Tagum City Distributes Fertilizer to Boost Local Farming Productivity

Tagum City Mayor Rey T. Uy spearheaded the distribution of fertilizer sacks to local farmers on Monday, September 8. Accompanied by Councilor Wes Caasi, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Agriculture, the officials handed over the agricultural aid to four farmers’ groups from Barangays Pagsabangan and Cuambogan. The city government reported that the support, amounting to over 500,000 pesos, was provided through the Rice & Corn Production Support Program managed by the City Agriculture Office (CAGRO). This initiative aims to assist farmers in increasing the yield of their farmlands. "This program is designed to help our farmers enhance their crop production," the city government emphasized, highlighting its commitment to strengthen agricultural productivity within the community.

DLSU Committee Calls for Accountability Amid Worsening Flood Crisis in the Philippines

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Committee on National Issues and Concerns has issued a strong appeal to Lasallians and Filipinos nationwide to demand accountability from officials responsible for corruption and negligence that have exacerbated the recent flooding disasters across the country.\n\nIn a statement released on Tuesday, September 16, the committee condemned the failure of government agencies and personnel who neglected their duties, leading to the worsening impact of floods that displaced communities and caused fatalities. "We call on all Lasallians to stand with the Filipino people in demanding accountability against those who have failed in upholding their sworn duty, reform in institutions that have been eroded by corruption, and justice for the losses sustained due to greed and neglect," the committee said.\n\nThe floods, described as "devastating" and prolonged, have been linked to substandard and incomplete flood control projects, some being labeled as "ghost" projects—initiatives that were either never completed or failed to deliver promised protections. The committee singled out the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for approving such inadequate projects, accusing them of betraying public trust. "Each signature is a death sentence written in ink. It is a deliberate choice to let communities drown while personal coffers fill," the statement strongly criticized.\n\nHighlighting the stark contrast between affected families and the ostentatious lifestyles of certain contractors, politicians, and bureaucrats, the committee called this disparity "a cruel mockery of our people\'s suffering" and an "undeniable proof of how deeply corruption festers."\n\nThe statement further underscored a pervasive "culture of impunity" within governance structures, asserting that when accountability is abandoned and institutions are exploited for private gain, disasters become "man-made crimes" rather than natural occurrences.\n\nAs investigations into flood control projects move forward, the committee urged the public to remain vigilant and insisted that "no one should be spared from accountability, no matter their position or privilege."\n\nConcluding their appeal, the DLSU committee stressed the need to uphold transparency, justice, and institutional reforms to ensure that government truly serves the Filipino people. "Let us not waver in our commitment to truth and justice, until corruption is confronted and governance truly serves the Filipino people," they declared.

Senate President Lacson Aligns with Former Taguig Mayor on Corruption and Repentance

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping" Lacson publicly affirmed his agreement with former Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano's assertion that repentance by itself cannot eliminate corruption and other misconduct. On Tuesday, September 16, Lacson shared a post on his social media account featuring a quote from the former mayor that rejected the notion promoted by Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano—that widespread wrongdoing among Filipinos can be resolved solely through repentance. "I agree and associate myself with Taguig City ex-Mayor Lino Cayetano in this regard," Lacson stated. The senator, who also chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee tasked with investigating government corruption, remarked, "I know government officials who committed sins by stealing public funds, repented, stole again and repented again a number of times. In the meantime, people suffer from their belief that absolution comes after repentance." This response follows a recent Facebook Live session in which Senator Alan Peter Cayetano openly acknowledged that as a people, Filipinos are "all guilty from vote buying to cheating to stealing to lying." He maintained that the essential component of addressing these issues is genuine repentance. However, Lino Cayetano criticized this perspective as typical of "traditional politicians that spark anger," arguing that such statements risk normalizing negative behaviors. He emphasized the inherent decency of Filipinos, stating they are God-fearing and motivated by the well-being of their families. "Hindi likas ang magnakaw, bumili ng boto, magsinungaling, at hindi din solusyon at absolusyon ang pag 'repent' lamang (It is not in Filipinos' nature to steal, buy votes, or lie. Neither is the solution in mere 'repentance')," the former mayor said. He concluded passionately, "Let’s not normalize corruption. Let’s fight it!" underscoring the importance of action over mere contrition.

Bataan Government Showcases Family Development Initiatives to National Validators

The Bataan provincial government, led by Governor Joet Garcia, recently unveiled its initiatives aligned with the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action to national evaluators. The Provincial Population Office (PPO) has been recognized as one of five nominees for the esteemed Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award. Governor Garcia emphasized the significance of the award, stating, \"This recognition honors the programs implemented by various regional agencies and local government units in support of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action.\" During the presentation, Garcia detailed the province’s comprehensive efforts in family planning, youth protection, and other socio-economic projects aimed at improving the well-being of families in Bataan. He remarked, \"These measures reflect our commitment to providing equal opportunities and a brighter future for our constituents.\" Furthermore, the governor expressed pride in the collaborative work of government offices and local units, noting, \"We take pride not only in these agencies and offices but also in our local government partners who help execute these programs. This recognition belongs not just to our administration but to every Bataeño family we continue to serve and protect.\"

Senators Question Accountability in Major Agricultural Smuggling Case

During a Senate investigation on Monday, lawmakers challenged the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) over their inability to apprehend the key figures responsible for a massive agricultural smuggling operation that involved 14 container vans of illicit vegetables and frozen fish. Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, confronted Dexter Juala, the registered owner of EPCB Consumer Goods Trading—the consignee linked to the seized shipments from July. Pangilinan emphasized the scale of the problem and the lack of legal repercussions, stating, "Similar to corruption in flood control projects, billions of pesos are stolen due to smuggling. Yet, no smugglers have been locked up so far." Highlighting further frustration, he added, "Trillions of pesos worth of smuggled goods have been confiscated, but we have yet to convict a single smuggler. It is truly shameful for all of us." Juala appeared visibly uneasy during the hearing and insisted he was not involved in the illegal importation, attributing the registration to his uncle, whom he named as Erwin Pascual. "My uncle took my ID and registered at the pier," he explained. Senator Erwin Tulfo, recalling his past exposure of irregularities within the BOC, argued that Juala and other witnesses were mere frontmen. "He is just a food delivery rider. How can anyone credibly accept that he owns these shipments?" Tulfo questioned. He called for a subpoena of Pascual, asserting, "The owner of EPCB is Mr. Erwin Pascual, not this poor rider. The problem is these brokers are not really the true owners." The inquiry highlights ongoing challenges in combating agricultural smuggling and questions the effectiveness of enforcement agencies in dismantling complex criminal networks.

SRA and HPCo Collaborate on Organic Pest Management to Protect Negros Sugarcane Farms

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has strengthened its partnership with Hawaiian-Philippine Co. (HPCo) to address the Red Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation in Negros Occidental using an organic and environmentally friendly pest management strategy. On September 6, SRA Administrator and CEO Pablo Luis Azcona visited HPCo’s site in Silay City to endorse the initiative, which emphasizes biological control tactics designed to reduce RSSI populations while preserving beneficial insects critical to the ecological health of sugarcane plantations. The RSSI is known to severely damage sugarcane crops across Negros Occidental. “This collaboration goes beyond tackling the immediate pest challenge; it establishes sustainable agricultural practices that will support future generations of sugarcane farmers in Negros and beyond,” Azcona remarked. Since June, HPCo’s technical team has been developing an organic treatment protocol tailored to varying levels of RSSI infestation, aligning with SRA’s sustainability goals. The project gained momentum after a visit from Israeli agricultural experts Yael Skutelsky and Nina Lehmann between August 10 and 16. Their expertise in advanced biological pest control helped refine the treatment procedures and implement a systematic approach involving thorough assessment, targeted spraying, and continuous monitoring. Rodeo Suating, HPCo co-general manager and regulatory compliance officer, explained that the protocol aims to interrupt pest development and reproduction without harming beneficial insect populations. The objective is to reduce the RSSI to a manageable level that enables natural predators to restore ecological balance. The organic treatment is applied in three stages: initial evaluation followed by focused spraying, a secondary assessment with a potential additional application, and a final monitoring phase to ensure the recovery of beneficial insects. Trial runs in HPCo-managed fields have now expanded to adjacent plantations. Unlike chemical pesticides, which also eradicate helpful insect species, HPCo’s organic method offers a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. Suating emphasized, “Our goal is to protect the crops and the environment simultaneously. We want all farmers within our district to adopt this method and unite against the RSSI threat.” HPCo Chairman Curran reaffirmed their commitment to expand the program across their mill district in collaboration with local government units and planters’ associations. The initial distribution of the organic treatment will be provided free of charge to affected farms in Silay City and EB Magalona. Farmers are responsible for carrying out the field assessments, spraying operations, and field sanitation. Azcona noted that RSSI infestations typically occur along field edges and roadways, causing symptoms such as leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and shortened internodes. These symptoms typically manifest within two to three months after planting, peaking between the fourth and tenth month of cane growth. He highlighted that the SRA-HPCo partnership symbolizes a collective commitment to sustainable agriculture and long-term productivity for Negros sugarcane farmers. By promoting biological pest control, this initiative not only confronts the immediate RSSI problem but also contributes to building a more resilient and environmentally conscious sugarcane industry.

Aklan Governor Advocates for Food Security at National Agri-Fishery Forum

Aklan Governor Joen Miraflores actively participated in the National Agri-Fishery Investment Forum, where he joined other key leaders in deliberating the future trajectory of agriculture and fisheries in the Philippines. During the event, Governor Miraflores underscored the importance of food security and sustainable agricultural practices for his province. In a significant gesture, he met with Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco ‘Kiko’ Tiu Laurel, Jr. to discuss pressing agricultural issues specific to Aklan. Furthermore, Governor Miraflores formally endorsed the Philippine Agri-Food System Transformation by signing in support of the initiative, signaling his commitment to promoting a resilient and sustainable food system for the people of Aklan. Governor Miraflores stated, \"I am honored to represent Aklan at this forum, where we strategically collaborate to shape a more secure and sustainable agricultural future. Our dedication to enhancing food security remains unwavering.\"

OPC Publishes Comprehensive Sustainability Report Highlighting Environmental and Social Commitments

Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana (OPC), the Honduran division of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), has released its latest sustainability report showcasing its social, environmental, and economic impact throughout Honduras and the broader Central American region. The report, covering the period from 2022 to 2024, was developed following the globally recognized Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. ICTSI described the publication as a "benchmark for port operations within Honduras and the CA-4 area," reinforcing OPC's dedication to transparency and responsibility toward investors, international clients, and multilateral organizations. Evelyn Leiva, OPC's Chief Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Officer, highlighted the company’s investment in renewable energy, noting that OPC installed 10,200 square meters of solar panels. This initiative generates 1.6 MWp of clean energy, substantially lowering the company’s carbon emissions and supporting its commitment to sustainable operations. The report also details OPC’s achievement of several key certifications, including ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety), and BASC standards, alongside compliance with International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) and International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Codes. Emphasizing its corporate culture, the report underscores OPC’s focus on respect, safety, diversity, and the well-being of its workforce. ICTSI reinforced that the sustainability report aligns OPC’s activities with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing its ongoing commitment to operational excellence, value creation, and fostering economic, social, and environmental advancement throughout Honduras and Central America.

Tropical Depression Nando Enters Philippine Waters Amid Mirasol's Exit, PAGASA Issues Warnings

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Tropical Depression Mirasol departed from the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) yesterday morning. Shortly after, a new tropical depression named "Nando" entered Philippine waters, raising concerns for potential severe weather. Nando was recorded entering the PAR at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. By 4 p.m. the following day, it was situated approximately 1,260 kilometers east of Central Luzon, traveling northwest at 15 kilometers per hour. The system exhibited maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center, with gusts reaching up to 70 kph. According to PAGASA's 5 p.m. advisory, "The center of Nando may pass close to or make landfall over the Babuyan Islands." The agency also indicated that Nando is expected to intensify as it moves through the Philippine Sea, with forecasts predicting its development into a tropical storm and then a severe tropical storm later today, followed by typhoon strength on Saturday. PAGASA further warned that "the possibility of Nando strengthening into a super typhoon while traversing extreme Northern Luzon cannot be ruled out." They also cautioned residents about the potential onset of heavy rains by Sunday or Monday. Meanwhile, Mirasol exited the PAR around 6 a.m. yesterday. By mid-afternoon, it was located approximately 465 kilometers west-northwest of Calayan, Cagayan, sustaining winds of 65 kph with gusts up to 80 kph. The weather agency noted that Mirasol is now less likely to trigger significant heavy rainfall over northern Luzon provinces including Cagayan, Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, Abra, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur. However, scattered showers and thunderstorms remain expected in the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Zambales, and Bataan through today. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that around 17,200 families across 70 barangays in five regions have been affected by Mirasol. These regions include Ilocos (Region I), Cagayan Valley (Region II), Central Luzon (Region III), Bicol (Region V), and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Food assistance has been distributed to those impacted. Authorities continue to monitor the evolving weather situation as residents brace for possible heavy rains and strong winds associated with Nando's approach.

Karen Davila Challenges House Deputy Speaker Over Budget Anomalies Linked to Former Speaker Romualdez

In a September 17 interview on ANC Headstart, broadcast journalist Karen Davila pressed House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno over accusations of substantial budget insertions and corruption involving former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Davila specifically questioned Puno about allegations linking Rep. Zaldy Co of the Ako Bicol party-list to irregular funding and claims that some lawmakers received kickbacks from flood-control projects. When Puno attempted to defend Romualdez, Davila interjected, emphasizing the need for accountability from House leaders. She stated, \"Well, congressman, I mean, I understand you work with him but, I think we need to hold our leaders accountable. He is a speaker of the House, the budget emanates from the House.\" She further highlighted reports of Romualdez’s alleged ostentatious lifestyle, including ownership of multiple houses and private planes. \"It’s appalling to the Filipino people to defend the speaker as if he were a victim. In the end, he would not even explain the corruption in the budget that he allowed. The House passed it, congressman,\" Davila added. Davila underscored her point by comparing the current situation to past administrations, noting that public anger has now reached unprecedented levels due to these alleged corrupt acts. \"This is not the time of the wealth you and I have seen in past administrations. Galit na tayo noon kay GMA, kay Erap, etcetera. This is a whole other level of alleged corruption,\" she said. She also challenged the notion that Romualdez’s decision to step aside suffices as accountability, urging for greater transparency including filing statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). \"I mean, it’s very difficult to defend Martin who was in power, unless he submits his SALN, he explains. Stepping aside – I don’t think it’s enough for Filipino people. It’s not personal to me, but as a leader, this is inexcusable.\" The interview segment rapidly went viral, drawing praise from viewers and commentators who applauded Davila’s direct approach in demanding responsibility from lawmakers suspected of mismanaging public funds. One commentator wrote, \"Thank you, Karen Davila, for speaking on behalf of many Filipinos.\" Another social media user remarked, \"We need more voices like yours, unafraid to stand for truth and hold leaders accountable.\" Filipino content creator KC Matta echoed the sentiment, expressing disbelief at Puno’s defense of Romualdez and emphasizing that the public are the true victims of such corruption. \"Stop spinning this like Romualdez is the hero. He’s not doing us a favor; he’s simply doing what he should have done long ago,\" Matta said, calling for nationwide demand for transparency and justice. Davila’s forthright interview style, though rare among journalists, resonated deeply with those pushing for greater integrity in government. This aligns her with other media figures known for holding public officials accountable in real-time. Meanwhile, Puno stated that Romualdez resigned \"because he wants to address and face all of this,\" referring to the controversies surrounding the 2025 national budget. The public backlash highlights growing frustration over perceived misuse of public funds and underscores the demand for tangible accountability from elected officials.