14 Abril, 2025 Lunes

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

DOH under Code White Alert

By J.Lo

“This measure aims to ensure readiness of health facilities and personnel to respond to any potential health emergencies during this period of increased public activity,” Department of Health (DOH) noted all hospitals and health facilities nationwide were placed on “Code White” alert yesterday as Filipinos began  observance of Holy Week.

DOH raised  alert that will remain in effect until Easter Sunday.

DOH said all medical personnel, especially those in emergency rooms and critical care units, are prepared for  potential increase in patient volume due to accidents, injuries, or other health-related incidents that may arise during  Holy Week.

It further assured  public of seamless and efficient response to health emergencies across different regions.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said  DOH will closely monitor health events and coordinate with regional and local health offices to ensure  synchronized and efficient response to emergencies.

Herbosa urged  public to keep  observance of  Holy Week safe and healthy.

DOH stressed importance of prioritizing health and safety as many Filipinos are set to travel, engage in religious activities, and attend family gatherings.

“Stay vigilant and take  necessary precautions to ensure  safe and healthy Holy Week,” Herbosa said, advising those traveling to always be on alert.

He also advised  public to stay hydrated and take  necessary precautions against  scorching heat to avoid heat stroke.

“Heat stroke can be avoided if you stay out of  sun drink, water regularly,” Herbosa said  adding food must be properly prepared and stored because it can easily spoil under summer heat.

While health services are easily accessible, Herbosa reminded public to observe minimum public health standards.

“We encourage everyone to observe  Holy Week responsibly, and those needing health care services can go to  DOH hospital near them,” he said.

Meanwhile,  Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed all local government units (LGUs),  Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to ensure  peaceful observance of Holy Week.

Interior Undersecretary Omar Romero,  also  officer-in-charge, in his Memorandum Circular 2025-058  addressed to all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, punong barangays, DILG regional directors, chiefs of PNP and BFP  said  necessary actions should be done to guarantee  safety of all citizens who will be taking part in religious activities.

Under  memo,  DILG directed concerned officials to convene  local peace and order council and local disaster risk reduction and management councils, to ensure orderly public transportation and proper emergency medical services.

Romero ordered deployment of law and traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, barangay peacekeeping action teams, public safety forces, medical personnel and other force multipliers in local and national roads to provide assistance and intensify visibility and effective traffic management to motorists.

He directed  deployment of patrols in hotspots and crime-prone areas.

“PNP and BFP are likewise directed to be on full alert and to coordinate with, and provide necessary assistance to LGUs in employing stringent and appropriate measures to ensure  peaceful observance of  Holy Week,” Romero added.

He said  air, seaports and other transportation terminals, pilgrimages, churches, malls, markets, travel destinations and public places should be secured.

Romero tasked  BFP to continue its awareness campaign to ensure preparedness measures in case of fire emergencies.

14 Abril, 2025 Lunes

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

Headlines

Overseas Fils votes

By Nidz Godino

“Actually, as early as wee hours of morning, our kababayans abroad cast their votes,” Commission on Elections (Comelec)  Chairman George Garcia said Filipinos in various parts of the world started trooping to Philippine embassies and consulates as month-long overseas voting period began.

Said  overseas voting period would run until  end of voting hours in the Philippines on May 12.

In Singapore, Garcia said six Filipinos cast their votes at the kiosk at the embassy within 10 minutes after  voting period opened.

Aside from casting their votes for  May 2025 midterm polls in embassies and consulates, Comelec said registered overseas Filipino voters can also vote online.

“Voting for our kababayans abroad on 77 posts is via internet voting… those in 16 posts is through going to  embassy or  consulate,” Garcia noted.

Garcia said internet voting abroad is open 24 hours a day.

Meanwhile,  online voting in 77 areas commenced shortly after  test voting period for internet voting ended at midnight on Saturday.

Test online voting was initiated to familiarize Filipinos availing themselves of internet voting with  features of the system adopted by the commission for the first time.

First   to cast their votes, the Comelec said, were registered Filipino voters in New Zealand followed by those from Australia and Guam.

There are 1.231 million Filipino voters abroad. Of the number, only 48,000 have enrolled for online voting as of Friday.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said registered Filipino voters abroad still need to enroll to access  internet voting system.

Laudiangco added that  enrollment for  internet voting started last March 20 and will continue until May 12.

He likewise encouraged registered Filipino overseas voters to take advantage of  internet voting system so that they can cast their votes even in  convenience of their homes or wherever they are by using their cellphones or other gadgets.

Filipino seafarers, he said, can also participate in overseas voting even while at sea.

Over 50,000 government employees and other eligible individuals registered for local absentee voting, according to  Comelec.

Chairman Garcia reported  they received  total of 72,208 applications for local absentee voting, but only 57,569 were approved, while 14,638 were denied.

Comelec previously extended  application period for local absentee voting due to numerous requests.

Members of  Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and media practitioners who are on duty during election day can avail themselves of local absentee voting.

14 Abril, 2025 Lunes

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

Headlines

Overseas Fils votes

By Nidz Godino

“Actually, as early as wee hours of morning, our kababayans abroad cast their votes,” Commission on Elections (Comelec)  Chairman George Garcia said Filipinos in various parts of the world started trooping to Philippine embassies and consulates as month-long overseas voting period began.

Said  overseas voting period would run until  end of voting hours in the Philippines on May 12.

In Singapore, Garcia said six Filipinos cast their votes at the kiosk at the embassy within 10 minutes after  voting period opened.

Aside from casting their votes for  May 2025 midterm polls in embassies and consulates, Comelec said registered overseas Filipino voters can also vote online.

“Voting for our kababayans abroad on 77 posts is via internet voting… those in 16 posts is through going to  embassy or  consulate,” Garcia noted.

Garcia said internet voting abroad is open 24 hours a day.

Meanwhile,  online voting in 77 areas commenced shortly after  test voting period for internet voting ended at midnight on Saturday.

Test online voting was initiated to familiarize Filipinos availing themselves of internet voting with  features of the system adopted by the commission for the first time.

First   to cast their votes, the Comelec said, were registered Filipino voters in New Zealand followed by those from Australia and Guam.

There are 1.231 million Filipino voters abroad. Of the number, only 48,000 have enrolled for online voting as of Friday.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said registered Filipino voters abroad still need to enroll to access  internet voting system.

Laudiangco added that  enrollment for  internet voting started last March 20 and will continue until May 12.

He likewise encouraged registered Filipino overseas voters to take advantage of  internet voting system so that they can cast their votes even in  convenience of their homes or wherever they are by using their cellphones or other gadgets.

Filipino seafarers, he said, can also participate in overseas voting even while at sea.

Over 50,000 government employees and other eligible individuals registered for local absentee voting, according to  Comelec.

Chairman Garcia reported  they received  total of 72,208 applications for local absentee voting, but only 57,569 were approved, while 14,638 were denied.

Comelec previously extended  application period for local absentee voting due to numerous requests.

Members of  Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and media practitioners who are on duty during election day can avail themselves of local absentee voting.

13 Abril, 2025 Linggo

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

DMW assures seafarers in SoKor of legal aid

By Nidz Godino

“Philippine embassy and  Migrant Workers office in South Korea will provide legal counsel who will collaborate with  lawyers of  shipping company to come up with  best legal defense for  seafarers,” Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in  statement.20 Filipino crew members of  ship currently under investigation by South Korean authorities for allegedly carrying cocaine will be provided with additional legal assistance, aside from  legal team sent by the shipping company.

Cacdac confirmed 20 Filipino seafarers onboard  MV Lutina , Norwegian-flagged bulk carrier  are in good health and are receiving legal assistance and other necessary support.

“The 20 are still onboard  ship… they have not been detained or under  official custody of  Korean authorities… they have not been charged with anything but they have been thoroughly advised by lawyers, our strategy right now is to guide and advise them throughout  investigatory process and  provide  best legal advice and defense,” said Cacdac.

Undersecretary Felicitas Bay said  DMW, through its Migrant Workers office in South Korea, has taken steps to ensure  welfare and well-being of the crew.

“All  crew are in good health… their entitlements, allotments,  wages, food supplies and other basic needs are continuously provided by ship owner,” Bay said.

Cacdac added that DMW has begun reaching out to  families of the 20 seafarers to reassure them of  government’s support throughout  investigation.

“We have met six family members, representatives who are here in Metro Manila, to assure them of all  necessary assistance from  government,” he said.

13 Abril, 2025 Linggo

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

Headlines

Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs, 87

By Cynthia Montojo

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce  passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,” granddaughter Janine Gutierrez said in her post “Asia’s Queen of Songs” Pilita Corrales has passed away at the age of 85.  Cause  of her death has not been publicly revealed.

 “Pilita touched  lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity…she will be remembered for her contributions to  entertainment industry, but most of all for her love of life and family…please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life,” she added. Details of memorial services will be announced soon, Janine said.

Janine earlier said  she was thrilled to be producing  film documentary about the life of her grandmother, directed by Baby Ruth Villarama.

“There’s so much to learn about being woman and overcoming problems…whatever happened, patuloy lang siyang bumabangon talaga, ” Janine described her mamita.

Valuable  life lesson  she learned from Pilita was  importance of family. “Everything she does is for her family…and at the same time, as  woman, she overcame a lot of adversity…she started singing to be  breadwinner because her dad passed away…and she went through a lot,” she said.

Pilita, whose real name is María del Pilar Corrales y Garrido, was born on Aug. 22, 1939 in Lahug, Cebu. She had two children, Jackielou Blanco and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez,  father of Janine.

Jackielou’s father is Spanish executive businessman Gonzalo Blanco while Ramon’s is Eddie Gutierrez.

In her six-decade long career, the veteran singer, actress and comedienne had released more than 100 albums, including her chart-topping hit “A Million Thanks to You” and “Kapantay ay Langit.”

Pilita could speak Visayan (Cebuano), Spanish, Tagalog and English, and could perform Japanese and Italian songs.

She was the only Filipina who joined The Beatles on stage when  famous British band staged  concert in Manila in 1966.

She also earned  Lifetime Achievement Award from  Philippine Association of the Record Industry and was conferred with  honorary Doctorate in Music degree by  University of Visayas for her remarkable contribution to  Philippine music industry.

Dubbed as one of the “Great Dames of Victorian Radio and Television,”  street in Melbourne, Australia was named after her.

Heavy hearts indeed. That is how, I’d say, millions of friends and fans reacted to the news. Pilita, singer and actress so beloved by so many, is gone. She was 87 years old. And how she filled up those years as  artist and as  beautiful human being.

Pilita was  eldest child of Jose Corrales and Maria Garrido. She was born on Aug. 22, 1939 to  conservative, well-off family in Cebu. As  young girl she was sent to study in  finishing school in Spain, Colegio Mayor de Padre Poveda. It was there where she learned to sing and play  guitar as  hobby. Unknown to her then, those skills would come in handy when her family was racked by  sudden death of her father. Despite her sheltered upbringing, Pilita rose up to  challenge of helping provide for her mother and younger brother Rafael.

It was  proverbial touch and go for a while.  Radio  show, “La Taberna,” where she DJ-ed and sang Spanish songs with her guitar, followed by stage shows at the Clover Theater and Manila Grand Opera House. Then  chance to go to Australia  led to her first big success. Her recording of Come Closer to Me topped  hit charts. This was followed by more singles and albums, and her becoming  star and pioneer act on Australian television. Her success was so phenomenal that  street was named after her in Victoria.

By the time she returned to Manila, Pilita had her style down pat. Not only as  singer, sweet but dramatic, but also as  star in her figure-hugging sequined gowns, bouffant hairdo and  beginnings of her trademark backbend.

It was not long after this that recording beckoned. Her first big hit was  original Filipino composition, A Million Thanks to You by Alice Doria-Gamilla. From this, it was but  few steps to also make it big on television with  high-rating show “Your Evening with Pilita.”

 World  was now hers to conquer.  From  Rizal Memorial Coliseum with The Beatles to Araneta Coliseum with Matt Monroe and others, she went on tour with Bob Hope, joined Sammy Davis Jr., in Las Vegas to her headlining concert at  Carnegie Hall. She also acted in “Miss Mamaw,” “My Faithful Love” and later proved herself  adept comedienne in  movies and television.

Her greatest accomplishment as  artist came about with Vicor Music’s Philippine Love Songs in 1972. Not only because the album sold and continues to sell lots of copies but also because it introduced Filipino songs to  younger generation. Back then, it was not considered hip for pop artists to record old Filipino songs. Pilita changed that. Her rendition of Mike Velarde’s Dahil Sa ‘Yo, Tito Arevalo’s Hinahanap Kita, Sapagka’t Kami’y Tao Lamang by Tony Maiquez, Rosas Pandan by Manuel Velez and others made  album  brilliant showcase of great Filipino music.

After Philippine Love Songs, it became  practice for big-name singers to record old and new Filipino originals. This made it easy for Rico J. Puno to get kids interested in Kapalaran and for Basil Valdez to give them Ngayon at Kailanman.  Album  became one of the biggest sellers of all time in local pop music history. It also jump-started  career of composer George Canseco and gave Pilita her most enduring hit, Kapantay ay Langit.

All these though pale against how Pilita lived her life. Despite her stature as  artist, she was known as  kind and generous friend to everybody.  Many were those whose careers she started by introducing them to producers and managers. She constantly dispensed well-meaning advice. She even allowed newcomers to stay with her and those who needed gowns to raid her closet. And always, as it was before, even when nearing her final days, her biggest concern was for her family. No wonder  country is in mourning.

The day you came along with your song, my heart began to sing dear,  million thanks to you, Pilita.

12 Abril, 2025 Sabado

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

Ph participates anew in PISA; better results hoped

By Creselda Canda-Lopez

“Acknowledging  diverse perspectives surrounding  country’s participation in International Large-scale Assessments ,ILSAs tests, Angara emphasizes  DepEd’s commitment to thorough preparation… Angara took  2022 participation as  learning experience, where  lack of preparation drew public concern,” Department of Education (DepEd) is optimistic that the country will achieve better results in  recently concluded 2025 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA).

In  press statement DepEd said several preparations were implemented under  directive of Education Secretary Sonny Angara, following  Philippines’ dismal performance in  2022 PISA.

Statement  was released after randomly selected 15-year-old students from 208 schools nationwide completed  2025 PISA, held from March 1 to April 11.  Results  will be released in September 2026.

Regardless of  results,  DepEd noted  assessment will “serve as another benchmark for future programs aimed at elevating learning outcomes.”

Nonetheless, DepEd emphasized  participating students underwent ample preparation.

In January,  DepEd’s executive committee conducted  functional appraisal of  readiness of  selected schools “to bolster varying degrees of preparedness.”

“Schools with logistical gaps in testing centers, laptops and internet access were given maintenance and augmentation funds…teachers’ content mastery was assessed through Khan Academy Philippines and Frontlearners, DepEd’s edtech (education technology) partners,”  DepEd said.

As soon as  list of participating 15-year-old learners was released in February, learners received  series of familiarization activities covering computer literacy, basic quantitative skills and critical thinking.

“Our goal here is  more robust and equitable testing environment…we must learn from  gains of this exercise and scale it for future initiatives,” said Angara.

Filipino students have historically performed poorly in international assessments.

Based on  2022 PISA results released by  Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in December 2023,  Philippines ranked 76th out of 81 countries in reading comprehension, mathematics and science.

Developed by  OECD,  PISA evaluates  ability of 15-year-olds to apply their knowledge and skills in reading, mathematics and science to real-life situations.

Philippines first participated in PISA in 2018, placing last out of 79 countries.

While  country slightly improved its ranking in 2022, performance indicators still showed minimal gains.

Based on  OECD’S report,  average scores among participating countries in  2022 PISA were 472 in mathematics, 476 in reading and 485 in science.

Philippines scored significantly below  average, with 355 in math, 347 in reading and 373 in science.

OECD noted that every 20-point gap below  average is equivalent to about one year’s worth of learning for  15-year-old in participating countries.

At  press conference a day after  release of  2022 PISA report,  DepEd – then led by Vice President Sara Duterte –Carpio admitted  assessment indicated Filipino students were five to six years behind in learning competencies.

12 Abril, 2025 Sabado

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

Headlines

Stay calm situation under control- PNP

By Nidz Godino

“We are mobilizing all investigative assets and leveraging every capability to ensure these incidents do not recur,” Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil assured members of the Filipino-Chinese community of their safety and security. In   the wake of  recent kidnap-slay of Filipino-Chinese steel magnate Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo, Marbil and other senior PNP officials met with representatives of  Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) at Camp Crame  to address concerns within  Filipino-Chinese community following  kidnapping cases that have raised worries within  business sector and  general public. PNP has documented 13 kidnapping cases since January. Eight of the incidents involved Chinese nationals as victims.

Marbil assured  FFCCCII that  PNP is exerting all efforts to arrest Que’s killers and suspects in other kidnapping cases as he urged  federation members to stay calm.

 PNP and FFCCCII have agreed to establish  collaborative program focused on proactive measures to detect potential threats.

Among these are enhancing coordination with territorial police units, strengthening surveillance efforts in key business hubs and providing safety briefings to member companies and communities.

Marbil maintained that the country remains safe for business and travel despite Que’s killing, stressing  PNP remains vigilant and responsive to any threat to peace and order.

“We call for calm and unity…these isolated incidents do not define our nation,” he said.

FFCCCII along with several other business groups issued  strongly worded statement, decrying Que’s murder and saying  recent kidnappings are not “isolated incidents.”

They demanded “swift and unrelenting” action as they rejected “empty platitudes,  hollow theories,  bureaucratic inertia that too often follow such horrors.”

“We call for unyielding reinforcement of  rule of law  not through rhetoric, but through resolute, systemic reform,” FFCCCII declared.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said  inter-agency task force will be created to handle kidnapping cases.

Remulla said  task force will be composed of  Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government,  PNP, National Bureau of Investigation and  Bureau of Immigration.

“Creation of  task force is paramount…  aim here is to have  higher visibility, leadership  people can talk to if there is  problem,” he said at  press conference, noting that a lot of people have doubts about law enforcement.

Remulla said hotlines will be set up where people can call in tips, report crimes and whatever else  community may need. Supreme Court will also be asked to create special courts to handle kidnapping cases.

Remulla said  creation of  task force will be “drawn up” and  result will be announced next week. Group  of Chinese nationals acting as henchmen of illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) are being investigated for their possible involvement in the murder of Que and his driver.

Special  investigation task group formed by  PNP is looking at  group’s connection with Que’s killing as their signature is the same as other killings they allegedly perpetrated.

Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the PNP, said the way Que and his driver were killed is similar to the fate of another Chinese national and his driver who were killed and his body dumped somewhere in Rizal province sometime in 2024.

Que and Pabillo were found hogtied, their faces covered in duct tape and their bodies placed inside  nylon sack in Barangay Macabud in Rodriguez, Rizal on Wednesday morning.

They were killed by strangulation, similar to the two other victims last year.

“There is similarity in another incident involving also  Chinese national last year, we may be looking at the same modus operandi,” Fajardo said at  news briefing in Camp Crame.

Chinese nationals were tagged by  Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission as  muscle group of POGO operators.

Fajardo said  group’s function is to threaten people who owe POGO operators money. “They are the ones who collect allegedly from those who have debts in relation to POGO operations,” she said.

At  previous briefing, Fajardo said they are looking at whether Que’s death is related to POGOs but she did not elaborate.

Members of muscle group were also used by POGO operators to torture employees who fail to reach their daily quota, with some incidents caught on video.

While  SITG has yet to establish  number of suspects in Que’s murder, Fajardo said it could not have been executed by just two or three persons.

Meanwhile, Malacañang asked Honeylet Avanceña,  common-law wife of detained former president Rodrigo Duterte, not to mock  recent spate of deadly kidnappings in the country.

At  press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro was asked to comment on Avanceña’s apparently sarcastic statement congratulating  Marcos administration for  recent spate of high-profile kidnappings and killings.

“We do not make fun of this kind of  situation…for Ms. Honeylet Avanceña, please don’t create  issue because lives are at stake here…lives were lost… do not make  issue and make fun of  government, we don’t know why Ms. Honeylet has this attitude…it’s as if she is happy that there are incidents like these in the country,” Castro said.

House assistant majority leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong defended  PNP’s report showing  decline in  national crime rate, adding that Que’s case should not be used to discredit nationwide data.

“One incident cannot just overrun and overhaul  data gathered by  PNP,” Adiong said.

According to Marbil, their data show  26.76 percent drop in focus crimes   from 4,817 cases between Jan. 1 and Feb. 14, 2024 down to 3,528 in the same period this year.

Year-on-year data also reflected  7.31-percent decrease in focus crimes, from 41,717 cases in 2023 to 38,667 in 2024.

11 Abril, 2025 Biyernes

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

1,018 bus permits issued for Lenten Season

By J.Lo

Passengers should avoid riding unauthorized vehicles that have not undergone proper inspections and lack insurance coverage, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said.

 Up to 1,018 special permits for public utility buses have been issued amid  anticipated surge of passengers during  Holy Week, according to LTFRB.

Special  permits issued by  LTFRB are valid from April 11 to 27.

Permits  allow more bus operators to accommodate commuters traveling to and from provinces during  Lenten season.

Complaints and concerns can be sent through hotline 1342 or email at complaints@ltfrb.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe welcomed  Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s move to allow unconsolidated jeepneys to ply their routes despite  lapsed deadline of  public utility vehicle modernization program.

DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon has said jeepney drivers who failed to get their franchise would be allowed to ply their routes again if they comply with the mechanisms.

11 Abril, 2025 Biyernes

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

4 BJMP officers foiled PDL ‘rescue’ try

By J.Lo

JAIL authorities are looking into foiled attempt to free Chinese inmate in Paranaque City. Four personnels of  Bureau of Jail Management and Penology were recognized  for thwarting  attempt to free  Chinese inmate from BJMP custody during  ambush in Parañaque on Monday.

Jail Officer 2 Leif Joseph Talanquines was awarded  Medal of Wounded Gallantry.

He suffered  gunshot to  shoulder when 11 suspects led by Chinese nationals fired at  BJMP van transporting Hu Yang, 37, said to be  leader of  crime ring.

Three other BJMP officers received Medals of Merit for their bravery.

Attack  on  BJMP personnel happened after Yang had attended  court hearing in Makati City on his kidnapping case. BJMP chief Ruel Rivera gave awards to the jail officers in recognition of their swift action despite  threat to their lives.

Two Chinese and four Filipino suspects were nabbed. Their five companions eluded arrest.

10 Abril, 2025 Huwebes

Joins Christian families in observance of Holy Month April

Warmest  Month April  in iskup

supports Food Month April

supports Araw ng Kagitingan 2025 theme Kabayanihan ng Beterano: Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas 

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

congratulations Marked Men for Christ Philippines 565th  batch Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan, looking forward to next batch July 16,2025, Baguio City

Congratulations to 18.8k views “Komedya O Komida” 6th  edition and  2k views “Komedya O Komida” 7th edition of our very own J.Lo

Family of the late Edison Palero appreciates everyone joined them in their bereavement 

Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Lourdes Co, her remains lies in St. Peter Chapels , Sucat, Paranaque

Congratulations to new set of interim officers of Luzon Convention of Southern Baptist Churches, Inc.-Servants of God in Christ Jesus Christian Ministries, Inc -moderator Dr. Enrico San Pedro Phd; Executive Secretary Jorge Lopez, Treasurer Rev. Nestor Sadim, Public Relation Officer Rev. Manuel Soliman

Happy Birthday Jo God-Saves Lopez and Ulysses Lopez, more birthdays to come

PM for any hospital discharge problem

abs 2025, Bocaue, Bulacan

Kidnapped victim bodies found

By J.Lo 

Police authorities are looking into two bodies found  in Rodriguez, Rizal in suspicion that those are the Filipino-Chinese businessman and his driver kidnapped in Valenzuela City on March 29.

Bodies  were found in Barangay Macabud, placed in  nylon bag with their faces wrapped in duct tape.

Calabarzon police director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas declined to disclose more details.

On Tuesday,  businessman’s Lexus LM350 multi-purpose vehicle was found abandoned in Barangay Bahay Toro in Quezon City.

Residents told police that  Lexus was left by two men wearing hoodies at around 4 in the afternoon on March 29.

Security  officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said  victim owns  company in Valenzuela City.

Victim’s family said they received  message from  kidnappers demanding millions of dollars in ransom.

Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. has expressed concern over kidnapping.