Baguio under calamity state due to fuel crisis

 

BY VINCENT CABREZA

APRIL 10, 2026

TRANSPORT WOES Passengers at a jeepney terminal in Baguio City were few on Thursday as it was the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) holiday. But on regular workdays, residents endure long lines at the city’s business district to wait for their ride home as local drivers choose to limit their trips to save on fuel. —VINCENT CABREZA

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BAGUIO CITY—Residents dealing with long lines at jeepney terminals here on their way home at night found some relief on Wednesday when more units were deployed—financed by the city government after Baguio was placed under a state of calamity.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Tuesday signed City Resolution No. 257 declaring a state of calamity which he asked the city council to pass before it adjourned on March 30 for the Holy Week break.

Councilor Peter Fianza, a former city administrator, had informed the local legislature that a resolution may no longer be necessary after President Marcos placed the country under a state of national energy emergency on March 24.

The Philippines is among the Southeast Asian countries hit hardest by unstable world oil prices triggered by the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran starting on Feb. 28. The crisis worsened as Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz where 20 percent of global oil supply, especially those bound for Asia, passes through.

Resolution No. 257, which the Baguio council passed unanimously, provides authority to Magalong to use the city’s quick response fund (QRF) representing 1.5 percent of the city’s P3.26-billion budget, and secures a share from the national disaster relief standby fund.

Part of the QRF will be spent on Baguio’s emergency transport support fund, said Amy Gas-ib, chief of the traffic division at the City Engineers Office, during a Wednesday briefing.

Under an arrangement drawn up in a March 18 dialogue and formalized on Wednesday, 295 units of the total 1,154 public utility jeepneys serving Baguio would be assigned to ferry passengers from 6 p.m. to as late as 11 p.m. in exchange for subsidies covering their trips back to the central business district, Gas-ib said.

The price of diesel, which public transport vehicles consume, has shot up, discouraging many of the jeepney drivers to serve passengers after 7 p.m. to stretch their fuel when they resume work the following day.

As of April 9, diesel sold for P165.70 a liter, maintaining the same high rates recorded on Tuesday and Wednesday by the Baguio police.

Gas-ib said the subsidy would be based on the prevailing diesel prices and would adjust should prices rise again next week.

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She also announced that subsidies for taxi drivers are being prepared once her office completes the list of 3,346 taxi units in Baguio.

Subsidies in CDO

In Cagayan de Oro City, the local legislature approved an emergency declaration during a special session on Tuesday, allowing Mayor Rolando Uy to use the QRF to provide fuel subsidies to transport workers.

Public utility vehicles have been reeling from the fare hike moratorium imposed by the national government hence the city government is providing P2,000 on top of the P5,000 provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Jeepney drivers have also asked commuters to voluntarily increase the fare they give at every ride, from P12 per passenger to P15. —WITH A REPORT FROM FROILAN GALLARDO

Why Spirituality Matters in the Digital Age

 

 

A modern society is defined as a social structure characterized by a market-based economy, a democratic political system, and autonomous knowledge-producing institutions that develop empirical-analytical sciences.

However one looks at this range of dates, a considerable tension between any historical description of a rupture and conceptual understandings of modernity comes immediately to the fore. The conceptual imagery of a ‘modern society’ characterized by a market-based economy, a democratic polity, and autonomous knowledge-producing institutions developing empirical-analytical sciences sits in an uneasy relation to these historical dates. Were one to insist that the full set of those institutions needs to exist before a society can be called modern, social modernity would be limited to a relatively small part of the globe during only a part of the twentieth century.

This tension between conceptuality and historicity was resolved by introducing an evolutionary logic in societal development. Based on the assumption of a societally effective voluntarism of human action, realms of social life were considered to have gradually separated from one another according to social functions. Religion, politics, the economy, and the arts all emerged as separate spheres in a series of historical breaks—known as the scientific, industrial, democratic revolutions, etc.—that follows a logic of differentiation.

Money is one of the most essential in today’s world. Money allows us to meet our basic needs: buy food, shelter, and pay for health care. Meeting these needs is essential and if we don’t have enough money to do so, our individual happiness and the well-being of the community as a whole will be severely affected.

Why are values important in today’s world? Our values inform our thoughts, words, and actions. Every individual and every organization is involved in making hundreds of decisions every day. The decisions we make are a reflection of our values and beliefs, and they are always directed towards a specific purpose.

Values are the fundamental beliefs that govern our lives. They inspire how we act and speak. They guide our decisions about everything from career to personal growth. They embody the person we want to be, influencing how we treat others and how we interact with the world.

What is the most important thing in the world? Health – Without health, there is nothing worth it. Physical and mental health go hand in hand; if we don’t give importance to our physical health, it will have consequences for our mental health and vice versa.

Human life is the means to get rid of the cycle of birth and death, old age and travel. Devotion and liberation are possible in this life. Only in the human body, a person can reach God by knowing his form. We have forgotten the purpose for which life was given.

It’s important to prioritize making space for quiet, for real connection, and for reflection —both psychological and spiritual — in order to feel more grounded in ourselves and more open to a deeper, richer experience of life beyond the screen.

Stop making us heroes

 

BY ANNA CRISTINA TUAZON

APRIL 9, 2026

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Oil prices continue to increase, with last Tuesday’s double-digit increase that led to diesel costing as high as P172.9 per liter and gasoline up to P119.9 per liter. Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, who have long been calling for fare increases, have been ignored by the government and instead have been promised “ayuda.” It is not known whether the frequency and amount of ayuda will be enough to offset the financial losses, especially as oil prices continue to increase, and along with them, our general cost of living. I watched a transport spokesperson on the news, who seemed despondent at the government’s lack of action, explain that whatever ayuda they receive now is no longer to pay for today’s fuel but to pay the debts they have incurred in the last few weeks. Her remarks highlight the inadequacy of the ayuda strategy, in that it is insufficient to keep PUV drivers ply their routes. Commuters, therefore, will continue to struggle to get to work as fewer and fewer PUVs are on the road. There are beginnings of a contract service program, specifically in Manila, though Mayor Isko Moreno admits they are not sure if they have the funds to sustain it through the oil crisis.

The Department of Finance responded to the multisectoral call to suspend the excise tax by expressing concern that doing so would decrease the government’s revenue by at least P121 billion. It is hard to sympathize with this, as they have allowed—and continue to allow—hundreds of billions of taxpayer money to be siphoned off by corrupt officials and contractors. Surely, they can spend this much energy on recovering the funds stolen by their government colleagues to spare ordinary Filipinos from further suffering at the gas station.

Once again, in a crisis, it is the regular folk who have to bear the brunt of keeping our system afloat. It is the jeepney and tricycle drivers who have to continue absorbing the cost for the sake of the commuters. Commuters, in turn, have no choice but to keep going to work despite difficulties in getting there. Establishments continue to run and provide services, thanks to such commuters. It also happens to be tax season, and we, taxpayers, have the burden of doing our duty to keep government programs running.

The government has a habit of calling us heroes. They celebrate overseas Filipino workers as heroes while they trap them in a tiresome paperwork and administrative process just to be able to work abroad. They called medical and economic frontliners heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic even as they withheld hazard pay and other merited benefits.

The term “heroes” is unfortunately used by the government as a misdirection, lauding someone’s sense of responsibility to hide their own lack of action and accountability. It also creates the illusion that the “heroes” have the superpower to solve our national problems when, in fact, it is their powerlessness that forces them to sacrifice.

It is easy for the government to ask jeepney drivers to sacrifice their income because the drivers do not hold power over them. The government holds all the cards: permits, licenses, taxes. Even if jeepney drivers decide to no longer work, they still need to find another source of income. They cannot afford to wait this out. They are also the ones who have to face the tired commuters daily, and so their sense of responsibility is hard to ignore.

It was the same during the pandemic with nurses and other health providers. Despite not receiving back pay, their sense of duty to their patients kept them from walking out. Government agencies are the most egregious employers; they can delay the release of salaries for many months simply because they can.

The government cheers on the “hero” so that it doesn’t have to do the work. The public tightens their belt so that some public officials can continue to ride their helicopters and steal from coffers to fund their lavish lifestyles. They glorify our self-sacrifice so they don’t have to.

There is a Filipino psychology concept called “tagasalo,” coined by psychologist Dr. Lourdes Carandang. It is a personality type, usually within the family, where a family member becomes the tagasalo and carries the burden of caring and solving problems for the family. They become the primary caretaker, the breadwinner, and the emotional babysitter of the family. Expanding her concept to the nation, the regular Filipino citizen has become the tagasalo of our society. We bear the burden of keeping our nation going, even as our public servants actively work against us, creating dysfunctional systems that cause the problems to begin with and exploiting loopholes to enrich themselves at our expense.

In this oil crisis, I sure do hope that the government won’t try to make us the heroes. This time, I hope they do their job.

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—————-

aatuazon@up.edu.ph

 

PROBLEMS MAKE A  PERSON GROW

By

 Mindanao Daily News

 -

April 7, 2026

0

145

Growing as a person involves a continuous process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and self-transformation. It encompasses learning from experiences, expanding your knowledge and skills, improving your emotional intelligence, and developing healthier relationships with others and with yourself.

Struggle helps us to build resilience. This process helps us to develop mental and emotional toughness, enabling us to bounce back from setbacks and continue to move forward despite challenges. As a result, we become more resilient individuals who are better equipped to handle challenges in the future.

Difficult struggles force us to confront our fears and overcome obstacles, ultimately making us stronger individuals both mentally and emotionally. It is through these adversities that we develop important life skills such as problem-solving, perseverance, and adaptability, which can be applied to future challenges.

Do hard times help you grow? Research has found that up to 70 percent of people experience positive psychological growth from difficult times, such as a deeper sense of self and purpose, a greater appreciation for life and loved ones, and an increased capacity for altruism, empathy and desire to act for the greater good.

How can I challenge myself to grow? Try new things: Step outside of your comfort zone and try new things. This could be exploring a new hobby, traveling to a new destination, or learning a new skill. By exposing yourself to new experiences, you broaden your perspective and open doors to personal growth.

All I can say, dear reader, is that much of what I write is something I have experienced “first hand” and “learned” in the past.

Rajo Laurel invites everyone to embrace childlike wonder through dressing

 

By John Legaspi

Published Apr 5, 2026 01:33 pm

Summertime dressing can be defined in three words: carefree, colorful, and cheerful. Pieces should be an invitation for joyful moments, a taste of adventure, and a celebration of easy, sun-soaked days that feel endlessly nostalgic.

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

For noted Filipino fashion designer Rajo Laurel, all those themes are reflective of childhood, the wonder that comes from seeing the world with fresh eyes and finding joy in the simplest of moments. That’s why for Spring-Summer 2026, he crafted a collection that is a meditation on color, memory, and the quiet yet powerful language of imagination.

Dubbed “Child’s Play,” the collection is inspired by Danish-born, London-based designer Nina Tolstrup’s works, specifically the Bethnal Green Mews House. The collection reflects an environment where color is both playful and precise. Boldness exists alongside restraint, and every hue carries intention.

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Rajo translated this philosophy through a medley of colors and textures. Soft neutrals, earth tones, and quiet pastels are accented with bold hues, from electric blue to bursts of citrus and saturated primaries. These curated tones echo how the colors we encounter in childhood imprint themselves onto our consciousness, resurfacing years later as fragments of nostalgia, comfort, or joy.

“There is a certain honesty in how children engage with the world,” Rajo says. “They respond to color without hesitation or judgment. That purity of response—of simply liking something because it brings joy—is something I wanted to revisit in this collection.”

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

Pieces from Rajo Laurel's 'Child's Play' collection (Photo from Rajo Laurel)

The idea of play is also present in the selection of materials. Fabrics are chosen not only for their aesthetic qualities but for how they interact with color—how they absorb, reflect, and transform it under different conditions. The result is a kaleidoscopic collection that invites curiosity, something that is often left behind in adulthood.

Marking a significant moment for the brand, Rajo Laurel’s namesake label further expands its presence with the opening of its newest boutique on the second level of SM Aura Premier on April 6, 2026. The space echoes the collection’s philosophy—an environment where design is both intentional and immersive, allowing visitors to engage with the pieces in a setting that mirrors their conceptual roots.

“Child’s Play” will be available at The Rajo Store starting April 11, 2026, and on rajolaurel.com starting April 14. The Rajo Store is also located at Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, and SM Aura Premier.

 

By Dr. Jun Ynares

Published Apr 8, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Apr 7, 2026 06:12 pm

THE VIEW FROM RIZAL

Tomorrow, the 9th of April, the nation will celebrate “Araw ng Kagitingan.”

The root word of “Kagitingan” is “giting,” and is translated in English as “bravery, valor, courage, or heroism.” By way of review, the date officially became the nationwide celebration of the Day of Valor in 1987, when the late President Cory Aquino signed Executive Order 203, changing the celebration's erstwhile label from “Bataan Day.”

While this may not be a loudly celebrated day, it is as relevant as ever. After all, our individual and shared “Kagitingan” matters today, especially as the world faces hard times and an uncertain future brought about by recent developments on the global stage.

We recall that the holiday's previous name contained a controversial reference to the historic “Fall of Bataan.” When it was still referred to by that name, a growing number of Filipinos of the post-war era started asking this question:

“Why do we, Filipinos, celebrate a ‘Fall’?”

Several years ago, I recall asking our elders in Rizal province about the former reference to the April 9 celebration. They offered a profound insight. They said that what was then referred to as the “Fall of Bataan” was actually a “win moment,” a “glorious occasion,” and a time to celebrate the “uncommon valor” of the Filipino soldier and of every Filipino.

Once again, let me share their perspective.

According to them, what Filipinos did in the events leading up to that infamous “Fall” was important to the peace-loving world.

They told us that Bataan – that peninsula west of Metro Manila – was the designated site of a “last stand” against invading forces. They said that at that point in the Second World War, the Philippines was the last country in the Far East left standing. The military forces made up of Filipinos and Americans were to give their all in a bid to delay the total victory of the invaders.

They were able to do so with just a meager supply of ammunition, little food, and water. They had to rely on pure courage and on the promise of an American general that he “shall return.”

The gallant stand in Bataan made by what was then known as the USAFFE (United States Armed Forces in the Far East) resulted in the deaths of thousands and the eventual surrender of some 80,000 wounded, sick, famished Filipinos soldiers who eventually joined the equally infamous “Death March” from Mariveles, Bataan to San Fernando, Pampanga.

Historians say that by holding off the enemy for three months, the 120,000 Filipino and American troops significantly delayed the enemy's advance. This was the last part of the region still resisting. By doing so, they diminished the adversary’s capability to approach and attack the almost indefensible northern coast of Australia.

Yes. The Fall of Bataan prevented the Fall of Australia and a total defeat of the Allied forces.

Our elders also point out that the defense of Bataan was a showcase of the Filipino’s sterling character. They say we have an enormous capacity for pain and suffering. We are a people who do not allow setbacks to bring us down and keep us on the ground. We do not surrender. We just keep fighting.

Today, this quality is often called the “Adversity Quotient,” or AQ, which applies to modern challenges as much as it did in the past.

AQ is a score, much like IQ and EQ. The AQ score helps one understand their ability to cope with life’s adversities. It shows how resilient one is. “Resilience” is what others call the “bounce back” power.

The Filipinos who stood up against superior forces displayed “Kagitingan.”

They showed the world they are not daunted by adversity. Scarcity of resources does not dictate how they fight the battle. They always rise after a brief, even if nasty, fall.

We do not know how long the present “adversity” will last. The powers that have triggered the latest round of global conflict have yet to tell the rest of the collateral-damaged world what the endgame is. Meanwhile, we will have to rely on our remarkable Adversity Quotient. We will have to adjust, innovate, and be creative to make it through these difficult times – just as our forebears did during the War.

We join the rest of the nation in remembering and saluting the uncommon valor of the Filipino soldiers who fought in Bataan in 1942. We also honor every Filipino fighting their own battle today.

(The author is a Doctor of Medicine, an entrepreneur and the mayor of Antipolo City, former Rizal governor, and DENR assistant secretary, LLDA general manager. Email: antipolocitygov@gmail.com)

Valdez shines as Creamline downs Akari, makes return trip to PVL semis

Alyssa Valdez shines for Creamline. (PVL Images)

By Kristel Satumbaga-Villar

Published Apr 7, 2026 09:31 pm

The Cool Smashers displayed their championship poise against the persistent Chargers with Alyssa Valdez flashing her vintage form to complete the semifinal cast.

Creamline turned back a gritty Akari, 25-23, 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, for a return trip to the semifinals in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday, April 7.

The Cool Smashers displayed their championship poise against the persistent Chargers with Alyssa Valdez flashing her vintage form to complete the semifinal cast.

They join Farm Fresh, PLDT and Cignal.

Valdez was unstoppable at the attack line, pumping in 19 kills to finish with 20 points, while three of her teammates also scored in double figures to outshine Akari’s own frontline bannered by Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud.

“I’m speechless. We’ve been through so much as a team – a lot of struggles and challenges – but little by little, we still found a way to reach the semifinals,” said Valdez.

“We just stayed true to our culture. Even when we were struggling, we kept working until we found our footing during a very challenging time,” she added, 

Bernadeth Pons likewise sizzled in the offensive lane, firing all her 13 points on attacks, while Pangs Panaga took charge of their defense by posting four blocks to finish with 12 points.

Tots Carlos chipped in 10.

The Cool Smashers continued to bank on their explosive offense, managing 59 attacks compared to the Chargers’ 48 -- big thanks to the playmaking skills of Kyle Negrito, who had 23 excellent sets.

Lacsina and Sharma had 13 and 12 points, while Soyud and Domingo scored 11 points apiece, but their efforts for Akari went futile.

How to watch BINI for free during their historic debut at Coachella this Saturday

 

By Robert Requintina

Published Apr 8, 2026 07:34 am

ABS-CBN’s girl group BINI is set to take the global stage as it makes its highly anticipated debut at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival this Saturday morning, April 11, at 7:15 AM PHT (Philippine time), marking a major milestone for Filipino pop on the world stage.

BINI (Facebook)

Filipinos around the world can watch for free and support the group live on Coachella YouTube channel via the Mojave Stage livestream.

The nation’s girl group, composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena, is ready to champion Philippine music at one of the world's biggest music festivals happening live in Indio, California.  The group will return for a second performance on April 18 (PHT).   

Their Coachella debut comes just days after the release of their new EP “Signals,” dropping Thursday (April 9) at 9 PM PHT. The six-track project features new songs “Blush,” “Tic Tac Toe,” “Sugar Rush,” and “Step Back,” alongside previously released singles “Unang Kilig” and “Honey Honey,” which have already accumulated over three million and two million Spotify streams, respectively.

After their Coachella performances, BINI is also set to appear at the GRAMMY Museum’s “Global Spin Live” on April 21.

The group recently graced an NBA game celebrating the Filipino Heritage Night hosted by the Los Angeles Clippers last March 31. 

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN’s record label, Star Music, invites fans to share their reactions to BINI’s Coachella performance for a chance to be featured on its social media pages. Simply post your reaction videos using the hashtag #Coachella_BloomsReact and tag @StarMusicPH and @bini_ph.