Bacolod City Allocates Nearly P2.9M in Aid for Fire Victims in Barangay 27

The Bacolod City Government has earmarked P2.885 million to support families affected by a devastating fire in Purok Cheriza, Barangay 27. The blaze on September 12, 2025, destroyed 143 houses and damaged one, displacing 290 families alongside 146 renters and sharers. Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed that he has already signed the necessary documents to facilitate the release of funds, which will be distributed this week. Under the aid program, families whose homes were completely destroyed will receive P15,000, those with damaged residences will get P10,000, and renters or sharers will be granted P5,000 each. Besides the city’s assistance, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) plans to extend additional cash support. According to Mayor Gasataya, DHSUD is awaiting the final beneficiary list and intends to provide P30,000 to families with destroyed homes and P10,000 to those with damaged properties. The city’s Department of Social Services and Development validated the fire's impact, noting a total of 144 affected houses. Mayor Gasataya reported that 124 families remain temporarily sheltered at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School, while others have sought refuge with relatives or rented accommodations nearby. The city government has initiated debris clearing operations to secure the area and make it safe for residents’ eventual return. While some families have already begun rebuilding efforts, the mayor emphasized prioritizing safety. \"I understand your situation deeply, but we must ensure no further harm comes to anyone. Our foremost concern remains your safety,\" Mayor Gasataya said. Looking ahead, the mayor unveiled a housing development plan for the affected site, which spans 7,787 square meters and includes infrastructure improvements such as proper roadways and drainage systems. The land is owned by the Philippine Alien Property Administration, which has sent a formal letter to DHSUD to explore partnership opportunities. The proposal also involves a presidential proclamation for the donation of the government-owned land to facilitate sustainable housing for those displaced. Mayor Gasataya remarked, \"This is a vision for the future of this community, but it must follow the proper processes to be realized.\" The city continues to coordinate with national agencies to provide comprehensive support for the fire victims and restore the affected neighborhood.

Taguig Honors Medal-Winning Athletes, Pledges Continued Support

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano led a ceremony acknowledging 15 local athletes who distinguished themselves by winning medals in different sporting events. The honored athletes excelled in a range of disciplines, including athletics, cycling, jiu-jitsu, sikaran, sports dance, and bike motocross. Several of these athletes are set to participate in forthcoming international competitions, representing Taguig on a global stage. Mayor Cayetano announced that the city awarded these athletes with incentives as a token of appreciation and to support their continued training and preparation. In close collaboration with the Sports Development Office, the Taguig local government remains committed to enhancing the city’s sports sector and providing necessary assistance to its athletes. \"We believe that every talent and skill, whether academic or athletic, deserves recognition. With proper backing from families and government, we ensure that Taguig's sports community will not only thrive locally but also gain recognition internationally,\" Mayor Cayetano affirmed.

Flooding Impacts Over 40,000 Families Across Nine Pampanga Municipalities

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported on Wednesday that flooding has impacted at least 67 barangays across nine towns and cities in Pampanga. This situation has affected approximately 40,301 families, totaling 129,951 individuals. According to the PDRRMO, persistent rainfall, high tides, and fluvial flooding resulted from the combined effects of Tropical Storm "Opong," Tropical Depression "Mirasol," Severe Tropical Storm "Nando," and the southwest monsoon. Masantol was the most severely affected town, with 24,045 families or 75,943 residents across 26 barangays experiencing flooding. Macabebe followed, with 11,495 families or 39,937 people affected in 17 barangays. Flood levels ranged from one to over five feet in several low-lying areas, the office noted. As of Wednesday noon, 87 families, comprising 288 individuals, were housed in 13 evacuation centers throughout the province. In response to the flooding, classes at all levels in both public and private schools have been suspended province-wide. Additionally, government work was paused in Macabebe, as stated by the PDRRMO.

Floodwaters Submerge Over 150 Barangays in Pangasinan Following Typhoon Nando

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported on Wednesday, September 24, that at least 154 barangays in Pangasinan remain inundated after the impact of Super Typhoon Nando combined with the enhanced southwest monsoon. Floodwaters in some areas have reached depths of four to five feet, necessitating the evacuation of residents from high-risk communities. PDRRMO Emergency Operations Head Pia Flores stated, "Currently, 40 families comprising 103 individuals are staying in evacuation centers, while another 18 families or 63 persons have sought refuge with relatives." She further indicated that these figures could rise as relief and monitoring efforts continue, although some residents in the towns of Umingan and Balungao have already returned to their homes following a reduction in flood levels. Flores also highlighted that ongoing rainfall in the mountainous regions is likely to exacerbate water accumulation downstream, especially along the province's river systems. Notably, by 2 p.m., water levels of the Marusay River in Calasiao and the Sinucalan River in Sta. Barbara had surpassed critical thresholds. In addition, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a red rainfall warning for Benguet province due to continuous heavy rains. Meanwhile, intermittent showers persist in Pangasinan, raising concerns about further flooding in affected communities.

UA&P Launches Giving heART Campaign to Restore Dizon Auditorium

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), together with Phildiz Studios and Galerie Joaquin, hosted the Giving heART Preview Night on September 19 at the Celestino M. Dizon Auditorium. The event highlighted a unique fusion of art and philanthropy aimed at funding the renovation of this storied venue. For more than three decades, the Dizon Auditorium has served as a cornerstone for UA&P's cultural and academic activities, hosting numerous performances and significant events that have shaped the campus community. The Giving heART campaign leverages this legacy by transforming artistic expression into a vital fundraising initiative to restore and preserve the auditorium. Attendees at the Preview Night were treated to an exclusive viewing of limited-edition photographs by UA&P alumnus Philip Dizon, complemented by selected artworks from Galerie Joaquin’s collection. The collaboration not only celebrated creativity but also underscored the importance of sustaining UA&P’s cultural heritage. The campaign will culminate in the Giving heART Culminating Event scheduled for September 26, 2025, at the Dizon Auditorium, where donors will receive commemorative tokens and winning bids from the silent auction will be announced. Those unable to attend the Preview Night can still participate by registering for the silent auction online at https://bit.ly/givingheartsept2025. Bidding remains open until 6:30 p.m. on September 26. Additionally, donation stubs ranging from ₱25,000 to ₱200,000 are available, each accompanied by a special artwork as a token of appreciation. Philip Dizon’s featured artworks are also accessible through the campaign’s Digital Catalogue at https://bit.ly/givingheart2025 until October 31, 2025. UA&P emphasizes that every contribution is crucial to maintaining the Dizon Auditorium as a vibrant center for education, culture, and community engagement. For more information, interested parties may contact the UA&P Fund Development Office at [email protected].

Bacolod City Honors Donors for Support After Devastating Barangay 27 Fire

The Bacolod City Government, through a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Wednesday, formally acknowledged the valuable contributions of civil society organizations and private individuals who provided vital emergency assistance following the major fire in Barangay 27. The resolution, authored by Councilor Em Ang, highlighted that the fire on September 12 caused significant damage and displaced more than 984 residents. In response, city disaster management and social welfare units promptly mobilized to assist the affected families. The resolution praised the outpouring of support in the form of relief goods, monetary donations, and other material aid from various sectors. It emphasized that these acts of generosity embody the bayanihan spirit and strengthen the community solidarity that Bacolod City proudly upholds.

Nueva Era Officials Lead Relief Efforts for Families Stranded by Super Typhoon "Nando"

In response to the severe disruptions caused by Super Typhoon "Nando," Mayor Atty. Aldrin R. Garvida, alongside Vice Mayor Caroline Arzadon Garvida and members of the Sangguniang Bayan, led a relief operation to assist 493 families trapped in Barangays Uguis and Barangobong. The operation was supported by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Philippine National Police–Nueva Era. Despite the challenging circumstances brought about by the typhoon, the local government officials ensured that critical aid was delivered promptly to the affected communities. Mayor Garvida emphasized the municipality’s dedication to providing support for residents during emergencies, stating, "Our priority is to stand with our people in their time of need and deliver the necessary assistance regardless of the difficulties we face." The coordinated effort highlights the local government's commitment to disaster response and the resilience of the community amid natural calamities.

Over P3 Million Stolen in Daring Barangay Ibayo-Tipas Robbery Captured on CCTV

A high-value robbery exceeding P3 million in cash and jewelry was recorded by security cameras on the afternoon of September 23 in Barangay Ibayo-Tipas. Multiple attackers targeted two individuals during what officials believe was a planned online sales meetup that turned violent. CCTV footage revealed a man dressed in black chasing the victims, accompanied by a group of accomplices riding on two motorcycles. At one point, one victim stumbled and was confronted by an armed assailant who forcibly took a dropped bag as well as another bag the victim was carrying. The suspects then quickly escaped on their motorcycles. German Sagat, chief of the Ibayo-Tipas Barangay Security Force, described the incident as a "sophisticated operation." He explained, \"The meeting was likely arranged for an online jewelry sale. Upon arrival, the suspects immediately threatened the victims with firearms. They pursued one victim while the other moved towards their vehicle.\" The getaway turned chaotic when a vehicle driven by one of the victims' companions collided intentionally with a motorcycle carrying two of the robbers’ aides. Although the crash forced the suspects to flee on foot, they managed to seize another motorcycle at gunpoint from a passing rider before making their final escape. The total stolen property includes cash and jewelry valued at over P3 million, along with the hijacked motorcycle. Authorities have recovered one of the suspects' motorcycles, which is now impounded at Substation 5, and are conducting a thorough investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Sagat noted that the suspects were strangers to the community and emphasized that such incidents are rare in the area, highlighting the unusual and alarming nature of the robbery.

National University Nazareth and UST Maintain Unbeaten Records in UAAP Season 88 High School Basketball

MANILA – National University Nazareth School (NUNS) and University of Santo Tomas (UST) both preserved their flawless runs in the UAAP Season 88 high school basketball tournament following wins against their respective opponents at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday. NUNS edged out Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) Baby Tamaraws with a 78-66 scoreline, fueled by 17 points apiece from center Moussa Diakite and guard Mark Arzola. Diakite, a towering 6-foot-10 recruit from Mali, also dominated the boards with 14 rebounds, along with three blocks and two steals. Arzola contributed 10 rebounds and three steals, helping NUNS establish a 42-31 advantage at halftime. FEU-D attempted a comeback led by Prince Cariño, Prince Pineda, and Dwyne Enriquez, narrowing the gap to 44-45 with just under six minutes remaining in the third quarter. However, NUNS responded strongly, with critical contributions from Clark Khobuntin, David Sabareza, Jehove Gatumbato, Ean Tria, Diakite, and Arzola to pull away and secure the win. FEU-D’s Cariño led his squad with 15 points, while Pineda recorded an impressive 14 points, 15 rebounds, and seven steals. Enriquez added 14 points and seven assists. NUNS coach Leo Pujante explained the team’s defensive adjustments: "We also just changed our defense because they had already caught up with the kind of defense we were using. At the start of the third quarter, the defense we used was the same as the first half. Maybe they had done something at half time, so we just changed our defense to recover." Tria contributed 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds, while Khobuntin tallied six points and 12 rebounds. In a separate contest, defending champion UST dominated De La Salle-Zobel (DLSZ) 91-70, powered by CJ Tabbuga’s near triple-double performance of 25 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Miguel Jubilado added 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Chan Guinto and Dave Regala also supported with 16 and 12 points, respectively. UST overcame a brief third-quarter deficit, trailing 53-56, before Guinto ignited a decisive 16-7 run that gave the Tiger Cubs a commanding 72-60 lead entering the final period. Leading the Junior Archers was Lorenzo Purugganan with 25 points and four assists, and Jullian Pangan with 14 points and 14 rebounds. With these outcomes, NUNS and UST join Adamson University in sharing the top spot with unblemished 2-0 records. The University of the East and FEU-D are tied for second place with 1-1 records, while De La Salle-Zobel, Ateneo de Manila University, and University of the Philippines-Integrated School have yet to register a win through their first two games.

Talisay City Employees Adopt Stray Dogs, Promoting a Pet-Friendly Community

Stray Asong Pinoy, or "aspins," roaming near Talisay City Hall in Cebu have found refuge with city employees who have taken them in and provided care. Among the offices involved, the Talisay City Tourism Office has adopted four notable "aspins" named Brownie, Whitey, Biggie, and Tiger, a female dog, who have been under their care for nearly three years. These dogs have grown to become part of the office environment, often greeting visitors as a warm welcome. Mikki Aznar, Talisay City Tourism Officer, recalled that the dogs were originally skinny puppies when employees first began feeding them outside the City Hall premises. "The puppies were very thin at the start," Aznar explained. "Since many of our staff are dog lovers, we naturally began caring for them. The dogs have since become a source of comfort and stress relief for us, showing great affection." The office's compassion extends beyond dogs; two years ago, they also rescued a group of sickly cats found near the flagpole area. With medical assistance from Dr. Ma. Christine Hope Dejadena, Chief of the Talisay City Veterinarian's Office, all animals have been neutered, spayed, vaccinated, and given necessary vitamins. Despite the affection for these animals, office policies require the dogs to be removed from the premises by 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. At night, the dogs are secured in cages, and the office conducts weekly cleaning and disinfection to maintain hygiene. Another well-known canine resident, "Buddy," serves as a guard dog and is adopted by the City Engineering Office. Additional rescued dogs are currently cared for by the City Agriculture Office. Aznar highlighted that these rescue efforts reflect Talisay City’s commitment to building a pet-friendly community. She expressed hope that these initiatives inspire others to become responsible pet owners and engage in animal rescue advocacy. "Our work with these animals is a step toward making Talisay a more compassionate city," she said. "We encourage others to follow suit and help nurture a culture of care for our pets." This initiative underscores the city government’s dedication not only to public service but also to animal welfare.