BY ALEX ALAGON
YEAR AFTER year, Catanduanes in the Bicol Region stands on the frontlines of the fiercest storms. Known as the “Land of the Howling Winds,” the island province lies directly along the western Pacific typhoon belt, making it one of the first areas in the Philippines to bear the brunt of powerful typhoons, torrential rains, and storm surges.
Recognizing the urgent need to strengthen disaster preparedness in one of the country’s most disaster-prone provinces, PLDT, Smart, and the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), through Australian Aid-funded Project REACHED (Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response), recently marked July as the National Disaster Resilience Month by turning over Ligtas Kits to three vulnerable barangays in Virac, Catanduanes: Barangays Balite, Simamla, and Talisoy, strengthening the disaster preparedness capability of the municipality.
The PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit is a portable, all-in-one emergency communication and power package that includes a power station, solar panel, smartphone, crank radio, pocket WiFi, emergency lights, FM radio, and charging accessories, essential tools for maintaining communication and power during critical situations.
PDRF Center Director Arnel Capili said that the kits build on earlier deployments in Virac, extending the support to barangays previously outside the scope of Project REACHED. “Building the disaster resilience and capacity of these Virac barangays reflects the combined efforts of the PDRF, PLDT and Smart, the Office of Civil Defense, the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the World Food Programme, and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through Project REACHED.”
Virac Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer II Josephine Benavidez said that the selected barangays have limited mobile coverage, making coordination during emergencies challenging. “With the PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit, we will now be able to monitor the condition of the residents even prior to our team physically being in the area,” according to Benavidez.
Barangay Balite Kagawad Alexander Borja said that the kit fills a longstanding gap in the barangay’s disaster response capacity, which previously relied on a single, small generator during power interruptions common in the coastal area. He said the megaphone and power station will be particularly useful for coordinating evacuations along the coastline.
Virac Mayor Hon. Sinforoso M. Sarmiento, Jr. acknowledged that the assistance addresses a real need in the municipality, given limited local government resources that are often prioritized for basic needs. He also said that the barangays selected have consistently performed well in the delivery of local public service, giving assurance that the equipment will be properly maintained and used.
The turnover, held at the Virac Municipal Hall, was attended by Mayor Sarmiento, PDRF Center Director Capili, and PLDT and Smart FVP and head of Public Engagement Roby Alampay, who said that “it’s about making sure that we can still help each other, especially when we can’t communicate with each other. This is part of our mission to work hand-in-hand with partners, particularly LGUs. Local governments know their communities best, and our partnership with them is central to how we deliver disaster resilience programs.”
The Virac turnover forms part of a broader effort under Project REACHED to strengthen emergency communication and response capabilities in disaster-prone communities nationwide. PLDT and Smart continue to work with partners like the PDRF under the #KonektedForResilience advocacy, promoting disaster resilience before, during, and after emergencies.
PARANGLUMBA, SIAYAN, Zamboanga del Norte — Subanen learners from remote communities in Siayan now have a safer and more accessible place to stay and study following the turnover and blessing of the A+ Dorm for Subanen Learners on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026.
Led by Friends of Saint Mary MacKillop Inc. (FSMMI), the ceremony coincided with the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop and was held a day before the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Aug. 9.
The dormitory was made possible through the support of the DigiPlus Foundation, represented by its Vice President and Trustee, Rafael Jasper Vicencio, with the cooperation of the local government of Siayan, the Tribal Council of Elders and members of the Subanen community.
FSMMI is a Philippine nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and opportunities for marginalized children and youth, particularly in remote communities. Inspired by the life and mission of Saint Mary MacKillop, the organization works to address educational and social gaps through education, livelihood, and community-based initiatives. Its work is guided by the motto, “Never see a need without doing something about it.”
The A+ Dorm addresses one of the challenges faced by Subanen learners: distance. Some children walk several miles from their communities to attend school, making daily travel physically demanding and leaving less time and energy for their studies.
By providing accommodation closer to school, the dormitory gives learners a place to rest and study while reducing the burden of daily travel.
The ceremony was attended by the Regional Director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region IX, who expressed support for the leadership and initiatives of the Subanen Tribe of Siayan.
FSMMI also recognized the contributions of Angela Camins-Weineke, executive director of the DigiPlus Foundation, and the foundation’s team, as well as its volunteers, Y4C youth, social work interns from Saint Joseph College of Sindangan Inc. and the Paranglumba community.
“For many Subanen children, the desire to study is strong, but financial difficulties and distance continue to create barriers,” said Rey L. Anugon, president of FSMMI. “The A+ Dorm gives them a greater opportunity to stay closer to school, pursue their studies and work toward their dreams.”
Timuay Labi Johnny C. Anugon Sr., municipal Indigenous Peoples mandatory representative and tribal chieftain of the Subanen Tribe of Siayan, said the dormitory gives children greater opportunities while helping them remain connected to their identity and heritage.
“The A+ Dorm will help our children pursue their education, reach their dreams and build a better future while remaining proud of their identity and heritage,” he said.
Rev. Fr. Dean Klayford V. Bongat, founder of FSMMI, said the dormitory is a concrete response to the needs of Indigenous children who face barriers to education.
“The A+ Dorm responds to the needs of Subanen children who dream of an education but face challenges because of distance and limited resources,” Bongat said. “We hope it will open doors of opportunity and nurture their dreams.”
Camins-Weineke said the DigiPlus Foundation hopes the dormitory will become more than a place for learners to stay.
“It is more than just a building. It is also a home — a place that provides safety, comfort and hope for our children and youth,” Camins-Weineke said. “Our greatest hope is that every Subanen young person who stays here will have the opportunity to rest, study and, most importantly, dream.”
The A+ Dorm reflects a shared commitment among Indigenous leaders, community members, government partners, nonprofit organizations and donors to help ensure that distance and limited resources do not prevent Indigenous children from accessing education.
As the Subanen Tribe of Siayan joins communities around the world in marking the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the dormitory stands as a symbol of opportunity, community support and hope for the next generation of Subanen learners.
AUTHORITIES have heightened police presence around Teofilo V. Fernandez National High School in Barangay Indangan, Buhangin District, following an online threat posted by a social media account earlier this week.
In an official statement released Thursday, Aug. 6, Police Station 13 (Mandug) confirmed it immediately coordinated with school administrators after learning of the threat allegedly made by a user under the handle “Degital Bomer.”
PMAJ Paul Michael G. Neffe, acting station commander of PS13, said police investigators are actively working to verify the authenticity and trace the source in coordination with specialized technical units.
As a precautionary measure, police visibility has been intensified around the school premises, accompanied by ongoing security assessments and monitoring to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.
“The Philippine National Police takes all threats against educational institutions seriously and remains committed to ensuring that schools remain safe environments for learning,” Neffe said.
The PS 13 appealed to the public and online community to remain calm, avoid sharing unverified information or false rumors, and promptly report any suspicious activity or online threats to local authorities.
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Z. Duterte called on the national government to overhaul its disaster intervention strategy, insisting that flood mitigation efforts must encompass high-risk communities across the country rather than focusing solely on Davao City.
Responding to reporters during a media interview on Aug. 6, 2026, regarding proposals for targeted flood intervention in Davao, the Vice President underscored that severe flooding poses an existential threat to lives nationwide during periods of heavy rainfall and typhoons.
“Yes, the government should focus on floods in all areas of the Philippines, not just Davao City. Because there are also floods in Ilocos, there are also floods in Pampanga, in Bulacan—all low-lying areas during heavy rains and storms need to be focused on, because there is a risk that someone will die due to floods,” Duterte stated.
Duterte urged the executive branch to remember its duty to safeguard all citizens equally, pointing out that agricultural and residential plains in Northern and Central Luzon suffer massive flooding similar to urban centers in Mindanao.
The Vice President emphasized that disaster response and flood control infrastructure should reflect the President’s duty to serve every province.
“So, it shouldn’t just be Davao City, it should be the entire country—because the President is the President of the entire country,” Duterte remarked.
Her statement comes amid growing public scrutiny over national flood control budgets, urban drainage management, and climate resilience projects following severe monsoon weather patterns impacting key provinces across Luzon and Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Malacañang has yet to respond regarding the matter.
THE CALINAN Police Station (PS10) has called on the public to refrain from passing judgment based on social media posts following allegations that its intelligence operatives were involved in a physical injury incident.
In a statement, the police station clarified that it did not ignore the complaint and immediately initiated verification and identification procedures upon receiving the report.
As part of the investigation, available intelligence personnel were presented to the victims for identification; however, none of the officers were identified as the alleged perpetrators.
Calinan police stressed that officers consistently exercise maximum tolerance and restraint when handling conflicts, maintaining professionalism and respect toward all involved parties.
Addressing concerns regarding the conduct of the responding officers, the station emphasized that all allegations remain subject to proper investigation and due process.
“A social media post or a single perspective may not always reflect the whole situation,” the statement read, appealing to the public to let facts and evidence guide the truth rather than drawing premature conclusions.
JUST A stone’s throw away from the legendary breaks of Cloud 9, a fresh kind of energy has officially arrived on the island. Hue Siargao threw open its doors last July 27, immediately cementing itself as the latest must-stay in the nation’s surfing capital. Sprawling across a nearly hectare-sized property, this new resort brings an elevated pulse to the island while staying deeply rooted in the local community and landscape.
The visionaries behind Hue Siargao are siblings Dennis and Dexter Lee, whose family launched Hue Boracay and Hue Palawan in 2017. For the brothers, this opening is a long-awaited homecoming of sorts. Dexter shared that they initially wanted their very first Hue Resort to be in Siargao, having visited the island for the Surfing Cup in 2013 and 2016.
“There’s a very strong sense of community here. I really hope that our guests will be able to experience it when they stay in our resort. Siargao, I think, is the epitome of the Filipino culture- warm and welcoming,” he noted.
Echoing this sentiment, Dennis emphasized that the locals’ genuine hospitality became their driving force. “It’s really the people who welcomed us here. That’s why we’re inspired by Siargao’s landscape and seascapes, and we wanted to share that with our guests and showcase that in our property,” he added.
That deep respect for nature is immediately apparent in the property’s striking exterior. Featuring a contemporary look inspired by the sweeping movement of the wind and waves, the design is a masterclass in form-meets-function. It is not just engineered for aesthetics, but purposefully built to withstand the coastal weather and island elements.
Inside, the resort boasts 33 thoughtfully designed accommodations, a scale that makes it one of the largest properties on the island. Guests can choose from five room types to suit their island lifestyle: Deluxe Garden, Deluxe Seaview, Garden Casitas with pool, Seaview Casitas, and the ultra-indulgent Seaview Casitas with pool. Each space is crafted as a sanctuary where guests can relaxingly unwind after a long day of exploring the island.
Beyond the rooms, Hue Siargao is packed with amenities designed for every type of traveler. For aquatic lovers: an exclusive infinity pool for in-house guests, and a uniquely designed cave pool for walk-in visitors. Fitness enthusiasts will find a small but completely stacked fitness center outfitted with high-grade equipment, a studio for Pilates, and a recovery room complete with a sauna and ice plunges. Families are also in for a treat as the resort proudly houses an indoor playground for kids—a groundbreaking first in Siargao.
The resort also effortlessly blends leisure with productivity, making it an absolute haven for digital nomads. A cozy lounge set-up co-working space provides the perfect backdrop for remote work. Additionally, dedicated office and meeting spaces cater to intimate gatherings, and in a brilliant show of community support, the resort also leases spaces out to small businesses on the island. For those craving a bit of shopping, @ Tokyo curates an excellent selection of lifestyle brands.
Additionally, the resort offers a vibrant dining scene, starting with a ground-floor café serving fresh coffee, pastries, and souvenirs. The crown jewel of their dining experience is Dayana Restaurant and Bar—beautifully built around a “dalakit” (banyan) tree. It features a menu deeply inspired by the island’s natural bounty and an oceanfront bar pouring handcrafted cocktails.
Group Manager of Hue Resorts and Hotel, Alexis Yatco, highlighted their culinary philosophy, stating, “Our concept is coastal fare; a lot of the concept of our dishes comes from the fact that our ingredients are both sourced fresh from the sea and land.”
To cap it all off, the resort features an open rooftop that offers an unobstructed view of the Cloud 9 break- the ultimate venue for outdoor events, serving as the very spot where the property hosted its opening cocktails.
According to Yatco, this multi-faceted approach is precisely what makes the brand special. “We like to provide variety, different colors, to different types of guests. That’s what Hue is all about,” he explained.
Hue Siargao is more than just a place to sleep; it is a carefully crafted love letter to the island’s surf, sea, and soul. By seamlessly blending top-tier amenities, a profound respect for local culture, and breathtaking aesthetics, this stunning new resort adds an irresistible new lure to Siargao, promising an island escape that is as unforgettable as the Pacific tides.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) has intensified security deployments at key festival venues during the second day of Kadayawan 2026, while authorities reiterated security protocols to maintain order throughout the celebration.
PCOL Peter B. Madria, DCPO director, led the inspections on Saturday, Aug. 8, checking security posts and personnel readiness at major event sites, including the Kada-Kada Bazaar at Magsaysay Park, the Kadayawan Floriculture and Agri-Trade Fair along the Davao Coastal Road, Tunog Kadayawan at MTS, and the Elias J. TV Live Concert in Ciudades, Barangay Mandug.
“Our priority is to ensure that every participant and supporter feels safe and protected while celebrating this important cultural event. These gatherings showcase Davao’s community pride, and DCPO is committed to providing disciplined and reliable service to uphold peace and order,” Madria said.
Alongside active police deployments, local authorities released a comprehensive public advisory urging residents, tourists, and festival-goers to strictly observe security guidelines.
The public is advised to travel light and avoid bringing prohibited items into event spaces, such as firearms, sharp objects, large backpacks, laser lights, and unauthorized drones. City officials emphasized that existing local ordinances—specifically the strict bans on public drinking, smoking, and vaping—will be rigorously enforced.
Authorities also warned against making bomb jokes, which carry severe legal penalties under Presidential Decree No. 1727, while urging the public to avoid littering in event venues.
“Everyone is encouraged to cooperate with security personnel and follow the rules to help ensure a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable Kadayawan celebration for all,” the advisory read.
SUBANG Sinugdanan ug Panagtagbo, a traditional cultural rite celebrating the historical convergence of Davao’s 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, made a comeback on Friday, Aug. 7, to kick off the month-long Kadayawan Festival 2026.
Following a seven-year hiatus since 2019, city officials, deputy mayors, and representatives from the city’s Indigenous Peoples and Moro communities gathered at Tionko Field along the Davao River.
The event featured a fluvial parade from Magallanes along the Davao River up to the Tionko Soccer Field, reenacting the pre-colonial arrival and trade of the city’s early settlements.
The Moro and IP groups aboard the two primary vessels symbolize the historic arrival and meeting of the 11 tribes.
Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in his message delivered by Councilor Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, chairperson of the City Council committee on tourism and beautification, highlighted the historical significance of the Davao River as the birthplace of the city’s shared identity.
“Davao City’s rich history started on the banks of the Davao River, where it welcomed the arrival of our indigenous Lumad and Muslim communities who chose to reside in the land, building their settlements and engaging in barter and trade,” Ortiz said, reading Mayor Duterte’s statement.
“Over the years, our indigenous cultural communities have created a vibrant and diverse tapestry of history, culture, and traditions, becoming a vital pillar of our city’s identity,” she stressed.
In an earlier interview, Gabriel Nakan, deputy mayor of the Maguindanao tribe, emphasized that the return of the live reenactment reflects the enduring harmony among the city’s recognized ethnolinguistic tribes.
“Most Muslims, except for the Kagan tribe, arrived as immigrants from other regions. We came from other cities and the indigenous peoples warmly welcomed us to live in Davao City,” he said.
“Since then, there has been no conflict among the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes. This event highlights how that peaceful welcome took place,” he added.
Under this year’s theme, “We Are One KadayaONE,” the festival highlights the collective heritage of the five Lumad tribes: Ata, Bagobo-Klata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Matigsalug, and Obu-Manuvu, and six Moro groups: Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanaon, Maranao, Sama, and Tausug.
Duterte urged residents and visitors to honor their roots and join the festivities as the city prepared a full lineup of cultural showcases, trade fairs, and street performances scheduled throughout August.
THE CITY Government of Davao officially opened the annual Kadayawan Festival themed “We are One, KadayaONE!” on Friday evening, Aug. 7, celebrating the unity of the 11 ethnolinguistic tribes, vibrant cultures, and agricultural abundance.
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte led the ceremonial banging of the gong to kick off the biggest month-long Kadayawan celebration so far, featuring a total of 26 events.
“The Kadayawan festival is more than a colorful celebration of culture, harvest, and gratitude. It reflects the strength and resilience of the people of Davao City, especially in the face of economic and political struggles,” Duterte said in her opening remarks.
Duterte was also joined by Vice Mayor Rodrigo “Rigo” S. Duterte II along with the 11 tribal deputy mayors.
The creative direction for this year’s festival is “Banig sa Kagikan,” which conceptualizes a woven mat as the image representing the city’s IP communities.
Highlights of Kadayawan 2026 will include the highly anticipated Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan competition and Pamulak ug Indak-Indak sa Kadayawan parade set for Aug 16.
According to the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), Indak-Indak’s grand winner in the open category will receive P1.5M, while the school-based category will receive P1 million. The winner for the Pamulak float parade will also bring home P1 million.
Hiyas sa Kadayawan, Davao City’s annual cultural pageant, features 11 candidates representing their tribes who will compete to become the next crowned “Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2026” as well as titles for “Hiyas sa Panaghiusa” and “Hiyas sa Kalambuan”.
The grand coronation will take place at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Gymnasium and Cultural Center on Aug 13.
Other events for the arts and music scene will also have “Tunog Kadayawan” on Aug 8, “Dayaw Arts, Culture, and Film Festival” on Aug 10 to 13, “Agong ug Kulintangan sa Kadayawan” on Aug 14, and finally “Konsierto Kadayawan” on Aug 15.
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