3 kawatan ‘swak sa kulungan

The Search Committee for the Outstanding Gender and Development (OGAD) Champions successfully conducted its in-person evaluation of contenders across three categories—Organization, Professional, and Youth—on August 19–20, 2025.

This prestigious search aims to recognize exemplary individuals and institutions that have significantly contributed to advancing gender and development initiatives in their respective sectors.

For the Organization Category, the contenders were LGU Cauayan, LGU Santiago, and Cagayan State University, each showcasing innovative programs and best practices in mainstreaming GAD within their communities.

For the Professional Category, Ms. Christine Ordoñez of LGU Cauayan and Mr. McPaul Alariao of PLGU Cagayan presented their initiatives and advocacies promoting gender equality and empowerment.

Meanwhile, for the Youth Category, Mr. Jomar Crisanto, an SK official in Cauayan and the lone contender, highlighted the active participation of young leaders in advancing gender-responsive governance.

Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera of DOST Region 02, who also serves as Chair of the Regional Gender and Development Committee, was represented by Ms. Aileen Gonzales. In her message, she commended the participating agencies for demonstrating leadership and becoming at the forefront of this advocacy.

The face-to-face evaluation was conducted by the OGAD Search Committee, composed of distinguished representatives from various agencies.

Mr. June Iringan represented the Department of Education; Ms. Juliet Bilag, the Department of Budget and Management; Ms. Babyrose Cajulao, the Philippine National Police; Mr. Bernard Padaca, the Commission on Higher Education; Ms. Gene Baquiran, the Philippine Information Agency; Ms. Sany Lopez, Radyo Pilipinas; and Ms. Alexandra Anteola , the Philippine Commission on Women.

The committee’s comprehensive evaluation focused on the contenders’ programs, advocacies, and impact on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in their respective areas.

The culmination of this search is expected to inspire stronger collaboration among LGUs, institutions, professionals, and youth leaders in championing gender and development initiatives across the region.

Quezon City, Philippines — After President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) highlighted the failed flood control projects in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), many applauded him for calling out the poorly planned projects riddled with corruption, delays, or even abandonment. On August 11, 2025, the palace launched a website called “Sumbong sa Pangulo” and within three days of its release, it gathered over a thousand complaints. 

“Year after year of false promises, billions poured into flood control projects, yet Filipinos continue to suffer the brunt of destructive floods. Interestingly, this is one line item receiving a huge budget over the years, compared to other services like education and health. So it is not what it seems. There is a hocus pocus here, as the increase in budget, as shown by how Congress allocates, does not necessarily mean a government priority program. This is just not mismanagement or what the public is saying, but corruption to the highest degree. Budgets are allocated or inserted for the purpose of patronage. It has been decided right at the very start of allocation. This is clientelism, and this is a system of governance. This is a business-elite capture of the government.” PMCJ National Coordinator Ian Rivera said.

Since PBBM took office in 2022, half a trillion pesos of the national budget have been spent to address persistent flooding from extreme weather phenomena in the Philippines. Yet communities are still overburdened by the catastrophic impacts of approximately 20 typhoons that hit the country every year.

According to the research firm GHD, heavy floods, prolonged drought, and tropical storms are predicted to account for over 90 percent of direct losses or around $124 billion between 2022 and 2050. Citing GHD, storms have the most significant direct impact on the Philippine economy, with the agriculture sector bearing the brunt of the disaster. Despite the predictability of these hazards and the enormous funds allocated for flood control systems, the current systems remain grossly inadequate.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had deficiencies on its Commission on Audit (COA) 2023 annual report, showing mishandled 3,047 locally-funded projects worth a total of 131.57 billion pesos, and 17 foreign-assisted projects worth 84.4 billion pesos. All these failed implementations were due to inadequate planning, detailed engineering, and supervision that led to delays or non-implementation.

“In Palawan, COA flagged that the 120-million-peso San Pedro flood control project was only at 34.63% complete despite over 80% of the funds having been released. Soon after the release of this report, floods swamped parts of Palawan, including Brgy. San Pedro. The major problem this government faces is not just the misuse of power to exploit natural resources, but the fact that private business and elite interests are allowed into governance. The government can no longer be found in the functions of governance and provisioning of basic services and regulations. Like the policies under the Philippine Mining Act and Mineral Reservation Program, where promotion of the business of mining should have been regulated. Since the government can no longer be found, this results in the worsening of poverty and flooding and harming the watersheds, forests, and ancestral domains vital to the nation’s survival,” Rivera explained.

The communities are bearing all this destruction, families repeatedly losing homes and livelihoods. The urban poor are drowning in debt as floods destroy even their livelihood.

“Filipinos should not buy the idea that the government lacks sufficient funds to allocate a budget for practical and sturdy flood control projects. The government spending on flood management has rapidly increased from 2011 to 2025, with PBBM’s highest spending of more than half a trillion pesos. Yet, Metro Manila and most of the flood-prone areas in the provinces have seen no improvement during this recurring crisis. It is also essential to look at the number of projects proposed in different provinces, in which only five out of 10 provinces were given priority based on the list of flood-prone areas identified from the National Adaptation Plan of the Philippines 2023-2050,” Rivera stressed.

During a meeting of the House Committee on Public Accounts, some of the projects were revealed to have a similar contract price of 96.5 million pesos across various areas. Rivera emphasized that although the DPWH has explained, it is unacceptable that the justification is that they follow a standard unit costing. “Provinces have different and unique struggles with floods, and comprehensive planning from the Department must determine how much should be allocated for a particular project. These are just one of the many corruption schemes of the government, and these scenarios show the administration’s lack of genuine concern for its people, especially amidst the climate crisis,” he added.

With the recent development of the list of flood-control projects in the country, the demand to have immediate investigations of the national officials, LGUs, and contractors involved in the failed projects is at its peak. However, Congress cannot investigate itself. This will further add to the disillusionment of the people.

“The national government’s act of continuously ignoring the calls for a climate emergency certainly constitutes a deliberative decision that it can no longer perform its mandate. Its failure to deliver effective flood control and all those basics for the Filipino people is abandonment and criminal neglect. But time is running out, as we are on the verge of a crisis. We can no longer wait for the government to be useful. People have to take matters into their own hands, as the last and final recourse,” Rivera ended.

A brighter future for learning has begun in La Union as 200 elementary and high schools across the province received STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS) installations. This milestone was made possible through the joint efforts of the Department of Science and Technology Region 1 (DOST Region 1), the DOST–Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), and the Department of Education – Schools Division Office of La Union (DepEd -LUSDO).

The three-day mass installation and deployment, held on August 18 to 20, 2025 at the DepEd Division Office Center in San Fernando City, marked a significant step towards making science, technology, and innovation-based knowledge more accessible to students and teachers even in schools where internet connectivity is a challenge.

Leading this landmark initiative was Mr. Justin N. Madrid, Project Leader of STARBOOKS in DOST Region 1, together with the dedicated DOST-STII STARBOOKS Team. The program opened with uplifting messages from education and science leaders, including:

• Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Regional Director, DOST Region 1
• Dr. Tolentino G. Aquino, Regional Director, DepEd Region 1, represented by Dr. Emiliana M. Boac, Chief of School Governance and Operations Division
• Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization and OIC Director of DOST–STII, represented by Ms. Louella L. Pestaño, STARBOOKS Unit Head.

One of the highlights of the event was the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing Ceremony between LUSDO, DOST-STII, and DOST La Union Provincial Director Mr. Jonathan M. Viernes. The MOA symbolizes not just a partnership, but a shared vision of continuously expanding access to quality learning resources across the province.

To ensure that schools can maximize the use of STARBOOKS, a hands-on training and orientation was conducted by Mr. Reynaldo Morales, Science Research Analyst of DOST-STII. The training gathered 284 participants composed of ICT coordinators and librarians (232 female and 52 male) who are now equipped to guide their schools in using STARBOOKS as a powerful learning tool.

The program concluded with a heartfelt message from Ms. Katrina Ronquillo, Provincial Focal Person of DOST La Union, delivered on behalf of Director Viernes. She emphasized the govareas andunwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide, especially for learners in far-flung areas, and highlighted how technology can serve as a great equalizer in education.

With STARBOOKS now installed in 200 schools, thousands of learners in La Union will soon have access to a wealth of digital resources ranging from science and technology journals, research papers, and e-learning materials to livelihood guides and interactive content. This initiative paves the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and knowledge-driven generation of learners who are better prepared to face the future.

The Department of Science and Technology Region 02 (DOST), under the leadership of the Regional Director Dr. Virginia G. Bilgera, conducted a two-day monitoring activity for Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) beneficiaries in Cagayan Province on August 26–27, 2025.

The activity, organized by the Regional Project Management Office (RPMO) in collaboration with the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–Cagayan and with the participation of the Commission on Audit (COA), was carried out to evaluate the progress of funded projects and ensure the proper use of government resources.

As part of the monitoring, the team visited project sites, validated implementation milestones, and inspected equipment provided under the program. These efforts allowed the group to measure the impact of SETUP on local enterprises and to identify additional areas where support is needed to strengthen business competitiveness.

Since 2023, a total of 26 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Cagayan have received ₱32 million in SETUP support. With this assistance, enterprises have been able to adopt innovative technologies, boost productivity, and expand their market reach.

Through these initiatives, DOST Region 02 reaffirmed its commitment to continuously support MSMEs by providing regular monitoring, technical guidance, and science- and technology-based solutions to drive sustainable enterprise growth.

The Department of Science and Technology – Camiguin Provincial Science and Technology Office (DOST Camiguin) convened an engagement meeting with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to advance its initiative of applying for Geographical Indication (GI) certification for Camiguin Lanzones. The discussion centered on the capacity building requirements, the process of filing a GI application, and best practices, ensuring that stakeholders are well-prepared to comply with standards and documentation.

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a form of intellectual property protection that identifies a product as originating from a specific place, where its quality, reputation, or unique characteristics are linked to its geographic origin. For Camiguin, having the Lanzones recognized under GI will safeguard its authenticity, protect farmers from imitation, and give the product a market advantage. It will also help increase the value of the fruit, support farmer income, and open more opportunities in both local and international markets.

The session was attended by experts from IPOPHL, Engr. John Paul Yu, Atty. Irma Morcillo, and Ms. Emmelina Masanque, and Ms. Jerace Tabalba of DTI Camiguin, who shared valuable insights and guidance for this undertaking.

This initiative reinforces DOST Camiguin’s commitment to empower local farmers, enhance product value, and secure Camiguin Lanzones’ place in the global market through intellectual property protection.

From high up its mountaintops to deep under its seas, Zambales is known for its breathtaking beauty, rich, natural wonders. Its land produces the sweetest century mangoes in the world, and boasts many natural resources needed for development.  Its waters have nurtured people for centuries. However, its rich natural resources attracted greedy corporations, whose extractive activities, protected by the province’s powerful elites, have endangered the people and environment in the province.

Mining,  logging and deforestation,  quarrying, and the operation of a coal-fired power plant in Masinloc are major environmental and security disasters hindering the present and the future of Zambaleños, who are known for living in peaceful harmony with nature, by continuing to destroy the commons, and if unimpeded will eventually place the future of all Zambaleños at risk.  These destructive activities have led to flooding, erosion of coastal areas, sea-level rise, contamination and destruction of water bodies, and coral reef damage, resulting in numerous fatalities and significant property damage in the province.

With global warming continually intensifying the climate crisis, these natural disasters will only get worse. When paired with unabated destructive human activities, the threat to human safety and environmental health becomes exponential. Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) and other local organizations thus recognize the need for affected people to stand up, resist, and speak out to defend their land and save Zambales.

The people of Zambales have the right to their land’s resources, health, and environmental balance. This inherent right, enshrined in our constitution, must be protected. PMCJ, together with allied groups and networks in Zambales, launched the Save Zambales campaign as a comprehensive call to stop the continuing destruction of the province, demand accountability to all those involved and responsible, and push for policies and programs that will protect and rehabilitate the agricultural lands, seascapes and marine, and watershed ecosystem of Zambales. This is building on the efforts of existing anti-mining, anti-coal, and agrarian reform initiatives operating in the province. This is building on the remaining hopes of the people of Zambales for a common, secured future.

This campaign aims not just to fight for access, ownership, and control of embattled agricultural lands but also to secure the ancestral lands of indigenous peoples, to protect municipal waters as commons, from wanton destruction of commercial fishers and vessels. The fishing grounds must remain a common resource to support the lives and livelihoods of Zambalenos, protected from the rapacious appetite of capitalist corporations.  

The endeavor to Save Zambales is timely because of the recent flooding and agricultural damage costing 15 million pesos caused by the monsoon-intensified typhoon parade of Typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong, with significant damage to the seawall in San Felipe and submerging 251.6 hectares of rice fields in Santa Cruz. It dumped a huge amount of rampaging water from the emaciated mountains, rendering the people in the lowlands and coastal towns helpless.

Mining has also created land conflicts in Sta. Cruz and Candelaria, with farmers complaining that the land and water sources near their homes and farms are contaminated because of the mining operations. Worse, this has reportedly left them without livelihood and security of tenure. According to the Global Forest Watch, the loss of tree cover in Zambales amounted to 5.79 kilohectares from 2001 to 2024, marking an unprecedented level of environmental degradation. Mining has contributed to this, poisoning the soil in forests and farms with heavy metals. Environmental groups also noted that Zambales faces dredging, reclamation, and quarrying of coastal areas. These abominations against nature have caused irreversible and countless damages to the natural resources and ecological balance of the province.

With such an aggressive push by exploitative forces who value profit more than people, there is no doubt that the Save Zambales campaign will face an uphill battle.   But the Zambaleños’ resolve is strong and unwavering as they fight for life and the lands that have sustained them for generations.