Magandang Balita

Alien abduction? Signage discouraging parking slot reservation earns buzz

Alien abduction? Signage discouraging parking slot reservation earns buzz

The recent buzz among Filipinos originated from a shopping mall management's unconventional approach to deter parking slot reserving. A neon green sign at SM City Fairview in Quezon City captured attention by featuring a design with a spaceship abducting a human, accompanied by a message forbidding standing on a slot for reservation purposes due to safety concerns. This unique signage gained recognition on the "Parkeserye" Facebook page, known for highlighting road indiscipline and improper parking habits, accumulating 1,500 likes and reactions. The concept of individuals saving parking spaces by physically occupying them, as observed in various malls and even a cemetery in Las Piñas City, has sparked controversy and prompted Rep. Perci Cendaña to propose the "Mindful Parking Bill" in Congress, aiming to penalize such actions to uphold common courtesy and fair parking practices. The article emphasizes the importance of adhering to first-come, first-served principles and discourages the act of reserving parking slots through physical presence.

Real Life Stories – Departed solo-parent mom leaves DSWD-funded business as lasting legacy to children

In the heartwarming story of Catalina Reyes, a solo parent raising five children and a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the Philippines, we witness the incredible resilience and determination of a mother striving to provide for her family. Facing numerous business failures, Catalina never gave up on pursuing livelihood opportunities to ensure a better future for her children. Her unwavering determination caught the attention of the San Simon Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, leading her to qualify for the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which provided her with capital assistance. With a passion for creating palatable sauces, Catalina and her children embarked on a journey that led to the establishment of their successful family business, 'Tiltilan Delicacies.' Through hard work and dedication, the Reyes family overcame challenges, growing their business from a small-scale operation to producing 100 boxes of sauces per production. Despite tragically losing Catalina to COVID-19 in 2020, her legacy lives on through the thriving business she founded, a testament to her love and fierce commitment to her children's future. Catalina's children express their gratitude for her sacrifices and the opportunities provided by the SLP, emphasizing how her entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire them to succeed and give back in her honor.

2025-03-30

From Jailhouse to Schoolhouse: How Education is Transforming Lives Behind Bars

In the heart of Iligan City, a transformative journey is unfolding within the walls of the Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory. Through the innovative "Behind the Bars" Program, spearheaded by the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology in collaboration with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Region X, individuals like Raffy are rediscovering hope and opportunity. Participants, known as Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL), are engaging in a variety of educational courses that are reshaping their futures. Raffy's story is just one of many within the program, highlighting the impact of initiatives such as the Visual Programming and Basic House Wiring courses. Led by dedicated professors like Alquine Roy Taculin and Roque Requino, PDL are not only acquiring technical skills but also nurturing a newfound sense of purpose and potential. The program extends beyond traditional academics, with offerings like the basketball officiating course emphasizing teamwork and discipline. Through a tailored curriculum of diverse courses, the "Behind the Bars" Program is sowing the seeds of transformation, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and outlook within the confines of the correctional facility. Under the guidance of figures like JCINSP CARMELO A CORSAME, the city jail warden, the program stands as a beacon of rehabilitation and redemption, illustrating that within the most unlikely spaces, renewal and growth can flourish.

2025-03-29

Converge finally strikes deal with Starlink, signs up Ribbon Communications to boost fiber network

Converge ICT Solutions has made significant strides in enhancing its broadband services through strategic partnerships with Starlink and Ribbon Communications. By collaborating with Starlink, Converge will be offering innovative satellite-powered connectivity solutions, bridging the gap for businesses in remote regions where traditional fiber connections are limited. This partnership, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, will revolutionize industries like construction, mining, agriculture, and hospitality by providing high-bandwidth, low-latency internet access previously unattainable through traditional means. Moreover, Converge's collaboration with Ribbon Communications involves deploying cutting-edge data transmission technology to bolster its network infrastructure, catering to the escalating demand for fast, reliable, and low-latency connectivity. By integrating Ribbon's advanced Muse Multilayer Automation Platform, Converge aims to optimize its network performance and meet the evolving needs of its clientele efficiently. With these groundbreaking initiatives, Converge is solidifying its position as a leading technology provider, empowering businesses to scale, innovate, and thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

2025-03-28

DSWD chief hands over Php38M in seed capital to farmers, agri-vendors in Pangasinan

In a heartwarming initiative, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian recently facilitated the distribution of Php38 million in seed capital to 91 Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) in Pangasinan. This generous grant, part of the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), aims to support 1,617 local farmers and 361 vendors as they embark on their agri-business ventures. The handover ceremony took place alongside the inauguration of the Rosales Agricultural Trading Center, a collaborative effort between the Department of Agriculture (DA), Abono Partylist, and local government units in Rosales town and Pangasinan province. This crucial support from the DSWD signifies a significant step towards empowering these farmers and vendors to explore new livelihood opportunities and thrive in their agricultural pursuits. The event was graced by key figures including DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Governor Ramon Guico III, and Representative Robert Raymund Estrella, highlighting the united effort to uplift the local farming community in Pangasinan.

2025-03-27

6 missing foreign hikers in Negros Oriental rescued

In a successful rescue mission in Negros Oriental, six missing foreign hikers have been located and saved after being stranded in the mountains for three days. The four newly rescued hikers, including two Germans, a Russian, and a Canadian, were found near a hydropower plant in Barangay Silab by Philippine Army personnel and rescue volunteers. Meanwhile, the first two hikers, a German and a British national, were found earlier in a different location and advised to rest after a medical check-up. The group had initially set out for a trek to Twin Lakes in Sibulan but diverted their path due to inclement weather conditions and the challenging terrain. Despite not reaching their intended destination, all six hikers have been safely accounted for. The successful rescue highlights the importance of preparedness and cooperation between authorities and volunteers in ensuring the safety of hikers in remote areas.

2025-03-26

Real Life Stories – DSWD’s Project LAWA and BINHI makes water reservoir atop a mountain possible in La Union town

The article discusses the positive impact of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Project LAWA and BINHI in Caba town, La Union. The community faced challenges due to climate change, including drought from the El Nino phenomenon, leading to water scarcity and food insecurity. Through the efforts of the community members and DSWD, a small farm reservoir (SFR) was built atop a mountain in Barangay Liquicia, providing a vital water source for farm crops and a communal garden. The project not only addressed the water scarcity issue but also fostered unity and cooperation among the community members who worked tirelessly for 18 days to complete the reservoir. The successful completion of the SFR led to enhanced livelihood opportunities through bountiful produce from the communal garden and the upcoming introduction of fingerlings in the man-made lake. Overall, the DSWD's LAWA and BINHI Project exemplifies the importance of collaboration with local government units and other agencies in building resilient communities and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

2025-03-25

Konektadong Pinoy Act seen being signed into law by June or July

The Konektadong Pinoy Act, a significant initiative aimed at revolutionizing broadband infrastructure and internet connectivity in the Philippines, is poised to become law possibly before the end of July. Endorsed as urgent by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this groundbreaking legislation has garnered optimism from industry experts and advocacy groups regarding its swift enactment. Mary Grace Mirandilla-Santos, a prominent ICT researcher, expressed confidence in the bill's progression, suggesting that a bicameral conference could be convened soon for ratification, potentially even before the upcoming elections. The act, officially known as Senate Bill No. 2699, seeks to reshape the digital landscape by eliminating legislative franchise requirements for constructing internet infrastructure, promoting infrastructure sharing, and reducing operational costs for providers, ultimately making internet services more affordable for consumers. While the Konektadong Pinoy Act has received widespread support for its transformative potential, concerns have been raised by some industry stakeholders regarding fair competition and national security implications. Mirandilla-Santos addressed these issues by emphasizing the necessity of stringent safeguards, cybersecurity standards, and uniform eligibility criteria for all internet service providers to ensure equitable competition. The act is expected to foster growth in the telecommunications sector, empower smaller players, expand digital infrastructure beyond metropolitan areas, and leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. To further explore the benefits and implications of this legislation, Better Internet PH is organizing a conference titled "Konektadong Pinoy: A Pro-Filipino, Pro-Consumer, Pro-Competition Digital Connectivity Law" on March 28th at the University of the Philippines College of Law.

2025-03-24

Philippines’ ‘Elle Woods’: Meet the first woman to earn a degree from Harvard Law

In a remarkable celebration of International Women’s Day, Harvard Law School honored Erlinda Arce Ignacio Espiritu, a pioneering Filipina who etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to graduate from the prestigious institution. Hailing from the Philippines, Espiritu found inspiration in the valor of the Knights of the Round Table, setting forth on a mission to champion the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized. Despite navigating the adversities of World War II and the Japanese occupation, Espiritu tenaciously pursued her legal education, eventually emerging as one of the few female lawyers in her homeland by 1947. Her incredible journey culminated in her enrollment in the Master of Laws program at Harvard Law School, a significant milestone during a time when women in law were a rarity. In 1951, Espiritu scripted history by becoming the first woman to graduate from HLS, a monumental achievement that reverberated through time. Over five decades later, in 2007, she made a poignant return to Harvard as the esteemed guest of honor at an LL.M. dinner, expressing her gratitude for the invaluable learning opportunities and emphasizing the importance of enhancing the lives of others through the realm of law. Espiritu’s enduring legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for women in the legal sphere globally, symbolizing resilience, determination, and the transformative power of breaking barriers.

2025-03-23

Honest CAAP lady guard recovers lost bag at Laoag International Airport

In a heartwarming display of honesty and dedication, a remarkable incident unfolded at the Laoag International Airport (LIA) where a lost handbag was safely recovered by the vigilant actions of Rhea Taysa, a lady security guard employed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The handbag held a significant sum of at least ₱146,348 in cash alongside crucial personal documents like a passport, identification cards, driver’s license, and other valuable items, all of which were promptly secured by Taysa upon discovery. Upon confirming the handbag's contents with the CAAP Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) under the leadership of Area Center 1 Manager Ronald Estabillo, the significant items were successfully restored to their rightful owner, a 79-year-old female U.S. national. The owner was profoundly grateful for the honesty and integrity exhibited by Taysa, the CSIS team, and the entire Laoag International Airport personnel. The commendable actions of the staff not only reflect the core values of CAAP but also earned admiration from CAAP Director General Retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario, who praised their unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity, and public service, setting a shining example for others to follow.

2025-03-22