The Edsbrat Display The undisputed star of the festival’s indoor display was the 1962 Formula Junior Edsbrat, displayed all weekend at Trade Hall 2. Built in Hong Kong by Eddy Carvalho, the first Macau Grand Prix winner, the car gained fame competing in Macau and Japan. It remains the only FJ ever built in Asia and the only one in existence today. Also on display was a homage to Filipino racer Arsenio “Dodjie” Laurel, who was the first two-time winner of the Macau Grand Prix, winning it consecutively in 1962 and 1963. What’s Next: CIFOS 2-Wheel Festival With the success of the 4-Wheel Festival wrapped up, the focus now shifts to the upcoming CIFOS 2-Wheel Festival, highlighting all things motorcycle from November 28–30, also at Clark International Speedway. For festival inquiries, email [email protected] or [email protected]. You may also check out the CIFOS social handle @cifosph on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
MAKATI CITY — In celebration of the 2025 National Cooperative Month, the Credit Information Corporation (CIC), the country’s sole public credit registry, will hold a free CIC Academy webinar for cooperatives titled “Kooperatiba at Credit: Paano Magtagumpay sa Pananalapi,” on 24 October 2025. This is in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). This year’s theme, “Cooperatives United in Purpose and Action, Sharing Prosperity to Build a Better World,” will focus on how cooperatives can strengthen financial transparency, enhance credit management practices, and promote responsible lending and borrowing to achieve shared prosperity and sustainable growth. With thousands of cooperatives driving financial inclusion and community empowerment across the Philippines, the CIC recognizes their vital role in building a more inclusive economy. “Our webinar will empower cooperatives by orienting them on maximizing usage of the CIC database and credit reports. These are essential tools for data-driven credit decisioning and accurate risk management that can strengthen their financial transparency and support sustainable growth,” said CIC President and CEO Ben Joshua A. Baltazar. PCEO Baltazar also emphasized CIC’s continuing efforts to boost the compliance of financial institutions with Republic Act No. 9510 or the Credit Information System Act (CISA). “A stronger credit information ecosystem, where cooperatives are active participants, fosters a financially empowered, transparent, and inclusive economy through the responsible use of credit data,” he added. The webinar will feature CDA Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs Service Attorney Leah Banagui-Han and CIC Attorney IV Philip Gerald Fulgueras as resource speakers. Register for free at: bit.ly/CICAcademy24Oct2025 and join the webinar via Zoom or Facebook Live to receive a certificate of participation. For the latest updates on CIC’s activities and events, please email us at [email protected] and follow the official Facebook page of CIC. The Credit Information Corporation (CIC), a government-owned and controlled corporation, was created by Republic Act No. 9510, otherwise known as the Credit Information System Act (CISA). The primary mandate of CIC is to establish a comprehensive and centralized credit information system for the collection and dissemination of fair and accurate information relevant to, or arising from, credit and credit-related activities of all entities participating in the ecosystem.
For nearly a decade, Hamza Kooheji has carried the flag of Bahrain inside the BRAVE Combat Federation cage, serving as both pioneer and pride of a nation. Now, at long last, the man hailed as “The Face of Bahraini MMA” stands on the brink of history. On Friday, November 7, at Khalifa Sports City in […]
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) officially launched its AI-powered chatbot, POLA or the PDIC Online Assistant, during a simple ceremony held at the PDIC Chino Building in Makati City on October 14, 2025. The launch was a pivotal milestone in the Corporation’s ongoing digital transformation initiative to deliver better, faster, and smarter public service […]
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) is set to conduct an electronic public bidding (e-bidding) for a wide range of real properties located in Luzon and Visayas regions. The e-bidding will start at 9:00 AM on November 12, 2025 and will run until 1:00 PM on November 13, 2025, exclusively through the PDIC e-bidding portal […]