Legarda pushes landmark bill to give monthly allowance for every Filipino student

General Trias City, Cavite – The General Trias City Police Station conducted a heartfelt “Salamat Kapatid” tribute on July 7, 2025, at around 9:00 AM, to honor the dedicated service of two retiring police officers: Police Executive Master Sergeant Domingo A Encarnado, who rendered 27 years of faithful service, and PEMS Hermes Jones A Casauran, who completed 21 years and 7 months in the Philippine National Police.

The ceremony was held at Dencito Campaña Hall, City Hall, Brgy. Bagumbayan, General Trias City, and was attended by fellow police officers and family members. The “Salamat Kapatid” program is a PNP tradition that pays tribute to retiring personnel for their loyalty, honorable service, and lasting contributions to the organization.

PLTCOL BISMARK S MENDOZA, Officer-In-Charge of General Trias CPS, together with other station officers, led the awarding of plaques of appreciation and tokens to the honorees. In his message, PLTCOL Mendoza expressed deep gratitude to PEMS Encarnado and PEMS Casauran for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and significant contributions to public safety and community service throughout their years in the police force.

The ceremony also served as an inspiration to active personnel, reminding them to uphold the same level of integrity, discipline, and commitment in the performance of their duties. (Cavite PPO)

In a decisive move to fight the ongoing flooding problem in Noveleta, Mayor Davey Reyes-Chua issued Executive Order No. 2, which requires increased municipal efforts to clean canals and streets in all barangays.

The executive order is part of the local government’s ongoing “Action Against Floods!” campaign.

Under EO No. 2, the town will regularly de-clog drainage systems, clear canals, and sweep public roads, with a special focus on flood-prone areas. The order highlights that flood prevention requires a community-wide effort.

Leading the initiative, Mayor Chua also announced the creation of a new task group—the Mayor’s Auxiliary Force (MAF). The MAF will work in coordination with barangay personnel to oversee and enforce the clean-up operations in their respective communities.

The following areas have been identified as high-risk zones for perennial flooding during sudden downpours: Barangay San Rafael I, Barangay San Rafael II, particularly Molave Street and the Countryside Subdivision, Barangay San Rafael III, Barangay San Juan, especially near the 7-Eleven area, Barangay Salcedo II, especially the Pechayan area, and in the vicinity around Noveleta National High School (Salud Subdivision, also in Brgy. San Rafael II)

Local authorities are urging residents in these areas to remain vigilant and proactive, and to report any blocked canals or waste accumulation to their barangay offices.

With the monsoon season already bringing heavy rains, this executive order is expected to play a key role in protecting communities and minimizing flood-related disruptions. | via Ruel Francisco – PIA Cavite

From January to February 21, 2025, dengue cases in Isabela rose to 659—up from 434 during the same period last year.

To address the surge, the Cauayan City Local Government—one of the Philippine cities named among the top 50 finalists in the 2025 Bloomberg Global Mayors Challenge—has proposed Project C-DEWS (Community Dengue Early Warning System).

The proposal aims to strengthen public health through an early warning system that raises awareness, alerts households, and encourages active community participation in dengue prevention.

Project C-DEWS is an online platform that uses an IoT-based OL trap to predict household mosquito infestation levels. It provides early warnings and recommends sanitation practices to help prevent the spread of dengue.

This project is a collaboration between the Cauayan LGU, Isabela State University (ISU), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under the Smarter City Project.

Liveable Cities Philippines, a proud local partner of Bloomberg Philanthropies Bloomberg Mayors Challenge, will continue working with Cauayan City throughout the challenge.

Four-term Senator Loren Legarda today filed the National Student Allowance Program (NSAP) Act, a bill that seeks to provide a monthly allowance of ₱1,000 to every Filipino student from kindergarten to college. The Senate bill complements the bill filed in the House by her son, Congressman Leandro Legarda Leviste, reinforcing their shared commitment to accessible and inclusive education for all Filipino students.

The proposed national student allowance will be granted to all enrolled Filipino students who meet minimum attendance requirements, to help cover essential educational expenses such as food, transportation, and school supplies. Disbursement will be done through student cards or digital vouchers, which may be used at accredited vendors such as school canteens, transport providers, and school supply retailers. These mechanisms help ensure that the allowance will be used for the student’s education and help encourage school attendance and improve academic performance.

“This is not ayuda or short-term relief. This program is grounded in the belief that investing in every Filipino student is investing in the nation’s present and future,” Legarda said.

“This will be structured as an allowance that can only be used for school-related expenses, like food, transportation, and school supplies. Student cards or digital vouchers also help eliminate corruption and ensure this assistance can equitably reach every student in the country,” Legarda added.

The bill also promotes digital financial inclusion by allowing the student card to serve not only as an access point for the allowance but also as a basic savings or e-wallet account, enabling students to develop responsible budgeting habits and engage in secure financial transactions. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and partner institutions are mandated to ensure these systems are accessible, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

To safeguard the program’s long-term viability, the bill directs the Department of Finance (DOF) to lead the formulation of a Sustainability Framework and conduct an actuarial analysis every five years to assess cost trends and demographic shifts.

The proposed NSAP is expected to assist more than 30 million students nationwide and strengthen the government’s constitutional duty to make quality education truly accessible and sustainable for all Filipinos.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), led by President Dr. Victor Lim, in collaboration with special guests from the Chinese Embassy headed by Minister Councilor Wang Yulei, celebrated the extraordinary talent of Filipino youth at the TikTok Video Competition Awarding Ceremony held July 5, 2025. 

The event comes on the heels of the recent induction of newly-elected FFCCCII officers, where President Bongbong Marcos urged the Federation to help promote better economic cooperation, trade and diplomacy between the Philippines and China, the country’s biggest trade partner. 

The competition, which invited young creators aged 18 to 35 nationwide to showcase the rich cultural ties and enduring friendship between the Philippines and China, drew hundreds of dynamic entries. After a rigorous two-round judging process by an esteemed Board of Judges, the most compelling, creative, and heartfelt videos emerged victorious. 

A NIGHT OF TRIUMPH AND INSPIRATION 

The ceremony honored winners whose works captured the essence of shared heritage, mutual respect, and the vibrant future of PH-China relations. 

GRAND PRIZE WINNERS 

1st Prize (₱100,000): #1 The Fusion of Filipino & Chinese Traditions – Mark Capareda (Tagum City, Davao del Norte) 

A visually stunning masterpiece blending festivals, cuisine, and traditions in a dazzling display of unity. 

2nd Prize (₱50,000): #24 PHChina50years – Emmanuel Labrador (Navotas) 

A moving tribute to five decades of diplomacy, trade, and camaraderie. 

3rd Prize (₱30,000): #6 Magkaibigan (Pilipinas at Tsina) – Richard Samulde (South Cotabato) 

A heartwarming narrative of cross-cultural friendship that resonated deeply with audiences. 

SPECIAL AWARDEES 

President’s Choice (₱20,000): #14 Dugong Tsino, Pusong Pinoy – Ricardo Todio Jr. (Leyte) 

A powerful testament to the Filipino-Chinese identity, chosen by FFCCCII President Dr. Victor Lim. 

Youth & Integration Committee’s Choice (₱20,000): #16 Friendship Beyond Borders – Aaliyah Mara Adriano (Paombong, Bulacan) 

A youthful, energetic portrayal of cross-border solidarity. 

Media & Public Information Committee’s Choice (₱20,000): #7 Pengyou hanggang dulo (Dugong Filipino, Pusong Tsino) – Liwileen Dalupang (Tarlac) 

A viral sensation praised for its engaging storytelling and emotional depth. 

Inspirational Story Award (₱20,000): #10 A Wish Not Written on Khoom Fay (Sky Lanterns) – Aresteo Antalad (Navotas) 

A poetic, visually arresting tale of hope and shared dreams. 

Cultural Story Award (₱20,000): #20 PhChina50years – Misra Aina (Sulu) 

A rare and beautiful glimpse into the blending of cultures in the southern Philippines. 

NOTABLE ENTRIES (₱10,000 Each) 

Eleven additional creators received Consolation Prizes for their outstanding contributions, showcasing humor, animation, historical deep dives, and personal narratives that captivated judges and audiences alike. 

A CELEBRATION OF YOUTH, ART, AND DIPLOMACY 

In his keynote speech, President Victor Lim praised the winners for their innovation and passion, stating: 

“These videos are more than just content—they are bridges. Through creativity, our youth have strengthened the bond between two nations, proving that friendship knows no borders.” 

WATCH THE WINNING ENTRIES! 

Relive the magic by searching #PHChina50years on TikTok or visiting FFCCCII’s official social media pages. 

GOOD NEWS! FFCCCII also announced the next FFCCCII TIKTOK YOUTH VIDEO COMPETITION shall have deadline of Sept. 30,2025 midnight 12 am, same age range 18 to 35 years old, Filipino citizens. Short videos of not over 2 minutes on the theme: “Chinese Contributions to Philippine Progress (focusing on local Chinese community contributions to Philippine economy and philanthropy). Details are in the FFCCCII Facebook, TikTok and Instagram.

Baroy, LANAO DEL NORTE – IN a significant move to modernize the learning environment, the Department of Science and Technology Region 10 (DOST-10), in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the provincial government of Lanao del Norte, launched the 21st Century Learning Environment Model (21st CLEM) at the Lanao del Norte National High School on May 6, 2025.

DOST’s 21st CLEM project aims to establish future-ready classrooms designed to promote collaborative, tech-integrated, and student-centered learning. These innovative spaces combine flexible classroom designs with cutting-edge educational technologies to develop essential 21st century skills among learners.

“Our school is fortunate to be chosen as the recipient of the 21st CLEM in Northern Mindanao. Our learners in Lanao del Norte will now experience and enjoy the technology that comes with this initiative. As the school head, it is a dream come true to finally provide our learners with a world-class learning environment. Its presence will make a significant difference in improving the literacy and numeracy of our students,” said Principal Hadjah Anisah A. Sinal during her address.

 During the launch, DOST technical personnel, alongside Science and Mathematics teachers, showcased a range of advanced learning tools, including digital smartboards, interactive projectors, drones, and both virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) systems. Other educational innovations introduced were COURSEWARE, Strategic Intervention Material for Teaching with Augmented Reality (SIMATAR), and the Learning English Application for Pinoys (LEAP).

The 21st CLEM classroom is equipped with reconfigurable desks and chairs; instructional, immersive, and creative educational technologies; and olOpen Learning Spaces (OLS) to support flexible and interactive learning.

 Key stakeholders such as DepEd Region 10 Assistant Regional Director Dr. Federico P. Martin, CESO III, and DOST Lanao del Norte Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Roy C. Sagrado underscored the long-term educational benefits of the project and its transformative impact on the province’s learning ecosystem.

Provincial Gov. Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo reaffirmed her commitment to educational progress, saying: “With the rapid advancements in technology today, I firmly believe that the introduction of the 21st Century Learning Environment Model is not just about infrastructure, it is an investment in the future of our students, in the hopes and dreams of our learners, and in the advancement of a progressive learning system. The provincial government of Lanao del Norte, through the Provincial School Board and with the invaluable support of our dedicated partners, especially the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is making this dream a reality.”

The initiative not only fosters 21st century competencies and strengthens STEM education but also provides essential tools to enhance teaching and learning processes. It directly supports Sustainable Development Goal No. 4, which advocates for inclusive, equitable, and quality education while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

 Moreover, it aligns with the DOST’s Strategic Pillar of promoting human well-being through science and technology. (SAAli, MAHDonio/DOST Lanao del Norte)