BY ALEX ALAGON
A new initiative aimed at strengthening digital literacy, ethical artificial intelligence use, and entrepreneurship among students was launched in Mindanao following the observance of Safer Internet Day 2026.
The program, called Project Pastil, was introduced through a partnership between Globe Telecom and Ayala Foundation at the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan town, this province.
Project Pastil takes its name from a popular, affordable rice meal commonly consumed by students. Organizers said the concept reflects the program’s goal of providing accessible “nourishment” for young minds by equipping them with essential digital skills and awareness, particularly in underserved communities.
The initiative is anchored on the theme “Ako, Ikaw, Tayo: Konektado at Protektado Laban sa OSAEC at CSAEM,” which emphasizes collective responsibility in addressing Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM). The program aims to translate this advocacy into practical support by training students to become responsible digital citizens.
The University of Southern Mindanao, established in 1952 and granted university status in 1978, served as the pilot site for the program. The institution has been recognized for its academic strengths in science, technology, agriculture, and industry, while also promoting digital inclusion through initiatives such as hackathons, information and communications technology workshops, and youth leadership activities.
As part of the launch, Globe conducted sessions under its Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), which is now in its tenth year. The program provides training on online safety, cybersecurity, data privacy, and critical thinking, with added focus on the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Around 40 student leaders and learners participated in the workshop.
The training sessions were facilitated by Globe representatives, including a business development expert assigned to North Cotabato. Participants were introduced to practical strategies for navigating digital platforms safely and responsibly in both academic and community environments.
Project Pastil also introduced a technology-driven Globe Ambassador Program tailored for students in Mindanao. Selected participants, identified for strong academic performance but facing financial challenges, were provided with connectivity tools such as SIM cards and pre-owned 5G smartphones equipped with relevant applications.
Organizers said the ambassador program is designed to offer structured, part-time opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience while earning income. The initiative also aims to reinforce leadership development without compromising academic responsibilities.
Officials from Globe highlighted that the program seeks to build students’ confidence, digital competence, and readiness for future careers. They emphasized that providing access to technology must be paired with proper guidance and responsible use to ensure long-term benefits for communities.
Representatives from the university expressed support for the initiative, noting that it provides both livelihood assistance and practical training in financial independence and digital responsibility. The partnership, they said, is expected to enhance student development and expand opportunities for those with limited resources.
Through its collaboration with the Ayala Foundation and volunteer groups, Globe said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to digital inclusion that goes beyond connectivity. Project Pastil is expected to expand in other areas, with the goal of preparing more young Filipinos to participate safely and responsibly in an increasingly digital society.
- VP joins family for FPRRD’s 81st birthday celebration in Davao City
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte has confirmed she will be in Davao City on March 28, to take part in a dual milestone—the culmination of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw and the 81st birthday of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who remains detained in The Hague.
The vice president made the announcement in a recent interview with Davao media, clarifying that her presence in the city is a long-standing tradition of personal and civic duty.
“I am here because it is the Araw ng Dabaw parade,” she said. When asked if she would also be attending the former President’s birthday celebration, she replied, “Yes, yes, as usual.”
The vice president’s participation in the Parada Dabawenyo is a highly anticipated highlight for Davaoeños.
For years, even during her tenure as mayor, she has been a fixture of the parade, often seen interacting closely with everyone along the route.
The event was moved to Saturday, March 28, to accommodate the week-long festivities and ensure maximum participation from the community.
The nature of her visit carries extra weight this year. With the former President recently marking his first year since the start of the ICC’s formal proceedings, the 81st birthday celebration is expected to draw a massive show of support from supporters.
Authorities have already prepared for a significant crowd influx on March 28, as supporters from across Mindanao are expected to travel to the city to catch a glimpse of the Vice President and join the festivities for the elder Duterte.
BY LIZA BELLE L. PATAGOC/DNSC Intern
THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) noted a slight increase in food prices amid the successive fuel adjustments, with officials assuring the public that the increase is minimal.
During the Kapehan sa PIA briefing on March 19 at NCCC Mall of Ma-a, DA XI said it is actively monitoring the prices of all agricultural commodities to protect the public from unfair price manipulation.
“The Department of Agriculture Region XI is really monitoring our prices, all agricultural commodities. Kung naa man tay makita nga naga-manipulate na sa prices, of course, we have our regulatory agencies nga pwedeng modakop gyud sa ilaha,” said Agnes Cecilia Roble, DA XI Agribusiness Industry Support Section chief.
She emphasized that while fuel prices may be high, the slight increase in food prices remains manageable for households, and urged consumers to be mindful of their food consumption to avoid wastage.
MAKATI CITY, Philippines – Security Bank Corporation (PSE:SECB) has been ranked #1 Overall in the Philippines among Domestic Banks and #1 for Trade Finance Products in the Philippines in the client-led Euromoney Trade Finance Survey 2026
The Euromoney Trade Finance Survey is one of the industry’s most widely recognized benchmarks, based on direct feedback from trade finance users evaluating banks on product capability, service quality, and relationship strength.
In the 2026 survey, Security Bank achieved top rankings across several core trade finance solutions, including letters of credit, trade loans and structured trade financing, guarantees, foreign exchange services, and documentary collections, reflecting the Bank’s ability to support clients across the full lifecycle of trade transactions.
Respondents most frequently cited competitive pricing and strong customer service as key strengths, alongside high ratings for product capability, relationship management, and service delivery.
“This recognition reflects the trust our clients place in us to support their trade flows and working capital needs,” said John Cary Ong, EVP and wholesale banking segment head at Security Bank. “As global trade becomes more complex and supply chains evolve, we remain focused on delivering solutions that help clients manage risk, optimize working capital, and keep goods and capital moving across markets with confidence.”
Security Bank continues to expand its transaction banking and trade finance capabilities to support corporates, importers, exporters, and financial institutions participating in regional and global trade.
The recognition reflects Security Bank’s growing momentum in trade and supply chain finance as more Philippine corporates look for reliable banking partners to support cross-border trade and working capital needs.
THE LEGAL defense team of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte asked supporters to join the detained leader’s 81st birthday celebration at The Hague on March 28.
In a statement, the defense team sought to reassure the public that Duterte remains informed of the outpouring of support from the Philippines.
“The Duterte defense wants the former President’s supporters to know that not one greeting goes unnoticed and every one is brought to his attention,” Lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said. “We are providing just a small selection, and we hope that 28 March 2026 will be the greatest birthday celebration anyone has ever had.”
A Birthday behind bars
The message comes as Duterte marks his second birthday since being detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in the Netherlands.
The former president is currently awaiting a decision from the Pre-Trial Chamber on whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial regarding his administration’s anti-drug campaign.
Coinciding with Araw ng Davao
In his hometown, the celebration carries extra weight. March 28 coincides with the grand Parada Dabawenyo, a centerpiece of the 89th Araw ng Dabaw festivities.
Vice President Sara Duterte previously confirmed her attendance at the parade, noting that her presence in the city is a dual commitment to the community and her father’s milestone.
Davao City officials have clarified that the scheduling of the parade was incidental, driven by the logistics of the Ironman 70.3 event this week. However, supporters are expected to turn the civic parade into a massive show of force for the elder Duterte.
PNP on high alert
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has already shifted to a heightened security posture in different areas in the country, particularly in Davao and Metro Manila.
With the defense team’s call for a “greatest celebration,” authorities are preparing for large crowd dispersals and rallies calling for the former President’s return to the Philippines.
As of press time, the defense team continues to review “thousands” of digital and physical messages from supporters to be shared with the former President during his scheduled visitation hours in Scheveningen.
THE NATIONAL Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) XI announced that the elderly can buy P20 kilo rice under the Murang Bigas Program.
The Department of Agriculture, through the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), is implementing the Murang Bigas Program to the priority sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and solo parents.
“They may buy up to 20 kilos of rice per month at P20 per kilo, which is equivalent to P400 per beneficiary,” NCSC said in a statement on Thursday.
The agency said a group of 50 senior citizens will be accommodated per schedule, with a total allocation of 1,000 kilos of rice.
NCSC clarified that each senior citizen organization can only enroll in the program once each month.
Senior citizens are advised to coordinate with their federations and barangay association officers for proper coordination and scheduling.
Only a designated authorized representative can make the group purchase, which is every Friday, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the NFA compound, Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City. Buyers are advised to bring their own empty sacks.
The representative is directed to present documents, including a photocopy of the NCSC Certificate of Registration and/or Recognition; Authorization Letter issued by the Senior Citizens Organization, Association, or Federation; photocopy of the Senior Citizen ID with signature, and
Barangay Certification confirming the residency of the listed senior citizens.
As of March 20, around six NCSC-registered associations representing a total of 300 members have availed of the benefit.
JAPANESE human rights advocate Shunichi Fujiki labeled the ongoing legal proceedings against former President Rodrigo Duterte as a “gross injustice.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with SMNI, Fujiki—a figure known for his decade-long work assisting overseas Filipinos and victims of domestic violence in Japan—expressed his deep-seated concern over the treatment of the 80-year-old former president.
“I cannot take this injustice… we need to do something,” Fujiki said, pointing to Duterte’s advanced age and the overwhelming domestic support the former leader still commands.
A witness to the Filipino sentiment
Fujiki, whose advocacy spans over ten years of helping Filipinos navigate legal and personal crises abroad, noted that his stance is informed by his interactions with the Filipino community.
He argued that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) pursuit of Duterte contradicts the sentiment of the majority in the Philippines.
“President Duterte is really admired by the Filipino, majority of the Filipino people,” Fujiki remarked.
He suggested that his experience listening to the grievances of victims across the globe has given him a unique perspective on what constitutes true justice versus political targeting.
Growing international discourse
The advocate’s statements add a new layer to the widening international debate surrounding the ICC investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
While human rights groups globally have called for accountability, voices like Fujiki’s highlight a counter-narrative of sovereignty and popular mandate.
Fujiki emphasized that his decision to speak out was driven by a moral obligation to protect a leader whom he believes has been unfairly vilified by international bodies.
The Japanese advocate’s intervention comes at a critical time, as Duterte’s legal team continues to challenge the ICC’s jurisdiction, and as supporters prepare for the former President’s 81st birthday on March 28—a date many expect to become a massive demonstration of local and international solidarity.
THE CITY Government of Davao announced on Thursday that it will enforce a stricter driveway access regulation on major roads to ease traffic congestion.
Through the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project (DPTMP) and the Office of the City Building Official, officials are reinforcing the “continuous footpath policy” to ensure pedestrian safety.
The city government said that multiple driveway access points on major roads often lead to unsafe turning movements, traffic delays, and conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.
The ongoing preparation for the DPTMP or the Davao Bus Project included the development of major roads, which is expected to provide adequate and continuous sidewalk space for pedestrians.
Under the policy, corridors covered by routes under the public transport modernization program may be limited to a single ingress and egress point.
The city government emphasized that the measures are consistent with Section 707.4 of the National Building Code of the Philippines.
The provision discourages direct access from parking or loading areas to the road right-of-way to prevent public roads from being used as maneuvering areas.
“The City Government of Davao emphasizes that proper implementation of these policies will help reduce traffic conflict points, improve pedestrian safety, and support a more efficient and organized transport system in Davao City,” it stressed.
The construction of depots and terminals for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project, or the Davao Bus Project, is anticipated to begin this year, the Department of Transportation (DOTr)announced on Wednesday, March 18.
According to the agency’s project timeline, operation is expected in the third or fourth quarter of 2027. The full implementation of the bus system is expected in late 2028 or early 2029, but he said it can start “already by next year.”
The long-delayed project will operate in phases, with the first one identified as the south routes.
THE 10TH Infantry Division (10ID) secured two major institutional awards during the 129th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army at Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City, on March 19, 2026.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the event, along with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.
In a testament to its superior leadership and operational readiness, the 10ID was conferred the CGPA Streamer for Overall Unit Excellence (Kahusayan).
As one of the highest honors in the Philippine Army, the award recognizes the infantry division that demonstrates the most outstanding performance across all facets of military service.
Major General Alvin Luzon, 10ID commander, accepted the award, marking a milestone for the division’s sustained organizational excellence.
Furthering the division’s accolades, the 10th Station Hospital (10SH) received the CGPA Streamer for Innovation (Likha).
The hospital was recognized for its ingenuity in enhancing military healthcare services, specifically for developing systems that streamlined medical diagnostic services within the force.
Colonel May Maaño, commanding officer of 10SH, received the award on behalf of the medical unit.
“These awards reflect the unwavering dedication and professionalism of our Agila Troopers in delivering mission-ready and people-centered service,” Luzon said.
