BIR District Offices Extend Until Midnight to Assist Thousands of Taxpayers Availing of Estate Tax Amnesty

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Taxpayers Arriving at the District Office On/Before 5PM Will Be Assisted Regardless of the Time They Will Finish

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. extended his heartfelt gratitude to the examiners and revenuers deployed by the different Revenue District Offices of the BIR to accommodate the thousands of taxpayers that are hoping to avail of the estate tax amnesty before the deadline. BIR District Offices have extended their work hours as late as 12MN. 

"As long as taxpayers arrive in the District Office on or before 5PM, the District Office will entertain their application for Estate Tax Amnesty whatever time they may finish, even if the District Office has to extend beyond normal office hours," Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The commitment of the examiners of the BIR was on full display when Commissioner Lumagui visited Revenue District Office No. 39 last June 11, 2025. 

"The BIR commits to helping our taxpayers in meeting the Estate Tax Amnesty Deadline. BIR District Offices have extended work hours until 12MN to help assist thousands of taxpayers in their estate tax issues. The BIR is here to serve." Commissioner Lumagui stated.

The Estate Tax Amnesty deadline under Republic Act No. 11213, as amended, encourages taxpayers to settle their estate liabilities computed at a flat rate of 6% and all penalties, surcharges, and interest are waived.

The BIR has also issued a Tax Advisory stating that banking hours of all Authorized Agent Banks are extended until 5:00PM from June 4 to June 16, 2025.

NO PASSENGER LEFT BEHIND: DOTr Vows Justice, Safety Reforms After PWD Assault in Bus

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In the chaotic whirl of daily public commutes, where the vulnerable often vanish in the margins of indifference, one incident has shaken the nation’s conscience—and rightly so.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), under the leadership of Secretary Vince Dizon, is now under fire and under pressure after a disturbing incident involving a person with disability (PWD) assaulted aboard a Precious Grace Bus plying the EDSA Busway. As the story unfolds, so does the ugly truth: negligence in our public transport system has consequences—and this time, someone truly defenseless paid the price.

When Public Transport Becomes Public Trauma

On what should have been just another ride home, a defenseless PWD was physically assaulted by fellow passengers. Even more appalling than the attack was the inaction of the very people tasked with ensuring commuter safety—the bus driver and the conductor. They failed to intervene, failed to report, and ultimately failed their duty.

“This is unacceptable,” declared Secretary Vince Dizon. “The first responsibility of government is to protect the most vulnerable. And there is no one more vulnerable than our citizens with disabilities.”

True to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure commuter safety—especially for marginalized groups—the DOTr has now launched a full-scale investigation.

Immediate Accountability, Real Consequences

As a first measure of accountability, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) swiftly suspended the licenses of both the driver, Mark Ivann Ramos, and the conductor, Francis Sauro. Their failure to report the incident to the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT), or even to the police, constitutes gross negligence.

In addition, the DOTr is demanding a formal explanation from the bus company, Precious Grace Bus Co., for what is now a black mark on its operations.

A Promise of Help—and of Justice

More than bureaucratic reprimands and license suspensions, Secretary Dizon emphasized that concrete support will be extended to the victim and his family.

“We will provide the necessary help to Mark and his family,” he said. “And we sincerely apologize to them, especially to him, for what happened.”

But the response does not end there.

The DOTr is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to identify, locate, and prosecute the passengers responsible for the violent assault. “We must ensure they are caught and punished,” Dizon added. “This cannot be tolerated.”

Systemic Flaws: Overloading, Standing Passengers, and the Culture of Complacency

While this particular case has sparked outrage, it is also a symptom of a much larger disease: the deeply embedded culture of overloading, disregard for standing passengers, and lack of commuter dignity in the Philippine transport system.

In too many public utility vehicles (PUVs), passengers are crammed in like livestock. Standing, clinging to railings, packed shoulder-to-shoulder in sweltering heat. It’s an everyday ordeal for the average Filipino—but for PWDs and senior citizens, it's an unlivable nightmare.

It’s time to say what must be said: standing passengers should no longer be allowed. No ifs, no buts. What masquerades as “maximum capacity” is, in truth, maximum cruelty. The government must put an end to overloading—not merely to increase comfort, but to protect lives and preserve dignity.

Stop the Bandaid Fixes—We Need Proactive Governance

While financial assistance or ayuda is always welcome, reactive measures are not enough. We cannot wait for another viral video, another headline, another victim. The government must act now with foresight, with compassion, and with resolve.

We need stricter implementation of transport safety protocols. We need better training for PUV personnel in handling emergency and conflict situations. And above all, we need to rethink the entire commuter experience—not as a daily torture, but as a service that reflects the values of a truly inclusive society.

Let this incident be a wake-up call. One that pushes us out of the shadows of complacency. One that makes us say: Never again.

Let us not wait for another Mark. Let this be the last time a PWD is treated as disposable. Let this be the first of many steps toward a transport system where every Filipino—able-bodied or not—can ride with safety, dignity, and respect.

From Classroom Dreams to Community Impact: The Andrea Naraja Story

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How a 19-year-old pharmacy student transformed her passion into a thriving quail farm that's reshaping agriculture in Zamboanga City

The humid morning air in Odiongan, Zamboanga City carries more than just the promise of another tropical day. For Andrea G. Naraja, it carries the weight of dreams deferred, challenges overcome, and a vision that bridges two seemingly disparate worlds: agriculture and healthcare.

At just 19 years old, this Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy student has already carved out a remarkable niche in her community, proving that age is no barrier to innovation and impact. Her venture, Andrea's Quail Farm & Hatchery, represents far more than a business endeavor—it's a testament to the transformative power of youthful determination meeting strategic opportunity.

The Genesis of an Unlikely Partnership

The story begins not in the fields, but in the lecture halls where Andrea first encountered the fascinating intersection of agriculture and health sciences. While her peers focused solely on pharmaceutical compounds and clinical applications, Andrea's mind wandered to broader possibilities. She recognized something profound: the growing global emphasis on sustainable food systems and preventive healthcare created an unprecedented opportunity for those bold enough to seize it.

"I saw agriculture not just as farming, but as the foundation of community health," Andrea reflects on her early motivation. This revelation sparked what would become her defining mission—to demonstrate that young people could be catalysts for positive change in traditional sectors.

The decision to focus on quail farming wasn't arbitrary. Andrea's research revealed that quail products offered exceptional nutritional benefits while requiring significantly less space and resources than conventional livestock. More importantly, the local market showed tremendous potential for growth, with health-conscious consumers increasingly seeking high-quality, locally-sourced protein alternatives.

Navigating the Learning Curve

The transition from academic theory to practical application proved more challenging than Andrea initially anticipated. The agricultural sector, steeped in tradition and often resistant to change, required her to earn credibility through demonstrated competence rather than academic credentials alone.

Her participation in the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program became the turning point. This initiative provided her with more than just technical knowledge—it offered access to a network of mentors, fellow innovators, and industry experts who recognized her potential and provided crucial guidance during the formative stages of her enterprise.

The program's comprehensive approach addressed every aspect of agricultural entrepreneurship: sustainable farming practices, modern agricultural techniques, business management principles, and market analysis. For Andrea, these weren't just subjects to master—they were tools for transformation.

Building Beyond the Individual

What sets Andrea's story apart isn't just her personal success, but her commitment to community empowerment. As her quail farm gained traction, she recognized that her knowledge and experience could serve as a catalyst for broader change.

The ripple effects of her success began manifesting in unexpected ways. Local youth, inspired by her example, started exploring agricultural opportunities they had previously dismissed. Parents and community leaders began reconsidering the potential of farming as a viable career path for educated young people.

Andrea's approach to sharing knowledge reflects a sophisticated understanding of community dynamics. Rather than simply offering advice, she created opportunities for hands-on learning, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving. Her quail farm became an informal educational center where aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs could observe, learn, and experiment.

Innovation Meets Tradition

One of Andrea's greatest achievements lies in her ability to bridge generational divides within the agricultural community. She approached seasoned farmers not as a disruptor, but as a collaborator seeking to blend traditional wisdom with modern innovation.

This collaborative approach yielded remarkable results. By incorporating cost-effective farming techniques while respecting established practices, she created a model that appealed to both progressive and traditional farmers. Her diversified product offerings—ranging from fresh quail meat to specialized poultry products—demonstrated the market potential of strategic innovation.

The networking opportunities and mentorship relationships fostered through the YFC program played a crucial role in this success. These connections provided Andrea with insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and industry best practices that would have taken years to develop independently.

Challenges as Catalysts

Andrea's journey hasn't been without obstacles. The agricultural sector presents unique challenges: unpredictable weather patterns, market fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and the constant pressure to balance profitability with sustainability.

Financial constraints posed particularly significant hurdles. Unlike many agricultural ventures backed by established investors or family resources, Andrea's enterprise required creative financing solutions and meticulous resource management. Every decision carried weight, every investment demanded careful consideration.

Yet these challenges became catalysts for innovation. Limited resources forced her to develop efficient systems, explore alternative solutions, and build resilience into every aspect of her operation. The experience of overcoming these obstacles equipped her with practical skills and emotional resilience that no classroom could provide.

The Healthcare Connection

Andrea's pharmaceutical background provides a unique perspective on agriculture that extends far beyond production efficiency. She understands the critical relationship between food quality, nutritional value, and public health outcomes in ways that traditional farmers might not fully appreciate.

Her vision for the future includes leveraging this dual expertise to promote nutrition education, advocate for sustainable farming practices, and contribute to community wellness initiatives. She envisions her quail farm not just as a business, but as a platform for advancing public health through improved nutrition and sustainable food systems.

This healthcare-agriculture synergy represents a powerful model for addressing complex community challenges. By approaching farming through the lens of health and wellness, Andrea has created value propositions that resonate with health-conscious consumers while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Expanding Horizons

Looking toward the future, Andrea's ambitions extend well beyond her current operations. She plans to expand her quail farm and hatchery while integrating advanced technology and sustainable practices. Her goals include optimizing farm operations for maximum productivity while maintaining environmental responsibility.

More significantly, she aims to develop comprehensive educational programs that can empower other aspiring young farmers. Her vision includes creating structured mentorship programs, educational resources, and support networks that can replicate her success across different communities and agricultural sectors.

The incorporation of advanced technology features prominently in her expansion plans. She recognizes that modern agriculture requires sophisticated tools for monitoring, analysis, and optimization. By staying at the forefront of agricultural innovation, she positions herself to lead rather than follow industry trends.

Legacy in the Making

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Andrea's story is its broader implications for youth engagement in agriculture. Her success challenges conventional assumptions about career paths, demonstrates the potential for innovation within traditional sectors, and provides a roadmap for other young entrepreneurs.

Her journey exemplifies the transformative potential of programs like the Young Farmers Challenge. By providing young people with knowledge, resources, and support networks, such initiatives can unleash entrepreneurial energy that benefits entire communities.

The ripple effects of Andrea's work extend far beyond her immediate business success. She has become a symbol of possibility, inspiring other young people to consider agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path. Her story serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the common perception of farming as backward or unprofitable.

A Vision Realized, A Future Imagined

As Andrea continues to build her enterprise and expand her impact, her story serves as a compelling example of how individual determination, strategic support, and community engagement can create lasting change. Her success demonstrates that agriculture and healthcare are not separate domains but interconnected aspects of community wellbeing.

The transformation she has achieved—from pharmacy student to successful agricultural entrepreneur to community catalyst—illustrates the potential that exists when young people are given the tools, support, and opportunity to pursue their visions.

Her journey continues to unfold, but the foundation she has established suggests that her impact will extend far beyond her immediate achievements. Andrea G. Naraja has proven that with passion, perseverance, and strategic support, young people can indeed be agents of positive change in their communities.

In a world facing complex challenges related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development, stories like Andrea's offer hope and practical models for progress. They remind us that innovation and tradition can coexist, that young people have valuable contributions to make to established sectors, and that individual success can catalyze broader community transformation.

The synergy between agriculture and healthcare that Andrea champions represents more than just a business strategy—it embodies a holistic approach to community development that addresses multiple challenges simultaneously. As she continues to grow her enterprise and expand her influence, her story will undoubtedly inspire others to explore the possibilities that exist at the intersection of passion, purpose, and opportunity.