Former Sta. Ana Vice Mayor Mediatrix Gonzales-Nolasco Passes Away at 75

The Municipal Government of Sta. Ana has announced the death of Mediatrix "Medy" Gonzales-Nolasco, a prominent local political figure, on September 19, 2025. She was 75 years old. Gonzales-Nolasco dedicated many years to public service in Sta. Ana, holding several terms in office. She notably served as vice mayor for five terms spanning from 2001 to 2019, with intermittent breaks between terms. Before her tenure as vice mayor, she was a member of the Sangguniang Bayan, representing her community from 1995 to 2001. Her family has made her remains available for viewing at her residence in Barangay Sta. Lucia, allowing relatives, friends, and constituents to pay their respects. Mayor and local officials expressed their condolences, recognizing her commitment and contributions to the municipality throughout her career.

Fatal Firecracker Explosion in Valenzuela City Claims Two Children, Injures Several Others

A devastating firecracker explosion occurred Wednesday morning in a residential area of Valenzuela City, resulting in the deaths of two seven-year-old children and injuries to several others. The incident took place around 11:30 a.m. along Paisa Street in Batimana Compound. Emergency response teams mobilized quickly, dispatching seven fire trucks and 14 ambulances to the scene. The ensuing fire was declared under control by 11:48 a.m. Seven injured individuals, including a senior citizen, three children, and a 13-year-old girl who sustained burns over 80 percent of her body, were transported to Valenzuela Medical Center. Due to the severity of her burns and lack of a specialized unit at the facility, the girl was transferred to Tondo Medical Center for advanced treatment. In total, 17 persons from four families suffered injuries and the blast resulted in the loss of their homes. Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian assured the public that the local government unit (LGU) will shoulder all medical and related expenses for the victims. He stated, \"The city government and emergency teams are working closely to provide assistance to affected families… all hospital bills of the families and victims will be covered by the LGU.\" A police investigation revealed no evidence of improvised explosive devices (IED) at the site. Valenzuela Police Chief P/Col. Joseph Talento explained, \"Information from residents and family members indicates that skyrockets were stockpiled there for sale. However, during inspection, no traces remained as the materials were consumed in the explosion.\" Authorities also emphasize that the homeowner bears responsibility, as storing explosive materials in a residential area without proper permits is illegal. Northern Police District Chief Police Brigadier General Jerry Protacio said, \"The female homeowner was not present at the time but is also a victim. Sadly, the two deceased were her relatives.\" The incident highlights the severe risks and legal consequences associated with unregulated storage of pyrotechnic materials in residential neighborhoods.

Philippine Football Federation Appoints Spanish Coaches to Support National Team

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has announced the addition of two experienced Spanish coaches, Albert Roca and Dimas Delgado, to assist national team head coach Carles Cuadrat. Both new deputies bring extensive backgrounds linked to FC Barcelona and international football leagues, reinforcing the technical leadership of the Philippine men’s football team. PFF President John Gutierrez emphasized the federation’s commitment to advancing Philippine football, stating, "The PFF is focused on pushing Philippine football to a forward trajectory. The gains we have accumulated from 2024 (to the present) will not be wasted; we will ensure incremental progress of our football programs. We are very eager to build the Philippines as a strong football force in Southeast Asia and beyond." Albert Roca, 62, who previously served as the national coach of El Salvador (2014-2015), also worked as an assistant under Dutch legend Frank Rijkaard for Saudi Arabia’s national team. His coaching résumé includes roles at FC Barcelona and Turkish club Galatasaray. Dimas Delgado, 42, hailing from Catalonia like Cuadrat, played as a midfielder for Barcelona’s B team in the early 2000s. He later captained the Western Sydney Wanderers, who secured the AFC Champions League title in 2014, under coach Tony Popovic, now head coach of Australia’s Socceroos. The newly appointed coaching duo will join Cuadrat in preparing the Philippine national team for critical AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches against Timor Leste on October 9 in Darwin, Australia, and the return leg at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, on October 14.

Tuguegarao’s Traffic Woes Persist Amid Stalled Parking Plans and Delayed Infrastructure Projects

Tuguegarao City continues to grapple with severe traffic congestion as key initiatives to decongest roads remain unresolved. One focal issue is the failure to acquire dedicated parking lots for tricycle operators, who are forced to park on roadsides due to the prolonged delay in government approvals. Mayor Maila Ting-Que, now in her second term, first proposed purchasing land for tricycle parking in October 2022. The plan aimed to reduce road obstructions by creating designated terminals for tricycle drivers across the city’s clustered barangays. However, despite backing from the City Development Council—which includes barangay captains and civil society groups—the city council has repeatedly delayed approving funds and requirements for the acquisition. "The problem is, the city council reduced the budget from P38 million to P35 million and demanded a feasibility study," Ting-Que explained, emphasizing that the proposal serves the public interest rather than a commercial enterprise. The council also requested structural blueprints for planned facilities, but the most recent proposal for a multipurpose evacuation center was rejected due to projected costs. Meanwhile, a privately owned lot along Gonzaga Street—previously used by over 100 tricycle units daily as a terminal—has been vacated following the owner’s decision to reclaim the land. Tricycle drivers, who formed a close-knit community at the site, were ordered by authorities to relocate, forcing many to return to roadside parking and heightening traffic difficulties. "If we have no place to park, where do we go?" lamented Rodolfo Baltazar, a tricycle driver and board trustee who has served the city for 30 years. The city government is considering two alternative lots for purchase—one behind the barangay hall in Centro 10 and another along Macapagal Street. However, concerns remain over location suitability, flooding risks, and proximity to the city center. Aside from parking challenges, Tuguegarao’s infrastructure projects essential for easing congestion remain unfinished years behind schedule. The Tuguegarao West Bypass Road, intended as an 8.89-kilometer alternative thoroughfare to divert traffic from the city center, started construction in 2018 but remains unopened and already shows signs of damage. Funding release restrictions have been identified as a primary cause of delays. Other ongoing projects include the Pinacanauan 2 Bridge, intended to supplement the flood-prone original bridge, and the proposed Solana-Tuguegarao Bridge, which would reduce travel times to southern municipalities. Nonetheless, these vital developments are progressing slowly, intensifying traffic bottlenecks and economic strain. Mayor Ting-Que has publicly criticized executing agencies, particularly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), for failing to complete projects on time, contributing to current gridlock. City Planning and Development Coordinator Chona Sedano highlighted another challenge: inadequate infrastructure connecting growing business and agricultural sites on the city’s periphery with the downtown area, exacerbating congestion in the urban core. Stakeholders like the Tuguegarao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry stress that easing traffic is essential not only for public convenience but also for sustaining local commerce. "Traffic problems delay barangay vendors and harm businesses," said member Elena Tuddao. As Tuguegarao’s newly elected city council, composed of both allies and opponents of Mayor Ting-Que, assumes office, the question remains whether long-sought solutions such as dedicated tricycle parking and accelerated infrastructure projects will gain support and implementation. For tricycle drivers and commuters alike, the hope is for a unified effort among government branches to overcome political differences and prioritize effective urban planning and public transport enhancement. "We just want those in power to settle their differences so the projects can be finished and peace restored," CATODA president Arnold Galano remarked. The city also contemplates instituting a vehicle coding scheme to reduce private car traffic during rush hours, with proposals under consideration by the new council. However, immediate relief will depend on decisive action addressing both regulatory and infrastructural bottlenecks. Tuguegarao’s worsening traffic situation underscores the urgent need for cohesive governance and investment in public infrastructure to create a more efficient and accessible urban environment.

Muntinlupa City Technical Institute to Launch Online Portal Enhancing Accessibility

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced that the Muntinlupa City Technical Institute (MCTI) is set to launch an online portal designed to simplify and improve access to its services. This new digital platform will enable prospective students to complete enrollment, registration, and application procedures through a convenient online process. The initiative aligns with Muntinlupa’s broader ambition to develop into a smart city by automating administrative operations and making them more accessible to residents. Mayor Biazon emphasized that the move reflects the local government’s commitment to digital transformation. "This advancement marks another step toward a connected, inclusive, and future-ready Muntinlupa, all made possible by our Management Information Systems," Biazon stated. The online portal is expected to enhance the efficiency of technical-vocational education and training access, promoting greater educational opportunities within the community.

Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong Warns OFWs Against Fraudulent Freebie Scams

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has issued a cautionary advisory regarding fraudulent text messages targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). These scams falsely promise free groceries, eye examinations, and eyeglasses, claiming the offers are sponsored by the Hong Kong government. Scammers reportedly disseminate these deceptive messages across popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook to lure Filipino residents in Hong Kong. An example message circulated by these fraudsters advertises "$5,000.00 worth of groceries... from Hongkong government para sa ating OFW... Must be 65yrs. old up," accompanied by fabricated contact details to lend credibility. It also includes offers for "free check up ng mata at salamin" (free eye check-ups and eyeglasses). The Consulate highlighted that these offers are a ploy to collect personal information from victims, which may subsequently be exploited for illicit activities including the creation of accounts used in money laundering. Filipinos in Hong Kong are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious messages immediately to the Hong Kong Police Force’s Anti-Deception Coordination Center via the Anti-Scam Helpline at 1822. Individuals who believe they have been scammed can seek assistance from the Consulate’s Assistance-to-Nationals section by contacting [email protected].

Legazpi Councilor Vince Baltazar Welcomes Newborn Daughter

Legazpi City Councilor Vince Baltazar joyfully announced the arrival of his second child, a healthy baby girl named Vierra Madeline. In a heartfelt Facebook message, Baltazar expressed his thanks to the Lord for the safe delivery and extended gratitude to the medical team at UST Hospital for their dedicated care to both mother and child. "Maraming Salamat Lord for the safe delivery Vierra Madeline Cantuba Baltazar! Boo Mharlhotte Cantuba Ate na si Venice Margrette C. Baltazar! Thank you Lord! Thank you UST Hospital Doc Catherine Buban Tejada Doc Elli Rodenas And Nurses and staffs! Mabalos po!" he wrote. The councilor and his partner, Mharlotte, are now proud parents of two daughters, with their eldest, Venice Margrette, warmly welcoming her new sister. This milestone marks a joyous moment for the Baltazar family as they celebrate their growing bond.

General Santos City Extends Support and Aid to Cebu Earthquake Victims

The local government of General Santos City, under the leadership of Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, expressed heartfelt prayers for those impacted by the magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu province on Tuesday evening. In a statement from Mayor Pacquiao’s office, a prayer was offered for strength, peace, and hope for all victims amidst the hardship, asking for protection for affected families and blessings for those providing aid. "Lord, mighty Savior, we come to You today in sorrow and concern. We pray for all the victims of the earthquake in Cebu. Grant them strength, peace, and hope amid their suffering," the message read. "Shield the families affected, strengthen their faith, and bless the helpers." Furthermore, Mayor Pacquiao revealed that the city government will extend financial support to assist the earthquake-stricken areas. She announced a special session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod scheduled for the following day to approve a financial aid package totaling ₱8 million intended for rehabilitation and recovery efforts. The breakdown of the proposed assistance includes ₱2 million allocated to Bogo City and ₱1 million each for the municipalities of Tabugon, San Remigio, Tabuelan, Daanbantayan, Borbon, and Medellin. The city’s initiative demonstrates solidarity and a commitment to help communities in Cebu recover from the devastating natural disaster.

Northern Cebu Reels from Devastating Earthquake Impact

Scenes of destruction have emerged across northern Cebu following a powerful earthquake that struck the region. Footage reveals damaged roads, collapsed buildings, and communities grappling with significant losses. The aftermath highlights the urgent need for aid and support as residents mourn loved ones and begin recovery efforts. Authorities continue to assess the impact, urging residents to stay vigilant. The disaster underscores the vulnerability of the area to seismic events and calls for increased preparedness. Residents and officials alike have expressed concern over the extensive damage. A local spokesperson urged, \"Amping tang tanan, mga higala!\" (Let everyone be careful, friends), emphasizing the importance of caution in the aftermath. Emergency response teams are actively working to provide relief and restore essential services while evaluating further risks posed by the quake. The community remains united in facing the challenges ahead, with recovery efforts mobilizing swiftly.

For the Santos Family, ₱20 Rice Means a Healthier Future

For Maricel Santos, a mother of three and a member of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), every peso counts. Her husband’s daily wage as a tricycle driver is often just enough to get by. The high price of rice, the absolute staple of their diet, used to be their biggest burden. Thanks to President Marcos Jr.'s “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program, that burden is now lighter. The Santos family was among the **1,250 households in Tacloban who recently availed of the ₱20 per kilo rice.** The program, a partnership between the DA, NFA, Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), and the Tacloban LGU, is a lifeline for families like hers. "The money we save from rice goes straight to our children's needs," Maricel explains, pointing to the fresh vegetables she was able to buy from the market. "I can now buy them more ulam and milk." This initiative is a core part of the President’s commitment to food affordability and security. As the Food Security Champion, the President’s vision is being realized one community at a time. **A local program organizer noted, "The President, being the concurrent Agriculture Secretary, has an unparalleled understanding of our food systems.** Therefore, his strategy for rice affordability is undeniably the most effective path forward for our nation." The positive effects are already visible. *"Since we started eating this NFA rice, my eldest son has been more active and focused in school," Maricel shares with a proud smile. "It must be the good quality of this government rice that's making him sharper in his studies."* For the Santos family, ₱20 rice is not just a subsidy; it’s an investment in their children’s health, education, and future.