BY ALEX ALAGON
It felt so weird today, we are all greeting you ‘happy birthday,’ but everyone’s aware you’re really not with us anymore. The feeling that we’ve known you for so long still lingers, like a strange aura in the room.
Yet, in this very special day that we have always celebrated with you since we were kids, it feels so strange that you are suddenly demoted to just a memory, despite the presence of a birthday cake.
For a time, there were even pre-lunch prayers which you loved to lead while the rest of us eagerly eyed the lechon and other goodies, but unlike your presence, they’ve just been reduced to mere chitchat, if we ever remembered them at all.
Old photographs from so many past birthday celebrations now act as our handy plug-in memory to aid us in remembering glimpses of those happy days. That’s the sad truth, and we resignedly just say ‘happy birthday in heaven’, to that effect. Wherever that is, keep in mind that, truly, we are eternally happy that from this day forward, you get to spend this day with your love, our Mamapin.
Time was when the old days through our eyes showed an all-star cast that filled the room. Lolos and lolas, uncles and aunts, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, and finally mom and you, all waiting their turn at the sofa while old man Quirino set up the tripod and his beat-up F2 Nikon for a birthday or a Christmas family shoot.
Perhaps not all were there at one time, and my memory’s just jumbling them all together, but I know you get the drift.
With the coming of grandchildren and the sad departure of those in Quirino’s original frame, the only consistency that had somehow remained is what Lola Titang once calls the ‘familia’ and it is still intact.
Now, during this, your fourth birthday away from us, a sudden realization comes that is almost as true as your lingering presence: from that old cast of characters in the old photographs, all who remain now are us, all grown up, along with the rest of our younger generations still continuing down the line.
Bittersweet as it is, you and the rest of the lolos and lolas, uncles and aunts, along with four of our siblings who have passed on, now belong to our fond memories, especially whenever we celebrate your natal days and other special occasions spent with us.
Eventually, the time will come when we will join you, and a tilt in the balance would seem to have been done, but it will never be complete.
Already, your much-dreamed-to-see great-great grandchildren are a sight to behold, with their own antics and natural charm. The greats, once the infants you held close are already schoolers, so yesterday from their first words and steps. Your memory will linger on and the tribe will increase. For all that it is worth, have a great birthday Pops.
PNB Holdings Corporation (PHC) joined Earth Hour 2026 by shutting off nonessential lighting across its major properties in Pasay and Makati.
The coordinated switch‑off continues PHC’s broader resource management program and provides a scheduled opportunity to reinforce its year‑round energy efficiency measures. The initiative also supported ongoing efforts to monitor consumption patterns and validate operational strategies already in place across the company’s facilities.
Beyond the annual observance, PHC continued to implement sustainability initiatives designed to make environmental responsibility part of its daily operations. A key effort is the EcoStation, introduced through a partnership with Rezbin, a multi-award-winning and tech-enabled waste management company. The EcoStation uses a behavior-driven, rewards-based system that supports easier and more consistent recycling across PHC properties.
Since its launch at the PNB Makati Center in November 2025, the program has diverted more than 17,000 recyclable deposits from landfills. PHC has also expanded the initiative further with a rollout at the PNB Financial Center in Pasay City.
Aside from these waste management initiatives, the real estate company optimized equipment schedules based on real occupancy, ensuring pumps, elevators, and chillers operated only when needed and continued upgrading to LED lighting, variable frequency drives, and inverter-type systems.
PHC also enhanced water efficiency across its properties through better system tuning and operational improvements. At the PNB Financial Center, its onsite sewage treatment plant played a key role in reusing treated water for landscape irrigation.
These initiatives reflect PHC’s ongoing commitment to responsible operations and going beyond Earth Hour to advance sustainability throughout the year. conservation targets while meeting the environmental standards required for the site.
VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte continues to be the preferred candidate for the 2028 elections, while the vice presidential race remains wide open, according to the latest national survey of nonpartisan public opinion firm WR Numero.
The March 2026 Philippine Public Opinion Monitor asked Filipinos their preferred candidates for president and vice president in the 2028 national elections. Around 36% said they will vote for Duterte, marking a modest 3-point increase from November 2025 (See Figure 1).
Trailing Duterte are Senator Raffy Tulfo (19%) and former Vice President Leni Robredo (16%). Both saw gains in voter intention, with Tulfo rising by 5 percentage points and Robredo by 3. Far behind are Senators Bong Go (4%), Bam Aquino (3%), and Kiko Pangilinan (1%) (See Figure 1).
Among the presidential contenders polling below 1% are Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre. (See Figure 1)
Meanwhile, nearly one in five Filipinos (19%) are still undecided on whom to vote for president (See Figure 1).
Likewise, more than a quarter of voters have yet to identify their choice for vice president. Among those who express preference, incumbent Senator Bong Go (12%), former Senator Grace Poe (12%), and Senator Robin Padilla (12%) lead the field. Go’s sole lead in November 2025 diminished after logging a 7-point decline in March 2026, while polling numbers for Poe and Padilla picked up by 4 and 3 percentage points, respectively. (See Figure 2)
Neophyte Senator Rodante Marcoleta stands at 8% following his inclusion in the vice presidential survey for the first time. Meanwhile, opposition leader Senator Risa Hontiveros garners 6%, recording a 3-point increase from November 2025. In contrast, voting preference for Senator Bam Aquino dipped by 5 points, obtaining only 2% in March 2026. (See Figure 2)
Other potential contenders for vice president include Senators Chiz Escudero (5%), Kiko Pangilinan (5%), and Imee Marcos (2%). President Bongbong Marcos and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, meanwhile, each attain 4%. (See Figure 2)
Rounding up the list of vice presidentiables are Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, MMDA General Manager Torre, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, all of whom poll less than 1%. (See Figure 2)
The March 2026 nationwide survey, conducted from March 10 to 17, was done through face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,455 Filipinos residing in the Philippines, at a ±3% margin of error and 95% confidence level. At the subnational level, the margin of error is ±7% for the National Capital Region, ±4% for the rest of Luzon, ±6% for the Visayas, and ±6% for Mindanao, all at the same 95% confidence level.
These findings form part of the WR Numero Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, Volume 2026, Issue 9, March 2026. The survey includes the latest voter preferences for the 2028 elections, as well as the current public opinion on the Anti-Dynasty Bill, Impeachment proceedings of VP Duterte, and the detention and trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte at The Hague.
MANILA, Philippines — Shopee is bringing its Tatak Pinoy MSME Roadshow to more provinces in Visayas and Mindanao, reinforcing its commitment to helping Filipino entrepreneurs tap into e-commerce. Started in August last year, the program has since drawn strong participation from its earlier legs, reflecting the growing appetite for digital skills training among regional entrepreneurs.
The Bacolod City leg continues the Visayas run, with Shopee set to expand to additional provinces as the initiative scales nationwide. This expansion aims to provide digital upskilling opportunities to hundreds of MSME sellers in underserved regions outside Metro Manila.
The Tatak Pinoy Roadshow builds on Shopee’s decade-long mission to empower Filipino small businesses. In partnership with local government units and the Department of Trade and Industry, the program delivers hands-on training and guidance to help MSMEs establish and grow their online presence.
“Across the Philippines, we’re seeing more entrepreneurs recognize the potential of e-commerce to grow their businesses,” said Jack Ng, head of commercial, Shopee Philippines. “With Tatak Pinoy, we aim to meet MSMEs where they are, particularly in regions with limited access to digital training resources. By expanding the roadshow across Visayas and Mindanao, we want to unlock the untapped potential of these regional businesses and provide them with the tools and knowledge to succeed online.”
The Tatak Pinoy Roadshow has consistently drawn strong participation from entrepreneurs eager to grow their businesses online. For the Bacolod leg, the event expects to draw around 100 participants, highlighting growing interest in digital commerce across the region.
This builds on the program’s strong momentum in 2025, when attendance consistently surpassed targets. Last year, Shopee trained over 700 MSME sellers across 10 cities nationwide, providing hands-on sessions in digital marketing, order fulfillment, and customer engagement to support their growth. These practical workshops equip participants to manage day-to-day operations and grow their businesses confidently online.
Addressing key barriers for regional entrepreneurs
While enthusiasm for e-commerce is high, many regional entrepreneurs face challenges when transitioning from informal businesses to fully operational online stores. Common hurdles include business formalization, securing permits, and managing multiple responsibilities with small teams—from packaging and inventory management to customer service.
The Tatak Pinoy curriculum supports MSMEs at every stage of their digital journey, providing guidance on online store setup, business registration, and order and logistics management through Shopee’s ecosystem of tools and services.
“Our experience from the roadshow has shown that the passion and entrepreneurial drive are already there,” Ng added. “What MSMEs need and what we see regional entrepreneurs will also benefit from is the right guidance and support to turn their drive into sustainable growth. Through Tatak Pinoy, we’re working with local government partners to provide practical training that helps sellers overcome early hurdles and build stronger businesses online.”
Local partnerships power regional MSME growth
The Bacolod stop also underscores the importance of strong public-private collaboration in supporting MSME development at the community level.
“Bacolod has always been a city that champions the spirit of local enterprise, and we are proud to welcome the Tatak Pinoy Roadshow to our community,” said Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya. “This program speaks directly to our commitment to creating an environment where our entrepreneurs can thrive, not just locally, but in the digital economy that is reshaping how business is done across the country.”
“What excites me most about Tatak Pinoy is that it gives our local sellers a real and practical path forward,” Mayor Gasataya added. “The skills and tools they gain here can help them compete not just within Bacolod, but with sellers anywhere in the Philippines, and that kind of reach is what will sustain our city’s economic growth for years to come.”
Mae Ferrer-Llamas, head of Bacolod City’s Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, also emphasized the role of partnerships in enabling inclusive digital growth for small businesses. “Empowering MSMEs to participate in the digital economy requires collaboration between the private sector, government, and local communities,” said Dr. Llamas. “Programs like Tatak Pinoy play an important role in helping entrepreneurs develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in online commerce.”
As the Tatak Pinoy Roadshow continues nationwide, Shopee remains committed to building an inclusive e-commerce ecosystem, one that empowers Filipino entrepreneurs from every region to grow their businesses and reach customers across the country.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) is intensifying its anti-criminality campaign, with a specific focus on neutralizing robbery incidents through enhanced intelligence and stricter operational discipline.
During a staff conference held on Monday, April 6, at the Kapanalig Hall, DCPO chief Col Peter Bauzon Madria issued a series of directives aimed at streamlining the city’s police response and investigative processes.
Cracking down on robberies
Madria underscored the urgency of resolving recent robbery incidents, directing all units to exert maximum effort to identify and apprehend suspects.
He emphasized that swift investigations and proper assistance to complainants are non-negotiable in ensuring justice for victims.
“The success of police operations lies in strong collaboration, seamless coordination, and unified action,” Madria stated, noting that timely intelligence sharing among units is critical to crime prevention.
To enhance the city’s security posture, the police chief outlined several operational mandates:
- Maximizing visibility: Fuel resources are to be strictly allocated for patrol operations to ensure rapid response and high police visibility in the streets.
- CCTV Integration: Units must document and map all available CCTV cameras, utilizing them as primary tools for evidence gathering and suspect identification.
- Pre-emptive Intelligence: Police units were ordered to monitor known criminal elements proactively to prevent crimes before they occur.
- Personnel Accountability: Madria called for the strict implementation of deployment plans, requiring supervisors to closely monitor all personnel, including those from headquarters, to ensure professionalism and discipline.
The DCPO is adopting a specialized communication protocol. For instance, each unit’s activity or compliance report will now have a designated Viber group to ensure real-time monitoring and to prevent the misrouting of critical information.
Madria also reminded his officers of the importance of report integrity, stating that all submissions must undergo thorough validation before reaching higher headquarters.
THE 10TH Infantry Division (10ID), in partnership with United States forces, led a groundbreaking ceremony for a multi-purpose building in Barangay Tibulao, Carmen, Davao del Norte, on April 6, 2026, as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026.
The project is implemented under the joint AFP-US Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP), a key component of Balikatan that supports humanitarian assistance and disaster response as well as community development.
The activity was conducted in coordination with the 534th Engineer Construction Battalion, the 27th Infantry Battalion, and the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, alongside the Municipal Government of Carmen and Barangay Tibulao.
The 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion and local security forces also provided support.
A tribal ritual and the laying of a time capsule highlighted the ceremony, symbolizing unity, cultural respect, and a shared commitment to sustainable development.
Once completed, the multi-purpose building is expected to serve as a venue for community activities and an evacuation facility during emergencies.
The 10ID reaffirmed that all Balikatan activities, including civil-military projects, are pre-planned and conducted in accordance with Philippine laws, with full respect for national sovereignty and public safety.
Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10ID, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative.
“Beyond military training, Balikatan strengthens our partnership in serving the people. Projects like this reflect our shared commitment to disaster preparedness and community resilience,” he said.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) intensified its week-long anti-criminality campaign from March 29 to April 4, resulting in the arrest of 111 individuals and the seizure of nearly P1.9 million worth of illegal drugs.
Col Peter Bauzon Madria said anti-illegal drug units conducted 55 separate operations, leading to the arrest of 64 suspects. Authorities confiscated 278.39 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P1,893,116.60, along with a smaller quantity of marijuana.
During this period, the DCPO also arrested 33 fugitives, including seven individuals classified as “most wanted persons.”
In the campaign against loose firearms, eight operations led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of 11 firearms, three of which were seized in operations, while five were surrendered.
Finally, police conducted eight raids and arrested 11 individuals for illegal gambling. Authorities filed eight cases against the suspects.
“These achievements reflect not only the dedication of the men and women of DCPO but also the strong partnership with the community,” he said.
THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Davao and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) rolled out Angel Pets, an animal-assisted therapy program to aid survivors of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Initially established in Metro Manila at facilities such as Marillac Hills, Angel Pets is now expanding to Davao and Cebu.
The program specifically uses trained therapy pets, called “Doctor Dogs,” to help improve mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and support the healing of DSWD clients.
“Angel Pets utilizes animal-assisted therapy (AAT) to provide emotional and psychological support to residents in DSWD-managed centers, with a specific focus on women and children dealing with severe trauma,” Anne Y. Jickain, RSW, OIC of the Innovations Division, said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on April 6.
Jickain said pets often help survivors feel safe enough to open up and engage more deeply with their healing process.
Chanin Parian, DSWD XI Social Technology Unit head, said the dogs underwent rigorous standards to ensure they are fit for therapeutic environments.
“Every dog is required to pass a strict temperament test to prove they are exceptionally calm, obedient, and friendly for therapeutic work,” Parian said.
Local dog owners interested in volunteering are advised to attend a major recruitment and screening event for “Doctor Dogs” scheduled for May 27, 2026, at the DSWD XI office.
She added that the program requires both the dogs and their human handlers to possess specific certifications and qualities mandated for therapeutic work.
For instance, human handlers must be at least 18 years old, responsible, and committed to program activities, and dogs must be at least two years old, healthy and fully vaccinated, and already spayed or neutered.
Basic obedience skills are required, and all dogs are required to pass the official Doctor Dog examination before deployment in residential care facilities of DSWD Davao, including the Home for Girls and Women, which serves abuse survivors.
- Davao City forms inter-agency task force for crisis response
THE CITY government formed an Inter-Agency Task Force on Emergency Socioeconomic Crisis Response (IATF-Crisis) to address the economic strain caused by international geopolitical tensions.
The task force convened on Monday, April 6, 2026, for its first official meeting.
The EO recognized the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States of America, Israel, and Iran, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz contributed to the rising prices of fuel since early March 2026.
It emphasized the tensions affecting basic commodities, transportation costs, and the overall market stability in the city, hence the need for “proactive coordination” among government agencies.
The local order comes in the wake of Presidential Executive Order No. 110, which declared a State of National Energy Emergency on March 24, 2026.
Executive Order No. 07, Series of 2026, mandates the creation of a specialized body to efficiently prepare and manage resources to address the impacts of the emergency socioeconomic crisis affecting the city.
Under the new order, the Task Force is authorized to monitor and evaluate the prices of goods, including fuel and basic necessities, in coordination with the Davao City Price Coordinating Council (DCPCC).
One goal of the Task Force is to protect the concerns of consumers and entrepreneurs from “exploitative market practices” that often arise from crisis.
The Task Force is mandated to ensure an adequate supply of prime and basic commodities and provide mitigating measures for affected communities, including the development and adoption of efficient production, transport, and distribution systems.
It is also directed to craft programs and policies for socioeconomic normalcy and revitalize the city’s local economy following the period of the crisis, and to maintain peace and order in the city during the period of the socioeconomic crisis.
The city mayor will chair the IATF-CRISIS, with the City Planning and Development Coordinator as Vice Chairperson, and supported by a broad range of city offices, including the City Information Office, City Legal Office, and the Budget Office.
To also ensure a comprehensive response, the order establishes six subcommittees:
- Peace, safety, and security subcommittee – Consisting of the Public Safety and Security Office, Davao City Police Office, Task Force Davao, City Transport and Traffic Management Office, and Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Peace and Public Safety.
- Employment subcommittee – Consisting of the Department of Labor and Employment XI, Public Employment Service Office – Davao City, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Regional Office XI, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Labor and Employment Opportunities, and the Permits & Licensing Division (Business Bureau).
- Social intervention subcommittee — Comprising the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Department of Social Welfare and Development XI.
- The economic committee – Consisting of the City Agriculturist’s Office, City Veterinarian’s Office, City Economic Enterprises, Davao City Investment Promotion Center, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Food, Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Department of Agriculture XI, and Department of Trade and Industry Davao City Field Office.
- Health and emergency committee – Consisting of the City Health Office and the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office
- Energy committee – Consisting of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on energy and water, and the Department of Energy Mindanao Field Office.
The Task Force is activated immediately and will remain in effect until the national emergency declaration is lifted or the crisis has ceased.
Photo City Government of Davao
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