DOST XII RD Malawan and DRRM Focal Gain Awards during SOCCSKSARGEN DRRM Recognition Ceremony
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XII, in partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense Region XII, successfully conducted the “Isang Pagpupugay sa Kahandaan at Katatagan” SOCCSKSARGEN DRRM Recognition Ceremony, honoring outstanding Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) focal persons, organizations, and institutions across the region.
During the ceremony, DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan was awarded a Plaque of Commendation in his capacity as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and in recognition of his leadership and the significant contributions of DOST SOCCSKSARGEN to strengthening DRRM initiatives in the region.
Also recognized were the DOST SOCCSKSARGEN DRRM Focal Persons, including Provincial Director Dr. Michael T. Mayo, Engr. Abdul Jalil D. Malawan, Supervising SRS, and Mr. Benjie T. Francisco, SRS I, who each received a Plaque of Recognition for their dedicated service and active involvement in DRRM planning, preparedness, and coordination efforts at both regional and provincial levels.
These accolades are attestations of the vital role of DOST in advancing disaster preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and response through science-based tools, risk-informed decision-making, and inter-agency collaboration. The recognition further affirms DOST SOCCSKSARGEN’s commitment to building safer, more resilient, and disaster-ready communities across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
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The Department of Science and Technology–National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) and the Philippine AI Business Association (PAIBA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last 21 January 2026 at the Novotel Manila Hotel, seeking to ease the access of businesses, startups, and researchers in Metro Manila to adopt new technologies and achieve digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI)–driven innovation.
The MOU was signed by DOST-NCR Regional Director Engr. Romelen T. Tresvalles and PAIBA Founding President Mr. Jerry Ilao, solidifying both institutions’ commitment to jointly promote science, technology, and innovation (STI)– and AI–enabled initiatives that support business competitiveness and industry modernization.
Under the partnership, DOST-NCR and PAIBA will jointly integrate AI-focused support into DOST’s flagship programs, including the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and the Innovation Hub (iHub). Through these platforms, MSMEs and startups will gain access to targeted training, mentorship, and digital transformation pathways aligned with Industry 4.0. The collaboration will bridge transformative technologies with inclusive, practical adoption, empowering MSMEs to move beyond catching up and actively compete and grow in an increasingly digital economy.
The MOU signing, which coincided with the Induction of PAIBA’s Founding Members, was complemented by a learning session on the impact of AI in business, as well as high level networking activities that connected founders, executives, and industry practitioners across sectors.
On hand to witness the event were Mr. Osric Primo Bern A. Quibot, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations; Engr. Lota M. Paras-Bagunu, Officer-In-Charge of the DOST-NCR PAMAMAZON Clustered Area Science and Technology Office; and Ms. Anne Marie B. Francisco, Founding Vice President of PAIBA.
Through this new government-private sector partnership, DOST-NCR and PAIBA aim to cultivate a future ready business environment in the National Capital Region by bridging STI and AI, enhancing local industry competitiveness, and fostering a stronger innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. (Ken Handler S. Soledad of PAMAMAZON CASTO
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is ramping up efforts to help local government units (LGUs) improve governance and service delivery through its Regional Institutional Development Support (RIDS) program, a complementary initiative to the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).
Launched in 2024, RIDS uses SGLG assessment results to identify governance weaknesses and provide targeted capacity development and institutional support to LGUs that did not earn the SGLG in 2023.
Data from the DILG showed that only 28.75 percent, or 493 out of 1,714 LGUs, passed the SGLG in 2023, including 28 provinces, 64 cities, and 401 municipalities. Non-passing LGUs faced challenges in key areas, particularly financial administration, disaster preparedness, and social protection.
In his message, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla highlighted the broader impact of RIDS on local governance, noting that the program provides valuable insights into how LGUs can enhance performance and service delivery.
“The RIDS initiative reflects the Department’s vision of building resilient, development-driven communities,” Remulla stated. “Through focused capacity development and institutional support, RIDS enables LGUs to align their priorities with national objectives,” he added.
The DILG Secretary also said the RIDS program is designed to provide targeted support to LGUs, helping them overcome governance challenges, improve public service delivery, and align local priorities with national development goals.
“This offers valuable insights on how LGUs can strengthen governance, enhance service delivery, and address development challenges on the ground,” the DILG Chief said. “It reaffirms the Department’s commitment to equipping LGUs with the tools, knowledge, and technical support necessary to lead impactful reforms at the local level,” he continued.
Early results from RIDS have been encouraging. Several DILG regional offices reported projected increases in SGLG passers among previously non-passing LGUs. (DILG)
The DOST Ilocos Region spearheaded the Regional Dialogue on Metal Fabrication and Partnership Building with Metal Industry Fabricators in Region I on January 21, 2026, at the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center (MEIC) of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Mid La Union Campus (DMMMSU-MLUC).
The activity gathered metal industry stakeholders, fabricators, and institutional partners to strengthen collaboration, promote innovation, and enhance the competitiveness of the local metal industry in the region.
The program formally opened with an inspirational message from Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, who encouraged metal fabricators to actively support local innovations and fabrication initiatives. In her message, Director Tabaog highlighted the critical role of metal fabrication in advancing technologies and called for a holistic approach through continuous dialogue and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders to achieve sustainable regional development.
The morning session featured an overview and introduction of the DOST–Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the Metals and Engineering Innovation Center in Region I, presented by Engr. Rey Mariposque, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-MIRDC. This was followed by an audio-visual presentation on the MEIC Manual of Operations and a presentation on the MEIC services delivered by Engr. Edwin Rimas, Director of MEIC, DMMMSU-MLUC, providing participants with a clear understanding of the facility’s capabilities and available support for metal fabricators.
In the afternoon, Ms. Girlie M. Millo, Science Research Specialist of DOST-MIRDC, presented the MEIC Sustainability Plan, outlining strategies to ensure the long-term operation and impact of the center. An open forum followed, allowing participants to raise concerns, share insights, and discuss potential areas for collaboration. The activity also featured a technology demonstration led by Engr. Rey Mariposque and Mr. Regie M. Cinco, showcasing relevant technologies and applications beneficial to the local metal industry.
The closing remarks were delivered by the MEIC Head, Dr. Edwin Rimas, who reiterated the importance of sustained partnerships among government, academe, and industry. Overall, the dialogue reinforced the shared commitment of DOST llocos Region, DOST-MIRDC, and DMMMSU-MLUC to promote innovation, enhance technology adoption, and strengthen the metal fabrication sector in Region I.(Ashley Marie Louise D. Hufana and Sheshenie Janae M. Perez)
More than 600 residents of Barangay Halang, Naic benefited from a successful medical and dental mission conducted by the Provincial Government of Cavite on January 20, aimed at bringing essential healthcare services closer to the community.
The activity provided a wide range of free medical services, including general medical consultations, X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) testing. Dental services such as tooth extraction and dental consultation were also made available to address the oral health needs of the beneficiaries.
The medical and dental services were rendered by the healthcare professionals from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO), who ensured the efficient delivery of quality and accessible healthcare to residents of the barangay.
The initiative reflects the continuing commitment of the provincial government to promote the health and well-being of its constituents, especially those in grassroots communities. Residents expressed their gratitude for the timely and comprehensive services, which helped address their immediate medical and dental concerns. — OPIO
The Department of Science and Technology – Central Luzon, under the leadership of its Regional Director Dr. Julius V. Sicat, joined in the festivities of the 2026 Uhay Festival in Science of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, on Tuesday, January 20.
DOST PSTO-Nueva Ecija staff, led by Provincial Director Ms. Leidi Mel B. Sicat, participated in the 13th Uhay Festival Grand Parade alongside SCM local government units and agencies.
The agency’s floats introduced DOST’s flagship programs and services, highlighting the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program with the inclusion of the Mobile Command and Control Vehicle (MOCCOV), manned by the Nueva Ecija Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
The Continuous Solar Power-Charging Electric Utility Vehicle, an eco-friendly automobile developed by Tarlac State University in partnership with DOST, was also present.
Also showcased during the parade were “Ring Bubbles” and “Pedal Power”, two exhibits that can be found in DOST-Central Luzon’s Regional Mobile Science Centrum.
DOST-Central Luzon’s participation in the event underscores its sincere dedication to promoting science, technology, and innovation to the people, ensuring that “Agham na Ramdam” is truly felt by everyone.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council XII, in partnership with the Office of the Civil Defense Region XII, successfully conducted the “Isang Pagpupugay sa Kahandaan at Katatagan” SOCCSKSARGEN DRRM Recognition Ceremony, honoring outstanding Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) focal persons, organizations, and institutions across the region.
During the ceremony, DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan was awarded a Plaque of Commendation in his capacity as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and in recognition of his leadership and the significant contributions of DOST SOCCSKSARGEN to strengthening DRRM initiatives in the region.
Also recognized were the DOST SOCCSKSARGEN DRRM Focal Persons, including Provincial Director Dr. Michael T. Mayo, Engr. Abdul Jalil D. Malawan, Supervising SRS, and Mr. Benjie T. Francisco, SRS I, who each received a Plaque of Recognition for their dedicated service and active involvement in DRRM planning, preparedness, and coordination efforts at both regional and provincial levels.
These accolades are attestations of the vital role of DOST in advancing disaster preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and response through science-based tools, risk-informed decision-making, and inter-agency collaboration. The recognition further affirms DOST SOCCSKSARGEN’s commitment to building safer, more resilient, and disaster-ready communities across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.
Tiniyak ng Cavite Police sa publiko na kaagad at epektibong natugunan ang insidente na kinasasangkutan ng isang armadong suspek, na nagresulta sa pagbabalik ng kaligtasan at kaayusan sa apektadong lugar.
Ang suspek ay na-neutralize sa pamamagitan ng legal na aksyon ng pulisya, at ang sitwasyon ay ganap na nakontrol nang walang natitirang banta sa kaligtasan ng publiko. Lahat ng mga sibilyang kasangkot ay ligtas, at walang malubhang o nagbabanta sa buhay na pinsala ang naiulat.
Ang mga sasakyang nasira sa panahon ng insidente ay natukoy at naidokumento nang maayos. Ang mga indibidwal na naapektuhan ay nagtamo lamang ng menor de edad na pinsala, na agad na natugunan ng mga rumespondeng yunit ng pulisya.
Ang mga nasugatan ay agad na dinala sa isang medikal na pasilidad para sa medikal na pagsusuri at paggamot. Ang insidente ay isang isolated na kaso at mabilis na napigilan sa pamamagitan ng malapit na koordinasyon sa mga yunit ng pulisya sa lugar.
Pinuri ni PCOL ARIEL R RED, Acting Provincial Director ng Cavite Police Provincial Office, ang mga operating unit, na nagsasabing: “Ang mabilis at disiplinadong pagtugon ng aming mga tauhan ay susi sa pagpigil sa sitwasyon at maiwasan ang karagdagang pinsala.
NADAKIP ang dalawang High Value Individuals (HVI) matapos ang matagumpay na buy-bust operation na isinagawa ng kapulisan kamakailan sa Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Kinilala ang dalawang suspek na sina alyas Bossing at Rasel, kapwa residente ng Dasmariñas City.
Ikinasa ang operasyon ng mga tauhan ng Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Cavite Police Provincial Office sa nasabing lungsod dakong alas-4:00 ng hapon nitong Enero 27.
Sa naturang operasyon ay nakuha sa pag-iingat ng mga suspek tatlong piraso ng heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet na naglalaman ng puting crystalline substance na hinihinalang shabu, na may tinatayang timbang na mahigit o mas mababa sa 50 gramo, na may karaniwang presyo ng gamot na P340,000.00; at isang pirasong Five Hundred Peso bill, na ginamit bilang buy-bust money.
Isinagawa ang operasyon sa pamamagitan ng koordinasyon ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at gamit ang alternative recording device.
Itinataguyod ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang Project BALAY (Building Access to Learning for Students) na layong magbigay ng ligtas at abot-kayang pabahay sa mga mag-aaral, guro, at kawani sa mga pampublikong unibersidad at kolehiyo.
Sa press briefing sa Malacañang nitong Miyerkules, inanunsyo ni Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na lumagda ang Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at Pag-IBIG Fund sa isang kasunduan noong Enero 23 para sa pagpapatupad ng proyekto.
Ayon kay Castro, ang inisyatiba ay alinsunod sa direktiba ng Pangulo upang maibsan ang pasanin ng mga estudyante at kanilang pamilya, habang tinitiyak ang suporta para sa kanilang pag-aaral.
“Layunin ng nasabing programa na tugunan ang mga non-academic barriers gaya ng kakulangan sa safe and accessible student housing,” wika ni Castro.
Sinabi pa ni Castro na ayon kay CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, ang maayos na tirahan ay nakatutulong sa mas mataas na academic performance at completion rates.
“Ligtas, maayos, at accessible na pabahay para sa mga mag-aaral – hakbang ng pamahalaan para sa mas maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas,” ani Castro. (PCO)
Binigyang-pugay ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang mga kawani ng gobyerno sa kanilang malaking kontribusyon sa kani-kanilang pagganap ng tungkulin at sa hindi matatawarang pagbibigay serbisyo-publiko na may pagmamahal, integridad at natatanging ambag.
“Ipinagdiriwang natin sa araw na ito ang puso ng pamahalaan. Ang mga kawaning tahimik na naglilingkod para sa sambayanang Pilipino at sa bansa,” sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos sa kanyang mensahe na binasa ni Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto sa idinaos na Pagpupugay 2025: Gawad Lingkod Bayani sa Malacañan Palace nitong Miyerkules.
Binibigyang-diin ni Pangulong Marcos ang mahalagang papel ng mga lingkod-bayan sa pagtatatag ng bansa, at sinabing ang kanilang pagsusumikap at integridad ang nagpapalakas sa tiwala ng publiko at nagpapahusay sa paghahatid ng mahahalagang serbisyo.
“Para sa lahat ng tumanggap ng parangal ngayon, kayo ang patunay na ang diwa ng tapat na paglilingkod ay buhay sa ating pamahalaan. Sa gitna ng dilim at ingay, kayo ang hibla ng liwanag na nagbibigay pag-asa sa ating sambayanan,” pahayag ng Pangulo sa mga honorees.
“Kayo ang patunay na maraming mabubuting empleyado sa ating pamahalaan. Kayo ang patunay na hindi kailangan maging tanyag upang tumulong sa bayan. At kayo ang patunay na anumang antas ng tungkulin, may kakayahan ang bawat isa na maglingkod ng may dangal,” dagdag pa ng Pangulo.
Kinikilala ng Gawad ng Lingkod Bayani na pinangunahan ng Civil Service Commission (CSC) ang mga kawani ng gobyerno para sa kanilang natatanging ambag sa ekonomiya at lipunan, mga kapansin-pansing tagumpay, at matatag na paninindigan sa pinakamataas na pamantayan ng ethical standards.
Ang parangal ay may tatlong kategorya: ang Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo, Gawad Dangal ng Bayan, at Gawad Pag-asa.
Sa taong ito, nasa kabuuang 24 na indibidwal at anim na team ang nagawaran ng parangal.
Ang mga awardee ay nakatanggap ng gintong medalya, mga plake at cash rewards na nagkakahalaga ng mula PhP100,000 hanggang PhP200,000.
Ang ilang nagawaran ng parangal ay nakakuha rin ng karapatang maging kwalipikado para sa awtomatikong promosyon at mga scholarship para sa kanilang sarili o sa kanilang mga benepisyaryo.
Pinapasalamatan sila ng Pangulo sa kanilang pagpapakita ng integridad, kasipagan, at malasakit, at hinimok silang patuloy na isabuhay ang kahusayan, disiplina, at pagkamakabayan sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin.
“Sa ngalan ng sambayanang Pilipino, maraming, maraming salamat sa inyong katapatan, sipag, at malasakit. Patuloy ninyong isabuhay ang diwa ng bagong Pilipino: disiplinado, mahusay, at mapagmahal sa bayan,” wika ng Pangulo. (PCO)
ISANG Provincial Level Most Wanted Person ang naaresto sa matagumpay na operasyong isinagawa ng pulisya kamakailan sa Trece Martires City, Cavite.
Nakilala ang akusado na si alyas Ren, residente ng Dasmariñas City.
Ang matagumpay na operasyon ay isinagawa ng mga tauhan ng Trece Martires Component City Police Station dakong alas-12:30 ng madaling araw nitong Enero 26.
Ang pag-aresto sa akusado ay sa bisa ng warrant of arrest para sa kasong paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Article II section 11 of RA 9165) na inilabas ng Regional Trial Court, Fourth Judicial Region, Branch 128, Dasmarinas City, Cavite, noong December 17, 2025 na may inirekomendang piyansang P200,000.00.
DEDO ang isang drug suspect matapos humantong sa enkwentro ang ikinasang buy-bust operation ng mga awtoridad kamakailan sa Bacoor City, Cavite.
Kinilala ang suspek na si alyas Tol, nasa hustong gulang, at residente ng Barangay San Nicolas 3, Bacoor City.
Nabatid na ang mga tauhan ng Bacoor Component City Police Station ay nagsagawa ng anti-illegal drugs buy-bust operation sa Barangay Kaingen Digman, Bacoor City dakong alas-12:30 ng tanghali nitong Enero 27.
Sa kasagsagan ng transaksyon ay nakahalata ang suspek sa presensya ng mga pulis kaya habang inaaresto ay nagawang makapanlaban at tumakas sakay ng sasakyan ng mga operatiba patungong direksyon ng Kawit. Nagsagawa naman agad ng hot pursuit operation ang mga pulis.
Habang isinagawa ang pagtakas ay ilang ulit umanong binangga ng suspek ang isang patrol mobile ng Bacoor PNP at ilan pang mga sasakyan sa kahabaan ng Kawit–Cavite Road.
Napag-alaman na nagpaputok din umano ng baril ang suspek laban sa mga humahabol na pulis.
Pagdating sa Marulas Bridge sa Barangay Marulas, Kawit, ay muling nagpaputok ng baril ang suspek sa mga operatiba kaya napilitan ang mga pulis na gumanti upang ipagtanggol ang kanilang sarili na nagresulta sa palitan ng putok.
Dito ay nagtamo ng mga sugat ang suspek na naging sanhi ng agarang pagkamatay nito.
Isinagawa naman ng Cavite Provincial Forensic Unit ang teknikal na aspeto ng imbestigasyon at masusing pagproseso ng ebidensya.