BY ALEX ALAGON
PRIDE and inspiration filled the room as Alsons Power’s weightlifting scholars Jhodie A. Peralta, Princess Jay Ann Diaz, and Alexandra Ann Diaz, together with Coach Allen Diaz, shared a Kamustahan session with CEO Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara before representing the Philippines at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain this October.
Alcantara lauded the young athletes for their discipline and triumphs, calling them “living proof that with determination and support, Filipinos can excel on the world stage.” He expressed confidence that their achievements will continue to bring honor to the country and inspire future generations.
Coach Allen Diaz also expressed his gratitude to the company, saying, “We are very thankful to Alsons Power for their unwavering support. Because of this program, our athletes can focus on training, chase their dreams of becoming world champions, and bring pride to our nation.”
Alsons Power, in partnership with Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, launched the Group’s weightlifting scholarship program in 2017 to support her aspiration of training Zamboanga City-based aspiring competitive weightlifters with the potential to become world-class champions. Since then, scholars from the program have consistently represented the Philippines in the global weightlifting arena and have proudly brought home medals.
The Kamustahan session underscored Alsons Power’s commitment to its brand promise We Power with Care, by empowering the youth through education and sports and supporting champions who carry the nation’s pride with every lift, medal, and victory.
SENATOR Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri vowed to provide more support for rebel returnees as he congratulated the 89th Infantry Battalion (IB) during its 8th-anniversary celebration on Friday, September 18, 2025.
The event, held at the battalion’s headquarters in South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon, honored the unit’s success in dismantling communist armed groups and declared the southern part of the province “armed-free.”
As the guest of honor and speaker, Senator Zubiri, who holds the rank of Army reservist Lieutenant Colonel, praised the battalion’s efforts.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate the 89th IB for their 8th anniversary. And we are so thankful for their peacekeeping efforts. Many members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and CPP have already surrendered,” he said in an interview on Friday.
The senator emphasized the importance of sustaining these gains by helping former rebels reintegrate into society.
He promised assistance to those who surrender, citing a recent case where he provided cash and other aid to returnees from Quezon, Bukidnon.
“The important thing is to help them with their future. The future of their children. That’s why I was given three medals, because about two months ago, there were rebel returnees who came down from the mountains, and we helped them with cash assistance, rice, everything,” Zubiri said.
“I told Colonel Bulao that if anyone else wants to come down from the mountains, our office is always 100 percent willing to help,” he added.
He added that the goal is to achieve “peace and development, and development to peace.”
Southern Bukidnon Declared Armed-Free
Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, reiterated and announced that the southern part of Bukidnon, along with all areas under his command, has been declared free of armed conflict.
Hambala, however, warned soldiers that their work is not over. “Even though we no longer have armed enemies, our work now is heavier,” he said.
“We must sustain our gains while preparing ourselves to shift to a territorial defense operation. Maintain discipline, be serious about the work, and let’s strengthen our stakeholders and LGUs.”
Battalion Commanders’ Messages
Lt. Col. Antonio “Tony” Bulao I, the commander of the 89th IB, called on his troops to maintain their high standards. “Let us strive for excellence in every mission, every operation, and every engagement,” he said.
He emphasized that the battalion’s prestige and the trust of the people rest on the soldiers’ commitment to their mantra: “No alibi, no excuses, no shortcuts, no passing of blame, but only accountability, responsibility, and commitment to accomplish the mission.”
Bulao also expressed gratitude to the battalion’s “peace partners,” including civil society and the public, for their vital support. He also recognized the families of the soldiers as “silent partners” in their mission.
During the celebration, an audio-visual presentation highlighted the battalion’s key accomplishments, particularly the dismantling of several armed groups, including the Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) 1, Sub-Regional Command 5 (SRC) 5, and Guerilla Front (GF) 55, among others. The presentation noted that each surrender was considered a victory.
The 89th Infantry Battalion’s covers the entire 3rd District of Bukidnon, including the municipalities of Maramag, Don Carlos, Quezon, Dangcagan, Kadingilan, Kibawe, Damulog, Kitaotao, 19 barangays of San Fernando, 23 barangays of Valencia City, and two barangays of Davao City.
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte strongly criticized the current state of the government, stating there is a complete lack of stability.
Her comments came in response to a question about the recent leadership changes in the Senate and Congress.
According to the vice president, the problem isn’t new.
She accused government officials of consistently abusing their power for personal gain.
She recalled how she had previously warned about issues with the national budget, but was ignored.
“The budget—no one was listening to me. Our countrymen had to be submerged in floods before someone named BBM reacted,” she said, referring to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. “Even then, his reactions didn’t match what he should have done.”
Duterte painted a grim picture of the country’s political landscape. “Really, truly, our economy is not in the very best weather. Our political stability is down to negative 2, negative 3, maybe even negative 10,” she stated in an interview with the media on Thursday at the SMX convention center in Lanang.
She attributed the chaos to a lack of vision, direction, and planning, claiming that officials are focused solely on politics, lining their pockets, and securing their positions for the next election.
Duterte also expressed disappointment with the lack of major government projects. “You don’t see any big-ticket projects from the government today,” she said. “Not small ones like 10-kilometer roads. That’s not what we want to see from our government.”
She claimed that many projects are substandard, misplaced, or even disappear entirely. “You see that the government is doing nothing. You won’t see big-ticket projects from the government today. Not those small ones you call 10-kilometer roads. That’s not what we want to see from our government,” she concluded.
For more than three decades, SM has championed sports development by investing in accessible facilities and programs that help Filipinos get into the game and progress their skills. The journey began with SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Mr. Hans T. Sy’s early foresight in September 1992, setting a long-term vision to make world-class sports development, training and overall experiences part of everyday mall life.
At the heart of this effort is the SM Skating Academy, the premier program designed to nurture the ice skating skills of individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. From taking your first glide at the Learn to Skate program to advancing into Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, or Speed Skating, the Academy serves as every skater’s roadmap to becoming a champion on the ice.
SM’s commitment to sports development is already evident in the journeys of Filipino athletes who have made their mark on the international stage. Michael Martinez, the first Filipino and Southeast Asian figure skater to qualify for the Winter Olympics, now shares his expertise as a full-time coach at SM Skating. Rising talents like Skye Chua, who will compete in the 2025 Winter University Games, and Cathryn Limketkai, who placed in the Top 10 of the Women’s Singles Short Program at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, highlight the growing potential of local athletes.
Meanwhile, Hans Matthew Buemio, the first homegrown Filipino skater to qualify for and compete in the ISU Junior World Cup Series in short track speed skating, represents the success of grassroots training. Beyond figure skating, the Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team also recently brought pride to the country by emerging as champions at the 2025 IIHF Women’s Asia Cup in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
Beyond the ice, SM is building vibrant sports ecosystems through SM Game Park and SM Bowling, hubs that nurture talent and community participation across Billiards, Bowling, Table Tennis, and Archery. Complementing these are permanent Pickleball courts now open across various SM malls, giving more people more spaces to get moving, compete, and connect.
“Building our malls has always gone hand-in-hand with planning how our spaces can serve as platforms for growth—including sports. By creating venues like SM Skating, we give young athletes the opportunity to train, build discipline, and prepare themselves for global representation. Here, kids, parents, first-timers, and pros alike can start, stay, and succeed in sport,” said Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the SM Prime Executive Committee.
For those interested, the SM Skating Academy is now accepting enrollees. For more information and registration, email smlearntoskate@gmail.com.
SIXTEEN individuals were arrested by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) in different law enforcement operations on Sept. 17-18, 2025.
Acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip said six anti-drug operations led to the arrest of eight suspects. Police also confiscated 16.79 grams of shabu with a total value of P707,472.
The DCPO conducted nine operations against wanted individuals, resulting in the arrest of five most wanted persons and four other wanted individuals.
In 170 operations related to local ordinances, authorities apprehended 339 violators and issued 329 fines.
Muarip said these accomplishments reflected the DCPO’s commitment to strict and uncompromising law enforcement, ensuring the continued safety and security of Davao City residents.
THE CITY Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) announced on Tuesday that the third River-Wide Flood Simulation Exercise (Simex) is set for Saturday, Sept. 27.
CDRRMO acting division chief Lyndon Ancajas told Davao City Disaster Radio on Tuesday that the drill will cover several barangays along the Davao River, such as Mandug, Waan, Ma-a, Tigatto, 9-B, 9-A, 10-A, 5-A, 8-A, 3, 2-A, 1-A, Matina Crossing, and Bucana.
“The goal of this activity is to train communities and prepare for the possibility of flooding and test the capacity of responders,” Ancajas said in an interview with city-owned disaster radio.
The activity is set around 2 pm.
Ancajas said a coordination meeting was conducted with the affected barangays, volunteers, and government offices.
“We have to be vigilant of our weather changes following the incident in Mini Asik-Asik falls,” Ancajas said.
He cited the Pag-asa advisory on the possible development of La Niña in October.
Ancajas noted the success of last year’s simulation exercise in Barangay Toril reflected in the faster reaction of the community in the area during the call for evacuation.
The office is strengthening the implementation of Ordinance No. 0246-23, or the “Ordinance Establishing the Integrated Preemptive Emergency Evacuation System in Case of Emergency Caused by Natural or Man-Made Hazards or Disasters and Providing Penalties Thereof.”
The ordinance penalizes individuals who willfully or forcefully delay rescue operations, or resist or refuse to evacuate despite imminent danger and a declared preemptive evacuation.
With the ordinance, Ancajas noted that residents are more willing to cooperate with rescuers in times of disaster. Violators may face a fine of Php 5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one month, at the discretion of the court.
DAVAOEÑOS can avail of free medicines from each Botika ng Bayan in various health districts, the City Health Office (CHO) reiterated Thursday.
Gemma Pujanes, head of the CHO Pharmacy Section, said the distribution of free medicines aims to improve healthcare accessibility for those in need.
The city operates 14 registered BNBs located in the Malasakit Center, Calinan, City Health Office Main, Toril B, Bunawan, Paquibato, Marilog, Buhangin, Toril A, Sasa, Poblacion District Barangay 4-A, Poblacion District Barangay 32-D, Agdao, and El Rio Vista Village, Barangay 19-B.
Maintenance medicines, antibiotics, cough and cold remedies, painkillers, and fever medications are among the free medicines they can get.
To avail of maintenance medicines, one must present an updated medical prescription, which is three months from the issuance and seven days for antibiotics.
Aside from the updated prescription, the ID of the patient or the ID of the authorized family member is required.
Maintenance medicines will be provided to patients for one month or 30 tablets, while for antibiotics, it depends on the course of the treatment, whether seven days or ten days.
The Botika ng Bayan is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Pujanes said they are partnering with the Philhealth Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) to sustain the dispensing of medicines.
“Our Botika ng Bayan has the potential to receive reimbursements from Philhealth as these are licensed pharmacies,” she said.
With the YAKAP, the BNBs will apply for accreditation as a GAMOT Facility to provide the contents of the outpatient drug benefit package.
“We will have an augmentation as we are going to receive reimbursement from Philhealth, which later on we can use to purchase medicines,” Pujanes added.
Last year, 1,055,251 patients in the city received free medicines from the Botika ng Bayan. As of Sept. 1, the government has already served 555,898 clients.
Photo courtesy of City Government of Davao
- Sara says 100 cows to feed for Sunday peace rally attendees
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte revealed that 100 cows will be roasted for the “Pray for the Philippines” rally at Rizal Park, Davao City, this Sunday, Sept. 21.
When asked by reporters at the SMX Convention Center on Thursday if her activity in Japan was related to the event, the vice president explained the activity’s goal.
“The ‘Pray for the Philippines’ event here in Davao City on Sept. 21 is a mix of prayers and political speeches. But the speakers are mainly for prayers for the Philippines, for our current situation, and for former President Rodrigo Duterte,” she stated.
She also announced that everyone is invited to the event, where the 100 cows will be used as a “sacrifice.”
“As announced, everyone is invited. We have prepared 100 cows as our sacrifice. So in this case, we will have 100 sacrificial cows in Davao City,” she said.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, the mayor-elect of Davao City, has been detained by the International Criminal Court since March 12 this year. His defense team, led by Atty. Nicholas Kaufman has petitioned the ICC prosecutor to grant him an interim release due to his frail health and “cognitive impairment.”
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — 2GO, the Philippines’ leading transportation and logistics solutions provider, joined industry leaders from the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GSCCCI) in a business forum to explore how logistics can drive competitiveness and growth in SOCCSARGEN and Southern Mindanao.
The forum, themed “General Santos: Southern Mindanao’s Emerging Powerhouse in Trade and Logistics,” gathered stakeholders from agribusiness, fisheries, manufacturing, and exports. Discussions focused on current supply chain challenges and how 2GO’s multimodal operations, cold chain, cargo shipping in Mindanao, and specialized logistics solutions can provide reliable and cost-efficient support for local enterprises.
“General Santos is anchored on agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing,” said Miguel Dominguez, President of GSCCCI. “For our products to reach more customers nationwide and globally, logistics is the backbone. Forums like this allow us to align with partners such as 2GO, who can expand our market access and competitiveness.”
2GO highlighted its integrated and tailor-fit logistics solutions that serve both large industries and small and medium enterprises. With sea freight, cold chain, warehousing, cargo and freight forwarding, and passenger travel under one nationwide network, 2GO provides businesses with reliable end-to-end logistics solutions in the Philippines. These services help reduce costs, ensure on-time deliveries, and expand market reach across the Philippines and overseas.
During the event, Hannah Mamon, owner of Strawberry-Guyabano Farm, an agro-tourism destination, and Delibites Concepts Corporation, a food manufacturer in South Cotabato, shared how 2GO’s services helped streamline her operations. She noted that faster transport cut delivery time from four days to two, while direct shipments to stores eliminated pilferage.
“I was able to save on warehousing, shutting down Davao and Cagayan de Oro… dahil sa streamlining na na-address ni 2GO,” she said. She added that 2GO’s Less than Container Load (LCL) service enabled her to ship even small packages to different locations with clear rates. “The efficiency, reliability, [and flexibility] na pwede mag twice a week o kahit once a week, kaya mabilis ang turnover ng inventory [sa operations].”
“General Santos is an important growth hub for Southern Mindanao,” said Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of 2GO Group Inc. “By combining sea operations with forwarding, cold chain, and nationwide connectivity, we enable local businesses to scale up and access opportunities across the country and beyond.”
2GO operates in seven Mindanao ports, including General Santos, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Butuan (via Nasipit), Zamboanga, Dipolog (via Dapitan), and Ozamiz. From these gateways, the company provides domestic shipping services in the Philippines that give businesses broad access to markets nationwide.
The forum underscored the role of logistics in supporting General Santos’ economic growth, ensuring that local industries gain the connectivity, reliability, and reach needed to stay competitive in bigger markets.
