PIA - Caraga Regional Office

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 29 April 2026

2026-04-29T17:31:00.002+08:00

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

29 April 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. VP DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT HEARING:

-House panel finds probable cause to impeach VP Sara Duterte

-House panel thumbs down opening of tax returns of Sara Duterte, husband

-NBI authenticates Duterte's video threat vs Marcos, has leads on alleged ‘assassins’

-VP Duterte’s ‘designated survivor’ remark raised in House hearing

-Sara Duterte skips House hearing anew, attends ‘PHL VPs’ exhibit in Laguna mall

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/29/2524483/house-panel-finds-probable-cause-impeach-vp-sara-duterte

2. Marcos unveils PhilHealth's expanded maternity benefits starting April 30th

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2220040/marcos-announces-expanded-maternity-benefits-under-philhealth

3. OCTA: Self-rated poverty down from 37% to 35% before global oil price shock

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard, NewsWatchPlus]

https://manilastandard.net/news/314733316/self-rated-poverty-eases-but-food-insecurity-persists-octa.html

4. ICC names 3 judges for Duterte trial

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, News5PH, Philstar]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/320369/icc-names-3-judges-for-duterte-trial

5. DFA: Co's regular and diplomatic passports had been canceled since December 2025

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/29/news/dfa-cos-regular-and-diplomatic-passports-had-been-canceled-since-december-2025/2330828

6. Negros town declares CPP-NPA-NDFP ‘persona non grata’

[Daily Guardian, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.dailyguardian.com.ph/blog/toboso-declares-cpp-npa-ndf-persona-non-grata

7. 10 hospitalized, 90 evacuated due to ammonia leak in Caloocan ice plant

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/985724/ammonia-leak-in-caloocan-ice-plant/story/

8. PAGASA: 8 areas under ‘danger’ heat index on April 29

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/29/2524443/pagasa-8-areas-under-danger-heat-index-april-29

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

2026-04-29T17:21:00.000+08:00

Housing project strengthens peace, reintegration efforts of former rebels in Agusan Norte

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The construction of the former rebels’ (FR) housing project in Sitio Talaganahaw, Barangay Talo-ao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte stands as a concrete testament of the government’s commitment to sustainable peace and inclusive development.

Anchored on Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalized the whole-of-nation approach through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the initiative supports key national programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the program on Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

Implemented through an Inter-Local Agency Partnership (ILAP) led by the provincial local government unit (PLGU) of Agusan del Norte, the project brings together national and local government agencies, local stakeholders, and peacebuilding partners to deliver responsive and people-centered interventions for former rebels and their families.

The housing project was conceptualized to support the reintegration of former rebels by providing safe, secure, and dignified shelter, essential in fostering stability, restoring trust in government, and strengthening social cohesion in conflict-affected communities.

The initial phase covered the construction of 10 duplex-type housing units, each with a floor area of 80 square meters, or a combined 160 square meters per structure. The construction began on March 19, 2025 and was completed on November 30, 2025.

The units were built by the 544th Engineer Battalion under the 52nd Engineer Brigade of the Philippine Army, highlighting the military’s vital role in nation-building efforts.

Lieutenant Colonel Allain S. Fuentes, commanding officer of the 544th Engineer Battalion, confirmed that the first batch of housing units is now ready for turnover, pending completion of documentary and administrative requirements.

“We have successfully completed the first 10 housing units and these are now ready for turnover to the beneficiaries. At present, construction of the additional units is ongoing,” Fuentes said.

To further expand the program’s reach, an additional 21 housing units are currently under construction with funding support from OPAPRU’s PAMANA Program, reinforcing the government’s normalization efforts for former rebels.

The housing units will benefit former rebels under the 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, who are currently undergoing reintegration through government peace programs. According to Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, providing housing support is a critical component in ensuring that former rebels and their families can rebuild their lives in a stable and secure environment.

“This housing project is part of our continuing effort to support former rebels within our area of responsibility. It helps ensure that their transition to peaceful civilian life is sustained and meaningful,” Gov. Amante said.

Beneficiaries of the program attested to the life-changing impact of the government’s interventions.

Alyas Moman, a former New People’s Army (NPA) commander and now a Safe Conduct Pass holder, expressed gratitude to the government, particularly to the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – Agusan del Norte government information center.

“I am very grateful to the government, especially the province of Agusan del Norte and Governor Amante for their unwavering support,” he said.

Now reintegrated into mainstream society, Moman manages a seven-hectare farm planted with bananas, coconuts, and vegetables, earning an average monthly income of around P20,000, enough to support his family. He also serves under the Special Project Team of OPAPRU, helping organize people’s organizations and monitor fellow former rebels in the province.

He shared that his experience of peace and improved living conditions has encouraged others to return to the fold of the law.

“Because of the peace and better life we are now experiencing, I have encouraged my former companions and relatives to return to the government,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rosel Polinar, also a former rebel and now a team leader of the OPAPRU Special Project Team, highlighted the sincerity of the government in fulfilling its commitments.

“The government is sincere. I truly feel free now that I am under its care. The support of Governor Amante for former rebels like me has been unwavering,” Polinar said.

“It is different when you are under the government’s care, the promises made to you are real,” she added.

For its part, the Philippine Army continues to replicate best practices in reintegration efforts. The 29th Infantry Battalion has already established a similar community known as ‘New Hope Village’ in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, which serves as a model resettlement site for former rebels who have successfully transitioned back into peaceful civilian life.

The New Hope Village demonstrates how convergence among government agencies and strong local partnerships can effectively transform FRs into productive members of society through housing, livelihood, and sustained community support.

As the government, under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., continues to scale up its reintegration initiatives, the FR housing project in Buenavista highlights the power of collaboration and convergence in addressing the root causes of conflict, ultimately paving the way for lasting peace and development in Agusan del Norte. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, 29 April 2026

2026-04-29T17:11:00.003+08:00

Street vendor finds stability through DSWD’s Pag-abot program

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — For Maylyn Delin, a 33-year-old mother of five, life once meant braving the busy streets of Butuan City, selling vegetables late into the night to put food on the table. Alongside her eldest daughter—only eight years old at the time—she faced the dangers of roadside vending, ignoring repeated government warnings about the risk of accidents. Survival, after all, left little room for fear.

But in 2025, hope arrived unexpectedly. While waiting outside a restaurant for passersby to buy her vegetables, Delin was approached by personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga’s Pag-abot program, who were conducting their routine roving activities. That encounter would change her family’s life forever.

“It was a very unexpected circumstance. I was just doing my usual routine when, suddenly, they [people from DSWD] approached me and tried their best to convince me to get out of the streets. They told me they would help me as best as they could,” Delin recalled.

At first, she doubted whether promises could turn into reality. But with nothing to lose, she agreed to discontinue street vending and complied with the documentation required. Within the same year, she was granted livelihood assistance—an opportunity she had only dreamed of.

With the financial support, Delin opened a small sari-sari store beside her home. The excess funds became her start-up capital to purchase goods, allowing her to finally run a business in the safety of her own neighborhood.

“I used the financial assistance to put up my small store. Now I can earn while staying at home, and my children are safe,” she shared with a smile.

The transformation was more than financial. Street vending had long disrupted her children’s education, leaving them exhausted from late-night work and struggling in school.

Today, with the family out on the streets, her children enjoy proper rest, attend classes energized, and even bring home academic awards.

“Before, my children’s performance in school was unsatisfactory. But now, I get to help them with their assignments while manning our store. Their grades have greatly improved, and I am very proud of them,” Delin said.

Inspired by the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Pag-abot Program, a flagship initiative of DSWD, is designed to reach street dwellers and vendors, offering them safer, more stable livelihoods and reintegration into communities. Its name, ‘Pag-abot,’ meaning ‘to reach,’ reflects its mission to extend support to those who need it most.

Ephraim B. Malazarte, information officer of DSWD Caraga’s Pag-abot program, emphasized the thrust of the initiative:

“The Pag-abot program is specifically designed to respond to pressing concerns that come with street dwelling—safety, homelessness, and livelihood stability. We reach out to them, or they may reach out to us, and we gladly help them apply to the program.”

As of April 2026, the program has already reached nine beneficiaries in Caraga, each given a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.

For Maylyn Delin, the sari-sari store is more than a business—it is a symbol of freedom from the dangers of the streets and a promise of a brighter future for her children. Her story stands as a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the transformative power of government programs that truly reach those in need. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 28 April 2026

2026-04-28T17:35:00.001+08:00

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

28 April 2026, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

1.Zaldy Co is seeking asylum in France – Palace

-PH ‘overhauls’ Interpol red notice bid as Zaldy Co slips Czech custody

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/985620/palace-says-zaldy-co-seeking-asylum-in-france/story/

2. VP DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT CASE:

-Leaders of academe, church say Duterte’s impeachment must push through

-Lacson: At least P26M available for Sara Duterte impeachment trial

-House panel may vote on probable cause to impeach VP Sara by Wednesday

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/985616/sara-duterte-impeachment-senate/story/

3. Peso touches new low of 60.97:$1 in AM trade; 61.08:$1 in PM session

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, PhilStar, News5PH, Philstar]

https://business.inquirer.net/587538/peso-touches-new-low-of-60-971-in-am-trade-60-081-in-pm-session

4. Dela Rosa’s camp considering waiving salary due to absences – Ejercito

[ABS-CBN News, DZBB, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus, News5PH, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2026/4/28/bato-considering-forgoing-salaries-allowances-ejercito-1345

5. Roque claims BIR case meant to ‘harass’ Duterte allies, supporters

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/04/28/news/former-duterte-spokesman-roque-rejects-birs-tax-evasion-complaint-against-him/2329896

6. Meralco debunks misleading claims on electric bill charges; Clarifies bill components are govt mandated

[BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, Malaya, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://malaya.com.ph/business/corporate/meralco-debunks-misleading-claims-on-electric-bill-charges-clarifies-bill-components-are-govt-mandated/

7. Dizon, Japan Disaster Relief Team examine Navotas Landfill amid 18-day fire

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH, Philstar]

https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/dizon-japan-disaster-relief-team-examine-navotas-landfill-amid-18-day-fire

8. ‘Not for entertainment’: NHCP flags viral video of anthem sung at rave

[Daily Tribune, Interaksyon, Manila Times, News5PH, Philstar]

https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2026/04/28/312649/nhcp-flags-viral-video-anthem-sung-rave/

9. Pasig orders closure of hotel supposedly owned by Mike Defensor over alleged trafficking

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/28/pasig-issues-closure-order-vs-hotel-supposedly-owned-by-mike-defensor-over-alleged-trafficking-1257

10. MRT-3, LRT-2 to offer free rides for workers on May 1

[GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2219434/mrt-3-offering-free-rides-for-workers-on-may-1

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

2026-04-28T17:27:00.000+08:00

Siargao maps waste-free paths on Earth Day

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In celebration of Earth Day, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, in partnership with the local government of Del Carmen and Upgrade Innolab Inc., conducted a circular economy (CE) ecosystem mapping and information session to build systems that reduce waste, while maximizing the value of local resources.

Held from April 22 to 23, in Del Carmen, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte, participants from the government, industry, academe, non-government organization (NGO), and local community worked together to trace how resources move within the municipality, identify key waste streams, and pinpoint opportunities for sustainable innovation.

DOST Caraga Director Noel M. Ajoc, highlighted the agency’s strategic programs and interventions, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for green growth and sustainable technologies. “DOST’s role is to enable local ecosystems through science, technology, and innovation (STI), particularly in advancing circular economy solutions that are aligned with national priorities.”

Del Carmen Mayor Alfredo M. Coro II expressed the LGU’s strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. He underscored Del Carmen’s vision of ‘closing the loop’ through policies and initiatives that promote responsible resource use, waste reduction, and community-driven ecological practices.

A key highlight of the activity was the series of technical sessions facilitated by Richard R. Day, President of Upgrade Innolab Inc., who introduced frameworks and practical tools for circular economy ecosystem mapping. He also presented support mechanisms under the EU-GEPP (European Union – Green Economy Partnership Program), which aims to accelerate the adoption of green and circular practices among local enterprises and communities.

The activity allowed the participants to engage in workshops on resource input mapping, waste stream analysis, and identification of circular innovation opportunities. It enabled stakeholders to co-create actionable insights and strategies tailored to the local context of Del Carmen and the broader Caraga region.

The session also opened discussions on support mechanisms for green and circular practices, encouraging participants to translate insights into concrete strategies tailored to Del Carmen and the wider Caraga region.

Leonida Jarin, one of the participants, extended her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the informative and productive engagement. “The workshop provided invaluable insights into our local innovation landscape. Specifically, the sessions on waste management helped me clarify how our organization can better collaborate with DOST to bridge existing gaps.”

“We look forward to receiving updates on the consolidated ecosystem map and exploring the next steps for our community development,” Jarin said.

As the country celebrated this year’s Earth Day on April 22, it also highlighted the urgency of implementing environmental action, such as the gathering in Del Carmen, Siargao Island, reflecting a growing shift toward solutions shaped not just by policy, but by communities that work together on the ground. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOST-Surigao del Norte)

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

2026-04-28T17:21:00.002+08:00

Dinagat Islands town’s egg farmers thrive through income source diversification

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The members of the Bayanihan Makugihong Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda Asosasyon (BMMMA) take pride in their diversification initiative, which helped the enterprise thrive amid the energy crisis with higher operational costs.

The BMMMA of Barangay Bayanihan in Libjo, Dinagat Islands is a farmers’ association (FA) under the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) program.

It is primarily engaged in poultry enterprise and manages about 500 laying hens that support BMMMA’s continuous expansion, including its recent venture into corn and vegetable production and retailing.

The diversification into corn and vegetable production and retailing, supporting members and the enterprise in safeguarding their income amid the Middle East tension that sparked on February 28.

Jenalyn Meril, business manager of BMMMA, shared the record of its income from corn and vegetable production and retailing. “Our harvest of vegetable crops on March 19 allowed us to sell 181 kilograms of corn, 44 kilograms of ampalaya, and 119 kilograms of string beans among our members and to our neighbors in the barangay.”

“Nikabat ang amo halin sa pagbaligya sa mais ug gulay sa P16,188” (Our sales from corn and vegetable retailing hit P16,188), she said.

Meanwhile, for Cesar B. Montellana, president of BMMMA, the DA’s SAAD program played a significant role in improving members’ lives and transforming them from mere food producers to agri-entrepreneurs.

“Padayon ang among paningkamot nga mapalambo ang among produksyon sa itlog, apil ang among pagpananom ug baligya sa mais ug gulay, para matabangan dili lamang ang among miyembro, kundili ang tibuok probinsya” (We will continue to work hard to improve our egg production, including our corn and vegetable retailing, to help not only our members, but the entire province), he said.

Bolstered by the unwavering support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DA-SAAD aims to reduce poverty and enhance local agricultural production through livelihood assistance to marginalized Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. The program is committed to improving the economic conditions of underprivileged communities by providing opportunities in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.

In 2024, the program supported 28 FAs in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte, with P36.3 million worth of funding under the food production and livelihood component. In the Province of Dinagat Islands, it nurtured six FAs with a budget allocation of P6.64 million, empowering these community-based enterprises (CBEs) for sustainable, long-term income sources. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DA-SAAD Caraga)

Tuesday, 28 April 2026

2026-04-28T17:09:00.005+08:00

Agusan Sur, DSWD agree to strengthen disaster resilience of 500 poor families

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The eight municipalities in the province of Agusan del Sur, namely, Esperanza, Sibagat, San Luis, Prosperidad, Talacogon, La Paz, Loreto, and Veruela, are set to benefit from the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed between the provincial government of Agusan del Sur and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga on April 22.

The agreement aims to strengthen communities vulnerable to climate-related risks under the Panahon ng Pagkilos: Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP), the latest component of the DSWD’s Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS). The program will cover 500 poor and high-risk municipalities nationwide, with World Bank grants ranging from P50 million to P70 million.

The MOA signing was held at the Provincial Research Development and Innovation Office (PRDIO) Conference Room in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, and attended by Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., with DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga-Libang joining virtually. Also present were KALAHI-CIDSS staff and Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) officers.

The agreement aims to support communities in developing projects that will help them better prepare for and respond to calamities.

Project Development Officer III Elesio Veso Jr. of DSWD KALAHI-CIDSS confirmed the selected municipalities in the province.

“We have eight municipalities that will benefit from the project—Esperanza, Sibagat, San Luis, Prosperidad, Talacogon, La Paz, Loreto, and Veruela. These areas met the criteria, including high stunting rates, vulnerability to disasters, and the presence of indigenous peoples (IPs), based on the assessment of the national and regional offices,” he said.

Governor Cane expressed his full support for the project.

“The provincial government of Agusan del Sur is fully behind this initiative. We will honor our commitment, support our local government units, and make sure every resource reaches the communities that need it most,” he said.

With the strong partnership among the World Bank, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the provincial government of Agusan del Sur, this initiative marks a significant step toward building safer, more resilient communities. Through sustained funding, technical support, and committed local leadership, the program is expected to drive meaningful improvements in disaster preparedness, community development, and overall quality of life—ensuring that even the most vulnerable sectors in the province are better equipped to face future challenges. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with the report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 27 April 2026

2026-04-27T16:51:00.001+08:00

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

27 April 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. PBBM ROXAS CITY VISIT:

-Marcos, Angara to lead mass oath-taking of teachers in Roxas City

-Marcos leads rice distribution to local farmers in Roxas City

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/985448/marcos-nearly-80-000-teachers-school-heads-promoted-since-aug-2025/story/

2. VP SARA DUTERTE BANK DATA DISPUTE VS. BSP, AMLC, & HOR:

-VP Sara's husband files criminal charges on disclosure of bank accounts, violation of privacy

-BSP, AMLC say acting within law amid complaint from VP Duterte’s husband

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/27/vp-saras-husband-files-criminal-charges-on-disclosure-of-bank-accounts-violation-of-privacy

3. Nothing premature with Marcos announcement on Zaldy Co, Palace says

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2026/4/27/palace-defends-marcos-remarks-on-zaldy-co-says-nahuli-not-the-same-as-arrested-1434

4. VP Sara leads 46% while Leni rises to 35% in 2028 polls matchup per OCTA survey

[DZRH, GMA News, Manila Standard, Manila Times]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/985430/vp-sara-leni-2028-polls-octa-survey/story/

5. Marcos assures uninterrupted gov’t services amid energy emergency

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times]

https://tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2026/04/26/marcos-vows-uninterrupted-govt-services

6. PNP starts probe into Ombudsman investigators' data leak; Ombudsman pursuing raps

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/27/pnp-probes-leak-of-ombudsman-investigators-personal-data-1507

7. Castro shrugs off replacement talk: ‘Abangan ang susunod na kabanata’

[BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, News5PH]

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/04/27/castro-shrugs-off-replacement-talk-abangan-ang-susunod-na-kabanata

8. Probes launched as 2 Americans among 19 killed in Negros clash

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar, SunStar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/27/2523936/probes-launched-2-americans-among-19-killed-negros-clash

9. Diesel, kerosene rollback as PH fuel supply climbs to 54 days — DOE

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZBB, GMA News, Malaya, Manila Standard, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://malaya.com.ph/business/business-news/diesel-kerosene-rollback-as-ph-fuel-supply-climbs-to-54-days-doe/

10. 'Atin Ito' to hold jetski ride off Pag-asa Island for civilian mission

[GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/985454/atin-ito-jetski-ride-pag-asa-island/story/

Monday, 27 April 2026

2026-04-27T16:45:00.003+08:00

Over 1,000 solo parents benefited from gov’t interventions last year —DSWD

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A total of 1,302 solo parents were provided with medical, burial, transportation, food, and cash relief assistance in the year 2025 through the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) fund. This was relayed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga Protective Services Division Chief Jessie Catherine Aranas during the Kapihan sa PIA on April 21, as part of the Solo Parents Week celebration.

“The AICS is one of the programs of DSWD, which aims to provide financial assistance to vulnerable sectors, with solo parents being among them. And we also offer livelihood programs such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which helps our solo parents earn their own income through financial and material resources as their start-up capital,” said Aranas.

More than 13,000 solo parents are now registered in the Caraga region, underscoring both the scale of the sector and the urgent need for government support. Data from DSWD Caraga show that 83.77% (10,990) of solo parents earn below minimum wage or have no income, highlighting their financial vulnerability. Employment data further indicates that 3,200 remain unemployed, while many rely on self-employment or low-paying jobs.

The DSWD emphasized that solo parents are among the most economically challenged sectors in Caraga. Their limited income often hampers access to healthcare, education, and basic needs, making them highly dependent on government aid. Vulnerable groups include 1,263 senior citizens and 176 persons with disabilities (PWDs), further stressing the need for inclusive support.

Marina Iting, a 56-year-old house helper and solo parent in Butuan City, shared her struggles of raising her minor children on her own. “It’s very hard to take on the role of both mother and father to my children, especially as an employee earning minimum wage. That is why I was happy when I found the programs and services for solo parents. I will try to visit the DSWD office soon to check if I can apply for their assistance.”

The DSWD has reiterated its high regard for solo parents, ensuring that policies and programs under Republic Act No. 11861, otherwise known as the Expanded Solo Parent Welfare Act, are implemented across the region. “Out of 73 local government units (LGUs), 32 are already providing cash subsidies for solo parents, while four LGUs in Dinagat Islands have established Solo Parent divisions,” Aranas expounded.

To further strengthen welfare programs, the Unified Solo Parent Database System will be rolled out in 2026, enabling better coordination among agencies and ensuring that solo parents can easily access benefits and privileges.

Resolutions passed in 2025–2026 include spot-check monitoring tools, inter-agency sectoral attendance tracking, and orientations for business establishments on discounts and VAT exemptions for qualified solo parents. The creation of a Regional Federation of Solo Parents also ensures that their voices are represented in policymaking and program implementation.

By institutionalizing these measures, the government affirms its commitment to uplifting solo parents, recognizing their struggles, and ensuring they are not left behind in the pursuit of equitable social development. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from DSWD Caraga)

Monday, 27 April 2026

2026-04-27T16:40:00.003+08:00

DOLE brings services to Siargao with new satellite office

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Gone are the days of costly sea trips to mainland Surigao City for labor-related services as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga inaugurated the DOLE-Dapa satellite office at the municipal gymnasium in Barangay 6, Dapa, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.

Held on April 14, this strategic move directly addresses the surge in Siargao Island’s tourism industry, ensuring that labor standards and worker protections keep pace with the island’s rapid development, serving all nine municipalities of the island group.

By establishing a permanent on-site presence, DOLE aims to: enhance accessibility by eliminating the need for long-distance travel to the mainland for workers and employers; Regulate global tourism in providing on-site monitoring of labor standards, particularly for the high concentration of foreign nationals and businesses on the island; and Streamline Permits means more effectively manage alien employment permits (AEP) and ensure local and foreign entities comply with Philippine labor laws.

The inauguration was led by Labor Assistant Secretary Joel M. Gonzales, together with DOLE Caraga Director Jason P. Balais, DOLE Surigao del Norte head May Velonta, DOLE Dapa satellite office head Luzvifeno Miguel A. Cab, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers and other key regional officials.

Asec. Gonzales said, “Bringing services closer to island communities is a priority for the department, as it improves accessibility and empowers the local economy.”

“A permanent presence on the island allows for more holistic and responsive assistance, ensuring that beneficiaries in geographically isolated areas receive the same level of support as those on the mainland,” he added.

For business owner Joel, a resident in General Luna town, the establishment of this satellite office is more than just a ribbon-cutting; it is a landmark moment for the key players of the local economy.

“We are deeply grateful to DOLE for recognizing the unique needs of our island. This office stands as a testament to the fact that Siargao Island is not just a place to visit, but a place where professional standards and labor dignity are held in the highest regard.” he said.

Meanwhile, during the activity, DOLE released a total of P2,976,513 million livelihood funding to benefit 71 solo parents from the municipality of Socorro that will support livelihood projects aimed at providing sustainable income for marginalized sectors.

A turnover of the Certificate of Accreditation to the Atoyay Rural Community Agriculture Cooperative (ARCACO) was also realized, enabling the organization to act as an accredited co-partner in the future implementation of various livelihood and employment programs of DOLE. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOLE-Surigao del Norte)