PBBM bats for more support to schools as DepEd ramps up reforms

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As public schools reopened nationwide for School Year 2025–2026, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured the public that it is taking concrete steps to address longstanding problems in basic education, even as it delivered a smoother and safer class opening across the country.  

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Education Secretary Sonny Angara led school visits in Bulacan and Quezon City to monitor preparations and highlight the administration’s efforts to improve school facilities, electrification, and learner support. 

“We’re making sure na may kuryente lahat, may tubig lahat. ‘Yun ang mga basic services na makita natin para naman maging maayos ang pag-aaral ng ating kabataan,” President Marcos said during the school opening in Quezon City. 

Secretary Angara also conducted site visits in Taguig City, Laguna, and Agusan del Norte, including the energization of Datu Saldong Elementary School, a remote campus previously without electricity. 

“There are only 46 students, pero meron silang problema sa absences because children are distracted. Pero noong kinabit nila ang kuryente noong Lunes, ayaw na umuwi ng mga bata. It just shows that if we can engage our students, we can really do a lot for our people,” Angara shared.  

The Education Chief also led the inauguration of a new Alternative Learning System–Community Learning Center (ALS-CLC) in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, reaffirming DepEd’s commitment to accessible, flexible education for all learners, including those outside the formal school system. 

Across the country, DepEd reported a largely peaceful and organized opening of classes, following extensive coordination with local government units, regional offices, and partner agencies. Among the new support programs rolled out this year is the CLASS+ (Clinics for Learners’ Access to School-health Services Plus) initiative which provides public school learners and teachers with direct access to health services that were once difficult or costly to reach. 

Reforms underway 

Still, DepEd acknowledged the urgent need to confront persistent education challenges. In Naic, Cavite, around 1,800 students continue to attend classes in makeshift structures due to overcrowding and a shortage of classroom space. In Eastern Visayas and other regions, the lack of licensed guidance counselors has made it harder to address cases of bullying and provide mental health support. Flooding remains a recurring issue in low-lying schools in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Pangasinan, disrupting classes and damaging learning materials. 

To ease classroom congestion, DepEd is working with the private sector to build more than 15,000 new classrooms by 2027. New school buildings are also being designed to withstand natural disasters, including multi-storey structures with open ground floors to prevent damage from flooding. 

To boost student well-being, the Department is strengthening Child Protection Committees and recruiting more School Counselor Associates and Division Counselors. Angara emphasized that mental health is now a central concern in education policy. 

Meanwhile, all 1.4 million kindergarten learners are now covered by the expanded School-Based Feeding Program, up from just 360,000 in the previous year. 

DepEd also confirmed that 884,790 teaching positions had been filled as of June 15, ensuring that public schools are fully staffed as in-person learning resumes. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) also recently reported that it recently completed the approval of the 20,000 teaching items requested by DepEd for 2025. 

“Education is not just about opening schools,” Angara said. “It’s about making sure that every classroom is equipped, every teacher supported, and every child given a real chance to learn. That means confronting these issues head-on—flooding, congestion, mental health, access—and working with everyone to solve them.” 

With the school year now underway, DepEd vowed to accelerate reforms and inter-agency coordination, aiming to deliver not just a successful opening week but a truly responsive education system throughout the year. 

The Philippines at the Center of a Soft Coral Revolution: New Study Uncovers Exceptional Marine Biodiversity in West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a groundbreaking discovery that places the Philippines once again on the global map of marine biodiversity, new research reveals that soft corals found in the West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank are among the most diverse in the world.

The revelation comes from a sweeping global study, published this May in Nature Scientific Reports, titled “Biodiversity and biogeography of zooxanthellate soft corals across the Indo-Pacific.” It offers the most comprehensive exploration yet into soft corals—an enigmatic and often overlooked class of marine life known as Octocorallia.

Soft corals are more than just underwater ornaments. Their hypnotic movements and vibrant hues captivate divers, but they also play a fundamental role in maintaining marine ecosystems. They contribute to reef structure, offer sanctuary to countless marine organisms, and may hold the key to life-saving medicines. Yet, despite their importance, they have remained under-studied, particularly in Southeast Asia.

That’s about to change—with the Philippines leading the charge.

Philippine Waters: A Hotspot of Coral Richness

Dr. Jue Lalas, a Filipino marine biologist and co-author of the international study, emphasized the country’s pivotal role:

“The samples from the Philippines were major representatives for the Coral Triangle region. The paper shows that the Philippines, including the West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank, is part of one of the centers of zooxanthellate soft coral diversity.”

Specimens were sourced from across the archipelago—including the Kalayaan Island Group, Western Palawan, Pangasinan, Puerto Galera, and Benham Bank in the Philippine Rise—between 2019 and 2021. Most of them were collected by Dr. Lalas himself, then a research associate at the UP Marine Science Institute (MSI), with the support of Rhea Luciano and Christine Segumalian. They were all part of the Interactions of Marine Bionts and Benthic Ecosystems (IMBiBE) Laboratory led by another Filipino co-author, Dr. Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez.

This collaboration between local scientists and global institutions resulted in over 4,000 soft coral samples from more than 40 countries and territories, creating a molecular treasure trove for biodiversity researchers.

A Molecular Window into the Reef

Using DNA barcoding—specifically the mtMutS and 28S rDNA markers—the team classified the coral samples into molecular operational taxonomic units, mapping patterns of species richness and endemicity across the Indo-Pacific. Their findings spotlighted two critical regions for soft coral biodiversity: the Indo-Australian Archipelago and the Western Indian Ocean.

But it’s the Philippine waters—especially the West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank—that emerged as standout zones of both diversity and endemic species, many of which may still be undocumented.

Unveiling the Unseen

“There are just very few papers on soft corals in the Philippines, despite them being obviously dominant components of our coral reefs,” explained Dr. Lalas. “That’s largely due to the lack of experts studying them, as more attention has traditionally been given to hard corals.”

Dr. Baria-Rodriguez and her IMBiBE team have been working to change that narrative. Since 2019, they’ve collaborated with world-renowned soft coral taxonomist Dr. Yehuda Benayahu to train local scientists in coral identification and taxonomy. Their work has already expanded our understanding of soft coral ecology and distribution, and their continued efforts promise even deeper insights.

In 2023, another training was held to further bolster local expertise, drawing participants from UP MSI and other partner universities.

Climate Clues from Coral

This growing body of research holds implications far beyond academic curiosity. In an age of climate change and ecological instability, soft corals may serve as environmental sentinels.

“In some disturbed reef areas in the Indo-Pacific, studies are showing a shift toward soft coral dominance,” Dr. Lalas shared. “They are generally more resilient to disturbances, but they too can suffer mortality if environmental stressors persist.”

Their ability to survive in stressed habitats suggests that soft corals might play an important role in maintaining reef ecosystems under climate duress. And where soft corals go, scientists believe, critical clues about ocean health may follow.

A Call for Protection and Continued Exploration

The study also hypothesizes that vast numbers of soft coral species—particularly in the West Philippine Sea, South China Sea, and Red Sea—remain undiscovered. “We have undoubtedly underestimated the number of species for these taxa,” the authors admit.

For Dr. Lalas and his team, the findings mark just the beginning.

“If you look at the study more closely, and the literature on Philippine soft corals, we have yet to explore their diversity in most of our seas,” he noted. “This represents a vast opportunity for coral reef scientists across the country.”

Their message is clear: the Philippines is sitting atop a marine goldmine of biodiversity, and with rising interest, there’s a real opportunity to lead global soft coral research while safeguarding these fragile ecosystems.

From the Depths to the World Stage

This landmark research is a triumph not just for science but for Philippine environmental stewardship. It highlights the Philippines’ indispensable role in the marine biodiversity of the Coral Triangle and amplifies the urgent need to protect its aquatic frontiers from exploitation and degradation.

The studies and expeditions behind these discoveries were made possible through partnerships with various agencies and projects, including PROTECT WPS (funded by DENR-BMB), UPGRADE-CIA (National Security Council), DDHP (DOST-PCHRD), and SECURE Philippine Rise (DENR-BMB), among others.

As we learn more about the invisible wonders of the sea, one thing becomes clear: the West Philippine Sea and Benham Bank are not just rich in soft corals—they are symbols of the nation’s marine legacy, waiting to be fully understood and fiercely protected.

For further inquiries or media interviews, contact the UP MSI Communications Team at content@msi.upd.edu.ph.

Wazzup Pilipinas remains committed to showcasing the incredible achievements of Filipino scientists and the majestic beauty of our seas. This is not just a story about coral—it’s a call to action for marine conservation and scientific advancement.

The 10 Best Places to Travel in 2025: Destinations That Will Transform Your Soul and Satisfy Your Wanderlust

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As 2024 fades into memory, the horizon of 2025 beckons with irresistible adventures and once-in-a-lifetime journeys. While iconic metropolises like Paris and Tokyo will always allure, the coming year unveils a collection of captivating destinations that transcend the typical travel bucket list. From remote islands that are finally within reach to ancient cities stepping into a bold new era, these ten locations promise not only awe-inspiring landscapes and rich histories but also transformative experiences that speak to the soul of the modern explorer.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the 10 Best Places to Travel in 2025—destinations chosen not just for their beauty, but for the stories they’re ready to tell.

1. Greenland: A Wilderness Once Distant, Now Near

What was once unreachable is now just four hours away. Greenland is shedding its remote reputation with the opening of new airports, including one in the capital Nuuk, enabling the first direct flights from the U.S. and Europe. Starting June 14, United Airlines connects Newark to this icy wonderland—bringing you face-to-face with nature in its rawest form.

Imagine dog sledding under the midnight sun, watching whales breach in pristine Arctic waters, and escaping into a landscape that feels untouched by time. With spotty cell service and endless vistas, Greenland is the ultimate reset for the soul.

2. Marrakech, Morocco: Where Time Stands Still and History Breathes

Marrakech, Morocco’s radiant red jewel, has long captivated the senses—but now it’s easier to reach than ever. United Airlines has launched the first nonstop U.S. flights to the North African marvel, eliminating the hassle of connections.

Wander the storied streets of the ancient Medina, barter in bustling souks, and breathe in centuries of culture layered into every corner. This thousand-year-old city is where the past pulses alongside the present—mystical, magnetic, and now magnificently accessible.

3. Kanazawa, Japan: The Soul of Old Japan Without the Crowds

Japan’s best-kept secret is ready for the spotlight. While tourists flock to Tokyo and Kyoto, Kanazawa offers serenity, tradition, and elegance without the throngs. With Japan Airlines offering free domestic flights for visitors, getting here is easier than ever.

Marvel at Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens. Stroll through perfectly preserved geisha and samurai districts. And take a fairytale day trip to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO site blanketed in charm. In 2025, discover the Japan you didn’t know you needed.

4. Quebec City, Canada: French Romance Without the Jet Lag

Step into a European dream—no passport stamps required. Quebec City wraps old-world charm and culinary excellence into a North American package. And in 2025, the Michelin Guide will grace the city for the first time, putting its gastronomy in the global spotlight.

Behind the ramparts of Old Quebec, you’ll find cobbled streets, timeless architecture, and the iconic Château Frontenac rising proudly over the skyline. Romantic, walkable, and bursting with culture—Quebec City is the Francophile escape of the year.

5. Curaçao: A Caribbean Canvas Bursting With Color

This Dutch-Caribbean island may be small, but in 2025, it’s making big moves. As one of the first nations to adopt the brand-new Caribbean guilder, Curaçao is reintroducing itself to the world.

Colorful colonial buildings line the waterfront of Willemstad, where culture and relaxation harmonize perfectly. UNESCO heritage, turquoise beaches, boutique hotels, and a warm, multicultural vibe—this is paradise before the crowds. Come for the charm, stay for the serenity.

6. Seoul, South Korea: A City Where the Future Meets Flavor

Seoul is more than just a cultural juggernaut—it’s a city that never stops evolving. K-pop and Korean dramas have taken the world by storm, but nothing compares to experiencing its energy firsthand.

Taste the world's best fried chicken, lose yourself in the neon magic of Hongdae, hike through Bukhansan’s majestic peaks, and find harmony in ancient palaces shadowed by skyscrapers. Seoul in 2025 is a symphony of tradition and tech—loud, proud, and deliciously unforgettable.

7. Patagonia, Chile: Journey to the Edge of the Earth

If raw, untamed beauty stirs your spirit, Patagonia is calling. Stretching over 1,000 miles across southern Chile, this natural masterpiece boasts towering mountains, glaciers that groan with age, and wildlife that roams freely.

Now, with Silversea Cruises opening the world’s southernmost luxury hotel in Puerto Williams, even the most remote corners are becoming accessible. Whether you cruise to Antarctica or trek Torres del Paine, Patagonia will leave you forever changed.

8. Tucson, Arizona: A Culinary Capital in the Desert

Yes, Tucson. This desert gem isn’t just about cacti and sunsets—it’s a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, the only one in the U.S., with a food heritage stretching back 4,000 years.

Taste tradition in every bite, where Native American and Mexican influences meet in culinary harmony. Visit the breathtaking San Xavier del Bac Mission, hike the Saguaro-lined trails, and discover why this under-the-radar city is suddenly on every foodie’s map.

9. Helsinki, Finland: The Happiest Place on Earth (Literally)

For the seventh year in a row, Finland has been crowned the happiest country in the world—and its capital, Helsinki, embodies that joy with quiet grace. Whether it’s the innovative architecture, the world-class healthcare and education systems, or just the clean, crisp air—something here just feels right.

Take a moment of silence in the famed Chapel of Silence, hop on a tram through picturesque streets, or join a heavy metal concert (yes, seriously). In Helsinki, you won’t just explore a city—you’ll witness a way of life the world should envy.

10. Bhutan: The Kingdom Where Happiness Reigns

High in the Himalayas lies Bhutan, a nation like no other. Known as the “Thunder Dragon Kingdom,” it is the only country with a Gross National Happiness index and the first to go carbon-negative. Now, visiting is a bit easier—its Sustainable Development Fee has been slashed from $200 to $100 per day through 2027.

Explore cliffside monasteries like the Tiger’s Nest, immerse yourself in Buddhist serenity, and discover a nation where the spirit is nourished as deeply as the senses. For those seeking meaning in their travels, Bhutan is not just a destination—it’s a revelation.

2025 Is the Year of Bold Travels and Beautiful Discoveries

These ten destinations offer more than photo ops—they offer perspective, connection, and wonder. Whether you're chasing history in Marrakech, silence in Bhutan, or tacos in Tucson, the world in 2025 is bursting with places that speak not just to your Instagram feed, but to your inner explorer.

Pack light. Travel far. Let 2025 be the year your journey truly begins.