Small family, small farm for food security
Small family, small farm for food securityTuro Tolentino and Andrea Alforte and their home in Cainta were victims of Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, while Turo was still employed at a call center. Inspired by the success of the Costales farm in Majayjay, Laguna, Turo rolled up his sleeves to take an intensive course in organic farm production from the successful couple in Majayjay. I learned he even has microscopes to check on the microbes present in his compost, as sign of readiness for use at the organic farm. Artfarm Sustainable Solutions, established in 2011, is now a certified organic farm and also recently became recognized as a Slow Food Farm by Slow Food International, one of the few in the country. As a Slow Food Farm (which my own ECHOfarms has applied for), they produce good, clean and fair food while protecting the environment and encouraging biodiversity.
Source:Philippine Star
December 27, 2025 03:04 UTC
5 dead, 23 injured in Camarines Sur bus crash
5 dead, 23 injured in Camarines Sur bus crashMANILA, Philippines — Five people died and 23 others were injured after a passenger bus fell into a ravine in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur yesterday. Bernie Undecimo, Del Gallego town police chief, said a DLTB bus from Cubao, Quezon City plunged into the ravine 10 meters deep along Andaya Highway in Barangay Magais I at 3:25 a.m. “According to the observation of some passengers, the driver was either sleepy or had a heart attack, and the bus swerved and plunged into the ravine,” Undecimo told dzBB in Filipino. The alternate driver told investigators that he and the driver had swapped posts upon reaching Tabogo town in Camarines Norte before proceeding to their destination in Gubat, Sorsogon. At least 15 people, including the driver and alternate driver, were seriously injured and brought to a hospital in Tagkawayan, Quezon for treatment.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 23:31 UTC
Ghost projects in Transylvania
Distraught over ghost projects? There is a silver bullet (usually reserved for werewolves) and that may just be a trip to the horror capital of the world, Romania. Red stakes outside the Dracula CastleIronically, Romania is now doing brisk business as a morbid movie and emo teleserye-making paradise. To add an extra shiver down your spine, it’s officially in the province called Transylvania. The ghostly Parliament building as it was being constructedThe centerpiece, however, is the Parliament building, gleaming and positively enormous.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 23:28 UTC
Eala begins Aussie Open preparation with Macau Tennis Masters stint
Eala begins Aussie Open preparation with Macau Tennis Masters stintMANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala primes up for her anticipated Australian Open campaign early next year with an exhibition stint in three events at the MGM Macau Tennis Masters this weekend. Eala, WTA No. Eala later in the day will also figure in the mixed doubles with Shang against the 18-year-old Andreeva and ATP No. Then it’s Eala versus Andreeva in the women’s singles on Sunday for their first duel in three years. Eala netted bronze medals in the women’s team event with Stefi Aludo, Alexa Milliam, Tennielle Madis and Shaira Rivera as well as in the mixed doubles with Niño Alcantara.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 22:10 UTC
New MMDA general manager Torre considered resigned from PNP
New MMDA general manager Torre considered resigned from PNPExecutive Secretary Ralph Recto administers the oath of office to Nicolas Torre III as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has effectively resigned from the PNP after he accepted the post of general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said yesterday. Had Torre rejected the MMDA post, he would continue to hold the four-star rank until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 in March 2027. The PNP has yet to issue a statement on Torre’s oath-taking as new MMDA general manager. He was the fourth PNP chief under the Marcos administration.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 17:31 UTC
Developer backpedals on proposed Greenhills residential tower project
Developer backpedals on proposed Greenhills residential tower projectMANILA, Philippines — SPI Realty Inc. has formally withdrawn its application to build a 72-story residential tower inside the Greenhills East subdivision, acknowledging both community sentiment and Mandaluyong City’s longstanding zoning policies designed to prevent congestion, protect public safety, and preserve the character of residential neighborhoods. The 72-story tower proposal had raised significant concerns over traffic load, density, emergency access, shadowing and overall compatibility with a quiet residential subdivision. The Greenhills East Village Association (GEVA) has welcomed SPI Realty’s decision as well as Mandaluyong LGU’s move to strictly enforce Ordinance 664 S-2017, which reinforced the city’s commitment to balanced growth and proper urban management. GEVA residents successfully communicated the community’s concerns, and the LGU stood firm in safeguarding the zoning rules, heritage and livability standards that have long made Mandaluyong a model of well-planned urban development. “This is a powerful example of what happens when citizens participate, and when local government listens,” GEVA said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 17:30 UTC
CPP caused over 5 decades of suffering – NSC
CPP caused over 5 decades of suffering – NSCBAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The National Security Council (NSC) reiterated the government’s firm stance against armed insurgency and violence as the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) marked its 57th anniversary yesterday. In a statement, the NSC said the CPP and its armed wing the New People’s Army caused decades of suffering to Filipinos, particularly those in rural and geographically isolated communities, as their armed campaign resulted in loss of life and displacement of civilians over the past 57 years. Despite public declarations of temporary ceasefires, the NSC said the rebel attacks reflect insincerity, noting that violence erodes trust and places civilians at risk. It also urged the public, particularly the youth, to reject violence and support peaceful and lawful avenues for reform. Ending the armed conflict, the NSC said, requires collective resolve to uphold accountability, human rights and development that benefits all Filipinos.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 16:39 UTC
We need serious tertiary sports development
Congress trifocalized education in the 1990s: DepEd for basic education, CHED for higher education and TESDA for technical and vocational education. However, all these initiatives need continuous funding to achieve their impact across all higher education institutions. Without visionary leaders in higher education who understand that sports are integral to education, sustainability will remain an elusive goal. Higher education institutions have experts in research, sports science, psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy and human kinetics – fields that could significantly enhance athlete development in the country. The creation of a National Tertiary Games, as proposed by Sen. Bong Go through Senate Bill 678, is a positive step forward.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 16:39 UTC
Unaccomplished
It will leave the scene with its mission unaccomplished. It was not intended for this ad hoc commission to further fuel the public anger – and it seems to have studiously avoided doing that. It was not a good measure of the value attached to the ICI’s work that its funding was released only just days ago. Both the Senate Blue Ribbon committee and the ICI effectively sidestepped Cabral and the potentially explosive truths she might speak. As this ad hoc commission melts into the background, all the official investigations will have to go through the equally undermanned Office of the Ombudsman.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 16:39 UTC
Over 2.8 million enjoy free holiday train rides
Over 2.8 million enjoy free holiday train ridesPhilippine Ports Authority Assistant General Manager for Operations Mark Jon Palomar leads the inspection in Northport Passenger Terminal in Manila on December 26, 2025 as people board ships to spend the New Year in their provinces. MANILA, Philippines — A total of 2,841,788 commuters were transported for free during the “12 Days of Christmas” train rides program of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Free rides were given to 1,183,950 passengers at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, 1,091,951 others at the privately owned Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) and 565,887 more at the LRT 2, the DOTr said. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez called the program a success, saying it fulfilled President Marcos’ objective of giving passengers a safe, comfortable and enjoyable travel experience during the Christmas season. “This overwhelming response demonstrates the importance of accessible public transportation in the lives of Filipino families, especially during the Christmas season,” Lopez said yesterday.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 16:39 UTC
IMF sees room for big rate cut
The IMF, in its staff report for the 2025 Article IV Consultation, said its baseline projection “incorporates another 50-basis-point reduction in the policy rate” by the first quarter of 2026. The cuts are expected to bring the real interest rate toward the lower bound of the IMF’s estimated natural rate range. The BSP’s discussion of alternative scenarios in its latest Monetary Policy Report is welcome in that regard,” the multilateral lender added. On the exchange rate, the IMF said the central bank should continue to act as a buffer against external shocks. While foreign exchange intervention may still be warranted in certain cases, the IMF cautioned against overuse.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 16:39 UTC
Housing prices post weakest growth in Q3
Housing prices post weakest growth in Q3Data from the BSP’s Residential Property Price Index (RPPI) showed nationwide housing prices rose by just 1.9 percent year-on-year in the third quarter, a steep slowdown from the 7.5 percent increase recorded in the previous quarter. MANILA, Philippines — Residential property prices in the Philippines posted their slowest annual growth on record as broad-based price gains cooled sharply in the third quarter, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. By location, the National Capital Region continued to support overall price growth, with residential prices in the NCR rising by 2.3 percent year-on-year in the third quarter. In AONCR, residential property prices in more urbanized areas still posted annual increases, but growth rates eased across all regions. Despite softer price growth, housing loan activity strengthened during the quarter.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 16:39 UTC
We end and start the year with hope
We end and start the year with hopeWhen the late Pope Francis opened the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica inside Vatican on Dec. 24, 2024, it heralded the Jubilee of Hope, a tradition celebrated every 25 years by the Catholic church. They are fountains of hope – stories that are worth telling repeatedly. We traced and walked along the footsteps of the Martins because we are both devotees of St. Therese and she has a special attachment to Leonie. How do you find hope and where do you draw strength from under such conditions? After the family tragedy, the widower Louis, along with the girls, relocated to Lisieux where he rented a home called Les Buissonnets or The Hedges.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 16:39 UTC
Ping warns Palace of cover-up perceptions in ‘Cabral files’
Ping warns Palace of cover-up perceptions in ‘Cabral files’MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has urged Malacañang not to downplay the possible role of Cabinet officials in the anomalous practice of inserting lawmakers’ infrastructure projects for kickbacks in the executive’s spending plan. Leviste said he obtained a list of proponents behind the budget insertions from the late DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. Lacson urged the government not to downplay the incident and ignore public furor over the entrenched corruption that has long hounded DPWH projects. Leviste’s limited and partial release of the so-called Cabral files is welcome. “He (Leviste) says the Cabral files hold information on everyone – party-lists, senators, Malacañang officials and the like,” he added.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 16:34 UTC
Gatchalian confident of President Marcos’ approval of 2026 budget bill
Gatchalian confident of President Marcos’ approval of 2026 budget billSenate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian speaks at the telecasted bicameral conference committee session on the 2026 national budget on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The 2026 General Appropriations Bill would pass the scrutiny of President Marcos, Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday as he expressed confidence on the bicameral conference committee-approved GAB. In a dzBB interview, Gatchalian said the Senate and House of Representatives had a “meeting of minds” in reconciling their differing versions of the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget. “I am confident the budget would be passed, because we had a parallel review with the executive branch to review the budget even before it is transmitted to them,” Gatchalian said. “We had ensured that past infrastructure anomalies would no longer happen again in this budget, so that taxpayers’ money would no longer be wasted,” Gatchalian said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 26, 2025 16:34 UTC