DepEd engages ASEAN partners to advance AI-driven digital infrastructure in basic education

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

PASIG CITY, 10 February 2026  — The Department of Education (DepEd) is pushing forward a regional effort with its Southeast Asian counterparts to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence–driven digital infrastructure in basic education, positioning technology as a practical tool to raise learning outcomes and ease teachers’ day-to-day workload.

As part of this push, DepEd actively engaged education leaders, digital policymakers, and development partners during the 3rd Regional Policy Convening of the AI Ready ASEAN Programme on Monday in Pasig City.

The Philippines’ participation in the regional effort is anchored on Project AGAP.AI, DepEd’s flagship program on artificial intelligence in education. Through the AI Ready ASEAN Program, nearly 796,000 Filipinos, including educators and learners, have already completed training on the fundamentals of AI literacy.

“The Philippines does not see the digital race as a solitary journey. We stand ready to walk alongside our ASEAN neighbors—sharing our insights, our resources, and our steadfast commitment,” Angara said in a message. “Together, we can build a digitally empowered region where growth is shared and progress is collective.”

“A future-ready ASEAN cannot be built on guesswork or lofty rhetoric alone. It must be grounded in the lived realities of our people,” he added.

The convening was held under the AI Ready ASEAN initiative of the ASEAN Foundation, supported by a grant from Google.org. The regional program seeks to expand AI literacy and promote the responsible use of emerging technologies across all ASEAN member states.

For Filipino learners, the regional collaboration is intended to deliver more accessible digital learning tools, better-designed online and blended learning platforms, and data-driven interventions that help schools identify and address learning gaps early. These efforts are aimed at making learning more responsive to individual needs while ensuring that the use of technology remains ethical, inclusive, and age-appropriate.

Teachers, meanwhile, are set to gain from shared ASEAN policy frameworks that prioritize practical classroom support. DepEd officials said AI-enabled systems are being positioned to streamline administrative work, strengthen lesson planning through smarter digital resources, and provide timely insights on student progress—allowing teachers to spend more time on teaching and direct learner engagement.

The ASEAN Foundation also expressed its intent to align the AI Ready ASEAN activities with the Philippines’ chairship of ASEAN in 2026, particularly in advancing digitalization in education and ensuring that the benefits of AI reach learners and teachers across diverse communities.

DepEd said it will continue to engage regional partners to ensure that the adoption of AI in basic education strengthens—not replaces—the role of teachers, while giving learners the digital skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

PHLPost Grows Its Nationwide Presence to Fulfill Last-Mile Service Mandate

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With renewed focus on its role as the nation’s last-mile delivery service provider, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) continues to expand its nationwide presence through the opening of new post offices and postal stations across far-flung and remote communities in the country.

The newly opened facilities include the Macrohon Post Office, located at the Municipal Hall in Barangay San Vicente (Poblacion), Macrohon, Southern Leyte; the Matina Davao City Post Office along General Douglas MacArthur Highway in Matina Crossing, Davao City; the Limasawa Island Post Office in Southern Leyte; and the Baco Postal Station in the Municipality of Baco, Oriental Mindoro.

These strategic branch openings form part of PHLPost’s sustained efforts to strengthen its nationwide network and ensure that essential postal and logistics services reach Filipinos wherever they are. By expanding its physical presence not only in growing urban centers but also in geographically isolated communities, PHLPost reinforces its mandate to serve as the country’s only dependable last-mile delivery partner.

PHLPost’s leadership emphasized that the expansion is not simply about increasing the number of facilities, but about improving access to government services and enhancing service reliability at the community level. Each new post office brings core services closer to the public, including mail and parcel delivery, express mail services, Postal ID processing, and other related offerings that support everyday needs, local commerce, and public service continuity.

One of the main thrusts under the leadership of Acting Postmaster General Maximo Sta. Maria III is to honor its commitment to bring government services closer to the people. By strengthening its presence at the grassroots level, the postal service reaffirms its role as a vital public service institution dedicated to bridging the basic yet evolving needs of the Filipino people.

PHLPost is modernizing its operations and strengthening its delivery network while staying true to its mission of connecting people, businesses, and public services. By expanding and improving its services, the Corporation continues to link communities nationwide and support national development. 

PHLPost Launches “Express Mo Love Mo” for Valentine’s Day

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Love is in the mail.

This Valentine’s season, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) makes hearts flutter and love travel faster with the launch of “Express Mo Love Mo,” a special Valentine’s Day service designed to deliver romance right on time.

To mark the occasion, PHLPost has set up a romantic booth at Eastwood Mall, Libis in Quezon City, where the public can send sweet messages and thoughtful surprises to their loved ones. From heartfelt love letters to classic Valentine’s gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and other special treats, PHLPost helps turn feelings into meaningful deliveries that speak straight from the heart.

PHLPost offers same-day delivery through its Express Mail Service to ensure that every message and gift arrives right on time. 

For customers who want their gifts delivered within Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, or Bulacan, you may order directly via the PHLPost Mega Manila facebook page at  https://www.facebook.com/mktg.section.mega.manila for a faster and smoother experience. 

Valentine’s items are posted with corresponding item codes. For special Valentine’s Day delivery arrangements and inquiries, the public may contact Mr. Jeffrey Catayong (0927-245-0837) or Ms. Jennylyne (0931-962-7048).  

This special Valentine’s Day service is also available in other parts of the country where orders for flowers or gifts may be placed. Just click the area where you want your gift to be delivered.

·        𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮: https://www.facebook.com/phlpost.nela

·        𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝘂𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮: https://www.facebook.com/PhlpostNorthWestLuzonArea2

·         𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573010764199

·        𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮: https://www.facebook.com/phlpost.area6

·        𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578170702604 

This Valentine’s season, PHLPost invites everyone to express their love the traditional yet reliable way: through the mail, because love is sweeter when delivered. 

Ahead of 2026 Valentine’s Day, EcoWaste Coalition Cautions Men from Using Unregistered Sexual Enhancement Products

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

(Group echoes public health warnings vs. unauthorized sexual performance enhancers)

11 February 2026, Quezon City. Following the government’s public safety warning on the so-called love scams ahead of Valentine’s Day, the EcoWaste Coalition, for its part, alerted consumers, particularly men, against the use of unauthorized sexual enhancement products, which may result in serious health problems and hospitalization.

Often sold by online dealers, sidewalk vendors, and Chinese drug stores, unauthorized products that promise to improve sexual drive and performance may contain restricted substances, which, if taken without a doctor’s advice, may have serious side effects.

Information gathered by the group from authoritative sources such as Health Canada, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Philippine FDA indicates that unregistered male dietary supplements, male energy pills, male sexual stimulants, and erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments often contain hidden prescription drugs such as sildenafil and tadalafil.

According to Health Canada, sildenafil and tadalafil are prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. They should be used only under a doctor’s supervision, warning that both drugs “should not be used by individuals taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g. nitroglycerine) as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure.”

Health Canada further warns “individuals with heart problems are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat” if these drugs are used without proper doctor’s advice. “Other possible side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, dizziness, abnormal vision, and hearing loss.”

Desmethyl carbodenafil, dithiodesmethyl carbodenafil, and hydroxythiohomosildenafil are unauthorized substances similar to sildenafil, while nortadalafil is similar to tadalafil and may pose similar health risks, according to Health Canada.

“These contaminated products are a type of medication health fraud,” the US FDA stated.

The Philippine FDA has flagged dietary supplements after laboratory analyses found them adulterated with sildenafil or tadalafil in violation of Republic Act No. 9711, or the FDA Act of 2009, and Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013.

Among the products flagged by the FDA for containing sildenafil or tadalafil are specific batches of Drivemax Plus Brand Herbal Dietary Supplement Capsule, El Combate Food Supplement for Men, Manhattan Biological Maxman, Megaman, and Qi Lu Tadalafil Tablets Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction.

For more information about these FDA-flagged products, as well as unauthorized and/or counterfeit sildenafil and tadalafil drugs, please visit the FDA product verification portal at https://verification.fda.gov.ph/ (type or press mic icon to begin search).

To see the close to 500 sexual enhancement products flagged by Health Canada, please go to: https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/unauthorized-sexual-enhancement-products-may-pose-serious-health-risks#sildenafil


As for US FDA-flagged sexual enhancement products, please see: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud-notifications/sexual-enhancement-and-energy-product-notifications

The EcoWaste Coalition is promoting consumer and regulatory vigilance to ensure that adulterated and unauthorized health products containing banned or restricted substances are not offered for sale in the market, including on e-commerce and social media platforms.

Education stakeholders back DepEd–LGU partnership to scale up classroom building program

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MANILA, 12 February 2026 — Governors and teachers have expressed strong support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) expanded partnership with local government units (LGUs) to fast-track classroom construction, following the allocation of Php9.6 billion for the first tranche of the classroom building program under the 2026 national budget.


“Mga kababayan, naniniwala ako na kapag nagtutulungan ang pambansang pamahalaan at ang lokal na pamahalaan, mas malinaw, mas mabilis, at mas ramdam ng mamamayan ang resulta, lalong-lalo na sa edukasyon,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said during the historic partnership signing in Malacañang on Wednesday.

“And that is why, I have pledged that for the remainder of this Administration, we will prioritize – first priority will be education,” he stressed.


Of the Php9.6 billion programmed for the first tranche, Php4.1 billion has been earmarked for provincial governments for the construction of about 1,200 classrooms. DepEd will also procure around 2,800 prefabricated classrooms worth over Php5 billion. This is part of the first phase of the program, which will deliver 4,000 new classrooms nationwide to help improve daily learning and teaching conditions, according to the President.


Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the move institutionalizes a long-standing plan to tap the capacity of LGUs in delivering school infrastructure, with the support of Congress.


“Mr. President, ito talaga ’yong matagal ninyo nang pina-plano at sinasabi na dapat gawin natin. Being a former governor yourself, alam ninyo ang kapasidad ng ating mga local chief executives,” Angara said. “Kasama na po natin, kasangga na po natin ang ating mga provincial governors on this historic day.”

Quirino Gov. Dax Cua, national president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), described the initiative as “isang mahalagang hakbang tungo sa mas pinatatag at mas maayos na edukasyon para sa ating mga kabataan.”


South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo “Jun” Tamayo Jr., president of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), affirmed the LGUs’ unified commitment to the program.



“When national and local governments work together, real progress happens—especially for our learners,” Tamayo wrote in his post.


Teachers on the ground also welcomed the development, saying improved facilities would directly benefit learners and educators.


“Napakahalaga po ng isang maayos at conducive na learning environment sa pagkatuto ng mga bata. Dito sa Bicol, lubos po ang aming pasasalamat sa patuloy na pagsisikap ng pamahalaan, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Sonny Angara, na maghanap ng mga solusyon upang matugunan ang classroom shortage sa bansa,” Teacher Marlet D. Bongat of Tabaco, Albay said.


Teacher Kisyzl N. Uy of South Cotabato noted that inadequate facilities directly affect both teaching and learning.


“Mahirap po sa mga bata at mga guro ang kulang na pasilidad. Maapektuhan talaga ang pagtuturo at pagkatuto nila. Kaya magandang balita po para sa amin na may mga bagong paraan sa pagtatayo ng classroom na isinusulong ni Secretary Angara,” Teacher Kisyzl said.


The strengthened collaboration of DepEd and LGUs aims to maximize resources, shorten construction timelines, and ensure that more students gain access to safe and adequate classrooms nationwide.

DepEd hails PBBM for prioritizing classroom building, anti-child abuse bills

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 







MANILA, 11 February 2026 — The Department of Education (Department of Education) on Tuesday welcomed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to prioritize key education and child welfare and protection measures, including bills on classroom construction, anti-online sexual abuse of children, and expanded education assistance.



The measures were among the 21 priority bills approved during the third Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) full meeting of the 20th Congress held at Malacañan Palace. Lawmakers are targeting their passage by June.



Among the priority measures identified were the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act; proposed amendments to the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act; and amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino and Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Acts.



Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the administration’s legislative priorities reflect a comprehensive approach to improving access to education while strengthening the protection of learners.

“Malinaw ang direksyon ng Pangulo na palawakin ang access sa dekalidad na edukasyon at tiyaking ligtas ang ating mga bata, sa loob man ng silid-aralan o sa digital na mundo,” Angara said.



Under the proposed CAP Act, a Classroom-Building Acceleration Program will be established under DepEd, authorizing qualified local government units and civil society organizations to propose and implement classroom construction projects in public basic education schools using national government funds, without prejudice to other modalities that DepEd may adopt to address the classroom backlog.



Even ahead of the proposed CAP Act, Sec. Angara has already prioritized the expansion of the school building program, with the flexibility provisions under the 2026 General Appropriations Act serving as the Marcos administration’s response to the country’s classroom backlog.



Most notably, DepEd has recently partnered with all the 82 provinces in support of classroom construction efforts, which will be reinforced and institutionalized once the CAP Act is enacted.



Meanwhile, Angara shared that the proposed amendments to the OSAEC and CSAEM law aim to respond to emerging threats such as the use of artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies, sexual extortion, and other online abuses, while strengthening coordination with internet platforms, payment service providers, and law enforcement agencies.

Angara said the proposed legislative changes align with ongoing DepEd initiatives aimed at preventing and responding to abuse, violence, and exploitation of learners, including the institutionalization of Learner Rights and Protection Desks in schools, the operation of the Learners TeleSafe Contact Center Helpline for reporting abuse, and the rollout of capacity-building programs that have trained hundreds of learner rights and protection specialists nationwide.



The Education chief said the priority bills complement ongoing initiatives of the Department, including accelerated classroom construction, the strengthening of learner rights and protection mechanisms in schools, and nationwide awareness campaigns on online safety.



The LEDAC brings together leaders of the executive, led by President Marcos, and legislative branches, led by Senate President Tito Sotto and House Speaker Bojie Dy III, to align priority measures and fast-track critical legislation.

PBBM leads signing of DepEd–LGU historic MOA to fast-track classroom construction

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 




MALACAÑANG, MANILA, 11 February 2026 — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) on Wednesday received the signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Education (DepEd) and local government units, backed by representatives from more than 90 percent of provinces nationwide, aimed at accelerating classroom construction and addressing the country’s persistent shortage of learning spaces.



“By giving LGUs greater role in the implementation, we streamline the process, we reduce delays, and we move faster in building schools that our children need,” President Marcos said.



Education Secretary Sonny Angara and provincial leaders inked the historic agreement at Malacañang, formalizing a nationwide framework that clearly delineates the roles of DepEd and LGUs in delivering school infrastructure and marking a decisive shift toward coordinated action in addressing the classroom backlog.






“These signatures mark the end of working in silos. They mark the beginning of shared responsibility,” Angara said. “Ang kasunduang ito ang malinaw naming pangako na wala nang classroom na maaantala dahil sa pag-aalinlangan, at wala nang edukasyong mapuputol dahil sa kakulangan ng ugnayan.”




The governors who signed the agreement represented key local government leagues, including the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), led by Quirino Province Gov. Dax Cua, and the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), headed by South Cotabato Gov. Jun Tamayo.



Under the MOA, LGUs are tasked to lead the construction, replacement, rehabilitation, and improvement of classrooms within their jurisdictions, including the conduct of procurement, supervision of contractors, and day-to-day project implementation, in accordance with national procurement and building regulations

.

DepEd, for its part, will identify priority schools, provide standard classroom designs and technical specifications, and exercise oversight by reviewing plans, validating completed works, and ensuring that projects meet national safety, accessibility, and quality standards.



The agreement also sets out shared responsibilities in funding and long-term maintenance, with strict monitoring, reporting, and transparency requirements to ensure the timely completion of projects and proper use of public funds.




Angara stressed that the partnership complements existing national school building programs and allows faster delivery by aligning national standards with local implementation capacity.



Provincial leaders who signed the MOA welcomed the clearer division of roles, saying it would reduce delays caused by coordination gaps and overlapping mandates.





The agreement mandates regular submission of financial and physical accomplishment reports, key performance indicators, and public disclosure measures to strengthen accountability throughout project implementation.




Angara said the DepEd–LGU partnership reflects a shared commitment to provide accessible, conducive, and quality learning environments for Filipino learners nationwide, in line with the President’s directive to make education a top governance priority.

MarkADo! Caps Off a Winning Move for 22nd PUP AdCongress

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—From expert insights to interactive segments, this full-house seminar proved ad recall is a game you can master.

“MarkADo! Winning Ads on the Board” successfully made its mark on January 27, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at PUP Bulwagang Balagtas. The event gathered students and industry professionals for an interactive discussion on what makes advertising campaigns truly remarkable.

The seminar welcomed over 500 attendees composed of the Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) community, aspiring marketing professionals, partner universities, and PUP alumni.

Kicking off the speaker lineup was Margie Husmalaga, Senior Media Director and Partner at GIGIL, who discussed how brands can stand out in a cluttered media landscape. She cited notable GIGIL campaigns such as RC Cola’s Gen Z-targeted ads and Skyro’s literally flexible billboard. She wrapped up her talk with a reminder that resonated with the audience: “Be brave, be bold—but most of all, be true”.

Taking the stage next was Jeriko Buenafe, a jingle composer best known for his work on Ritemed and the Da Pers Family theme song. His talk focused on audio recall and how strong planning and execution shape effective jingles. He emphasized that simplicity is key, noting that melodies have staying power to remain remarkable even years after their release.

Following this was Roman Carlo Olivarez of TREYNA Group who tackled visual recall. He highlighted how the brain processes visual information within milliseconds, and introduced the importance of distinctive brand assets in building strong brand identity. According to Olivarez, visuals do more than catch attention—they evoke emotion, tell stories, build brand identity, and provide solutions.

After the speaker sessions, the program shifted to the informative game show segment “Markado o Singko!” which tested the audience’s memory on popular advertisements. Cheers erupted in the venue when social media personality Inah Evans, known for her appearance in “Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast” and popularly dubbed “Mother Beep Card”, joined the segment as one of the panelists alongside Buenafe and Olivarez.

Following the game show, the PUPian drag queen Edsa Xxtra took the stage and re-energized the crowd with her usual intense performances. She further engaged the attendees by leading the audience in a Nestlé wellness dance that brought movement, laughter, and nostalgia to the venue.

The seminar concluded with Gio Puyat, Advertising Director and podcast host of Kwentong Creatives, who discussed how brands can sustain recall over time. He highlighted the diversity of roles within the advertising industry, encouraging students to explore where they truly fit. Puyat urged everyone to make something they want to see in the world, and to follow their passion as doing so will lead them in the right place.

As the program wrapped, MarkADo! left with a clear message: the most remarkable campaigns are built through strategic choices from planning to execution, much like the seminar’s chess theme. With expert-led discussions and interactive segments, MarkADo! equipped its attendees with practical strategies that they can apply to their next ideas and campaigns.

The seminar’s winning run was strengthened by its Lead Media Partners: Manila Standard, Manila Bulletin, and WazzupPilipinas.com . Together with Official Media Partners: When In Manila, IKOTPH, Edge TV Philippines, Now You Know PH, and TV Maria.

MarkADo was also made possible through its sponsors: Fitbar (Official Health Boost Partner), PUPian Lifestyle (Official Merch Partner), 901 Studios (Official Production House Partner), and Official Snack Partners Fudgee Barr, Doowee Donut Delectables, and Brownie Break. The event was held in collaboration with FlexOffice Philippines and Ohana Philippines, with event sponsors Careline, Floofs, Goya, Tri-Vision Ventures, Inc., and Dunkin’.

To know more about THE UN2LD and their upcoming projects, visit and follow its official social media accounts:

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DepEd rolls out classroom leasing to fast-track relief from classroom shortage

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 



PILA, LAGUNA, 9 February 2025 — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday rolled out its Classroom Leasing Initiative, a stopgap measure developed with local governments and private sector partners to immediately decongest overcrowded public schools while permanent classroom construction is ongoing.



In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Education Secretary Sonny Angara led the launch of the initiative in Pila, Laguna, marking the first time DepEd formally operationalized classroom leasing as a national infrastructure strategy to ease space constraints in high-density areas.

The leased facility is now serving as an annex of Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School, allowing Senior High School learners to transfer to a nearby site, easing congestion and allowing more comfortable learning conditions.

 


“Hindi natin isinasantabi ang pagtatayo ng mga bagong silid-aralan. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang classroom construction sa buong bansa. Pero habang ginagawa ito, kailangan din nating mag-isip ng mga praktikal at agarang solusyon gaya ng classroom leasing para hindi na maghintay ang mga bata at guro ng ilang taon bago magkaroon ng maayos na lugar para matuto,” Angara said.


He also stressed that it would complement long-term infrastructure programs, including traditional classroom building, public-private partnership projects, and other alternative delivery modalities.


Angara noted that the approach is meant to respond to urgent classroom shortages that force schools to adopt shifting schedules, reduce instructional time, and stretch teaching resources, particularly in rapidly growing provinces and urbanizing municipalities.


Laguna, which ranks among the third most congested provinces nationwide, was identified as an initial pilot area due to its large enrollment base and limited expansion space in several public schools.


DepEd refurbished and repurposed the leased classrooms within a few months, demonstrating how existing but idle facilities, including former private schools that closed during the pandemic, can be quickly converted into functional learning spaces.


The Department added that leasing provides a cost-efficient option in areas where land acquisition is difficult or where immediate relief is needed to prevent learner displacement while larger projects are still in the pipeline.


Local officials in Pila welcomed the initiative, noting that national-local collaboration helped fast-track site identification, coordination with property owners, and the delivery of basic requirements needed to open the facility.


DepEd said it plans to replicate the classroom leasing model in other high-need areas, particularly where local governments and private partners are willing to participate in shared solutions to address classroom congestion.


The initiative forms part of the Marcos administration’s broader push to close the country’s classroom gap through a mix of accelerated construction, partnerships with LGUs and the private sector, and flexible, time-bound interventions aimed at protecting instructional time and improving learning conditions.

Christian Bautista & Mark Bautista Set To Ignite New Frontier Theater In Bautista X Bautista Concert

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 




Quezon City, Philippines – OPM icon Christian Bautista is set to take center stage in Bautista X Bautista, a special concert happening on March 6, 2026 at 8:00 PM at the New Frontier Theater, featuring fellow singer and longtime collaborator Mark Bautista.

The concert spotlights Christian’s continuing evolution as an artist, bringing together his timeless ballads, recent collaborations, and new music in one evening. Mark Bautista joins him onstage for select performances, adding depth and energy through their shared musical history and chemistry.

A key highlight of the concert is Christian’s latest single, Sa’yo Lamang, set for release on February 25, 2026. The heartfelt track marks a new chapter in his music, reflecting the romantic storytelling he is known for while offering a fresh, contemporary sound that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners.

Bautista X Bautista underscores Christian’s commitment to collaboration and live performance, celebrating music, connection, and shared artistry. The concert also reinforces his enduring presence in the OPM scene, alongside a fellow artist who has grown with him through the years.

Christian Bautista is proudly managed by NYMA Talent Management.

Fans can expect a night of beloved OPM hits, powerful vocals, meaningful duets, and the live performance of Sa’yo Lamang.

Concert Details
📍 New Frontier Theater, Quezon City
📆 March 6, 2026 | 8:00 PM

🎟 Tickets via TicketNet:
https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/event-detail/BAUTISTA-X-BAUTISTA

Love Should Not Be Toxic: Watch Out for Lead-Tainted Valentine’s Day Gift Items

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Giving gifts on Valentine’s Day is a heartfelt way to show affection, but be mindful—some gift items may contain toxic chemicals, turning romance into a health risk. Toxics watchdog BAN Toxics issued a public warning about certain Valentine’s Day gift items due to the presence of lead—a known neurotoxicant—as well as traces of other hazardous substances such as antimony, arsenic, and chromium.

In a recent market survey, the group documented and purchased samples of Valentine’s Day gift products such as colorful plastic flowers with button cell batteries, mini plastic flower bouquets with lights, heart-shaped items, and gift items paired with chocolates and ceramic mugs, priced from ₱50 to ₱300 each. These were sold on the streets of Makati, Manila, Caloocan, and Quezon City. Most of the samples had limited product information. 

Using a Vanta C Series Handheld XRF Analyzer, the group tested the products and discovered lead levels of up to 2,410 parts per million (ppm)—far exceeding the 90 ppm limit under the DENR’s Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds.

“Valentine’s Day novelty items should be carefully monitored and tested for hazardous chemicals to protect public health and safety while fostering love and care for the environment,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics.

According to the World Health Organization, lead is a well-recognized toxicant with wide-ranging health impacts, affecting the neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and hematological systems. Young children are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to be exposed to lead than adults, and even low levels can harm the developing brain, potentially reducing intellectual ability.

To promote a toxics-free and waste-free Valentine’s Day celebration, BAN Toxics encourages people to steer away from the usual consumerist expressions of love. Instead, here are eco-friendly ways to make the day extra special:

1.  Opt for simple and natural gifts – Avoid plastic-based presents and excessive packaging. Choose gifts that express love while caring for the environment, such as sustainable, handcrafted, or locally sourced items.

2.  Plan an eco-friendly romantic date – Spend time in an eco-park, enjoy nature, and swap extravagant plastic bouquets for fresh flowers or potted plants. Bring home-cooked meals in reusable containers for a more meaningful and waste-free celebration.

3.  Give experiences instead of things – Instead of material gifts, treat your loved one to a concert, art exhibit, nature hike, or DIY spa day at home. Experiences create lasting memories without adding to waste.

4.  Write a heartfelt letter or poem – A handwritten note or poem is a timeless and personal gift that does not harm the environment.

5.  Choose ethical and sustainable treats – If gifting chocolates, opt for organic, fair-trade, or locally made options with minimal packaging.

6.  Create a cozy candlelit dinner at home – Cook a delicious homemade meal using local and organic ingredients, served with reusable dinnerware instead of disposables.

7.  Make DIY gifts from upcycled materials – Handmade gifts using recycled or repurposed materials add a personal touch and reduce waste.

8.  Opt for sustainable transportation – If going out, walk, bike, or take public transport instead of driving to reduce your carbon footprint.

9.  Plant a tree or start a garden together – A living symbol of your love that benefits the environment!

Love should be safe, thoughtful, and sustainable—because nothing says "I love you" like protecting the health of your loved ones and the planet, the group added.