Day: October 20, 2025

Manila: The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday urged the public and foreign participants to exercise discernment in viewing “solidarity missions,” noting its use in spreading rebel propaganda. According to Philippines News Agency, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. stated that these solidarity activities often rely on selective testimonies and one-sided reports, excluding communities that have rejected insurgency and are now rebuilding through peace and development programs. Torres emphasized the need for public awareness of the connections between some organizers and the underground communist movement despite the genuine intentions of many participants. Torres

Bicol: The National Museum of the Philippines in Bicol has launched an art exhibit featuring paintings using abaca (Manila hemp) paper as canvas, aimed at promoting the use and appreciation of various abaca products. Honey Beso, Director II of the Southern Luzon National Museum, emphasized the crucial role of promoting crafts in preserving cultural heritage, which includes both tangible and intangible traditions. According to Philippines News Agency, Beso said that NMP-5 is committed to implementing programs that support these crafts and strengthen the community. “We serve and promote cultural heritage while continuing to implement programs to empower the community,” she

Aurora: Several sections of major roads in Aurora province remain impassable to all types of vehicles as of Monday morning due to flooding and landslides caused by continuous rainfall. The province was still under Signal No. 1 on Sunday night, before Tropical Storm Ramil left the Philippine Area of Responsibility. According to Philippines News Agency, portions of the Baler-Casiguran Road are not passable, as reported by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Aurora District Engineering Office (DEO). Affected areas include Barangay Dianed in Dipaculao, which is blocked by both flooding and landslides; Baler-Casiguran Road in Barangay Ditawini,

Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday expressed support for the proposed creation of a Department of Water, which will centralize management of the country’s water resources and flood-control projects. According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has endorsed the initiative during discussions with Congress and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Dizon emphasized the importance of the new department, stating, “We fully support the creation of a separate Department of Water that will handle water resources management. It’s very important and we will support this 100

Davao: Over 1.2 million individuals have been affected across the Davao Region by the recent Magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes that jolted Davao Oriental and surrounding provinces, according to a comprehensive update released by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11). According to Philippines News Agency, as of Oct. 19, DSWD-11 reported that a total of 1,204,148 individuals, representing 275,649 families across 452 barangays in 32 cities and municipalities, have been impacted by the strong tremors. The hardest-hit provinces include Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte, prompting the swift mobilization of relief efforts.