Viva artist Jacqueline Gulrajani to represent Tacloban province in Miss Universe Philippines 2026

By Robert Requintina

Published Jan 29, 2026 11:28 am

Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban has announced that Filipino-Indian Jacqueline Gulrajani has been chosen as the province's official representative in the prestigious national pageant later this year.

Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban 2026 Jacqueline Gulrajani

Jacqueline was welcomed by Mags Cue, Miss Universe Philippines Vice President for Global and National Search, and Rachelle Erica Chua Pineda, Local Director of Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban, during a media conference in Quezon City recently. The Viva artist said she is excited to meet her pageant sisters.

"I'm very excited to meet them. Last year, I had the opportunity to host the swimsuit competition backstage. I got to meet the girls. This year, I'm sure we will have a lot of amazing ladies with their specific advocacies. I cannot wait to meet them and learn from them," she said.

This is the first time Jacqueline is joining a national pageant, though she said she never really expected to compete in the Miss Universe Philippines contest. "I think things are just aligning this year. Now I understand that this platform is powerful. I really think this year is definitely it."

Asked how old she is, the beauty queen answered, "I feel very young."

Jacqueline also said she asked Viva Films for permission to join the competition "so there's no problem." She mentioned Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up as her favorite beauty queen.

A mentor, educator, host, and model, Jacqueline is the daughter of a saleslady and a businessman. Her mother had her at 18 and chose motherhood over college.

Growing up, Jacqueline learned at an early age the quiet cost women pay when access to education and representation is limited.

Born and raised in Tacloban, Jaqueline later moved to Manila after graduating from the University of the Philippines, with P10,000, a broken suitcase, and a borrowed place to stay.

Jacqueline applied for a one-day hiring role the next morning and worked her way from taking calls to leadership roles, mentoring emerging and senior leaders along the way.

Alongside her corporate career, she began modeling and hosting, building her name as Jacqy Raj while sharing beauty and skincare content to help young women make more informed choices.

These experiences shape Jacqueline’s advocacy today, grounded in a vision of a world where women are free to choose themselves through access to education.

Higherley provides access to education and skills, empowering people to build a living of their own. In Pen & Pearl, she writes stories that speak to readers as they heal their inner child.

Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban 2026 Jacqueline Gulrajani is flanked by Mags Cue (left), Miss Universe Philippines Vice President for Global and National Search, and Rachelle Erica Chua Pineda, the local director for Miss Universe Philippines.

Through Glow Up Diaries and her podcast, she shares her personal inner and outer glow-up journey, helping women feel safer, more informed, and more confident as they create their own paths.

“As Miss Universe Philippines Tacloban continues to rise, it stands as a testament to unity, vision, and unwavering dedication," said Rachelle. "Tacloban City moves forward with pride and confidence. Tacloban is ready. Tacloban will be seen."

PSEi suffers deepest retreat in months on disappointing GDP data

 

By James A. Loyola

Published Jan 29, 2026 05:03 pm

Philippine stocks suffered their steepest decline in months, tracking a selloff that erased more than two percent of the benchmark index’s value after government data showed economic growth stumbled to a near five-year low.

The disappointing gross domestic product (GDP) figures triggered a broad retreat across most sectors as investors reassessed the country’s recovery trajectory amid high interest rates and sluggish state spending.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 132.42 points, or 2.08 percent, to finish at 6,223.36 on Thursday, Jan. 29. While mining companies found a foothold on the back of rising bullion prices, the rally was insufficient to offset heavy losses in heavyweight banking and property stocks.

Market turnover was active, with 1.34 billion shares valued at ₱7.55 billion changing hands. Decliners dominated the session, outnumbering gainers 124 to 75, while 56 issues remained unchanged.

The selloff intensified after the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the economy expanded by just three percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, a deceleration from the 3.9 percent growth recorded in the preceding three-month period. For the full year, GDP growth averaged 4.4 percent.

Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp., noted that the PSEi ended lower amid strong, broad-based selling pressure after the figures failed to meet market consensus.

He added that the softer growth data raised immediate concerns over the near-term economic outlook, prompting a shift toward risk-off positioning.

The equity market also faced headwinds from a weakening local currency as Japhet Tantiangco, research manager at Philstocks Financial, said the market was weighed down by the depreciation of the peso following the United States Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain its current policy rates. 

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., meanwhile, characterized the three percent fourth-quarter growth as the slowest pace since the first quarter of 2021.

Excluding the pandemic-induced contraction of 2020, the full-year performance represents the weakest expansion for the Philippines since 2011.

Ricafort attributed the slowdown to a combination of internal and external pressures, ranging from reduced government infrastructure spending amid heightened scrutiny of flood-control projects to adverse weather and geopolitical risks that have dampened global trade.

 

Strict monitoring vs Nipah virus ordered

President Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Health (DOH) to intensify its surveillance against the Nipah virus amid growing concerns over the disease. According to the WHO, Nipah virus infection is a zoonotic illness transmitted to people from animals. It can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from person-to-person. Read more

In a related report, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said that they are tracking seasonal Nipah virus outbreaks in Bangladesh and India. No Nipah virus infections have been recorded in the country since 2014. Read more

The magic of moving forward

 

The other day, I was driving when I saw a familiar face on the street. It was my ex. Seeing him felt like seeing any other random pedestrian passing by.

I remembered an old joke I used to tell my friends: that if I ever saw him while I was driving, I would run him over just to feel his bones cracking beneath my tires. Quite brutal, right? But the moment I saw him; those thoughts never occurred to me. I simply continued driving.

I told the friend sitting next to me that I had seen him and even joked about the old “hit and run” threat, but the truth is, I did not want to. I just smirked, feeling a wave of pride. Who would have thought that despite everything I went through, I would finally see myself healed from the things that used to break me?

It was a moment that made me truly proud. At first, life felt unimaginable without the people I once cared for. I used to yearn for them, praying that things would work out again, only to lose my self-respect in the process. There were moments when I felt completely alone, and the stages of grief felt agonizingly real. I never imagined that life would reintroduce me to those people, only to show me that our lines will never intersect again. Seeing their faces and recognizing them only as someone I used to know is a strange gift.

Back when the wound was fresh, I knew I would not have been able to control my tears or temper. This time, our eyes may have even met, but the magic was gone. Even the familiarity had vanished; he felt like a place I had visited once, a long time ago.

On a random Sunday afternoon on the porch of a new house, or in the driver’s seat of a brand-new car, the things that used to hurt you will lose their power. You will feel the magic of moving forward.

You will wake up fine, no longer comparing your hands to the ones they hold now. You will simply smile at the memories and the pain they caused, because those experiences made you who you are. The strong, wary person you have become exists because of the trials you faced. Surprisingly, you might even say “thank you.” You were once too comfortable believing things would never go wrong, but they did. And when they did, you thought it was the end of the world, but you were wrong. The moment it ended, something beautiful began. You noticed new patterns, you were introduced to people you never would have met otherwise, and you met a better version of yourself. The things you thought were impossible became your reality.

You can thank them for the catalyst but never give them credit for the person you have become. They may have contributed to the pain, but they were absent in the grueling process of your healing. Thank yourself because you are the one who survived. You held on when you were drowning, and you managed to save yourself. You were brave enough to let go and run toward something better.

That unimaginable moment of clarity arrived on a random Friday in December. I was not looking for him, but there he was, a familiar silhouette in the distance. I just drove past and smiled. The peace I have now is more important than anything that happened in the past. I have forgiven him for breaking my heart, and I appreciate the lessons he left behind. I am now familiar with the patterns he showed me. I recognize the “tricks” so that I am ready if someone else ever tries to deceive me the same way.

Life feels wonderful because one day it hurts, and the next, you are laughing about it. This does not just apply to an ex, but to everything we once thought we could not live without. You can rest easy knowing you were genuine and kind; if they could not see that, it was their loss.

One day, the people who hurt us will realize the weight of what they did. No matter how they try to start over, how much they give to charity, or how they flip the script to fit their narrative, there will always be a hollow space where they failed you. While they deal with the ghost of their mistakes, you are miles ahead. You are driving your car to places they will never see, leaving the prison they once built for you. Your heart finally feels victorious.

You realize you are lightyears away from the person you were when they left. And it feels good. If they ever decide to knock on your door again, your guard is up, and you are brave enough not to answer the call. Their names no longer carry any pain. Despite everything, you are still here, standing whole, and that is all that matters.

ATF Forum 2026: 'Navigating our tourism future together'

By Manila Bulletin

Published Jan 29, 2026 12:01 am | Updated Jan 28, 2026 04:02 pm

The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) that was opened by President Marcos, Jr. in Cebu on Jan. 28 has adopted a theme that captures both the urgency of the moment and the promise of the region: Navigating our tourism future together. It is a fitting call to action at a time when global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, climate risks, and shifting travel patterns continue to test the resilience of nations and industries alike.

The forum’s artistic and thematic logo—drawing from the ancient balangay or balanghai, the seafaring vessel that carried early Filipinos across open waters—offers a powerful metaphor. Just as the balangay relied on collective effort, shared direction, and trust among those on board, ASEAN’s tourism future depends on solidarity, coordination, and a common sense of purpose. No single country can weather global storms alone; progress requires moving forward together.

At the heart of ATF 2026 is the ASEAN Tourism Sectoral Plan for 2026–2030, a strategic roadmap that elevates tourism from a recovery tool to a long-term driver of sustainable and inclusive growth. The plan recognizes tourism as one of ASEAN’s most people-centered industries—one that creates hundreds of jobs quickly; supports micro, small, and medium enterprises; and strengthens cultural and community ties across borders.

Before the pandemic, tourism accounted for roughly 12 percent of ASEAN’s gross domestic product and sustained the livelihood of millions of families. Its rebound in recent years has been among the clearest indicators of regional recovery. Yet the lesson of recent disruptions is clear. Resilience cannot be improvised. It must be built deliberately through cooperation, innovation, and foresight.

The tourism sectoral plan seeks to do just that. By promoting ASEAN as a single yet diverse destination, enhancing digital transformation, prioritizing sustainability, and improving connectivity—especially to secondary destinations—it encourages longer stays, multi-country travel, and broader economic spillovers. In uncertain times, this collective approach stabilizes demand, strengthens investor confidence, and anchors growth in shared regional strengths.

For the Philippines, hosting ATF 2026 in Cebu is both symbolic and strategic. Cebu’s selection reflects international confidence in its tourism infrastructure and its capacity to showcase the best of Filipino hospitality, culture, and creativity. The immediate economic boost—from hotel bookings and transport services to local food and retail—will be felt across the city and nearby communities.

More importantly, the forum reinforces tourism’s central role in Philippine economic growth. Tourism generates employment faster than many sectors and disperses income more widely, reaching local communities that are often left behind by capital-intensive industries. In a period marked by fiscal pressures, infrastructure gaps, and climate vulnerability, tourism remains one of the country’s most practical engines for inclusive development.

The balangay imagery also carries a quiet reminder for our policymakers. Regional cooperation can amplify national efforts—but only if the Philippines rows in step. This means easing travel frictions, improving connectivity, investing in digital platforms, safeguarding environmental assets, and ensuring that tourism growth translates into decent jobs and resilient communities.

ATF 2026 is more than a showcase of destinations. It is a reaffirmation of ASEAN’s collective journey. As the region navigates uncertain waters, the message from Cebu and the Philippines is clear. The voyage toward a sustainable, resilient tourism future is best undertaken together, guided by shared values, common direction, and the enduring spirit of the balangay.

Romance and opportunity in 2026: Feng shui insights from Marites Allen

By Robert Requintina

Published Jan 28, 2026 09:12 pm

Feng Shui Queen Marites Allen predicts that the Year of the Fire Horse 2026 will usher in increased romance and social opportunities, especially for those born under the Ox, Snake, and Rooster signs.

Marites Allen

Allen explained that, according to classical Chinese metaphysics, the Peach Blossom (romance) energy in 2026 is embodied by the Horse—an enduring symbol that boosts attraction, relationship harmony, and favorable social interactions.

“In 2026, the Peach Blossom Horse will be activated,” Allen said, during a media conference in Taguig City. “This enhances romance and social luck for individuals born in the years of the Ox, Snake, and Rooster. It supports love, marriage prospects, improved relationships, and deeper personal and professional connections.”

Although often linked to love and dating, Peach Blossom luck also boosts social visibility, charm, and interpersonal success—benefiting professionals who depend on relationships, negotiation, sales, leadership, or public-facing roles.

Allen emphasized that the Fire Horse year brings swift developments and heightened emotions, highlighting the need for maturity and clear communication. She noted that individuals born in the Rat and Horse years should exercise extra caution in their relationships during 2026.

“Rat energy clashes with the Horse, and Horse energy experiences self-penalty during its own year,” Allen explained. “This doesn’t mean relationships are doomed, but misunderstandings may arise more quickly if emotions are not managed well.”

To encourage positive outcomes, Allen recommended focusing on calm communication, firm boundaries, and healthy routines to reduce stress. She added that traditional Feng Shui often activates Peach Blossom energy via the South sector—aligned with the Horse direction—or through symbolic charms, depending on one’s chart and intentions.

Allen advised treating romance luck in 2026 as a window of opportunity that still calls for wisdom and discernment.

“Peach Blossom brings opportunity,” she said. “But the quality of your relationships depends on the choices you make.”

Feng shui Queen Marites Allen (left) and daughter Nicola 'Nikki' Allen

A period of speed

The Year of the Fire Horse, which begins on Feb. 17, 2026, is described in classical Feng Shui as a period of speed, increased visibility, emotional intensity, and rapid results.

Fire Horse energy accelerates ongoing events, rewarding those who are prepared and decisive while revealing weaknesses, unresolved issues, and poor planning. The year favors courage, leadership, discipline, and clarity, but challenges impulsiveness, complacency, and imbalance.

According to Marites, 2026 is not a year for hesitation or drifting. The Fire Horse amplifies momentum for all zodiac signs. Those strongly aligned with Fire and movement may achieve breakthroughs in career, leadership, and public recognition, while those facing clashes or pressure should slow down, safeguard their energy, and proceed with heightened awareness. Health, emotional balance, reputation, and decision-making timing are critical themes throughout the year.

The 2026 prognosis offers clear guidance for each of the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs, outlining general opportunities, cautionary periods, and key focus areas like wealth, health, relationships, and career. Instead of predicting specific outcomes, the forecast stresses preparedness, strategic positioning, and conscious responses—essential for navigating a swift and reactive Fire Horse year.

For those wishing to enhance their luck and intentionally align with 2026’s energies, Marites Allen invites the public to her Annual Chinese New Year Countdown and Fire Horse Welcoming Ritual on Feb. 16, 2026, at Manila House Private Members Club.

12 animal zodiac signs

This is your comprehensive guide to the 12 animal zodiac signs for 2026:

RAT 2026 (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

The Year of the Fire Horse places Rat-born individuals in a direct clash year, a Feng Shui condition that highlights movement, change, and emotional testing. This does not indicate bad luck, but rather a year where flexibility, awareness, and adaptability become essential. Situations may shift unexpectedly, requiring you to reassess priorities and respond with maturity rather than urgency. Progress is still possible, but it comes through patience, reflection, and steady effort rather than force. This year encourages inner growth, self-discipline, and wiser decision-making, preparing you for stronger opportunities ahead.

OX 2026 (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

The Year of the Fire Horse brings a period of steady adjustment and reflection for Ox-born individuals. While this is not a clash year, it is a time that encourages reassessment, learning, and measured progress. Situations may require patience and a willingness to adapt rather than relying solely on привычные routines or past strategies. Growth in 2026 comes through experience, discipline, and a calm response to change. When expectations are managed wisely, this year can help the Ox strengthen foundations and prepare for more dynamic cycles ahead.

TIGER 2026 (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

The Year of the Fire Horse brings an active and demanding energy for Tiger-born individuals. This year highlights movement, decision-making, and the need for greater self-control. While opportunities may present themselves, progress depends on how well impulses are managed. Acting too quickly or emotionally may lead to unnecessary complications. 2026 encourages Tigers to slow down, think strategically, and choose responses carefully. When awareness and discipline are applied, this year can become a period of learning, recalibration, and personal strengthening.

RABBIT 2026 (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

The Year of the Fire Horse marks a strong wealth and success cycle for Rabbit-born individuals. This year supports recognition, financial growth, and smoother progress in personal and professional pursuits. Opportunities to increase income or improve material stability may arise more naturally, often through existing skills, networks, or past efforts. When aligned properly, results can come with less resistance than usual. However, this favorable momentum also calls for awareness, as increased activity brings greater responsibility. 2026 encourages Rabbits to enjoy success while remaining grounded, attentive, and prudent in their choices.

DRAGON 2026 (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

The Year of the Fire Horse is a significant and favorable period for Dragon-born individuals, as it is supported by the Future Prosperity Star in Feng Shui. This star is associated with long-term growth, rising influence, and opportunities that build lasting success rather than instant results. While progress may not always appear immediate, the year encourages Dragons to focus on vision, positioning, and decisions that shape the future. When approached with discipline and clarity, 2026 becomes a year of planting strong foundations for wealth, recognition, and sustained advancement.

SNAKE 2026 (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025)

The Year of the Fire Horse brings a quietly favorable cycle for Snake-born individuals, supported by the presence of the Future Prosperity Star. In Feng Shui, this star signifies opportunities that grow over time through wise planning, foresight, and well-timed decisions rather than immediate rewards. For the Snake, 2026 is a year of subtle progress. Results may not always be obvious at first, but strategic moves made now can shape long-term success. This year encourages patience, clarity, and careful positioning, allowing prosperity to develop steadily and sustainably.

HORSE 2026 (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026)

The Year of the Fire Horse is a sensitive and demanding cycle for Horse-born individuals, as it combines a self-penalty year with the influence of the Misfortune Star in Feng Shui. This combination highlights internal pressure, restlessness, and a tendency toward dissatisfaction if energy is not well managed. The Misfortune Star is traditionally associated with repeated disruptions, instability, and a feeling that matters require more effort than usual. This does not indicate unavoidable misfortune, but it does signal the need for caution, grounding, and conscious balance. Progress is still possible, but it comes through restraint, awareness, and deliberate pacing rather than force or speed.

SHEEP 2026 (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2027)

The Year of the Fire Horse places Sheep-born individuals in a year that requires greater caution and self-protection. The presence of the Robbery and Loss Star indicates heightened vulnerability to unexpected disruptions, carelessness, or physical strain if awareness is lacking. This does not mean misfortune is unavoidable, but it does signal the need to slow down, remain attentive, and avoid unnecessary risks. Progress in 2026 comes through prudence, emotional composure, and prioritizing safety. This year encourages awareness, restraint, and a more grounded approach to daily life.

MONKEY 2026 (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028)

The Year of the Fire Horse brings a year of caution and alert decision-making for Monkey-born individuals. This year is influenced by the presence of the Robbery Star, which in Feng Shui is associated with loss, disputes, injury, or situations arising from carelessness or misplaced trust. This does not indicate inevitable problems, but it does signal the need for vigilance, discipline, and responsible behavior. Progress in 2026 is possible when actions are well-considered and risks are minimized. This year encourages maturity, foresight, and better judgment in both personal and external matters.

ROOSTER 2026 (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029)

The Year of the Fire Horse places Rooster-born individuals under the influence of a Misunderstanding and Conflict Star, a Feng Shui indication that highlights tension in communication, differing viewpoints, and heightened sensitivity in interactions. This does not suggest inevitable problems, but it does indicate that peace and harmony may be more easily disturbed if words and actions are not handled carefully. Situations may escalate quickly when emotions run high or when assumptions are made without clarity. Progress in 2026 depends on restraint, diplomacy, and conscious effort to maintain balance. This year encourages maturity, patience, and thoughtful responses to avoid unnecessary disputes.

DOG 2026 (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030)

The Year of the Fire Horse brings a generally supportive and encouraging cycle for Dog-born individuals, as the Horse is considered a friendly ally to the Dog in Chinese metaphysics. This relationship enhances networking luck, cooperation, and the likelihood of receiving help from others. Opportunities may arise through social connections, partnerships, or being introduced to the right people at the right time. However, alongside this positive momentum, the Illness Star reminds Dog-born individuals to balance activity with self-care. Progress in 2026 comes from leveraging strong support systems while remaining mindful of personal well-being.

BOAR 2026 (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031)

The Year of the Fire Horse presents a mixed but manageable cycle for Boar-born individuals. While the Horse’s active and restless energy may feel demanding, it also encourages growth through adaptability and emotional maturity. In 2026, Boar-born individuals are also influenced by the Illness Star, which signals the need to pay closer attention to physical well-being and energy management. This does not indicate serious health problems, but it does suggest that fatigue or minor ailments may arise if rest and balance are neglected. Progress this year comes from pacing yourself, setting clear priorities, and maintaining inner calm amid change.

Hundreds flee as 5.7-quake rocks Sultan Kudarat

 

By Keith Bacongco

Published Jan 28, 2026 01:09 pm

DISPLACED residents from Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. (PCG Sultan Kudarat)

DAVAO CITY – Hundreds of families living along the coastline of Sultan Kudarat have initiated a preemptive evacuation due to fear of tsunami following the magnitude-5.7 earthquake that jolted the province at 1:05 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28.

In a report from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake’s epicenter was 55 kilometers southwest of Kalamansig town with a depth of 19 kilometers.

Phivolcs has not released a tsunami threat advisory following the tremor.

But as aftershocks are expected, Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu has ordered the suspension of work and classes until further notice.

“Residents of both municipalities are advised to remain alert, avoid staying in damaged or unstable structures, and prepare for possible aftershocks,” Mangudadatu said.

The governor said work suspension is only applicable for coastal towns of Kalamansig, Lebak and Palimbang.

Mangudadatu said that these measures were adopted to minimize exposure to risk while ensuring that appropriate response actions are in place during the period of continuing seismic activity.

He advised his constituents to exercise caution, stay indoors when possible, and avoid coastal and structurally vulnerable areas.

The governor encouraged residents to continuously monitor official announcements for updates and further instructions.

Mangudadatu said that fishing activities in coastal areas in the province are temporarily prohibited following the series of seismic activities.

The earthquake was felt at Intensity 4 in Palimbang and Lebak; Intensity 3 in Esperanza in Sultan Kudarat and Norala in South Cotabato; and Intensity 2 in M'lang and Pikit in Cotabato, Maitum and Malungon in Sarangani, and Tantangan, Banga, Tupi, Surallah, Tampakan, Santo Nino, and Koronadal City in South Cotabato.

It was felt at Intensity 1 in Kadingilan, Bukidnon; Maasim and Alabel, Sarangani; Zamboanga City in Zamboanga del Sur; and Santa Maria in Davao Occidental.

After the main shock at 1:05 a.m., dozens of aftershocks have been recorded, ranging from magnitudes 1.1 to 5.2.

Last week, classes and work were suspended in the province due to a magnitude-5.2 earthquake on Jan. 20 with an epicenter 43 kilometers southwest of Kalamansig.

The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in the towns of Kalamansig, Lebak, and Palimbang have confirmed that some residents in coastal barangays have initiated preemptive evacuations due to fear of tsunami.

A personnel of the MDRRMO in Kalamansig said that the tremor triggered a preemptive evacuation in 10 coastal barangays.

“Nobody ordered them to evacuate,there was no tsunami advisory but maybe they were just scared that a stronger earthquake might come and might trigger a tsunami,” the MDRRMO personnel said.

Kalamansig Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office head Roshelo Caluyo said that about 3,000 to 4,000 families have evacuated to safer grounds.

Caluyo added that it was just an approximate figure as validation is still ongoing as of this posting.

“This is just an approximate figure because in one coastal barangay alone, more than 600 families have evacuated. And we also have some bigger barangays including the town proper,” he said.

In Lebak, an MDRRMO personnel said that she could not provide the number of families that initiated a preemptive evacuation as validation is still ongoing.

She added that most of these families were from six coastal towns of municipality.

But the Philippine Coast Guard Station Sultan Kudarat reported that about 350 families from the coastal barangay of Tibpuan have temporarily sought shelter in designated evacuation centers in Barangays Pasandalan and Poloy-Poloy in Lebak.

In Palimbang, MDRRMO chief Engr. Yasser Tuanadatu said that only 90 families from Barangay Kiponget have initiated a preemptive evacuation.

Tuandatu said that residents initiated the preemptive evacuation even with the tsunami threat advisory.

“Most of the residents in Kiponget have experienced the tsunami in the 1976 earthquake,” he added, referring to the Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami on Aug. 17, 1976.

Phivolcs records showed that the earthquake measured magnitude-eight with a depth of 20 kilometers.

The powerful tremor triggered a destructive tsunami that left an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 fatalities.

Tuanadatu said that the local government has suspended classes as a precautionary measure.

“We have two-story classroom buildings here. And if there will be aftershocks, it might cause panic and stampede,” he said.

Since Jan. 19, the Phivolcs has recorded a total of 765 swarm earthquakes around Kalamansig.

More than with magnitudes ranging from 1.4 to 5.2were plotted or located.

But only 30 were felt, according to Phivolcs.

The swarm was generated by the Cotabato Trench, noting that such activity reflects the gradual release of built-up stress in a tectonically active area, the Phivolcs said.

Davao cheese maker finds success juggling family duties, business

 

Raoul J. Chee Kee - Philstar.com

January 25, 2026 | 11:20am

MANILA, Philippines — Two decades since she started making her cheeses in Davao, Olive Puentespina can still talk avidly about her passion for dairy — goat cheeses, in particular. While she spends most of her waking moments tweaking and perfecting the cheeses sold under the brand Malagos Farmhouse, she also sets aside time some afternoons to lead intimate cheese-and-wine pairings at the shop.

During a recent visit, she regaled marketing department members of several Davao hotels with the story of how her natural inquisitiveness set her on a path few have taken. 

Olive’s late husband, Roberto Jr., was a veterinarian who would often be given farm-fresh produce or young animals, including goats, as payment for his services. They named their first three goats Jolina, Marvin and Rica after three popular local celebrities at the time. 

“I began thinking about what to do with the milk these goats produced. I attempted to sell the milk as is but it tends to spoil quickly so I tried making goat’s milk soap. Again, it didn’t click,” Olive said. 

Pivot, pivot

By then, the goats were multiplying and she and her small team ended up tossing gallons of milk away. That’s when she considered making cheese because it didn’t spoil as quickly and it would be a chance to express her creativity.

“Filipinos then were not familiar with cheeses made with goat’s milk. What they knew about and were partial to was Kesong Puti, which is made with carabao’s milk.”

Olive then began learning and experimenting. She signed up for classes and seminars as far afield as the United States and Switzerland. She contacted her siblings based in the US, asking if they could shoulder her expenses including airfare, tuition and sometimes accommodations. “I vowed to them that if they would, then I would make them proud.”

Fast forward to the present and Olive has done more than that for her siblings who now expect her to come bearing some of her award-winning cheeses whenever she travels to the US. Malagos Farmhouse is now recognized for its range that includes the bestselling Mango Sublime, a soft chèvre in the French style but dotted with pieces of ripe mango harvested from Davao. “I prefer to describe it as done in Filipino-Davao style because I was the one who came up with it,” she said.

She also makes feta in olive oil, chèvre with rosemary, her version of gouda, and a deliciously pungent one that goes great with sliced fresh apples or dried fruit.   

Learning curve

Olive recalled how she proved her Swiss teachers wrong when they told her she wouldn’t be able to make cheese given the high humidity in the Philippines. 

“They didn’t know that I had learned to adapt to local conditions. Although I learned the basics from them, I tweaked the steps. When they saw and tasted the final product, they were amazed and told me, ‘Never copy. Do it your way, the Filipino way.’”

Olive smiled when she recounted this anecdote. “I should have told them, ‘Correction, it’s Olive’s way.’”

The entire time she was stoking her passion and learning as much as she could about cheese making, she had a husband and three kids who depended on her.

“When they were younger, I would perform my motherly and wifely duties but every chance I got — any free time I had — was spent in the work room. I’m really proud because my kids learned to figure things out for themselves. If they could do it on their own and with very little supervision, they would. They’re very proactive.”

At times when a parent’s counsel is sought, Olive is there to give her advice and help if needed. 

Olive then recounted another story that is a core memory. “When my daughter Ingrid was around 11, she came to me and said, ‘Mom, I want to apply to be your apprentice.’ 

“She didn’t come out and say outright that she wanted to be a cheese maker; she knew it would take time. Ingrid had been watching all along, observing me as I went about my day so when I finally put her in front of a vat of milk and she began inspecting the curds using her gloved hands, I felt like crying. She was a natural.”

As a widow now with three almost-adult children, she has more time to tinker around in her workroom, creating cheeses that are served on Philippine Airlines’ long-haul business class flights, in restaurants and luxury hotels, and in the kitchens of cheese aficionados. 

“I’ve learned that if you raise your children properly, they turn out independent. Now, we learn from each other,” Olive said. 

Investing in tomorrow's Filipinos

By Amenah F. Pangandaman

Published Jan 28, 2026 12:05 am

BEYOND BUDGET

Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Whenever I speak with a child, I feel a quiet sense of excitement. Children see the world differently—with a clarity adults often lose. They are full of curiosity, honesty, and an unshakable belief that tomorrow can still be better. In their queries and laughter, you can glimpse the future taking shape. Thus, I have always believed that children must be at the heart of governance. The decisions we make today will shape the lives they grow into.

This belief guided my work at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), particularly our push for Public Finance for Children, or PF4C. It carries the simple message that children should never be an afterthought in public spending. They should be a priority. Every peso we allocate must translate into something real in a child’s life—better learning, better health, stronger protection, and a genuine chance to thrive.

For many years, our budgets spoke about children in fragments. Education appeared in one section, nutrition in another, and child protection elsewhere. On paper, everything seemed covered. On the ground, we can see the gaps. Services overlapped, while others failed to reach the children who need them most. PF4C challenges this disconnect by ensuring that our programs work together and that outcomes are felt in communities and not only reflected in reports.

Hence, in May 2025, the DBM, together with the European Union and UNICEF, launched a Public Finance Facility, a cooperation program to support more coordinated and targeted budgeting to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children in our country. This partnership was built on a shared understanding that improving children’s lives requires more than good intentions. It demands sustained, protected, and transparent public spending, guided by evidence and focused especially on the most vulnerable.

PF4C is about weaving children’s rights into the entire budget process—from planning and allocation to implementation and monitoring. This approach is reinforced by the Program Convergence Budgeting, which encourages agencies to align their efforts rather than work in silos. When programs converge, resources go further, duplication is reduced, and services reach children in a more coherent and meaningful way.

Our resources are finite. Competing needs are constant. Hard choices are unavoidable. PF4C does not deny these realities but insists that even in the face of difficult choices, children must never be left behind in our budget.

Armed with this belief, we at the DBM, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Bureau of Local Government Finance, launched the Child Budget and Expenditures Tagging and Tracking (CBETT) tool, which grew from a simple concern many of us shared: To make sure that government spending reaches children. Without clear data, even the best intentions remain untested. The CBETT tool gives us visibility. It enables the systematic identification, classification, and monitoring of child-focused budget and expenditures within local budget frameworks. This directly addresses the critical gap in expenditure tracking identified in the Child-Responsive Public Financial Management Assessment Report.

This became even more important after the Mandanas-Garcia ruling, which shifted greater responsibility—and resources—to local governments. LGUs are now on the frontlines of delivering services for children. CBETT helps ensure that as fiscal autonomy expands, accountability and child-responsiveness grow alongside it.

Equally important is opening the budget conversation itself. Through the government’s Open Government initiatives, we have taken steps to make fiscal discussions more transparent and participatory—creating spaces where citizens, including children and young people, can be heard. In fact, during the OpenGov Week last May, we invited children and youth participants for a dialogue titled, “Making Spaces: Children Driving Change for Open Government.” I believe when children are included in conversations about budgets in age-appropriate ways, they learn that governance is not distant or abstract. The government should also truly listen and make sure that lines are open because the best way to move forward is together. Through this, we build consensus, and we make decisions that affect their daily lives and one they can one day help shape.

Education shows how these principles translate into action. Responding to the learning crisis, we at the DBM allocated ₱1.34 trillion to education—the largest education budget in our history. And, for the first time, our country met UNESCO’s global benchmark of four percent of GDP. Over ₱1 trillion supports the hiring of teachers and non-teaching staff, classroom construction, academic recovery programs, and school-based feeding for millions of learners. These are not mere figures. They represent children who can learn better, eat better, and stay in school longer.

Beyond budget, Public Finance for Children reminds us that the true measure of public finance is lived experience—in safe classrooms, accessible clinics, and communities that protect and hear our children. As citizen Mina, I carry this belief beyond public office. Children live longest with the consequences of our choices. When we place them at the center of public finance, we do more than manage resources. We choose the kind of future we are willing to stand for.

(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the former Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)

Gen Z superstar Belle Mariano continues to uplift young lives as World Vision ambassador

 

By MBrand

Published Jan 27, 2026 11:30 pm

There is power in using fame and influence for good. Gen Z superstar Belle Mariano knows this all too well as she continues to support World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization. Now in her second year as its ambassador, the in-demand star hopes to help raise awareness of the organization’s mission to create a world where every child can live life to the fullest.

Belle Mariano

Belle became known as a chart-topping singer and a versatile young actress who starred in lead roles for hit shows such as He’s Into Her and Can’t Buy Me Love. But her role as an ambassador is one that she holds close to her heart, using her platform to raise awareness of the needs of the most vulnerable children.

“I have long been passionate about supporting important causes that help empower children, especially young girls,” noted Belle. “So it’s an honor that I still get to be part of World Vision’s goal of helping children access their basic rights, such as education, protection, and opportunities to thrive.”

Previously, Belle initiated various activities with World Vision. For her 23rd birthday last year, she celebrated with 50 World Vision-supported children in Pangasinan, some of her active fan base, and World Vision staff led by World Vision National Director in the Philippines, Dr. Herbert Q. Carpio. The celebration included getting to know the community better, games, and making and trading friendship bracelets to commemorate the fun-filled day. The children, along with their parents, went home with treats from Belle, including school supplies, hygiene items, and other essentials, boxes of donuts, and sacks of rice.

Aside from the meaningful birthday celebration, Belle also treated at least 15 children to a storytelling session. The children are part of Brigada Pagbasa, World Vision’s reading remedial program that fosters a love of reading among Filipino children.

Last year, Belle also engaged in the #GirlsCan campaign and participated in World Vision International’s 75th anniversary celebration was held in Iloilo, even amidst the storm season.

World Vision National Director in the Philippines, Dr. Herbert Q. Carpio, stressed that Belle’s reach can inspire many more Filipinos to support the organization’s campaigns that bring hope, joy, and justice to Filipino children. He shared, “Belle’s presence brings fresh inspiration to World Vision’s mission. We’re excited to continue working hand-in-hand with her, hoping that we can encourage many more Filipinos to sponsor kids so that they may

achieve their full potential.”

World Vision works with families, communities, and partners to ensure that children grow up healthy, are educated for life, experience the love of God and their neighbors, and are cared for, protected, and able to participate fully in their communities. Through this holistic, community-based approach, the organization aims to address the root causes of poverty and transform lives.

For more updates on World Vision and its programs, visit the World Vision website at www.worldvision.org.ph and follow World Vision Philippines’ official social media pages: @worldvisionph on Facebook and Twitter, and @worldvisionphl on Instagram.