Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Politics

₱14.4-M Farm Road Just Changed Life in This Cotabato Village—But the Bigger Impact May Still Be Coming

MAKILALA, COTABATO — A newly completed ₱14.4-million farm-to-market road (FMR) in Barangay Batasan, Makilala, Cotabato Province is already changing how farmers move their crops—and cutting one of their biggest expenses along the way. The one-kilometer concrete road, implemented through a partnership between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), connects Barangays Batasan and Baiangan and is expected to improve access to markets, transportatio

August 17, 2026

Lifestyle

Camiguin Tightens Waste Rules as Tourism Surges—But What Happens If the Island’s Seas Can’t Keep Up?

CAMIGUIN, Philippines — As more visitors discover Camiguin’s beaches, marine attractions and natural wonders, one municipality is tightening its fight against the waste problem that could threaten the very environment driving its tourism economy. The municipal government of Mahinog, Camiguin is strengthening waste segregation, recycling and recovery measures across its 13 barangays and commercial establishments, with officials warning that poorly managed garbage can pollute waterways, clog drai

August 17, 2026

Business

Mansalay’s Power Gamble: Will Mindoro’s Town Become the Island’s First Renewable Energy Municipality?

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Mansalay is being urged to take a potentially historic step toward cleaner and more affordable electricity as renewable-energy advocates push the municipality to become Mindoro’s first renewable energy town. The proposal, however, is not yet a done deal. REnew Mindoro and the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) are asking the Sangguniang Bayan of Mansalay to pass an ordinance formally declaring the municipality a renewable energy town. The measur

August 17, 2026

Lifestyle

FREE MEASLES VACCINE UNTIL AUG. 28: Parents in Oriental Mindoro Have Just Days Left to Protect Their Children

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Parents and guardians in Oriental Mindoro are being urged to act before the clock runs out as the government continues its free measles-rubella vaccination drive for young children, with the campaign set to end on August 28, 2026. The vaccination activity is part of the Department of Health’s Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), a nationwide campaign designed to close immunization gaps and give eligible children additional protection agai

August 17, 2026

Lifestyle

Malaria Cases Among Young Children Are Falling in Puerto Princesa—But Health Officials Say the Fight Isn’t Over

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — A promising health trend is emerging in Puerto Princesa as malaria cases among children aged 0 to 5 years old decline in 2026, offering a potential boost to child health and easing the financial burden on families. The development was highlighted during a malaria and dengue awareness activity in the city, where Mary Jane Rojo, project officer of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), said the decline among young children is an encouraging sign, particularly beca

August 17, 2026

Politics

DOH Issues Eye-Warning to Filipinos: This Simple Screen Habit Could Help Protect Your Vision

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — Your phone may be in your hand all day, but the Department of Health (DOH) is reminding Filipinos that their eyes need a break, too. The DOH Center for Health Development in Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) is urging the public to manage screen time, practice proper eye protection and undergo regular eye examinations to help prevent vision problems and avoidable blindness. The advisory was issued during the Talakayan sa PIA: Konsultayo Series held on Aug. 7, 2026,

August 17, 2026

Lifestyle

20,000 Coffee Seedlings Land in Oriental Mindoro—But the Bigger Goal Could Change Farmers’ Livelihoods

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A fresh push to turn coffee farming into a stronger source of livelihood is taking root in Oriental Mindoro after the Department of Agriculture (DA) MIMAROPA distributed 20,000 Liberica coffee seedlings worth ₱600,000 to three farmers’ organizations in the province. The distribution, conducted through the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), is designed to help farmers and Indigenous Peoples develop additional income opportunities while strengtheni

August 17, 2026

Politics

Remulla Orders Probe Into 911 Response After 71-Year-Old Taguig Man Dies—But Why Was Help Delayed?

MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered an investigation into the handling of a Unified 911 emergency call involving a 71-year-old man in Taguig City who later died, after the incident triggered public outrage and conflicting accounts over how the emergency response unfolded. The investigation was launched after a social media post by the victim’s son, Basti Askri, went viral. Askri described his family’s desperate attempt to obtain emergency ass

August 17, 2026

Politics

₱9.753-BILLION COLLEGE FUND RELEASED: 108 State Universities Get Relief—But Where Will the Money Go Next?

MANILA, Philippines — A nearly ₱10-billion government fund is being released to help settle unpaid costs incurred by state universities and colleges (SUCs) under the country’s Free Higher Education program, giving financial relief to institutions that had previously absorbed the expenses. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it has released ₱9.753 billion to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to address funding deficiencies involving 108 SUCs nationwide. But while the anno

August 17, 2026

Politics

House Clears Cabagan TESDA Center Bill—Thousands in Isabela Could Gain New Skills, But One Big Hurdle Remains

CABAGAN, ISABELA — A proposed skills-training hub in Cabagan moved one major step closer to becoming a reality after the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 10434 on third and final reading, seeking to establish a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Training and Assessment Center in the municipality. The measure, principally authored by Isabela Rep. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, was filed on July 30, 2026. It is classified as a local bill and was ref

August 17, 2026