BY ALEX ALAGON
NGCP continues to improve its grid response capabilities in case of large-scale power outages or system disturbances with the conduct of its annual Blackout Drills. Conducted separately for the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids, the NGCP-led Blackout Drills aligns the contingency response of every player in the energy sector, particularly the generation plants.
With the theme “Blackout Readiness: Strengthening Response Capabilities,” the Annual Blackout Drill included both tabletop discussions and practical simulation exercises.
“Through these drills, NGCP can evaluate communication protocols, assess response times, and strengthen coordination efforts. We are able to identify weaknesses, if any, and address them proactively, in coordination with our partner stakeholders,” NGCP said.
The table-top presentations include discussions on black start services, actual restoration experiences, blackout restoration guidelines and procedures, breakout sessions, and workshops focusing on area-specific blackout restoration highways. A simulation drill is held a week after the tabletop presentation to replicate an actual blackout scenario.
The activity was attended by stakeholders from the generation sector and distribution sector, as well as representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), National Power Corporation (NPC), National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), Philippine Independent Power Producers Association Inc. (PIPPA), and National Electrification Administration (NEA).
One of NGCP’s main functions as the country’s transmission operator is to constantly enhance operational efficiency of power transmission network operations, particularly that of System Operations.
Reliable access to clean water is improving student attendance and school learning environment at Sasa Elementary School, following the operationalization of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP).
Before the project, the school struggled with an inconsistent water supply, often relying on rainwater or stored water for cleaning and emergency use. This situation posed health risks to students and created additional burdens for school staff.
“Nabantayan tung una, ang mga teachers mag-ipon ug tubig tungod kay naay mga emergency cases para ma-settle ang concern sa mga bata,” said School Principal Leonardo Tiongson. “Nakita pud nako nga mapuy-an siya ug lamok diha-a.” (Before, teachers had to store water for emergencies. We also noticed that stagnant water became a breeding ground for mosquitoes.)
Teacher Annabelle Diaz, who has been with the school for over 20 years, also shared how the water shortage affected student attendance, “Naay experience before nga dili makasulod ang bata kay wala daw agas ang tubig, walay panligo, wala pud nalabhan ang mga uniform.” (There were times students couldn’t attend because they had no water for bathing or washing uniforms.)
Parents and teachers were often forced to bring gallons of water daily just to keep restrooms usable and classrooms clean for the students. Teacher Annabelle Diaz shared her experience, “Among gibuhat sauna, ang mga PTA pati akong mga kaubanan, magdala gyud mig ug gallon- naay mga lima ka gallonmao na among ginabubo.” (What we used to do before was, the PTA and my fellow teachers would bring gallons of water- sometimes five gallons and that’s what we poured into the toilets.)
“Kung mangihi sila, butangan ra namog chlorine para di manimaho among CR,” she added. (When the students needed to urinate, we would just add chlorine so the restroom wouldn’t smell.)
Now, with a stable supply coming from the Panacan Water Supply System, the school is experiencing improved sanitation, better attendance, and a more conducive learning environment.
“Dako gyud kaayog kalabutan ang tubig sa learning development sa among mga bata,” added School Principal Tiongson. (Water has a huge impact on the learning development of our students.)
The Panacan Water Supply System serving Sasa and neighboring communities has recorded a 99.6 percent customer satisfaction rate, according to the Davao City Water District. Sasa Elementary School is among the many beneficiaries now enjoying consistent water service under the DCBWSP, a joint project of the DCWD and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz InfraCapital.
The initiative supplies up to 300 million liters of water daily to over one million Dabawenyos, shifting the city’s water source from groundwater to surface water drawn from the Tamugan River.
With the improved system, the school is now focused on development. “Wala na gyud mi nagsalig ug tubig sa ulan. Naa na pud mi [water] fountain nga ginahimo karon,” said Tiongson. (We no longer depend on rainwater. We’re even building a water fountain now.)
Even the school’s Parent-Teacher Association has been able to redirect its efforts. “Among PTA didtoa na lang mag-focus sa learning sa mga bata kay wala nay added concern regarding sa tubig.” Tiongson added. (Our PTA can now focus on the children’s education without worrying about water.)
Principal Tiongson concluded, “Ang tubig, ampingan ug alagaan, sama sa edukasyon. Kay kung walay tubig, lisod ang tanang butang.”(We should care for water the way we care for education. Without water, everything becomes difficult.)
With clean restrooms, regular class attendance, and a renewed focus on learning, Sasa Elementary stands as a local example of how infrastructure investments can directly improve student welfare.
VOTERS who are 18 years old do not need to register again as regular voters, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) XI reiterated on Monday.
Atty. Gay Enumerables, Comelec XI assistant regional election director, said Sangguniang Kabataan voters eligible to vote in the barangay elections need not register again.
“They don’t need to register again because they are already in our database,” Enumerables said.
“Automatic pag 18 nila tagged ba sila as regular voters, pwede na sila mag participate sa BSKE because they are considered voters sa BSKE,” she added.
Aged 15-17 are allowed to vote for SK but not for barangay officials. Once they turn 18, they can vote for the barangay chairman and councilors.
Regular voters who are eligible to vote for barangay officials are those aged at least 18.
However, only those 15-30 years old are allowed to vote for the Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
To note, the Comelec resumed its voter registration activities nationwide, which run from August 1-10.
Davao region recorded a total of 17,783 applications processed from Aug. 1 to Aug. 3.
Of the number, Davao City catered 5,050, while Davao del Sur processed 3,426; Davao del Norte (3,162); Davao de Oro (2,365); Davao Oriental (2,010); and Davao Occidental (1,770).
Enumerables reminded those who have yet to register to visit their Comelec offices before the deadline.
She stressed the local government can initiate a free shuttle service to assist its voters from far-flung areas.
Asked if this will be tagged as early campaigning, she said the practice can be done since it is not yet the campaign period.
The Comelec will continue the voter registration and election preparations amid confirmation from Malacañang that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign into law on Aug. 12 the measure postponing the BSKE.
If law is signed, BSKE will officially reset from Dec. 1, 2025 elections to November 2026 and extend the term of barangay and SK officials from three to four years.
THE JOINT Task Force Diamond renewed its pledge to uphold the principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as it kicked off its month-long commemoration of IHL Month at its headquarters on Monday, Aug. 4.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr. said the task force’s commitment is aligned with this year’s theme, “Galvanizing Commitment to International Humanitarian Law: Challenges and Opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region.”
The ceremony brought together officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian staff to underscore the importance of protecting human rights and dignity, even in conflict.
Brigadier General Consolito P. Yecla, the assistant division commander of the 4th Infantry Division, led the reading of the official “Pledge of Reaffirmation of Commitment and Support to IHL.”
Following the pledge, Anayron read a message from Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr., who emphasized the importance of continuous adherence to the law.”
“As we celebrate IHL Month, let this serve as a reaffirmation of our pledge to protect the rights and lives of non-combatants; to treat all persons humanely, without discrimination; and to uphold the rule of law, even amidst the fog of conflict.
Most of all, let our humanity remain despite conflict,” Brawner’s message read.
Photos courtesy of 4th Infantry Division
THE 36TH Infantry Battalion seized a high-powered firearm and other war materials from a New People’s Army (NPA) arms cache in Sitio Dao, Barangay Pangi, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, on July 28, following a tip from a surrenderee.
According to the military report, the surrenderee, also known as alias Marga and the partner of NPA leader Edmar Maca, is now assisting the military in locating hidden firearms and dismantling remaining enemy support structures.
Soldiers found an M14 rifle, six empty magazines, a bandolier, and five rifle grenades.
Lieutenant Colonel Joselito B. Ante Jr., commanding officer of the 36th Infantry Battalion, said the operation will help reduce the armed capability of NPA remnants in the province.
He also highlighted the critical role of community cooperation and former rebels in the ongoing efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Caraga region.
Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, commended the 36th Infantry Battalion for its diligence and thanked former rebels for helping the government.
Photo courtesy of 4ID
- City retains security protocol for Kadayawan Festival events
By Rhoda Grace B Saron
THE PUBLIC Safety and Security Office (PSSO) reminded Davaoeños and visitors that the “no backpack policy” remained in place for major Kadayawan Festival activities.
PSSO head Angel Sumagaysay confirmed the policy will not be changed, citing its effectiveness in previous years.
“Wala’y bag-ohon dili ta mag-deviate. Kung unsa ang gina practice nato as protocol wala ta’y bag-ohon, magpabilin nga ang mga backpack ginabawal (We will not change, we will not deviate from our previous practice on the protocol. Backpacks will continue to be prohibited),” he said during an interview with Davao City Disaster Radio.
Davao City initially banned backpacks in churches following the bombing of the Our Lady of Mouth Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, in January 2019, which left 20 people dead. Then-mayor Sara Duterte institutionalized the policy by signing Executive Order No. 41 in June 2020, which also enjoined Davaoeños to adopt a culture of security.
The culture of security involved the following security measures:
- Avoid bringing non-transparent water containers during street celebrations, concerts, parades, and religious ceremonies or public mass gatherings
- Avoid leaving bags unattended
- Remove hats and sunglasses when entering venues
- Avoid wearing bulky jackets in public places
- Avoid accepting bags and cargo from strangers
Meanwhile, in preparation for the Kadayawan, the security cluster organized a series of dialogues with the hotel, accommodation, and transport sectors for their cooperation.
Despite the heightened security measures, Sumagaysay noted that intelligence reports indicate no direct threats to Davao City, which remains insurgency-free.
Photo courtesy of City Government of Davao
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) arrested 95 individuals for various offenses from July 27 to Aug. 2 as part of a targeted campaign against crime.
Acting city director Col. Mannan C. Muarip said the DCPO executed 35 anti-illegal drug operations, leading to the arrest of 46 suspects and the confiscation of 64 grams of shabu and eight grams of marijuana, with an estimated street value exceeding P441,000.
Additionally, law enforcement officials conducted 10 anti-illegal gambling operations, arresting 10 gamblers and seizing over P2,600 in bet money. All ten cases against the suspects have been filed in court.
Police also caught 37 wanted persons, with 12 of them listed among the most wanted.
The police also seized two weapons and arrested two suspects in four operations targeting loose firearms.
Muarip credited these accomplishments to the strong partnership between the police, the community, and local officials.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
THE OFFICE of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is exploring more job opportunities for the elderly beyond the giant fast-food chains that initially committed to participating in the program.
OSCA Head Lorenzo Borja said talks with companies outside the food chain industry are underway.
“The office is set to meet with large establishments to open potential job opportunities for our able senior citizens, other than food chains,” Borja said during the iSpeak Media Forum on Thursday.
This is to support the Senior Citizens Work Opportunity Ordinance approved by the 20th City Council.
The ordinance provides authority to the local chief executive to sign a memorandum of agreement with Jollibee and McDonald’s, two of the largest food chains in the city, to hire able elderly as crew.
While the agreement is yet to be signed, OSCA reported that the acceptance rate of the initiative among the senior citizens is high.
Prior to the passage of the ordinance, SM Malls already hired senior citizens as utility workers.
He added that their workload is not heavy, as these are short shifts of about three to four hours.
Borja revealed that NCCC, a homegrown retail chain, has shown interest in hiring from the sector.
While the ordinance also provides incentives to private companies that hire seniors, Borja said some companies have expressed intent regardless of the incentives.
OSCA will coordinate with the Public Employment Service Office following the finalization of the terms and conditions and the ordinance’s implementing rules and regulations.
File photo courtesy of Jollibee
THE CITY’S most wanted person has been arrested on multiple charges of rape and sexual assault at his residence in Barangay Buhangin Proper on Monday morning, Aug. 4.
Alias Jonathan, 50, was apprehended by a joint police tracker team
According to the Davao City Police Office report, the tracker team of Bajada Police Station and the Davao City Maritime Police Station served the arrest warrant on Jonathan, 50, who is facing two counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
The warrant, issued by Hon. Rio Aiko Vallejos Indiola of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 53, on July 18, 2025, listed criminal case numbers R-DVO-25-03594-CR through R-DVO-25-03598-CR.
The judge did not recommend bail for the two counts of rape, while a bail bond of P120,000 was set for the three counts of sexual assault.
He was brought to the custody of the Bajada Police Station for proper disposition.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
Newer Posts
