BY ALEX ALAGON
On the afternoon of Sept. 11, 2025, alias Andeng, a private employee from Barangay Pasong Tamo in Quezon City, bought a Scratchit ticket from a neighborhood Scratchit outlet on her way home. It was a casual purchase, something she only did during her spare time or when she had a little extra money.
“I plan on using some of the money to start a business and also to ensure the needs of my family are met.”
Her life was typically defined by the routine demands of her job and the constant need to budget her household carefully. Like many Filipinos, she earns just enough to get by, so she looks forward to Christmas with both excitement and dread. For one, she was already feeling the low-grade stress of the approaching holiday season and its associated expenses.
But that day, her routine stop at a familiar route would change everything, turning an ordinary day into the most significant one of her life.
After paying P50 for the ticket, she scratched the gold coatings almost absentmindedly. One by one, the symbols aligned, and her movements became even more rushed. To her stunned disbelief, she realized that she just won the P500,000 jackpot.
While she had imagined how she might have felt if she won, she confessed that nothing can really prepare you for that moment. A wave of shock washed over her, so strong that she suddenly felt dizzy. Then euphoria replaced shock, especially since she realized how much the money could solve a lot of her problems.
Visions of worrying whether the 13th-month pay would stretch enough to buy aguinaldos for the kids or prepare a proper Noche Buena vanished. With the prize money, this year’s holiday celebration is likely the grandest yet.
Once the initial excitement died down, however, Andeng’s pragmatic side took over. “I plan on using some of the money to start a business and also to ensure the needs of my family are met,” she said, adding that her income as a private employee is barely enough to cover their daily expenses.
When asked for her advice to fellow Scratchit buyers, Andeng said, “Good luck. I am living proof that Scratchit is legit.”
“However,” she cautioned, her tone turning sober, “Make sure only to bet what you can afford.”
THIS YEAR’S Pink October has been the most memorable for me because of the Pink Runway held last Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at the SM City Davao Annex Event Center.
Since 2012, I have been joining the Rotary Club of Downtown Davao (RCDD) in all of its Pink October celebrations first as a Rotakid (child of a Rotarian), then as an honorary Rotarian, and later as a full-fledged Rotarian during the pandemic.
This year, I am proud to serve as the club’s vice-president.Pink October, the global campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness, has been a signature project of RCDD for 13 years now.
From a little event participated in by just Rotarians and their friends, Pink October is now a city-wide event that draws in all sectors in the community.
In 2023, the City Government of Davao officially declared the month of October as Pink October in the city through a City Council Resolution and a Proclamation by the City Mayor. Because of this, Pink October is starting to broaden its reach and impact not only in Davao City but beyond. Also in 2023, RCDD started to partner with SM City Davao and SM Cares for Pink October.
That year, Senator Bato Dela Rosa and Councilor Pilar C. Braga unveiled the big pink ribbon at SM City. Pioneer functional medicine doctor in the Philippines, Dr. Rolando “Oyie” Balburias, gave a health talk on preventing and treating breast cancer using the functional medicine approach.
In 2024, RCDD and SM Cares staged “Beautiful Girl” — a musical concert by the Davao Girls Choir celebrating the beauty and strength of every breast cancer survivor. This unique Pink October concert delighted our BreastFriends community and they joked that next year it will be their turn to perform on stage.
Inspired by that, RCDD and SM Cares thought of staging a unique fashion show this year featuring women living with breast cancer and their advocates and we called it Pink Runway.
The idea for Pink Runway started when my friend, Atty. Pearl Jayagan Turley, program director for women of SM Cares, said she wanted something fun and innovative to promote breast cancer awareness, instead of the usual health forum talks.
I immediately asked RCDD honorary member Oca Casaysay, who also heads the Davao City Office for Culture and Arts, for help. Last year’s “Beautiful Girl” was also a collaboration of the three of us — Pearl, Oca, and me.
We tapped our Pink October partner, the BreastFriends, to be our models and muses. At first, we’re not sure of their response, if they were willing to do it and share their stories.
Fortunately, they were very enthusiastic and told us they were looking for something like this in their lives. This fashion show would not only shine the light on breast cancer patients, survivors, and their advocates, it would also showcase the creativity of our local fashion designers in promoting sustainable fashion.
Because preventing cancer means pursuing a sustainable way of living, Pink Runway is a challenge for designers to “up-cycle” (level up recycling) outfits and accessories of the runway models.
A significant bulk of the waste in our landfills are discarded clothing items so up-cycling helps the environment and using natural fabrics and non-toxic materials will help us to be cancer-free.
Oca called on three of his designer friends to respond to the Pink Runway challenge. Susan Magno Antepuesto of Isadora, who is leading the fashion up-cycling movement here in Davao, designed Ready-to-Wear outfits and accessories. Neil Patrick Jimlani designed the Street Wear outfits while Mark Joseph Sayad designed the Avant-Garde gowns.
Their designs were fabulously modeled by 13 women from the BreastFriends community who said “yes” to our invitation: Sandra Sison; Loida Antoque; Mariane Tan; Sheila Ferrer; Daisy Balbarino; Jocie Agting; Ella Florida; Teresa Dela Cruz; Ana Rita Llavan; Aubrey Cua; Aileen Mendez; Esperanza Padrino; and Leeway Cruz.
They have all been diagnosed with breast cancer in different stages. Some of them walked the runway with only one breast. Some of them are still undergoing treatment and the rest are under monitoring.
BreastFriends founder and leader Raquel P. Alinsub is so happy for her sisters to model designer outfits that she mobilized her hair and makeup artist friends to be their glam team for the big day.
And what a professional team she has assembled with Wyndell Samuya; Xenon Orellanida; Dee Gracia; James Diaz; Rey Albacite; and Michael Cordova. Before the models walked the runway, videos of them talking about their experience battling with breast cancer were shown for better appreciation of the audience.
Simply Gray Studio generously shared their space so we can record the models’ stories and Ringo Tagalog helped record and edit the final cut.
Everyone who witnessed the Pink Runway was deeply moved — they cried and laughed with them while listening to them tell their stories and cheered loudly as they walked the runway all glammed up in their designer outfits. The models’ transformation — their up-cycled clothes and their glow-ups — into something new represents their own pink journey.
The inner strength it took to bring them to that stage is remarkable and watching them confidently sashay their hearts out with the whole community celebrating them and with them is so beautiful.
This is why we have Pink October, we need to have moments like this. We are grateful to our fellow Rotarians and friends who said yes when we invited them to walk the runway with our women with breast cancer, a creative expression of solidarity.
They are women leaders whose own journeys inspire other advocates: Dr. Marion Bosquit; Davao City Prosecutor Jhopee Avanceña; Mutya ng Davao 1997 Jambie Austria Del Rosario; Rotary District 3860 Past Assistant Governor Jannette Valderosa; Rotarian Masae Kondo; and RCDD Past President Vilma Kho. They were content to play supporting roles just to assure our BreastFriends that they do not walk alone.
Rotary International District 3860 Governor Angel “Jong” Fernandez and Past District Governor Twinkle Gamboa were also content to be in the audience basking in the light of the models and celebrating their triumph.
Even RCDD Pink October 2025 Chair and Past President Bolyn Puno was overwhelmed with the community response to the event.
Pink Runway is, indeed, a testament that one can still thrive and live life with creativity and joy even with breast cancer. We were all truly inspired by our fierce and fabulous models. Let us all walk with them in solidarity as a community, on and off the Pink Runway even long after Pink October ends.
WHERE were you when the ground began to tremble last Thursday, October 9?Maybe you were at home, feeling the floor lurch beneath you as the building groaned in protest. Maybe you were driving, wondering why your car was suddenly shaking as if all four tires had gone flat at once. For a few seconds that felt like an eternity, our city held its breath. That powerful earthquake wasn’t just another news alert; it was a deeply personal jolt that ran through every one of us. It was a stark reminder from the earth that while we live in a place of incredible beauty, it is also a land that demands our respect and preparation.Now that the main shock has passed, though the unnerving aftershocks continue to remind us, let’s talk about what we can do. Let’s act not with fear, but with a renewed sense of care for our families and neighborsFor those living stories high in our city’s condos, the experience is uniquely terrifying. Every instinct might scream at you to run, but experts are clear: the safest thing you can do is stay put. Modern buildings are engineered to be like bamboo, they are designed to sway and flex so they don’t break. Fleeing down crowded stairs while the building is still moving is far more dangerous. Instead, find a sturdy table or desk. The simple drill instilled in us through countless simulations remains your best defense: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.Immediately after the tremor, our attention turned to the students in our schools and universities. Thankfully, there have been no reports of major injuries, and most students and teachers evacuated safely. However, social media posts showing structures with peeling walls and falling debris are a sobering reminder of the potential danger.For every parent, the first thought during the quake was, “Are my kids okay?” This is why we must give a heartfelt thank you to our teachers. The earthquake drills they practice are not just routines; they are life-saving lessons. When a teacher calmly instructs their students to get under their desks, they replace fear with action. Seeing videos of students praying together was a touching display of faith and unity in a moment of crisis.Can you imagine being a patient, unable to move from your bed, when the world starts to shake? Or a nurse responsible for tiny babies in the nursery? Our hospitals must be the safest places in our city, and our healthcare workers are true heroes. They run toward danger to shield patients and secure vital equipment. Their bravery reminds us how crucial it is for our medical centers to have strong, well-practiced earthquake plans to protect the most vulnerable among us.When disaster strikes, we look to our local government to lead and protect. The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 is in place to ensure a coordinated response to natural calamities. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), along with local government units, is tasked with leading rescue efforts, providing relief, and managing evacuation centers, equipped with resources like the Calamity Fund to provide immediate assistance.We are no strangers to powerful earthquakes. Experience has taught us that a well-built home can save a family and that knowing our neighbors can mean the difference between being alone and being rescued.This is where our Filipino spirit of bayanihan shines. Let this be a reminder to check on the elderly couple living next door. Let’s help them prepare a small emergency “go-bag” with a flashlight, water, and basic supplies. Let’s ensure our own family has a simple plan: where to meet if we get separated and who to call.The earthquake tested our buildings, but it revealed the strength of our community. Let’s turn this experience into a promise to one another: to be prepared, to stay calm, and to always look out for each other.
DOH: All hospitals remain open except Manay provincial center
THE DEATH toll from the Magnitude 7.4 earthquake that rocked Davao Region on Oct. 10 rose to eight as the Department of Health (DOH) XI reported that all major hospitals remain functional, with the sole exception of the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital (DOPH) in Manay.
As of Sunday, Oct. 12, three deaths were reported in Davao Oriental, while 330 were treated and discharged. As of this writing, only three beds remained functional. In Davao de Oro, the bodies of three miners were retrieved from tunnels, and 40 more were treated at the hospital and discharged. Davao City and Davao Occidental also reported one quake-related death each.
Atty. Lovela Tacder, Davao Oriental Provincial Office public information officer, clarified the situation: “The Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center is fully functional. However, the DOPH-Manay has many damages and cracks. The good news is that just this morning, some of the DOPH-Manay patients have been transferred to the Super Health Center in Manay.”
The DOH is currently on a Blue Code Alert and has activated its emergency operations center. The agency also deployed various teams and logistics to affected areas, including:
- Assorted drugs, medicines, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) commodities.
- Human Resources for Health (HRH) to the affected areas, specifically DOPH-Manay.
- A team from the Southern Philippines Medical Center to Manay.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPPS) and WASH teams are also scheduled for deployment.
The Provincial Information Office announced that a mass will be held at the provincial government covered court on Monday, Oct. 13, as a symbolic “go signal” that the Capitol is ready for service, with the Incident Command Post located there.
Tacder said the new Capitol building itself remains unusable due to structural issues that predate the earthquake.
Joseph Randy Loy of the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office reported that engineers assessed minor cracks in various Davao de Oro hospitals. Tents have been established outside facilities in Maragusan and Montevista to accommodate patients who remained anxious about aftershocks.
Power and landslide assessment
Power interruptions were reported during the quake, but all lines under the Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative have been stabilized.
In Davao de Oro, the governor and officials conducted an aerial survey, followed by a ground assessment by the MGB (Mines and Geosciences Bureau), PENRO, and PDRRMO teams in the Gumayan and Napnapan areas.
Loy confirmed that the death casualties in Davao de Oro were miners retrieved from tunnels, and no houses in Gumayan were reported affected. A meeting is scheduled to discuss actions relative to mining areas.
Technical teams are still validating the structural integrity of government buildings and bridges where minor cracks were reported.
AUTHORITIES arrested a top six city-level high-value individual and seized P340,000 worth of illegal drugs in a successful police operation around 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Ma-a, Talomo District on Saturday morning, Oct. 11.
According to the report, alias Jong-Jong, a 35-year-old married man, a resident of Purok 13, Bugac, also yielded a firearm.
He was arrested for violations of Republic Act (RA) 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
The Ma-a Police Station (PS16), led by station commander Major Philip Dave Uddin, implemented Search Warrant No. 2579, signed by Regional Trial Court XI Executive Judge Rowena M Apao-Adlawan.
Authorities seized from the suspect five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with an estimated total weight of 50 grams.
They also confiscated a Caliber .45 ACP Forjas Taurus Model pistol, a magazine, and three pieces of live ammunition from the businessman.
The suspect is now under police custody pending the filing of cases.
A SWIFT response to an alarm led Talomo Police Station personnel to stop a burglary and apprehend a minor at the CARD Bank near the Matina Public Market around 11:35 p.m. on Oct. 10, 2025.
Police said the youth involved has been safely endorsed for processing as a child in conflict with the law (CICL).
According to Major Genesis Oriel, PS3-Talomo commander, Corporal Eric Tauro and a police auxiliary responded to the CARD Bank alarm, and they observed a man acting suspiciously in front of the establishment.
The officers approached the individual for verification, and an inspection of his bag revealed various stolen items, prompting them to escort him to the Talomo Police Station for further investigation.
At the station, the individual was identified as 17-year-old alias Mark.
He disclosed that he had run away from home after a disagreement with his father. The minor admitted to stealing the recovered items from a watch repair stall located under the Matina Crossing overpass.
Officers confirmed that the stall’s lock had been forcibly broken and its contents were in disarray.
In accordance with juvenile justice protocols, alias Mark was immediately handed over to the station’s Women and Children Protection Desk.
The WCPD coordinated with the City Social Welfare and Development Office for the filing of appropriate charges and the minor’s turnover to Bahay Pag-asa for rehabilitation. Meanwhile, police took custody of the recovered items.
“This incident highlights the importance of our officers’ vigilance and immediate response to any suspicious activity,” said Oriel. “Their alertness not only prevented further criminal activity but also ensured the welfare of the minor involved was properly safeguarded. We remain firm in our commitment to enforce the law with compassion and fairness, especially when it involves our youth.”
Meanwhile, the Talomo Police Station is intensifying curfew enforcement between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The Talomo Police Station urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children to prevent them from becoming vulnerable to risky situations.
DAVAO City has been named one of the most business-friendly local government units, according to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The city government was awarded the PCCI 2025 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit under the City Level 1B (Provincial Highly Urbanized Cities) category.
“These outstanding cities have showcased exemplary leadership in advancing local economic development, promoting competitiveness, and creating a business-friendly environment that uplifts communities and enterprises alike,” PCCI said.
Davao City was excellent in the 2025 Most Business-Friendly LGU Awards evaluation by the PCCI, across five key criteria.
This includes Fast-Tracking Sustainable Local Economic Development, Ease of Doing Business Initiatives, Investment Promotion Initiatives, Enhancing Sectoral Competitiveness, and Alignment of Target Industries with LGU Resources.
The Davao City Investment Promotion Center emphasized that the local government promotes good governance, sound reforms, and progressive initiatives that create an enabling environment for trade, investments, and sustainable local economic growth.
“As we continue to build a city that champions competitiveness, inclusivity, and resilience, this achievement strengthens our vision of Davao City as the premier investment destination in the Philippines,” DCIPC said.
The DCIPC said the recognition reflects the strong collaboration between the local government, the business community, and the people.
The city was honored with a certificate of special recognition on Sept. 25, 2025, at the PCCI Office in Taguig City.
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Z. Duterte on Saturday personally visited families affected by recent calamities in the Davao Region, extending solidarity and support to those impacted by both the earthquake in Davao Oriental and the fire in Davao City.
At around 10 a.m., the vice president attended a wake visit in Mati City to console the bereaved family of one of the victims of the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the province last Friday.
She also met with local residents who continue to recover from the tremor, expressing her commitment to help communities rebuild their lives.
By 11 a.m., VP Duterte proceeded to the residence of Carmen Go Enrique in Mati City, where she discussed ongoing relief operations and rehabilitation efforts with local officials and partners.
Later in the afternoon, at around 4 p.m., the vice president traveled to Davao City to visit families who recently lost their homes in a fire.
Duterte reaffirmed the Office of the Vice President’s commitment, through its Davao Satellite Office, to provide timely assistance to disaster-stricken areas. She also emphasized the importance of community resilience and cooperation during times of crisis.
THE DAVAO Oriental Schools Division Superintendent suspended all face-to-face classes in all public institutions until further notice.
“In line with the directive of Provincial Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, which is to ensure the safety and welfare of learners, teachers, and personnel after the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck the Province of Davao Oriental with its epicenter in Manay on October 10, 2025,” the memorandum reads.
“Face-to-face classes in all public schools in the Division of Davao Oriental are hereby suspended until further notice,” it added.
Municipal engineers and building officials continue to assess the infrastructure of schools and government institutions to determine their structural integrity.
In line with this, all schools will implement blended learning or other appropriate learning delivery modalities to ensure continuity of learning.
Meanwhile, all teaching and non-teaching personnel are directed to observe a work-from-home arrangement during this period.
School heads, on the other hand, must maintain a skeleton force to attend to urgent and essential school operations, particularly those related to coordination with the assessment/safety inspection team, and submission of reports.
Face-to-face classes and regular on-site work will resume only upon issuance of clearance from the Municipal Engineering Office certifying that the school premises are structurally safe for re-occupancy.
Photo from the Davao Oriental Provincial Government
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