Mariveles Declares Nearly P500,000 in Damage After Severe Weather Events

The local government of Mariveles in Bataan has documented almost ₱500,000 in damages caused by recent weather disturbances. The municipality faced significant impacts from the southwest monsoon and the typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong. In response, Mayor AJ Concepcion convened an executive meeting on July 28, following the provincial government’s declaration of a state of calamity in Bataan. During the meeting, Alvin Binondo and Engineer Marcelo Serrano from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) reported a total damage assessment of ₱453,446.07. Since July 25, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWD) has been actively distributing food packages to residents affected by the calamities. To accommodate displaced families, 12 evacuation centers have been established, providing temporary shelter to 1,123 individuals from 404 families. Mayor Concepcion emphasized the local government’s commitment to supporting affected communities and called for continued cooperation among agencies to ensure efficient relief operations and recovery efforts.

Bacolod Foundation Announces Participation Limits and New Initiatives for 2025 MassKara Festival

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., the main organizer of the upcoming 2025 MassKara Festival, has announced restrictions on the number of participating barangays and schools in this year’s street and arena dance competition. Festival director Rodney Ascalon revealed that only 15 barangays will be allowed to join the barangay category, while the school category will return after five years, limited to seven elementary schools. This marks the category’s comeback since it was last held in 2019. In the previous 2023 competition, seven barangays took part in the events. To coordinate participation, the foundation will conduct meetings with barangay representatives on August 5 and with school delegates on August 6. Interested parties must submit a letter of intent by August 10 to be considered for inclusion. The Bacolod City Government earlier confirmed that the 46th MassKara Festival will run from October 1 to October 19, 2025, with the main highlights scheduled for October 17 to 19. These dates were adjusted in response to concerns from local vendors and small business owners regarding unpredictable weather that previously affected events held later in October. Mayor Greg Gasataya also announced an after-party on October 26 to express gratitude to residents and participants of the festival. This year, the MassKara Festival will place a stronger emphasis on inclusivity and representation. According to Ascalon, activities will highlight the contributions of various groups such as the LGBTQ+ community, senior citizens, youth, and the city’s dynamic artist community, whose cultural creativity continues to enrich the festival. "MassKara has always been about unity in joy. This year, we are making a stronger effort to ensure that every sector is seen and celebrated," Ascalon remarked. The foundation plans to unveil the official MassKara 2025 logo and music video in September 2025 as part of the lead-up to the festival.

Occidental Mindoro Mayor Highlights Unique Filipino Emotion "Kilig"

Sonny Pablo, Mayor of Rizal in Occidental Mindoro, recently elaborated on the uniquely Filipino emotion known as "kilig." In a social media post, he emphasized that there is no precise English term that captures the essence of this feeling. According to Mayor Pablo, "kilig" is an indescribable mixture of joy and excitement that causes a fluttering sensation, particularly during cherished occasions tied to one’s love life. He described it as a phenomenon deeply ingrained in Filipino culture, often referred to as "Pinoy na Pinoy." Adding a light-hearted note, Pablo joked that many may have not experienced "kilig" for some time—or might only feel it in humorous situations, such as after using the restroom. He defined it as follows: > "KILIG: That unexplainable happiness, delight, and slight trembling inside during special moments—especially when it concerns love life." He reiterated its cultural significance by stating, "There is no exact translation for 'kilig' in English—it is truly unique to Filipinos." Mayor Pablo’s message highlights how certain emotions are culturally specific and celebrated uniquely within Filipino society.

Coastal Clean-Up Rally Unites Government and Community in Occidental Mindoro

MAMBURAO, Occidental Mindoro – On August 2, 2025, a coalition of government bodies and community volunteers came together for a coastal clean-up drive along the shores of Barangay 2 in Mamburao. The effort aimed to enhance environmental protection and marine conservation in the region. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Mamburao District Jail led the initiative with support from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, the local government unit, and area residents. Participants focused on removing non-biodegradable materials, including plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other waste contaminating the coastline. All collected debris was carefully sorted and handed over to the local waste management office to ensure proper disposal methods were followed. BJMP Mimaropa Regional Information Officer, Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo, emphasized the broader significance of the event, stating, \"Our responsibilities extend beyond custodial duties; engaging in environmental and public safety programs reinforces our commitment to the community. Through joint initiatives like this clean-up drive, we aim to foster greater public involvement in safeguarding our natural resources.\" The BJMP noted that this clean-up aligns with its fundamental mission of \"Changing Lives, Building a Safer Nation,\" highlighting the vital role of inter-agency collaboration and civic duty in achieving sustainable environmental stewardship.

LTO NCR Launches Operation to Issue Official Motorcycle Plates for Older Registrations

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has initiated Operation: Oplan Palit Plaka at its La Loma district office in Quezon City. The program targets motorcycles registered in 2017 or earlier that lack properly assigned license plates on their certificates of registration. These motorcycles have been using their motor vehicle (MV) file numbers as temporary plates until now. According to Roque Verzosa III, LTO NCR director, the operation seeks to address this gap by issuing official plate numbers to affected motorcycles. Pablito Pandi, chief of the LTO-NCR plate section, reported that a total of 228 license plates have already been distributed through on-site inspections.

Police Investigate Viral Video of Alleged Cellphone Snatching on Liloan MPUJ

A video circulating on social media last week portraying two unidentified male passengers on a modern public utility jeepney (MPUJ) in Liloan as cellphone snatchers has been declared false by local authorities. The clip quickly gained widespread attention, prompting the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) to initiate an investigation. Cooperating closely with the Liloan Municipal Police Station and the MPUJ management, the MCPO conducted a thorough inquiry into the matter. Officials established that the event occurred on May 8, 2025, along the national highway in Barangay Yati, Liloan. Statements from the MPUJ driver and conductor revealed that no snatching incident took place. Instead, a verbal altercation between passengers escalated into a physical scuffle, resulting in minor injuries. The police have emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing content on social media to prevent misinformation. An MCPO spokesperson stated, \"Our investigation confirmed that the viral video does not depict a cellphone robbery but a passenger dispute that unfortunately led to some commotion. We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified reports.\"

Fire in Caloocan Destroys 70 Homes, Injures 15 Residents

A large fire erupted past 10 p.m. on Saturday in East Libis, Barangay 160, Caloocan City, resulting in injuries to 15 residents as they scrambled to salvage their belongings. According to barangay records, the blaze affected 34 families, totaling more than 100 people, and razed approximately 70 houses. The displaced families have since been relocated to an evacuation center set up at the barangay’s multi-purpose hall, stated barangay administrator Robert Samonte. The fire escalated to a second alarm, drawing a response from nearly 30 fire trucks, including volunteer units. Residents expressed devastation due to the extent of the damage. Angelo Acebedo, who lost his computer shop and home in the fire, said, \"Only coins were left after everything burned down. Our entire neighborhood is gone.\" Another resident, Medy Pedere, whose home was located near the fire's point of origin, shared concerns about the incident. \"Everyone was frantic, worried if anyone got trapped in the fire,\" she recalled. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the fire was finally brought under control by 2:27 a.m. on Sunday. Substation Commander SF03 Randel Angeles of the Talipapa Firestation noted the difficulty firefighters faced due to limited access roads, saying, \"A major challenge here is the narrow pathways that restrict firetruck mobility. Most fire trucks had to be stationed near the NLEX highway.\" Preliminary assessments estimate damages to be around ₱500,000. The barangay has highlighted urgent requirements for those affected, including water, food, hygiene kits, sleeping materials, and clothing. Fortunately, there have been no reported deaths or missing persons. The BFP continues to investigate the fire’s cause.

Over 1,500 Evacuees Return Home as Kanlaon Volcano Alert Downgraded

BACOLod City — More than 1,500 evacuees from La Castellana, Negros Occidental, were permitted to return to their residences on August 1, 2025, after spending nearly eight months in evacuation centers and makeshift shelters due to the activity of Kanlaon Volcano. A total of 471 families residing within the six-kilometer danger zone surrounding the volcano were able to go back after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) lowered the volcano’s alert status from Level 3 to Level 2. La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor expressed relief over the development, noting the prolonged evacuation had heavily strained the municipality’s Quick Response Funds and other financial resources. "They were very happy to return," Nicor stated, emphasizing the positive impact on residents who can now resume their normal lives and livelihoods. However, 27 families living within a four-kilometer radius of the volcano are still prohibited from returning to their homes and will be relocated to permanent housing sites to ensure their safety. The Office of Civil Defense has contributed galvanized roofing materials to help repair damaged homes, while Mayor Nicor continues to seek additional assistance from government agencies to support recovery efforts. "We need support from the Department of Education for school roof repairs and aid for farm rehabilitation," he added. The mayor also expressed hope that Kanlaon Volcano remains stable in the near future. Similar movements occurred in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, where about 1,400 evacuees were able to return home following the downgrade of the volcano’s alert status. Kanlaon, the highest peak in Negros Island and the most active volcano in the Visayas, first erupted on December 9, 2024, emitting a 3,000-meter ash plume. It erupted again in April and May of 2025, prompting the large-scale evacuations that lasted months. The gradual return of residents marks a significant step toward normalcy for affected communities, though authorities remain vigilant given the volcano’s activity history.

Rep. Jay Khonghun Provides Wheelchair to Amputee in Subic Evacuation Center

Rep. Jay Khonghun of Zambales' 1st District has extended assistance to a diabetic patient who recently underwent leg amputation by providing her with a brand-new wheelchair. During a visit to an evacuation center at the Kolehiyo ng Subic, the congressman met Nanay Alma, a resident temporarily relocated from the landslide-prone Barangay Cawag in Subic. Recognizing her urgent need for mobility support, Khonghun promptly responded to her request. "We personally spoke with her, and she expressed the necessity for a wheelchair to aid her daily movements. We immediately delivered a brand-new wheelchair to Nanay Alma — a simple gesture that brings significant relief to her circumstances," Khonghun stated. The congressman reiterated his commitment to assist constituents in need, emphasizing his readiness to provide support whenever possible.

Labogon National High School Empowers Students Through Mental Health and Anti-Drug Symposium

Labogon National High School (LNHS) held a significant symposium on July 22, 2025, engaging more than 1,400 junior and senior high school students in vital discussions about mental health, drug abuse prevention, and youth involvement in peacebuilding efforts. The event took place in the school gymnasium and was conducted in two sessions to accommodate all attendees. In collaboration with the Barangay Labogon Anti-Drug Abuse Council and the Mandaue City Police Office, LNHS organized a three-part program aimed at fostering open dialogue and promoting student empowerment. Principal Erlinda F. Cuyos emphasized the importance of the event, stating that the goal was to normalize conversations around mental health, educate students on the dangers of illegal drugs, and encourage them to actively contribute to peaceful communities. Claire V. Abadia, head of the Women’s Welfare Division of LGU Mandaue, led the initial session on mental health awareness. She highlighted the significance of maintaining open communication during emotional or psychological difficulties and reassured students that support is readily available through family, educators, and local agencies. She reminded participants, \"It\'s okay to not be okay because you are not alone. We are here to help and guide you.\" Subsequently, Police Chief Master Sergeant Ronald Allan P. Kintanar from the Mandaue City Mobile Force Company delivered a talk on illegal drugs and youth engagement in peace and order. He delineated the difference between legal and illegal substances, cautioning against the hazards associated with unregulated drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin. Kintanar urged students to avoid involvement in violent activities, riots, or gangs, advocating for a peaceful and inclusive school environment. He encouraged, \"Let\'s choose peace and unity. Your role as youth is to create fellowship and build a child-friendly, harmonious school community.\" The symposium concluded with a certificate awarding ceremony for the speakers, followed by a group photo featuring LNHS staff, PTA officers, and student representatives. To ensure ongoing support, LNHS distributed a comprehensive list of mental health hotlines, including SAMSO, Tawag Paglaum – Centro Bisaya, the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline, and USC Kauban Psychological Center. This initiative reflects LNHS\'s continued dedication to nurturing student well-being, enhancing community safety, and empowering the youth to become positive agents of change.