Stronger school-community ties cut violence, improve student safety

 

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MAKATI CITY, 17 January  2026 — At Ramon Torres Louisiana National High School in Barangay Ma-ao, Bago, Negros Occidental, student safety has become a shared responsibility, shaped less by slogans and more by steady cooperation among teachers, parents, barangay officials, and police. 

Before the end of 2025, the school held its annual Children’s Rights, Anti-Bullying, and Drug Abuse Prevention Program, drawing around parents alongside students, teachers, and community partners. The activity reflected a long-running effort by the school to address concerns over bullying, peer pressure, and exposure to illegal drugs through sustained dialogue and coordination beyond the campus.

School principal Helen Dela Cruz, together with the faculty and staff and the School Parent-Teacher Association led by President Roger Palma, worked with the Barangay Ma-ao Council and the Philippine National Police to deliver sessions focused on student rights, responsibilities, and the real-world consequences of violence and substance abuse. Resource speakers and VAWC Desk Officers reinforced messages on child protection and welfare.

The school’s faculty president Ronald Alegre shared the initiative grew out of practical concerns faced by the school community.

“These issues [bullying, peer pressure, and illegal drugs exposure] posed risks to students’ safety, behavior, and academic performance. Addressing them became necessary to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment,” Alegre said.

“The school, parents, and community worked together through awareness campaigns, seminars, and regular coordination with the Brgy. Ma-ao Council and the Philippine National Police. Parents actively supported the school by monitoring their children, while the PNP provided guidance on laws and the harmful effects of bullying and drug abuse,” he added, noting that the school observed a decrease in bullying cases.  

While the activity was organized independently by the school, its approach mirrors the direction being encouraged nationally by the Department of Education’s Kaagapay Program, which emphasizes the role of parents and communities as partners in learner protection and well-being.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara has said that stronger school–family–community ties are key to addressing violence and safety concerns in schools.

“Mahalaga ang ganitong mga hakbang ng paaralan—yung hindi naghihintay ng problema bago kumilos, kundi nakikipag-ugnayan agad sa magulang at komunidad. Doon talaga mas nagiging ligtas ang learners at mas nasusuportahan ang mga guro,” Angara said.  

This 2026, the department will conduct five batches of orientation on the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10627, or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, to equip regional and division focal persons and school heads with updated guidelines on handling bullying cases.

DepEd is also working with Stairway Foundation Inc. to develop anti-bullying classroom decks that will serve as the basis for session guides to help teachers facilitate age-appropriate discussions with learners, with rollout targeted for School Year 2026–2027.

For Ramon Torres Louisiana National High School, the impact is already visible in smaller, consistent steps. By keeping parents involved, maintaining open lines with local authorities, and repeating the conversation year after year, the school is building a safer environment one partnership at a time.

“When families, the community, and authorities work together, prevention efforts become more effective and sustainable. This collaboration helps create a safer school environment where learners feel protected and supported,” Teacher Alegre added.

Laboratory Tests Confirm Toxic Lead in 3 Paints Discovered by EcoWaste Coalition

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17 January 2026, Quezon City.  Laboratory analyses detected lead above the legal limit of 90 parts per million (ppm) in three imported paints purchased by the EcoWaste Coalition from a local online seller, rendering them illegal for importation, distribution, and sale in the Philippines.  

Based on the test reports provided by SGS, a global testing company, the submitted samples of green, beige, and orange Nasmc Spray Paint contained 7,460 ppm, 10,000 ppm, and 30,500 ppm of lead, respectively.

The Chemical Control Order (CCO) for lead and its compounds issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 2013 established a strict 90 ppm maximum limit for lead in all paints, including spray paints. The CCO further set phase-out deadlines for lead-containing decorative and industrial paints, which ended on December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2019, respectively.

As stamped on the bottom of the paint cans, all three products were manufactured on June 25, 2025, which is well past the phase-out deadlines, the EcoWaste Coalition pointed out.

Bought for P141 per 450 mL can from a Shopee dealer, Nasmc Spray Paint provided no lead content information or lead in paint hazard warning on its label to forewarn consumers. The name of the manufacturer and the country of manufacture were also not disclosed.  However, the label described the product, usage, and emergency instructions.

The three lead-containing Nasmc products will be added to the “Public Notice on Lead-Containing Paints” co-published by the EcoWaste Coalition, International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN), and the Philippine Paint and Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI). The notice currently lists 228 laboratory-tested lead-containing paints, mostly marked "made in China" or "made in Thailand."

The persistent sale of imported spray paints with lead content prompted the EcoWaste Coalition to advise consumers to be vigilant and refrain from purchasing paints with poor labeling information and lacking verifiable proof of compliance with the CCO’s lead content limit.

Lead-containing paints are a major source of lead exposure among children globally. “There is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects," according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which has included lead among the ten chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern, along with arsenic, asbestos, benzene, cadmium, dioxins, mercury, highly hazardous pesticides, etc

Lead is a powerful multi-system poison that harms numerous bodily systems and organs, including the brain and central nervous system. Exposure during early childhood, when the developing brain is most vulnerable, is particularly dangerous, as it can lead to lower intelligence quotients (IQ), inattentiveness, impaired learning ability, conduct disorder, aggression, and other behavioral problems. 

To address the unlawful entry of lead-containing paints in the Philippines, the EcoWaste Coalition is campaigning for stronger measures to stop lead paint imports, including the listing of lead chromates as hazardous chemicals in the Rotterdam Convention to control the global trade of these common lead-based pigments and paints containing such pigments.

How a Surge Protection Device Safeguards Your Electrical Equipment

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Modern homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities depend on sensitive electrical instruments, digital systems, and automated equipment to operate safely and efficiently. These devices are exposed daily to transient voltage disturbances caused by lightning strikes, switching operations, overloaded circuits, or utility grid instability.

Even brief surges can damage components, corrupt data, shorten equipment lifespan, or halt critical processes. As electrical demands grow across all sectors, understanding surge protection becomes essential to maintaining system reliability. Many facilities rely on advanced surge protection devices for comprehensive equipment protection, ensuring safer operation and improved long-term performance across their power infrastructure.

Why Voltage Surges Occur in Electrical Systems

Voltage surges occur when the electrical supply experiences a sudden, temporary increase in voltage. These events can enter a building through power lines, communication cables, or internal switching actions.

Sensitive equipment such as servers, automation controllers, medical devices, and control panels can malfunction when subjected to excessive voltage. Surges often result from lightning, transformer switching, motor starting, or faults on nearby circuits.

Even small fluctuations accumulate over time and degrade insulation, contacts, and electronic components. Installing these protection devices helps facilities reduce these risks significantly and maintain equipment health.

How Surge Protection Devices Work

A surge protection device acts as a safety barrier between incoming power sources and connected electrical equipment. It diverts excessive voltage away from sensitive circuits to grounding paths, helping maintain a stable operating voltage.

When a surge occurs, these devices respond within microseconds, clamping the voltage to safe levels. This rapid reaction prevents destructive energy from reaching equipment and reduces the likelihood of operational interruptions. Once the disturbance passes, the device resets automatically and continues monitoring system conditions.

Protecting Sensitive Equipment and Critical Operations

Sensitive equipment requires controlled voltage to function correctly. Without proper protection, frequent surges can damage internal components, trigger costly repairs, or lead to complete equipment failure. Many industries deploy surge protection devices to protect automation panels, measurement instruments, robotics, HVAC drives, servers, and communication devices.

By reducing exposure to electrical stress, these devices help extend equipment lifespan and maintain stable performance. This ensures safer operations in environments where uptime, accuracy, and continuous service matter.

Reducing Downtime and Operational Losses

Unexpected downtime can disrupt production schedules, affect customer services, and increase maintenance expenses. A well-engineered surge protection device helps prevent unexpected power-related failures that interrupt operations.

Facilities that employ these protection devices experience fewer shutdowns caused by voltage disturbances. This improved reliability supports business continuity, reduces reactive maintenance, and stabilizes long-term operational planning across production lines or commercial environments.

Supporting Layered Protection Strategies

Surge protection works best when deployed across multiple points in the electrical system. Engineers incorporate surge protection devices at main panels, subpanels, and equipment-level distribution boards to strengthen overall defense against disturbances. Layered installation ensures harmful energy is intercepted before reaching sensitive circuits.

This approach supports better coordination among breakers, grounding networks, and protective devices across the facility. When combined with proper grounding, isolation transformers, and stable power supply equipment, these protection devices form a strong foundation for electrical safety and dependability.

Enhancing System Safety and Compliance

Electrical safety regulations require protection against transient overvoltage conditions in many industrial and commercial applications. Installing a reliable surge protection device supports compliance with these standards and helps protect workers, equipment, and building infrastructure.

These devices incorporate robust internal components designed to withstand high-energy disturbances while maintaining performance across demanding environments. Regular inspections and proper placement further strengthen safety across the facility.

Ensuring Future-ready Protection for Growing Electrical Demands

As organizations add more digital equipment, automation tools, and energy-sensitive devices, surge protection becomes increasingly important. A high-quality surge protection device supports expanding electrical systems and offers scalable protection for future loads.

Advanced models provide diagnostic indicators, replaceable modules, and enhanced clamping performance that support long-term protection strategies. This ensures equipment remains safe as technology evolves.

Protect What Matters with Dependable Surge Protection Technology

A dependable surge protection device becomes essential for safeguarding electrical equipment, maintaining uptime, and supporting operational confidence. By partnering with a reputable electrical brand, organizations gain access to engineered protection solutions, expert guidance, and long-term service support.

With the right partner, facilities can deploy durable surge protection strategies that strengthen reliability, reduce failure risks, and support safer, more efficient electrical environments. This investment helps future-proof operations as electrical demands continue to grow.

 

The Age of Competition: Navigating the Precipice of 2026

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The world has entered a "darkening outlook". As we stand in 2026, the global community finds itself on a jagged precipice, moving away from a decade of "polycrisis" into a starker, more confrontational era defined as the Age of Competition. The Global Risks Report 2026 reveals a planet where the very mechanisms of cooperation are crumbling, replaced by a "contested multipolar landscape" where confrontation is the new currency.

A World in Turbulence: The Short-Term Storm

The immediate future looks increasingly grim. Half of the global experts and leaders surveyed anticipate a "turbulent" or "stormy" outlook over the next two years—a significant 14 percentage-point increase in pessimism compared to the previous year.

At the heart of this storm lies Geoeconomic confrontation. No longer a background tension, it has surged to become the #1 risk most likely to trigger a global crisis in 2026. This "weaponization of everything"—from sanctions and capital restrictions to the deliberate disruption of systemically important supply chains—threatens the core of the interconnected global economy.

Parallel to economic warfare, the specter of State-based armed conflict looms large, ranking as the second most immediate threat. As nations turn inward and strategic competition intensifies, the "rules and institutions that have long underpinned stability are increasingly deadlocked or ineffective".

The Economic Reckoning: Bubbles and Debt

While geopolitical fires burn, an economic reckoning is gathering pace. Economic risks have seen the sharpest rises in concern:

Economic downturn and Inflation have both jumped eight positions in the global risk rankings.

Asset bubble bursts have climbed seven positions, fueled by mounting debt sustainability concerns.

Roughly one-third of global corporate debt must be refinanced between 2025 and 2027, even as interest payments drain funds away from productive investment.

Technological Shadows: From Misinformation to AI

Technology remains a double-edged sword. While it drives innovation, it is also a primary source of instability:

Misinformation and Disinformation rank as the #2 most severe risk over the next two years, acting as a corrosive force on social cohesion.

Adverse outcomes of AI technologies represent the most dramatic climber in the report, leaping from the 30th position in the short term to the 5th most severe risk over the next decade. Experts fear AI will become a "systemic force" shaping security and labor markets in unpredictable ways.

The Long-Term Horizon: Environmental and Social Decay

As short-term crises demand immediate attention, the report warns of a dangerous "reprioritization" of long-term threats.

Environmental Risks: While extreme weather events have slipped slightly in short-term priority, they dominate the 10-year horizon. Extreme weather, Biodiversity loss, and Critical change to Earth systems occupy the top three spots for the next decade. Over 75% of respondents view the long-term environmental outlook as "turbulent" or "stormy".

The Fraying Social Contract: Inequality has been identified as the most interconnected global risk of the decade. As the gap between citizens and governments widens, "societal polarization" (ranked #3 in the short term) continues to undermine the collective action needed to solve global problems.

Conclusion: A Range of Trajectories

The Global Risks Report 2026 is not a prophecy of doom, but a call to action. It emphasizes that "the future is not a single, fixed path but a range of possible trajectories". While 57% of leaders expect a stormy decade ahead, the remaining 43% see a path toward resilience—if, and only if, the world can find new, pragmatic forms of cooperation amid this intense competition. The decisions made today will determine whether the world recovers its footing or slides further over the edge.

CITEM’s Likhang Filipino taps PHLPost as its official service delivery provider

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Manila, Philippines – The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) has partnered with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) to serve as an Acceptance Post Office (PO) for Express Mail Service (EMS) shipments to consumers participating in Likhang Filipino, showcasing the best of Filipino design, creativity, and craftsmanship to the world which will open on January 15, 2026.

Through this initiative, PHLPost will bring the best of the Philippines abroad by facilitating the efficient acceptance and processing of EMS parcels from local artisans and producers. This collaboration aims to support local consumers to ship their items by providing them with reliable, secure, and globally connected courier services for their products.

As the designated Acceptance Post Office, PHLPost Mega Manila Area will ensure streamlined processing, proper documentation, and timely dispatch of EMS shipments, enabling participants to reach both local and international markets more effectively.

“This initiative strengthens our commitment to empower Filipinos to promote and ship homegrown products on the global stage,” Acting Postmaster General and CEO Maximo C. Sta. Maria III said. “By providing accessible and dependable logistics services, we help bridge local craftsmanship to international opportunities.”

CITEM’s Likhang Filipino program continues to champion Philippine creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. With PHLPost’s EMS services, participating consumers and producers are assured of fast, trackable, and secure delivery of their goods worldwide.

This PHLPost partnership reflects the government’s continued efforts to boost trade, support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and promote Filipino-made products across borders.

DepEd posts major procurement gains under Angara’s watch, speeds up resources support for teachers, learners

 

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MAKATI CITY, 14 January 2026 — In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to make government spending faster, more transparent, and more responsive to public needs, the Department of Education (DepEd) recorded major procurement gains in 2025, the first full year under Education Secretary Sonny Angara. 

For 2025 implementation, DepEd awarded 99.3 percent of its planned procurement chargeable against 2024 funds. The near-total awarding ensured that appropriations were translated into actual programs, goods, and services that directly support classroom learning, rather than remaining unused.

Angara, who served as the principal author of the New Government Procurement Act during his time in the Senate, framed the milestone as a matter of public accountability.

“Nung pumasok kami sa DepEd, ang marching order mula sa Pangulo ay bawat pisong inaprubahan para sa edukasyon ay dapat maramdaman sa silid-aralan. Hindi puwedeng manatili lang sa papel ang budget, kailangan itong maging aklat, kagamitan, at suporta na aktuwal na napapakinabangan ng mga mag-aaral at guro,” Angara said.

DepEd also accelerated implementation through the strategic use of Early Procurement Activities (EPA). The department awarded 91 contracts for 2025 as early as January, with all EPA contracts awarded by March. This allowed deliveries to schools between March and August of the same year, significantly improving access to learning resources earlier in the school cycle.

Among the major procurement outputs for 2025 were digital and classroom support items under the DepEd Computerization Program, including 33,540 laptops for teaching personnel, 5,302 laptops for non-teaching staff, and 30,440 smart televisions distributed nationwide. The agency also awarded 1,374,231 Science and Mathematics Equipment (SME) packages for public schools.

By end of 2025, DepEd directly entered into contracts for 47 classrooms under the Last Mile Schools (LMS) program, shifting from conventional construction to a design-and-build approach to address recurring abandonment issues caused by site-specific conditions in remote areas.

Angara also led a major shift in textbook procurement, moving DepEd away from developing manuscripts toward the procurement of available titles in the market. The change significantly shortened the procurement timeline up to delivery, from 245 to 451 days to as short as 180 days.

The streamlined process resulted in time savings of up to 246 days, equivalent to a 26 to 45 percent efficiency gain. More importantly, the reform enabled DepEd to complete the procurement of all planned textbook requirements for 2024 and 2025, ensuring the timely availability of learning materials in schools.

DepEd also awarded several projects aimed at strengthening teacher development and inclusion. These include projects on upskilling and reskilling of 1,000 professional teachers and graduating pre-service teachers for career progression, and the policy mapping and strengthened referral mechanisms for learners with disabilities enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS).  

DepEd likewise advanced the Teacher Effectiveness and Competencies Enhancement Project (TEACEP), a five-year, World Bank-funded initiative aimed at improving education quality and access for Kindergarten to Grade 6 learners in Regions IX, XII, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). As part of the project, 16,600 tablets were awarded to support teaching, learning, and instructional leadership in priority areas.

To support uninterrupted learning during disasters and emergencies, the department also rolled out the prototype units of the Disaster Response System for the Learning Continuity Package and upgraded Learning Continuity Spaces (LCS). This includes the deployment of 141 LCS, composed of two prototype units, six units already constructed in Masbate, and 133 units for nationwide deployment.

DepEd likewise successfully managed the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) for fiscal year 2025, covering 3,398,541 beneficiaries for nutritionally fortified food or hot meals for 120 days, and 2,685,054 beneficiaries for milk feeding for 15 days.

For early childhood education, the department awarded 228,740 sets of kindergarten educational toys and 2,216,383 million kinder activity sheets, strengthening play-based learning and school readiness for young learners.

 

With DepEd also receiving its largest budget in history at P1.015 trillion for 2026, the department said it is moving to further strengthen procurement reforms to make systems more agile and responsive. These include expanded early procurement, tighter alignment between planning and actual school needs, and faster delivery timelines to ensure that increased funding results in visible improvements on the ground.

“Kapag maayos at maagap ang procurement, mas maaga ring nakakarating sa mga paaralan ang mga kailangang resources. Doon nasusukat kung epektibo ang serbisyo ng gobyerno at kung may tunay na balik ang pondo ng bayan,” Angara said.

These developments form part of a broader reform agenda to modernize procurement, shorten delivery cycles, and ensure that every peso spent on education produces timely and tangible benefits for learners, teachers, and schools.

ASEAN Science Diplomacy at 10: Where the Scientist Meets the Policymaker

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The ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly (ASDA) proudly celebrates its 10th Founding Anniversary under the theme “A Decade of Science Diplomacy: Bridging Divides, Inspiring Lives.” This milestone is marked by a landmark partnership between two visionary leaders: globally eminent science diplomat Glenn Banaguas (The Scientist), widely recognized as the Father of Asian Science Diplomacy, and Hon. Brian Poe Llamanzares (The Policymaker), a dynamic legislator celebrated for his compassion, steadfast support for the youth, and advocacy for science, technology, and innovation.

The ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly traces its roots to the Philippines, where it was founded in 2010 by Science Diplomat Glenn Banaguas as a pioneering initiative to harness science not for prestige but for service, protecting lives, strengthening communities, and building resilience in the face of uncertainty. Born in vulnerable communities and guided by the conviction that knowledge must serve, this genesis of science diplomacy became a covenant between science and society. In 2016, the vision was replicated and expanded to the ASEAN region through the US‑ASEAN Science and Technology Fellowship, a program of the US State Department in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat, establishing ASDA as a regional platform for dialogue, collaboration, and capacity‑building. Since its inception, the Assembly has advanced the practice of science diplomacy across Southeast Asia, empowering emerging leaders to bridge scientific knowledge with policy action and fostering resilience.

This partnership underscores ASDA’s enduring mission to unite science, policy, and diplomacy in addressing urgent issues such as climate change, sustainability, and resilience. At the same time, it expands its reach into critical domains that shape everyday life, including food security, energy, water, human health, infrastructure, and transport, while embracing the challenges and opportunities brought by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Glenn Banaguas remarked, “Science diplomacy is the art of transforming dialogue into trust, and trust into purposeful action that safeguards peace, fortifies security, nurtures resilience, and upholds sustainability as the enduring measure of progress. It is more than negotiation; it is a covenant of nations, disciplines, and communities to consecrate knowledge in the service of humanity. As we commemorate a decade of the ASEAN Science Diplomats Assembly, we renew our solemn commitment to ensure that science, guided by empathy and elevated by diplomacy, continues to inspire lives, unite peoples, and shape a future worthy of humanity’s highest aspirations.”

Brian Poe Llamanzares emphasized the legislative dimension, saying, “Science must never remain confined within the walls of laboratories; it must be translated into policies that uplift lives and secure the future of our people. As lawmakers, we bear the solemn duty to transform knowledge into institutions that safeguard peace, strengthen security, and nurture resilience. This responsibility is not only legislative but moral, for it calls us to ensure that discoveries and innovations are woven into governance so they serve both present and future generations. In this way, sustainability becomes not merely an aspiration but a living promise, a legacy measured not by statistics alone, but by the dignity it protects, the hope it sustains, and the futures it illuminates.”

The 10th Anniversary celebration will convene diplomats, scientists, policymakers, and advocates from across ASEAN, highlighting the Assembly’s legacy of fostering dialogue and cooperation. The partnership between Banaguas and Poe Llamanzares signals a new chapter in advancing science diplomacy as a cornerstone of authentic development.

DepEd’s ARAL Program delivers early proof of learning reform in action

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MAKATI CITY, 7 January 2026 — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday reported measurable improvements in reading outcomes under the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, citing assessment data showing significant reductions in the number of struggling readers across grade levels, as the Marcos administration allocates Php8.93 billion in the proposed 2026 national budget to fully scale up the program nationwide. 

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the proposed Php8.93-billion allocation marks the first time ARAL will be fully funded since it was institutionalized into law, enabling the program to scale up proven strategies to help learners catch up in reading and mathematics.  

“Dito po sa ARAL Program, unprecedented din po iyong spending. Ito iyong para humabol tayo dahil lumalabas na nahuli na ang ating mga bata sa reading and math,” Angara said during Malacañang’s press briefing on Tuesday.

Based on DepEd’s Middle of School Year (MoSY) assessments with a 96 percent submission rate as of January 5, 2026, the proportion of struggling readers dropped compared with the beginning of the school year.  

Among Grades 3 to 6, reading readiness improved by an average of five points, while Grades 7 to 10 recorded gains of up to six to nine points, translating to 3.42 million learners in Grades 3–6 and 1.72 million learners in Grades 7–10 moving closer to grade-level proficiency in reading.

Behind the figures are learners like Rachel, a Grade 7 student from Iriga City. At the start of the school year, Rachel often hesitated to read aloud. After joining the ARAL Program, she now reads better in both Filipino and English and has gained confidence in class. “Salamat kasi may natutunan ako sa pagbabasa, napakalaking tulong po ito sa akin,” Rachel said, thanking her tutor and teacher for the support she received.

The department said these improvements were driven by structured remediation, focused tutorial sessions, and regular learner monitoring under the ARAL Program—interventions that will be expanded and standardized with full funding in 2026.

Under full funding for 2026, DepEd plans to engage more than 440,000 tutors nationwide, including both DepEd and non-DepEd personnel.  

Angara said the expanded budget would enable wider participation of external and volunteer tutors, reducing reliance on teacher overtime and easing classroom workload pressures.

With increased resources, DepEd estimates that ARAL coverage will expand to about 6.7 million learners in School Year 2026–2027, nearly double the roughly three million learners reached in 2025. The department said funding will also support tutor training aligned with literacy standards, improved learning materials, and strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems, including learner tracking through the Learner Information System.

 

The support of the President and the Congress for the program signals a shift from short-term learning recovery toward embedding remediation permanently within the basic education system, as the department continues to address persistent learning gaps in reading and mathematics nationwide.  

Future-Ready EducAItion: PBBM, Angara launch AI Program to support teachers, learners

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QUEZON CITY, 9 January 2026 — Learners, teachers, parents, and school leaders will be guided and upskilled on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in basic education, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday led the launch of the Accelerating Governance and Adaptive Pedagogy through Artificial Intelligence (Project AGAP.AI). 

The government’s flagship initiative places education stakeholders at the center of the country’s AI transition, providing them with clear frameworks, training, and safeguards to ensure that artificial intelligence strengthens teaching, school governance, and learning outcomes amid rapid technological change. Project AGAP.AI will be implemented in phases in 2026.

“In our language, Agapay means to support or to bridge. This is what we are trying to do today, standing next to our people and bridging the gap between technology and education,” President Marcos said.

Sec. Angara said Project AGAP.AI is anchored on a clear national framework aligned with the Bagong Pilipinas agenda and the Quality Basic Education Development Plan (QBEDP).

“Isang malinaw na framework, na nakaangkla sa Bagong Pilipinas at sa Quality Basic Education Development Plan. Para palakasin ang pagtuturo, pagandahin ang pamamahala, at maghatid ng mas mahusay na resulta sa buong education system,” Angara said. “Makatao. Makaguro. Makabata. This is how we build a future-ready Philippines. And a future-ready ASEAN.”

A core feature of Project AGAP.AI is large-scale capacity-building. Throughout 2026, DepEd will roll out a nationwide AI training program, branded as AI Ready ASEAN Philippines, designed for teachers, learners, and parents, targeted to reach up to 1.5 million participants nationwide, including 1.05 million learners, 300,000 teachers, and 150,000 parents. The training program is being implemented alongside local partner implementers such as Limitless Lab Organization, SmartCitiesPH, Inc., Break the Fake Movement, CGPH Incorporated, and ASEAN Youth Organization.

DepEd said the initiative is funded by the ASEAN Foundation and powered by Google.org. The training introduces AI in plain language, covering fundamentals, practical classroom use, ethics and data privacy, and how to address risks such as misinformation.  

The Department also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with ASEAN Foundation during the launch to formalize its partnership to promote responsible and inclusive AI literacy in the country.

To ensure clear guardrails, DepEd is set to release its Foundational Guidelines on the Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Basic Education. The guidelines will outline standards on responsible use, learner protection, inclusivity, and ethical deployment of AI tools in schools.

 

Curriculum reforms are also underway. DepEd plans to integrate AI concepts into the basic education curriculum to strengthen learners’ AI literacy and computational thinking. Complementing this, AI-focused in-service training modules for teachers are scheduled for rollout by the second quarter of 2026 to support classroom implementation.

The initiative is being implemented with the support of both international and local partners. DepEd is working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Responsible AI for Social Empowerment & Education (MIT RAISE) and the Day of AI Initiative on curriculum integration and teacher training.

At the system level, DepEd will pilot emerging AI-powered tools in 2026 to support teaching, assessment, and school management, developed by the Education Center for AI Research (ECAIR), with the goal of strengthening data-driven and evidence-based decision-making across the education system. Existing AI-powered platforms already in use will also be expanded, subject to national standards on reliability, fairness, and data privacy.  

Project AGAP.AI aligns with the ASEAN Vision 2045, and the Marcos administration’s broader digital transformation agenda, with education positioned as a critical foundation for preparing Filipinos to navigate an increasingly AI-driven economy.

Angara: Classroom observation reforms underway to ease pressure on teachers

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MAKATI CITY, 9 January 2026 - The Department of Education (DepEd) recognizes the concerns raised by teachers regarding classroom observation, as Education Secretary Sonny Angara affirms that their welfare remains a priority. 

At this time, the Department is not moving toward a complete suspension of classroom observation. When conducted properly, humanely, and with a clear purpose, classroom observation will remain an important tool for improving teaching quality and learner outcomes.

DepEd also clarified that classroom observation is not meant to be high-stakes or punitive. It is intended to be formative, supportive, and collaborative—conducted within schools and among peers—to strengthen a culture of teamwork and shared learning.

Rather than a blanket suspension, the Department is drafting new guidelines to shift away from traditional, high-stakes practices toward more modern, teacher-centered approaches. 

These include full classroom observations when appropriate; short and focused 5- to 10-minute walkthrough observations; instructional rounds; and reflective, data-informed feedback mechanisms designed to support teachers without adding unnecessary pressure. 

Secretary Angara said the reforms are consistent with President Marcos’ directive to protect and support teachers. 

“Hindi namin sinasuspinde ang classroom observation dahil mahalaga ito sa teaching quality at learner outcomes. Ang binabago namin ay ang sistema—mula high-stakes, papunta sa mas makatao at supportive na approaches. Malinaw ang bilin ng Pangulo: alagaan ang ating mga guro,” Angara said. 

“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Teacher Agnes Buenaflor at sa lahat ng ating mga guro. Malinaw ang bilin ng Pangulo: alagaan ang ating mga teachers,” he added. 

These reforms aim to ensure that classroom observation remains purposeful and constructive while upholding professional standards and safeguarding the well-being of teachers. The Department continues to welcome feedback as it refines its policies in support of better teaching and better learning for all. 

Expanded mental health services to better support students in schools, with parents as partners

 

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MAKATI CITY, 12 January 2026 — The Department of Education (DepEd) is expanding school-based mental health and anti-bullying support by formally involving parents, guardians, and caregivers as partners in learner protection through the implementation of the Kaagapay Program, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push to strengthen learner well-being and child protection in public schools. 

Under the DepEd Memorandum No. 002, s. 2026, the Kaagapay program is tapping parents and guardians as co-educators who help reinforce values formation, positive discipline, and learner well-being at home, in direct support of classroom instruction and school-based guidance programs.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the reform strengthens the support system around learners by bringing families into the process.

“Bilang magulang din, alam natin kung gaano kabigat na responsibilidad ang pag-aalaga at paggabay sa bata. Kaya kapag magkakasama ang pamilya at paaralan sa paghubog ng asal at pag-unawa sa pinagdadaanan ng anak, mas napapangalagaan ang learners at mas gumagaan ang trabaho ng mga guro,” Angara said.  

With an allocation of Php100 million nationwide, Kaagapay is being implemented through parent engagement sessions and advocacy campaigns designed to translate school policies into practical, everyday actions within families. These sessions use participatory and experiential methods such as sharing of best practices, guided reflection, and action planning, enabling parents to better understand learner behavior, socio-emotional needs, and the early signs of bullying or distress.

The sessions are structured to help parents situate their role within DepEd’s curriculum and learner development priorities before moving into learning discussions on socio-emotional and values support, positive discipline, bullying awareness, and home–school–community partnership. Parents are encouraged to reflect on their own family contexts and develop simple home action plans that align with school objectives, with the goal of sustaining positive practices beyond the sessions.

To ensure wider participation, schools may conduct face-to-face, modular, and asynchronous delivery modes, taking into account parents’ schedules, backgrounds, and circumstances. The program is open to all parents and caregivers of learners in public elementary and secondary schools and is designed to ensure representation across different family structures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Participation is voluntary, and safeguards are in place to protect privacy and prevent stigma  

Implementation of the Kaagapay Program is already underway, with coordination and engagement activities continuing within School Year 2025–2026 through schools division offices.

The rollout of Kaagapay coincides with broader government investments in learner well-being, including a Php2.9-billion allocation for the School-Based Mental Health Program. The allocation supports the implementation of the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080), which mandates the strengthening of school-based mental health services, including suicide prevention in schools.

With Kaagapay, DepEd is strengthening learner protection and well-being by ensuring that parents are not bystanders but active partners in creating safe, supportive, and inclusive school environments.

WVSU tops ForeSTAR 2025 short film competition

 

Wazzup Pilipinas?!

 

Student filmmakers from West Visayas State University recently bagged the grand prize in ForeSTAR ng Pasko: A Short Film Competition, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Forest Management Bureau in collaboration with the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

“Handong” by Sine-Mariit of WVSU also won Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Cinematography during the awarding ceremony held at the BGC Central Square Cinema.

DENR-FMB Executive Committee members led by Assistant Director Atty. Ray Thomas F. Kabigting, FDCP Project Development Officer Gaby Velazco, judges Dr. Joselito Delos Reyes and Seymour Sanchez, and faculty and students from participating colleges and universities, graced the event.

“ForeSTAR continues to be one of our most meaningful initiatives because it gives students a platform to express their connection to nature and to share stories that inspire action for our forests,” Kabigting said in his welcome message.

“This competition reminds us that environmental stewardship can be expressed in many ways – and that storytelling is one of the most powerful. Through film, our young participants have shown us their perspectives, their hopes, and their commitment to protecting our forests for future generations,” Kabigting added.

ForeSTAR ng Pasko was a celebration of environmental advocacy and student creativity, proving that the best holiday stories are the ones rooted in nature. After screening films that placed forests at the heart of the Filipino Christmas spirit, major awards were handed out to the young filmmakers.

“Pamasko ng Gubat” by Commerkadas of Leyte Normal University was awarded second prize.

“Bisperas” by Lucky 8 Media Entertainment from Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila took home the third prize trophy and the Best Poster award.

“Monito” by Pelikulang Daluyong Productions of Laguna University got fourth place while “Paskong Nilala” by Beda.Comm of San Beda College-Alabang came in fifth.

The DENR-FMB’s partnership with FDCP marks a new chapter for the ForeSTAR competition.

While past years focused on parol-making, on-the-spot banig-painting, bamboo belen-making, digital art, Christmas tree-making, fashion shows, and chorale competitions, the short film contest allowed students to explore the connections among forests, forest-dependent communities, and Filipino Christmas traditions on a grander scale.

“ForeSTAR opened a critical avenue for short films that mainly tackles the delicate balance of environment and our modern existence. It provides us with a panoramic window of talents presumably confined in urban-centric universities. I hope DENR-FMB ForeSTAR will continue to be a platform for budding filmmakers and communicators,” Delos Reyes shared.

Ross Flores Del Rosario and Wazzup Pilipinas: The Voice That Leads the Machine

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The Social Architect, Digital Synergy, and the Human Heart of Media

Every media revolution redraws the map of influence. But only a few individuals ensure that the map leads back to the community.

In the landscape of the Philippine digital era, that role belongs to Ross Flores Del Rosario, the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas. Not just as a blogger. Not as a digital marketer. But as a social architect who understands that technology is a megaphone, and a megaphone is only as valuable as the truth it amplifies.

Community as Responsibility in the Digital Age

For over a decade, Ross Del Rosario has championed a singular vision: Digital presence is not just about reach. It is about impact.

When the wave of Artificial Intelligence began to reshape journalism and content creation, he did not retreat into traditionalism. He leaned into the future with a sense of stewardship. Instead of fearing the "machine," he sought to lead it, ensuring that as Philippine media becomes more automated, it remains fundamentally Filipino.

That commitment became the bridge between the old guard of blogging and the new frontier of AI-driven media.

Wazzup Pilipinas: From Blog to Digital Institution

Wazzup Pilipinas was born out of a desire to give the "little guy" a voice. It transformed from a community blog into a multi-awarded national platform by staying grounded in the grassroots.

In the context of the AI revolution, Wazzup Pilipinas serves as the ultimate laboratory. Ross Del Rosario uses the platform to demonstrate that AI should not be used to create "fake" content, but to scale "real" stories. By integrating AI tools into the Wazzup Pilipinas ecosystem, he has empowered a new generation of creators to compete on a global scale without losing their local soul.

The Architect of Digital Synergy: Humans + AI

Ross Del Rosario’s philosophy is built on the concept of Digital Synergy. He views AI not as a replacement for the writer's hand, but as a propellant for the writer's reach.

The Curator’s Eye: While AI can generate text, Ross insists on human curation to maintain ethical standards and cultural nuances that an algorithm cannot feel.

The Intelligence of Connection: He utilizes AI to analyze trends and sentiments, not to manipulate the public, but to better understand what the Filipino community truly needs to hear.

Through his leadership, Wazzup Pilipinas has become a beacon for "Responsible AI in Media," proving that the machine works best when a human heart is at the controls.

Leading the Machine: Beyond the Screen

Ross’s influence extends beyond the digital page. As a frequent speaker and community leader, he has taken on the role of an educator for the "AI-Curious."

He demystifies the complexities of the digital shift for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises), showing them how AI can level the playing field. To Ross, the "Machine" isn't an elite tool for big corporations; it is a ladder for the Filipino entrepreneur.

His mission is clear: No Filipino storyteller or business owner should be left behind by the pace of technology.

One Vision, Infinite Connections

Wazzup Pilipinas amplifies the Filipino voice.

Digital Synergy bridges the gap between human intuition and machine speed.

Community Advocacy ensures technology serves the marginalized.

Ethical Innovation protects the integrity of digital journalism.

All of these are connected by one belief: The machine needs a leader, and that leader must be human.

Why Ross Del Rosario Matters Today

The digital world is becoming increasingly automated. Algorithms decide what we see. Bots write what we read. Data dictates how we live.

But algorithms have no conscience.

Ross Flores Del Rosario matters because he reminds us that behind every "like," "share," and "prompt" is a human being. He stands at the intersection of technology and community, ensuring that as we move toward a high-tech future, we do not lose our high-touch humanity.

In a world where machines are learning to speak, we need leaders who know exactly what needs to be said.

The voice that leads the machine is the one that speaks for the people.

Groups Mourn Tragic Cebu Garbageslide, Urge Sustained Rescue Efforts and Accountability

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

(CiRCA, PEJC, EcoWaste Coalition stand in solidarity with waste workers, seek justice for the victims)

12 January 2026, Cebu City. The EcoWaste Coalition extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic garbageslide on January 8 at the materials recovery facility of Binaliw landfill in Cebu City. The incident, which has now claimed six workers’ lives, left at least 12 injured, and dozens still missing as rescue operations continue, underscores once again the lethal consequences of unsafe waste disposal practices and the persistent neglect of communities living and working near dumpsites.

The collapse of massive piles of garbage struck areas where workers were stationed, gravely endangering landfill personnel—many of whom belong to the informal waste sector, whose labor in recovering recyclable materials is indispensable yet remains largely invisible, undervalued, and unprotected.

“This tragedy did not happen overnight. For a long time, workers had been reporting the dangerous buildup and instability of waste at the landfill. Still, these warnings were not acted upon,” said Anecita “Aning” Abadijas, President of the Cebu Inayawan Resource Collectors Association (CiRCA). “It is deeply painful to see fellow workers losing their lives because known safety risks were left unaddressed. We call on the landfill operator to prioritize the welfare of workers, nearby communities, and the environment over profit, and we urge government agencies to exercise stricter, fair, and consistent monitoring and enforcement so that accountability is ensured and similar tragedies are prevented.”

The Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC), which has been accompanying the affected communities and waste workers in Cebu, also joined the call for accountability. “What happened in Barangay Binaliw is a painful reminder that when environmental laws are ignored or weakly enforced, it is the poor and marginalized who suffer the most,” said Atty. John Menguito, Managing Trustee of PEJC. “There must be a thorough investigation, immediate support for affected families, and decisive action to prevent this from happening again.”

EcoWaste Coalition stressed that honoring the victims requires more than condolences. It begins with prioritizing rescue and retrieval operations, ensuring the safety and welfare of responders and workers, and providing urgent assistance to affected families, while demanding decisive action to prevent similar disasters from happening again.

The group called on local government units and concerned national agencies to take urgent, concrete, and life-saving measures, emphasizing that inaction would only perpetuate a cycle of loss and neglect. Specifically, EcoWaste Coalition urged authorities to:

Ensure immediate and adequate relief, including medical assistance, compensation, livelihood support, and sustained psychosocial services for affected families and workers;

Conduct a transparent, independent, and accountable investigation into the landfill’s operations, structural conditions, and safety protocols, with findings made public;

Shut down unsafe dumps and facilities without delay and fully enforce Republic Act No. 9003 through waste reduction, segregation at source, recycling, and composting—not through practices that endanger lives; and

Meaningfully engage affected communities, particularly informal waste workers, in planning, decision-making, and the development of just transition programs toward safe, dignified, and sustainable livelihoods.

EcoWaste Coalition stressed that the Binaliw landfill incident recalls some of the country’s darkest waste-related tragedies—from the Payatas dumpsite collapse of July 10, 2000, when days of heavy rains triggered a deadly garbage landslide that buried entire communities, to the long-standing crisis at Smokey Mountain in Tondo, where generations of informal waste workers lived and labored amid dangerous piles of waste. These tragedies shocked the nation and helped give rise to Republic Act No. 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, to ensure that no community would ever again be placed in harm’s way due to garbage.

“More than two decades later, we are still seeing the same failures repeated,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition. “People are still dying because of waste mountains that should have been dismantled long ago.”

At the same time, the group cautioned against using the tragedy to promote false solutions. “The Binaliw landfill tragedy must not be used as an excuse to justify costly, polluting, and unsustainable waste-to-energy incineration technologies.” To avoid a repeat of such a deadly incident in Cebu and elsewhere, the group urged strict enforcement and compliance with RA 9003 and related environmental laws and regulations. “With strong political will and genuine concern for the people and Mother Earth, Cebu, and the entire country can go Zero Waste.”

“As we mourn the lives lost and pray for those still recovering and missing, let this tragedy be a turning point,” the EcoWaste Coalition concluded. “Justice for the victims means ending deadly dumps, protecting workers and communities, and finally implementing ecological waste management in both letter and spirit."

The Digital Frontier: The Quest for the Philippines’ First National AI Team

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The dawn of 2026 marks a historic turning point for the Philippines as the nation officially enters the global arena of artificial intelligence. In an unprecedented "whole-of-nation" effort, the search has begun for the first-ever National AI Team to represent the pearl of the orient on the world stage.

This isn't just a competition; it is a mission to prove that Filipino youth are ready to lead the global frontier. From the bustling streets of Manila to the furthest reaches of all 17 regions, the call is out for keen young minds to step forward and shape the future.

The Gateway to Abu Dhabi

The stakes could not be higher. The selected four-member delegation will carry the Philippine flag to the Global Finals of the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), held at the prestigious Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from August 2 to 8, 2026.

There, they will face off against hundreds of the world’s brightest students from over 60 countries, tackling the development and responsible use of AI.

A Masterclass in Innovation: Ateneo BUILD

Leading this charge is Ateneo BUILD (Business Insights Laboratory for Development), a powerhouse of research and innovation under the Ateneo de Manila University. As the sole accredited Country Coordinator, Ateneo BUILD is not just organizing a contest; they are acting as an incubator for the next generation of tech leaders.

While Ateneo leads the implementation, the organizers emphasize that this is a national initiative. The doors are wide open to every high school student (Grades 7-12) across the archipelago—whether from public, private, or science high schools. The selection is strictly merit-based, ensuring that digital equity and talent, not financial background or institution, determine who wears the national colors.

The Gauntlet: A Roadmap to Excellence

The journey to the world stage is a rigorous climb designed to transform problem-solvers into technical masters:

The Spark (Stage 1): The National Eliminations focus on logic and scientific inquiry, making it accessible even to those without initial coding experience.

The Ascent: The competition grows increasingly technical through the Semi-Finals and National Finals.

The Forge: Finalists will tackle a grueling syllabus featuring Machine Learning, AI Ethics, and Computer Vision.

The Transformation: To bridge the gap to the global level, selected students will undergo an intensive Selection Bootcamp and a dedicated training period from April to June.

Key Dates

January 25, 2026

Registration Deadline 

Jan 31 – Feb 8

National Eliminations 

Feb 14 – 15

Semi-Finals 

Feb 22 – 23

National Finals 

Mar 7 – 8

Team Selection Bootcamp 

Aug 2 – 8, 2026

Global Finals in Abu Dhabi 

A Call to Arms for the Future

This initiative aligns with the highest national strategies, including the Department of Education’s MATATAG Agenda and the AI strategies of the DOST and DICT. It is a collective effort to equip students with the ethical grounding to use technology responsibly while building the world of tomorrow.

The search is on. The future is waiting. Are you ready to lead the Philippines into the future? 

Students can register at www.ioaiph.org until January 25, 2026. For those wishing to support this national mission, partnership opportunities are available to ensure no talented student is left behind due to travel or registration costs.

Uninhibited Littering in Luneta and Quiapo as Millions of Devotees Take Part in Traslacion 2026

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

(Zero waste advocacy group reiterates "kalakip ng debosyon ang malinis na Traslacion)

10 January 2026, Quezon City.  Traditional littering has again defiled public spaces in the City of Manila, particularly in Luneta and Quiapo, as huge crowds gathered yesterday to venerate the Black Nazarene during this year’s Traslacion.

Widespread littering marred the mammoth procession re-enacting the transfer of the revered image of Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno from Luneta to Quiapo, generating familiar sights of garbage in every nook and corner, just like in previous celebrations, the EcoWaste Coalition observed. 

“Our repeated pleas for a waste-free conduct of Traslacion have gone unheeded,” said Ochie Tolentino, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition. "Such a blatant disregard for our environment is unacceptable, especially given our current reality of climate emergency, pervasive pollution, and biodiversity loss, or what is termed as the triple planetary crisis."

“However, we also witnessed some commendable acts that have helped in preventing and reducing the fiesta trash and pollution,” she said. 

“We remain optimistic that the situation will change in future Traslacions as the devotees learn to put this year’s theme ‘He must increase, and I must decrease’ (John 3:30) into practice,” she declared.

From an environmental point of view, “He must increase,” the EcoWaste Coalition said, can mean humans decrease their sense of entitlement and dominion over Mother Earth and increase collective respect for God’s creation.

On the other hand, “I must decrease” can be interpreted as decreasing the throw-away culture and lack of concern for the environment by making conscious choices to lessen one’s demand on nature, and living a purpose-driven existence that upholds the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for the benefit and sustenance of all generations, the group said.    

At the Quirino Grandstand and the open area where the faithful gathered for the “Pahalik,” "Misa Mayor" and other liturgical activities, the EcoWaste Coalition’s Basura Patrollers found assorted garbage scattered for cleaning personnel from the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), Manila Department of Public Services (DPS), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to deal with.

Carelessly left for the assigned cleaners to pick up were boxes, cardboards, foils, plastic tarpaulins, and newspapers used for seating or sleeping; food and beverage packaging such as 3-in-1 coffee sachets, cup noodles, paper and plastic cups and tubs; food wastes, cigarette butts and vapes, lost slippers, and plastic bags containing mixed rubbish. 

A specific problem for the cleaners, as well as for the waste pickers, was the use by some men of empty PET bottles for urination, many of which were found abandoned next to overflowing waste bins and in garbage piles.

At Quiapo, the Basura Patrollers also found the processional route and adjacent streets strewn with litter, particularly single-use plastic water bottles, paper, and plastic food packaging waste, bamboo skewers, and food leftovers, including those given in “pa-karidad,” an act of sharing free meals and drinks, especially to the “mamamasan” and other devotees.

In many instances, the Basura Patrollers saw garbage piling up in street corners and gutters where the “mamamasan” rest and wait for their "pagsalang" to touch or pull the ropes of the “andas” (carriage).

Considered littering hotspots were the open field in front of the Quirino Grandstand; Roxas Boulevard from T. M. Kalaw St. to Katigbak Drive; T. M. Kalaw St.; Carlos Palanca St. from Plaza Lacson to Quinta Market; both sides of Quezon Boulevard from Quezon Bridge to Recto Avenue; Carriedo St.; R. Hidalgo St. from Lacson Underpass to Plaza del Carmen; Concepcion Aguila, Arlegui, Z.P. de Guzman, Bilibid Viejo, Casal and adjacent streets.  

On the positive side, the EcoWaste Coalition gave a thumbs-up to several acts that prevented and reduced pollution during the Traslacion 2026, such as the following:

--- repainting of the arches and gutters in Plaza Miranda by the Manila Department of Engineering using certified lead-safe paints;

--- non-use of wasteful plastic banderitas at the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, and the minimal use of such plastic buntings by local communities;

---  very few “happy fiesta” plastic tarpaulins by national and local politicians;

---  use of eco-friendly coconut cloth banners by the LGU in place of plastic tarpaulins laden with toxic cadmium;

--- provision of water dispensers in some barangays;

--- collection of discarded PET bottles by waste pickers to be sold to junk shops;

--- LGU imposition of a ban on the sale and use of firecrackers;

--- sale of cheap Mindanao-style packed rice dishes wrapped in banana leaf, which reduces the use of non-compostable and non-recyclable polystyrene food containers and disposable cutlery, and the

--- immediate street sweeping and flushing of the processional route by government waste and sanitation workers to remove litter and other pollutants.

The EcoWaste Coalition thanked all formal and informal waste workers who spent long hours picking up the mixed litter left by the devotees and vendors, stressing that everyone should follow the "no trace" and "clean as you go" principles, and take their "basura" with them for proper segregation, reuse, recycling, or disposal. 

In closing, the EcoWaste Coalition emphasized the importance of its clarion call for waste prevention and reduction, reiterating "kalakip ng debosyon ang malinis na Traslacion." 

The only time there was zero littering was in 2021, 2022, and 2023 when the Traslacion had to be canceled due to health and safety concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the group noted