Albay Board Member Advocates for Improved Parking Payment System at SM Legazpi

Albay Board Member Melissa Abadeza has played a key role in enhancing the parking fee payment process for motorists at SM Legazpi. Following her suggestion, the mall has implemented cashier stations at the entry points coming from the parking area, enabling customers to pay their parking fees before entering the mall. In a social media post, Abadeza expressed her gratitude to SM Legazpi for heeding her recommendation, stating, \"Thank you SM Legazpi for listening to our suggestion. There is now a cashier at the entry points from the parking area where fees can be paid inside the mall instead of before parking. Thank you.\" This initiative is expected to streamline the parking experience, providing greater convenience for shoppers and motorists alike.

Burnham Lake in Baguio City Closed for Ecological Rehabilitation Starting October 1

The Baguio City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) has announced the closure of Burnham Lake beginning October 1, effective until further notice, to facilitate a rehabilitation initiative. CEPMO Chief Rhenan Diwas explained that the project focuses on restoring the lake’s ecological balance, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable management practices. This closure will affect all recreational activities on the lake, including the well-known swan boat rides, fishing, and other water-based leisure pursuits that attract numerous visitors. The rehabilitation is set to be executed by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the Department of Tourism’s infrastructure arm, as part of the city’s comprehensive master development plan. Diwas highlighted that the work will proceed in four carefully planned phases to ensure effective implementation and sustainability. He also reassured the public that no trees within Burnham Park will be removed during the rehabilitation process.

Severe Flooding Devastates Barangay Navaluán in Pangasinan, Calls for Drainage Infrastructure Grow

Heavy rains caused widespread flooding in Barangay Navaluán, Mangaldan, Pangasinan on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, leaving the majority of the area submerged. The floodwaters affected residential homes, the barangay hall, health center, and local schools. Barangay Chairman Francis Lopez reported that approximately 90 percent of households are underwater. He stated, \"We are already flooded here. Ninety percent of the houses are submerged, including the barangay hall, the health center, and the schools.\" To protect essential medical supplies, health center personnel relocated medicines and other items to the building's second floor. Navaluán Elementary School also suffered extensive flooding, prompting concerns among residents that classes might be suspended for several weeks. Local inhabitants attribute the frequent flooding to the absence of adequate drainage infrastructure. Resident Maricor Lopez emphasized the community's vulnerability, stating, \"Whenever it rains, flooding occurs immediately. We hope for assistance because we have no drainage system. We wish for drainage channels to be constructed here.\" Barangay officials have expressed that their financial resources are insufficient for drainage projects, subsequently appealing to the national government for support to implement long-term flood prevention measures.

Queen of Tisa Pageant Highlights Environmental Advocacy Amidst National Controversies

The Queen of Tisa (QOT) pageant this year has adopted the timely theme of environmental conservation, reflecting the significant environmental and social challenges currently facing the country. The advocacy aims to raise awareness on the importance of protecting the environment, as explained by Christian Barral, the current pageant director. "The theme was selected to emphasize the urgent need for environmental preservation. Our queens undergo training with partner organizations like the Philippine Earth Justice Center to strengthen their advocacy for ecological conservation," Barral stated. The roster of contestants includes Vincee Jane Gingoyon Gabato from Upper Mangga, Kimberly Abella from Mangga, Jane Smitch Garcia representing Filter Site, Jazty Abella from Kalubihan, and Jc Jane Dela Cruz from Tisa Hills. Other participants are Mureen Atim Quijote of Tambisan, Jera Chantella from Kanhai, Jane Enriquez representing Mohon II, Sabby Villacorte from Bayong, Sethy Arain from Capaculan, Gelsie Daclan from Tisa Proper, and Chelsea Heart of Kadasig Phase 2. Barral proudly remarked that QOT stands as one of the city's most influential transgender and gay pageants. It serves a purpose beyond entertainment by shaping public perceptions about the positive contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. "QOT is unique in that it exclusively features young trans and gay individuals from Tisa who aspire to leverage this platform to pursue their dreams and advocacies. Since the inception led initially by Herty Lopez and now continued under my direction, the Queen of Tisa has consistently produced contestants renowned for their intellect and poise. "This pageant also offers a comprehensive series of pre-event training activities, preparing the queens to become genuine champions of their causes," Barral added. Prizes for the pageant winners include P15,000 for Queen of Tisa - Universe, P12,000 for Queen of Tisa - World, P10,000 for Queen of Tisa - International, P7,000 for Queen of Tisa - Earth, and P5,000 for Queen of Tisa - Tourism. The coronation ceremony is scheduled to take place tonight, Friday, September 26, 2025, at Tisa II Elementary School.

Manila Mobilizes Full Disaster Response Ahead of Typhoon Opong

With Typhoon Opong looming over Metro Manila, city authorities have assured residents that all disaster response protocols are fully operational. On Friday, the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO) Director Arnel Angeles conducted a thorough inspection of the Command Center to oversee real-time monitoring of the storm alongside resident meteorologist Christian Evangelista. "Preparedness remains our top priority. Our teams stand ready to assist those stranded, carry out rescue missions if required, and deliver urgent medical attention with our Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) ambulances," Angeles stated. Complementing rescue efforts, the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW), led by Director Jay Dela Fuente, has arranged evacuation centers strategically across the city’s six districts and in the flood-prone coastal area of Baseco. Additionally, the Manila Health Department has activated all seven district hospitals and numerous health clinics to handle any medical emergencies arising from the typhoon. City officials highlighted that free transportation services are available to assist commuters stranded by severe weather conditions. Rescue squads remain deployed, particularly in flood-vulnerable zones, while essential relief supplies are pre-positioned to support displaced families promptly. "We urge residents to remain alert and prioritize their safety," Angeles emphasized. "While the city is fully prepared to respond, the cooperation of our citizens is crucial." Authorities have also reminded the public to follow official warnings, avoid traversing flooded areas, and evacuate to designated centers when directed. Typhoon Opong is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region, increasing the likelihood of flash floods and storm surges across Metro Manila.

Naguilian Receives 2024 CBMS Data to Enhance Local Governance and Development

Mayor Nieri T. Flores officially accepted the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) results during a formal turnover ceremony held by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-La Union earlier today. The event was attended by Vice Mayor Reynaldo J. Flores, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, municipal department leaders, Barangay Captains, representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and PSA-La Union officials led by Chief Statistical Specialist Dr. Danites E. Teñido, PhD. This significant occasion marked a key development for the municipality of Naguilian. Mayor Flores highlighted the critical role that CBMS data plays in facilitating evidence-based governance. The detailed household-level information enables local government units to craft targeted poverty alleviation initiatives, develop responsive policies, and effectively allocate resources to meet the specific needs of its residents. Developed as a technology-enhanced system, the CBMS offers precise and disaggregated local data designed to strengthen Naguilian’s capabilities in inclusive planning and sustainable development. The data is expected to serve as a cornerstone for the municipality's strategic interventions aimed at improving the well-being of every household within the community.

Ukrainian YouTuber Arrested in Fukushima for Trespassing in Nuclear Exclusion Zone

A Ukrainian YouTuber boasting more than 6.5 million followers was taken into custody in Japan after livestreaming his unauthorized entry into a home within Fukushima’s nuclear exclusion zone, according to police reports and media statements on Friday. The incident occurred in an area still deemed off-limits following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, marking the latest in a series of problematic incidents involving foreign visitors seeking attention through reckless behavior in Japan. On Wednesday morning, two additional Ukrainians were apprehended alongside the YouTuber after they entered the vacant property in Okuma Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Fukushima police confirmed that citizen tips led officers to discover and arrest the trio while they were inside the premises. All three individuals acknowledged their wrongdoing, as reported by TV Asahi, which also aired footage from the livestream showing the men making tea and inspecting belongings left behind by former residents. The 2011 nuclear catastrophe, triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami, rendered around 12 percent of Fukushima Prefecture restricted to access. Approximately 165,000 people were forced to abandon their homes as a result of evacuation orders or voluntary displacement due to radiation contamination. Despite gradual improvements in safety, certain zones, including the one where the Ukrainian group trespassed, remain hazardous and prohibited. Expressing regret over the incident, former Ukrainian ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky took to social media platform X to apologize on behalf of the nationals involved, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable. This occurrence echoes a 2023 case involving a U.S. livestreamer known as Johnny Somali, who was arrested for intruding on a construction site. In video evidence, the 23-year-old Ismael Ramsey Khalid repeatedly shouted "Fukushima" at workers while wearing a face mask and displayed disruptive conduct towards train passengers with references to historic atomic bombings. A surge in tourist arrivals has led to increased frustration among local residents about inappropriate conduct by some visitors. Reflecting this growing concern, the "Japanese first" Sanseito party secured significant gains in this year’s Upper House election by focusing on issues related to over-tourism and immigration. The recent arrests highlight ongoing challenges in balancing Japan’s hospitality with the enforcement of safety and cultural respect amid rising international tourism.

Father Arrested for Physically Abusing 11-Year-Old Daughter Over P40 Dispute

In Cebu City's Barangay Mambaling, a 36-year-old e-bike driver known as Jojo was apprehended for physically abusing his 11-year-old daughter over a P40 money dispute. The incident occurred at approximately 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in Sitio Wangyu. The victim's grandmother sought assistance from the Mambaling Police Station, reporting that Jojo had severely maltreated the child. According to the grandmother, Jojo forcibly entered their room, woke the girl by pulling her hair, struck her face with a slipper, and pushed her against the wall. She further revealed that this was not the first time the suspect had assaulted the child, which eventually led to his apprehension by barangay officials and subsequent transfer to the police station. During police interrogation, Jojo defended his actions by claiming he was disciplining his daughter due to her repeated habit of taking money. He stated that he had taken P80 from her funds previously and an additional P40 designated for purchasing goods. He also expressed concern that his daughter was developing tendencies toward theft, citing an incident where she had hit a computer. Jojo admitted remorse but explained that his anger had overwhelmed him at the time of the assault. He now faces charges of physical injury.

Bacolod City to Forego Gun Ban During 46th MassKara Festival, Police Assure Safety Measures

Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director PCol. Joeresty Coronica announced that no gun ban will be implemented throughout the 46th MassKara Festival, marking a departure from tradition. Despite the police’s suggestion to impose the restriction, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has not approved the proposal. "The Philippine National Police usually recommends a gun ban to enhance public safety. However, the mayor has not responded to our recommendation, and it appears he opted against requesting a gun ban," Coronica explained. The police chief emphasized that the recommendation aimed to prevent potential incidents, citing concerns about even responsible firearm owners potentially causing harm, especially under the influence of alcohol. "The gun ban is intended to regulate firearm holders. We know that when intoxicated, even those deemed responsible can engage in negative actions," he added, underscoring the precautionary nature of the measure. He also noted that while illegal firearms are subject to confiscation under existing laws regardless of a ban, regulating permitted firearms during the festival would mitigate risks. "This is a safety measure. Illegal guns will still be seized since laws are in place, but to prevent incidents, we proposed regulating legal gun carriers to refrain from carrying firearms outside their homes during the MassKara festival," Coronica stated. Although the police recommended the gun ban, the mayor’s silence has led authorities to adhere to his decision. For the first time in MassKara Festival history, the city will hold the event without a gun ban. "To my knowledge, every previous MassKara Festival had a gun ban," the police official remarked. Despite this, police have reassured the public about their commitment to safety. Over 1,800 uniformed personnel will be deployed across the city starting October 1 to maintain order and security during the festivities.

Dasmariñas Launches Construction of New Animal Shelter to Support Animal Welfare

Dasmariñas City has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting animal welfare through the establishment of a new shelter designed to provide care and protection for animals. The recent groundbreaking ceremony for this facility was spearheaded by Mayor Jenny Barzaga, signaling the city’s proactive approach to animal rights and welfare. The shelter construction site is situated in Sitio Humayao, Barangay Langkaan II, a strategic location selected to serve the community and its animal population effectively. Mayor Barzaga was accompanied by Vice Mayor Third Barzaga, members of the city council, department heads, barangay officials, and representatives from various non-governmental organizations during the event. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort driving this important initiative. This project highlights Dasmariñas’ growing commitment to responsible animal care and aims to provide a safe haven for stray and abandoned animals within the city.