BY ALEX ALAGON
IN THE the heart of Hutang, in the Wujin District of Changzhou City, the community of Heitan has long been known for more than just its scenic landscapes — it is home to a craft that has defined the region’s identity for generations: rug weaving.
Long before modern machinery took over, the people of Heitan learned the art of turning simple fibers into beautiful, durable carpets.
Passed down from mother to daughter, father to child, the skill was never just a trade. It was a language. Every pattern, color combination, and weave told a story — of the land they lived on, the seasons they endured, and the traditions they cherished. These weren’t just floor coverings; they were woven memories, made to warm homes and last a lifetime.
What makes Heitan rugs truly special?
Crafted entirely by hand using time-honored techniques, each carpet from Heitan, Hutang is a masterpiece of patience and precision. Local artisans carefully select only the finest materials, ensuring every piece is soft, resilient, and capable of standing the test of time.
The designs are deeply rooted in local culture — featuring intricate motifs inspired by nature, tribal heritage, and daily life — making every rug a unique work of art you won’t find anywhere else.
For the people of Heitan, weaving is more than just work. It is a way to preserve their history and support their community. Every carpet you see carries the touch of a skilled local artisan, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive and thriving.
Today, Heitan, Hutang carpets have grown beyond local homes. They are now cherished in houses, offices, and spaces across China and beyond, admired not just for their beauty, but for the heart and heritage woven into every thread.
When you bring home a Heitan rug, you aren’t just buying a product — you are bringing home a piece of history, supporting local craftsmanship, and stepping into a legacy that has been woven with love, care, and pride.
CONSUMERS are calling on Davao Light to strengthen the reliability of its power distribution system following the issuance of a Supplemental Writ of Possession granting the company operational control over distribution assets previously managed by Nordeco in parts of Davao del Norte.
The Regional Trial Court Branch 2 in Tagum City issued the Supplemental Writ of Possession on May 15, 2026, granting Davao Light the lawful right to possess and operate distribution assets covered under Republic Act No. 12144.
With the order, Davao Light now has full operational control in Tagum City and the municipalities of Asuncion, San Isidro, Kapalong, Talaingod, and New Corella. Some barangays in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) remain under NORDECO operations pending the possible issuance of another writ covering the remaining areas.
The court order allows Davao Light to fully implement its expansion and rehabilitation plans in Davao del Norte, including efforts aimed at improving the reliability and stability of power service in the province.
However, the Davao Consumer Movement emphasized that expansion must be matched with stronger operational performance and improved grid reliability across both its new and existing franchise areas.
Consumers in several parts of Davao Light’s current coverage area continue to report recurring and prolonged power outages. While we acknowledge Davao Light’s efforts to maintain transparency through public advisories and consumer engagement, these concerns show that stronger technical and operational improvements are still needed.
As Davao Light upgrades infrastructure in its expanded franchise area, it must also ensure that reliability concerns within its existing coverage area are not neglected.
With greater franchise coverage comes greater responsibility. Consumers expect that Davao Light’s expansion will not only result in wider service coverage but also in a more stable, reliable, and responsive power distribution system for all affected communities.
Ryan Amper
Convenor
Davao Consumer Movement
0905-5634083
IN TIMES of crisis and emergency, Quezon City’s frontliners keep communities safe and protected. But who ensures that these frontliners remain strong, supported, and ready when called upon to serve? PLDT and Smart, in partnership with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), recently conducted a holistic stress management workshop for the emergency response frontliners of the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QC DRRMO) and Quezon City Citizens Services Department (CSD).
The initiative reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening resilience and safeguarding the mental health of those on the frontlines of crisis response. This is part of the broader initiative of PLDT and Smart through its #KonektedForResilience advocacy program that focuses on community resilience and disaster preparedness.
The workshop centered on key challenges faced by responders, including burnout, secondhand traumatic stress, and the cumulative emotional toll of emergency work. Participants were guided through practical coping mechanisms such as managing personal stress responses, building healthier habits, and developing strategies to sustain both mental and emotional well-being amid high-pressure environments.
For QC DRRMO Head Bianca Perez-Diamante, the initiative is both timely and necessary, given the nature of their work. “Our responders are the ones who face emergencies every single day—from vehicular accidents and trauma cases to rescues during extreme weather conditions. They see things that most people are not prepared to handle, and it takes a toll on them. This workshop is important because it reminds them that they are human too—that they also feel tired, overwhelmed, and affected by what they experience. It gives them the space to pause, to breathe, and to acknowledge their own vulnerabilities,” Perez-Diamante said.
Acting Chief Administrative Officer Estelita Mañalac of the QC Citizens Service Department, who is one of the participants from the workshop, highlighted the value of self-care in effective public service. “One of the most important things I learned is that you have to take care of yourself first before you can truly help others. This workshop gave me a better understanding of stress and how it affects people at all levels. It also equipped me with ideas that I can share with my staff so we can better support one another. As frontliners, we need to remain resilient and manage our stress properly so we can continue to serve effectively, especially during emergencies,” Mañalac said.
From the perspective of responders on the ground, the workshop provided practical and personal insights. Another participant, Jeramen Devisfruto, who is the Acting Deputy of Team Delta Emergency Medical Services under Operations, reflected on the importance of mental stability in their line of work. “I realized how important it is to have stable mental health because it directly affects how we respond to emergencies. When your mind is not okay, your body follows, and it becomes difficult to do your job properly. This workshop helped me understand how I can better manage panic, anxiety, and personal challenges so I can continue to perform my duties and support others effectively,” Devisfruto said.
Beyond mental health support, the initiative also introduced opportunities for additional livelihood. A brief segment by Smart NCR Wireless Sales highlighted the Smart Retailer program, which enables individuals to earn extra income by selling prepaid load and digital services within their communities. For frontliners and emergency responders, this presents a flexible and accessible way to supplement their income, further supporting their overall well-being and financial resilience.
PLDT and Smart underscored their commitment to supporting those who serve at the frontlines. PLDT and Smart Stakeholder Engagement Assistant Vice President and Head Stephanie V. Orlino emphasized the broader purpose of the initiative. “At PLDT and Smart, we believe in creating safer spaces not only for communities but also for the people who serve them. Our frontliners and first responders play a critical role in delivering aid during times of crisis, and while they continuously provide help to others, it is equally important that they receive the support they need. This workshop is a testament to our continued commitment to their well-being, particularly in ensuring that their mental health is cared for as they carry out their vital work.”
These initiatives reflect PLDT and Smart’s commitment to holistic community support— reaffirming the importance of mental health care as an integral part of disaster response, aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Car-Free Sundays continue to evolve across Ayala Land’s estates, with the initiative recently expanding to Azuela Cove in Davao City and North Point in Talisay City, Negros—bringing the growing open-streets movement to new communities in Visayas and Mindanao.
More than just a weekend activity, Car-Free Sundays is steadily becoming a lifestyle habit—inviting people to slow down, move more actively, and rediscover their surroundings in a more meaningful way.
A Lifestyle-Driven Experience in Davao
At Azuela Cove, Car-Free Sundays takes on a vibrant, lifestyle-oriented character. Visitors can explore the estate through a range of mobility options—from vintage bicycles and tandem bikes to electric scooter rides—offering a fresh, recreational way to engage with its streets and parks.
The experience is both active and social, encouraging visitors to interact with the estate beyond the usual pace of city life. With its scenic setting and curated activities, Car-Free Sundays in Davao transforms movement into something leisurely, shareable, and enjoyable.
A Community Space in Negros
In contrast, North Point offers a more intimate, community-centered take. Surrounded by residential villages, the initiative provides a safe and accessible environment where families can walk, bike, and spend time together.
Here, Car-Free Sundays is less about programming and more about everyday use—becoming a natural extension of weekend routines for nearby residents. It reinforces the value of shared spaces in suburban settings, where people can gather and connect comfortably.
Cebu’s Strong Foundation
The expansion builds on the sustained success of Car-Free Sundays in Cebu Business Park and Cebu I.T. Park, where the initiative is approaching its third year.
In Cebu Business Park, growing participation has led to extended hours, with Car-Free Sundays now running until 5 p.m. The longer schedule has also opened opportunities for new experiences, including a Sunday market and outdoor pickleball sessions, adding more variety to the day.
Meanwhile, in Cebu I.T. Park, the initiative continues to draw a consistent mix of joggers, cyclists, pet owners, and families—reinforcing its identity as one of the most walkable and lifestyle-driven districts in the region.
From Makati to a Nationwide Movement
Car-Free Sundays traces its roots to Ayala Avenue in Makati, where it first transformed a busy urban corridor into a people-first space. What started as a bold experiment quickly became a weekly ritual for thousands—combining fitness, leisure, and community in one shared setting.
Over time, the initiative has expanded in both scale and experience, introducing new activities such as community sports and social fitness, while maintaining its core idea: creating space for people to move freely and connect.
Redefining Everyday Living
Across all its locations, Car-Free Sundays reflects a broader shift in how estates are experienced—not just as places to live or work, but as environments that support healthier, more connected lifestyles.
By opening streets to people, even temporarily, these estates create opportunities for movement, interaction, and discovery. It turns ordinary roads into vibrant shared spaces—and a simple Sunday morning into something people can look forward to each week. With Davao and Negros now part of the network, Car-Free Sundays continues to grow—not just in reach, but in meaning—shaping more communities where wellness and connection are part of everyday life.
QUEZON CITY — The EcoWaste Coalition called on the national and local governments to fully check the integrity of existing landfills nationwide, penalize violations, and order immediate remedial measures to prevent deadly disasters that are waiting to happen.
The network of public interest groups advocating for a zero-waste and toxics-free society aired the appeal following the garbage slide at the Davao City Sanitary Landfill that resulted in one fatality, two injured persons, and two others still unaccounted for.
The Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), a member of the EcoWaste Coalition, had earlier commented that “the tragedy reflects the challenges of increasing volume of waste generated and disposed of in our landfills everyday,” adding “this incident highlights the importance of a strong integrated waste management system that prioritizes waste reductions, segregation at source, recycling, composting, and responsible disposal to prevent similar incidents from happening again.”
“We urge the authorities to assess the compliance of all landfills to mandatory regulations on waste segregation and acceptance, daily soil cover, containment engineering, slope stabilization, leachate, water quality, and gas monitoring, emergency preparedness, occupational safety and health, and other requirements, ensuring that all violations are identified, penalized, and fixed,” said Ochie Tolentino, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition. “We cannot just wait for the next landfill collapse, fire, leachate overflow, and gas explosion to claim more lives and aggravate social injustice and environmental pollution.”
According to the group, the string of landfill disasters in Cebu City, Montalban (Rizal), Navotas City, and Davao City unmasked the inadequacy of current policies centered on managing trash rather than stopping it, and the need to move away from unsustainable, end-of-pipe solutions to the waste crisis.
“The volume and toxicity of the waste we generate continue to surge because our policies tend to favor disposal over prevention. While RA 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, mandates waste avoidance, segregation at source, and other best practices, national and local implementation is weak,” noted Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “Furthermore, gaps in RA 11898, or the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, fail to curb overproduction of plastics, allowing a continuous reliance on single-use packaging.”
To reduce waste volume, halt landfill dependence, and avoid the waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration trap, the EcoWaste Coalition reiterated its call for the genuine enforcement of RA 9003 and the adoption of strong policies to eradicate waste at source, such as banning single-use plastics, ensuring efficient organics management, and keeping compostable and recyclable resources out of both landfills and incinerators, prioritize investments on people-centered solutions, and ensure safe, socially just and sustainable livelihoods for waste workers.
The country’s biggest fast food chain, Jollibee, and the Philippines’ most-played mobile game, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), are leveling up their partnership with the launch of the GameJoy x MLBB Combos, a nationwide campaign designed for Filipino gamers who want a seamless mix of food, play, and rewards.
The partnership happens in two phases. The first introduced the “WOW BIDA” Battle Emote, a limited-time in-game item that allows players to use a Jollibee-themed emote in MLBB matches, available for redemption until May 20.
The second phase, GameJoy Combos, runs from May 20 to August 19 and is designed to sustain player engagement through a mix of physical hero card collectibles along with exclusive limited-edition in-game rewards available with every Jollibee GameJoy Combo purchase.
“With GameJoy Combos, we wanted to create a fun and rewarding experience that brings together great food, gaming, and everyday moments of joy,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president of marketing at Jollibee Philippines. “This collaboration allows more people to enjoy Jollibee in a fresh and exciting way, whether they’re gaming, bonding with friends, or simply treating themselves.”
Showing the same excitement, MOONTON Games, the international video game developer and publisher of MLBB, said the campaign celebrates Filipino MLBB players.
“Filipino players have helped shape MLBB into the cultural phenomenon it is today. With Jollibee, we wanted to create a campaign that genuinely feels local, fun, and rewarding for the community, by combining food, collectibles, and in-game experiences in a way that celebrates how Filipinos enjoy gaming together,” said Kevin Acuña, head of game publishing business development and partnership at MOONTON Games.
Running from May 20 to August 19, the nationwide campaign is made especially for MLBB players, from casual gamers to hardcore rank grinders.
The GameJoy Combos feature a selection of handheld meals designed for convenient, mess-free eating during gameplay. Priced at ₱169 each, the offering includes five options: the Yumburger, Jolly Hotdog, Special Cheesy Yumburger, Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, and Original Cheesy Yumburger. Each combo is served with a regular serving of fries, a regular drink, and a Peach Mango Pie, completing a satisfying, gamer-friendly meal set.
Each combo comes with the GameJoy x MLBB Pack, which contains one collectible hero card and an instruction card with a unique PIN. The PIN can be used to unlock mystery rewards within the MLBB app.
Players can win a range of in-game rewards, including skins, emotes, fragments, and avatar borders, as well as the highly sought-after MLBB All-Skin Unlock.
As the GameJoy Combos launch nationwide, many gamers are expected to collect all hero cards, unlock rewards, and enjoy every match even more with Jollibee and MLBB together this summer.
MANILA, Philippines – Every year, as the country celebrates Labor Day, there’s a renewed appreciation for the hard work of Filipinos across different sectors. But it also brings up an increasingly familiar reality: many of the challenges Filipinos face today revolve around delayed payments, platforms charging high fees, and fluctuating forex rates, which even seasoned freelancers experience daily as they stress over making sure they have enough for their needs.
For seasoned freelancers and finance coaches, Chelsea Dy and JZ Cerezo, being smarter with managing money starts with knowing what to do in any given situation. Here are three lessons they’ve learned over the years, along with practical, real-world tips for those just starting as freelancers.
- Build your budget based on your lowest income month
A practical approach to budgeting starts with accounting for all your fixed expenses, such as rent, utilities, and food, and making sure that’s all covered. Then set funds aside for your emergency fund. The general rule of thumb is to set aside enough to cover three to six months of expenses.
“In my first few years, I would earn money and then lose it just as fast because of lifestyle inflation. That cycle repeated multiple times until I realized I needed to track everything about my expenses, savings, and priorities”, says JZ. “It [budgeting] made me more aware and more intentional with my money. Now, every time I get paid, I already know where my money should go, and that alone made a huge difference in my income and savings.”
On her TikTok and Instagram channels, Chelsea also shares practical tips for freelancers who are starting out
Chelsea adds that juggling multiple clients makes tracking even more crucial. “It has made me much more intentional with cash flow. I’m now more aware of which platforms give me better flexibility, which ones eat too much into my income, and how I can separate money that’s for spending, saving, or investing,” she explains.
- Pay attention to where your money is quietly being lost
JZ recalls a time in his career when this became a significant problem. “Before, I had 3 to 4 clients, and each one used a different platform. That meant more time, more attention, and more variables to manage, especially with different fees, processing times, and even occasional platform issues.” This made it challenging for him to track his money and records, and he had to account for multiple fees, which, when he reviewed them at the end of the month, really added up and made him realize how much he was quickly losing.
“I think many freelancers overlook these charges because, at the start, they’re just focused on earning. And sometimes, they feel like they don’t have better options, so they just live with it,” he explains. JZ warns that this may be a normal experience, especially for those just starting, but it doesn’t mean you should settle. It’s important to do your research and keep track of when you’re being paid and when you encounter losses.
- Switch to a platform that has your best interests in mind
Sticking to one convenient platform that works in your favor becomes less of a preference and more of a necessity for freelancers looking to manage their income more effectively. This is why Chelsea and JZ decided to create a GCash Virtual US Account.
The GCash Virtual US Account makes it easier to receive and manage your USD funds. Once you create your account on the GCash app, you will have your own ACH and Wire Routing Number that you can send to your US clients. You can also choose to convert your US Dollars to Philippine Peso, depending on when it’s most favorable for you, as you track live forex rates on the platform.
Once your payment is in your GCash account, you can use your funds to pay your bills, use them for your other expenses, or to grow your savings. With the GCash Virtual US account, you can take better control of your cash flow and make sure that you always have funds ready for your everyday needs.
Creating a GCash Virtual US Account is easy in just a few steps.
- Open the GCash app. Tap US Accounts in the Explore the App section
- Tap Continue and verify your information
- Complete your account creation
- 225,000-strong PNP mobilized after DOJ declares senator a ‘fugitive’
THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) has officially ordered national law enforcement agencies to execute an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, prompting the Department of the Interior and Local Government to place the entire 225,000-strong Philippine National Police on active manhunt status.
The sweeping enforcement directive marks a total administration shift, occurring just two days after the Supreme Court denied Dela Rosa’s emergency prayer for a protective temporary restraining order.
In a definitive legal pronouncement, DOJ Secretary Frederick Vida declared the former PNP Chief a “fugitive,” effectively stripping away political buffers and greenlighting simultaneous operations by the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation.
When questioned by reporters regarding the scale of the impending operation—specifically if a rumored 10,000-man elite task force would be deployed—DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that the scope of the manhunt encompasses the entire state apparatus.
“It is not just a 10,000-man task force. The entire 225,000-strong force of the Philippine National Police is now tasked with tracking down Senator Ronald Dela Rosa,” Remulla stated. “We will follow the lead of the Secretary of Justice.”
Following the DILG’s declaration, PNP Director General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. issued an official command statement confirming that the police force will immediately execute the DOJ’s operational order.
“The PNP respects the processes of the justice system and recognizes the authority of competent government agencies in the implementation of lawful orders,” Nartatez said. “As a law enforcement agency, the PNP shall perform its mandate in accordance with existing laws, due process, and established operational procedures.”
Nartatez assured the public that despite the highly charged political profile of the target, all actions undertaken by field units would remain “impartial, professional, and within the bounds of the law.”
The enforcement order creates a volatile standoff in Davao Region, which serves as the traditional stronghold of the Duterte political faction and Dela Rosa’s primary home base.
As of press time, TIMES has yet to receive a response from the Police Regional Office XI on whether it has already received operational directives to arrest or detain Dela Rosa the moment he is spotted within its territorial area of responsibility.
THE INTERNATIONAL Criminal Court (ICC) Registry has confirmed that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is under continuous, 24/7 monitoring within the ICC Detention Centre due to health and safety risks associated with his advanced age and chronic medical conditions.
The disclosure was made in an official administrative submission, which noted that the round-the-clock observation was mandated by the ICC medical officer to mitigate an elevated risk of falls and ongoing mobility issues.
The Registry’s report confirmed that while there have been “rare incidents” where the 81-year-old former president lost his balance inside the facility, immediate interventions were staged by on-site staff.
Following those episodes, authorities implemented structural and ergonomic adjustments within Duterte’s holding cell and designated visitation areas to enhance his safety, comfort, and ease of movement.
No recent falls recorded
To clarify the current status of the former chief executive’s health, the Registry emphasized that Duterte’s physical condition and daily movements remain entirely “consistent with his age and mobility.”
The submission explicitly stated that there have been zero recorded fall incidents within the last 30 days, defusing speculative reports regarding a severe downturn in his physical well-being.
Under the Rome Statute, the ICC maintains a strict, continuous legal obligation to ensure that the detention conditions of any high-profile accused align with international medical and humanitarian standards while active judicial proceedings run their course.
Defense blocked from surveillance footage
The administrative update also revealed a point of friction between the court’s administration and Duterte’s legal vanguard.
Duterte’s defense counsel had formally requested full access to the detention center’s internal surveillance footage to independently review the balance-loss incidents cited by staff.
However, the Registry denied the request, stating that access to raw security feeds remains strictly restricted due to the detention center’s stringent privacy policies, inmate confidentiality protocols, and underlying technical security restrictions.
The medical monitoring report arrives as Pre-Trial Chamber I solidifies the structural charges against Duterte, signaling that despite the defense’s focus on his frail health and structural accommodations, the court is systematically preparing his detention environment for a prolonged trial phase.
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