Davao City plans to deploy AI-powered robots

 Davao City plans to deploy AI-powered robots to revolutionize government processes and public service delivery.

The technology is strictly designed to assist, rather than replace government personnel by managing:

Long queues and crowd flow

Repetitive paperwork

Routine administrative tasks

By automating these bottlenecks, human staff can focus on higher-level responsibilities, ultimately delivering more efficient and effective services to residents.

If fully realized, this integration could establish the city as a pioneering hub for public safety, disaster response, and advanced information services.

However, the proposal remains in the planning phase, pending formal budget allocation and approval through ongoing committee hearings.

Ultimately, this initiative highlights a strong local commitment to adopting emerging technologies to modernize governance.

#DavaoCity #LifeisHere

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Peso at risk of hitting 64:$1 level–MUFG

 

BY IAN NICOLAS P. CIGARAL

JUNE 3, 2026

EDITED BY FAITH HINOJOSA/INQUIRER PLUS GRAPHICS

The Philippine peso could weaken past the 64-per-dollar level if the Middle East conflict reescalates and oil prices reach new highs, MUFG Global Markets Research warned.

In a note to clients, the global bank said its baseline outlook still sees the peso gradually strengthening to 61 per dollar, assuming war de-escalation and US dollar softening.

Why is German significantly harder for English speakers to learn compared to other Germanic languages?

 

Lady in a Castle

 · 

Loves Languages

Because of the grammar.

The grammar structures of the German language are much more complex in comparison to the the grammar structures present in the English language.

German has four grammatical cases present in nouns and articles, it's one of the fewer Germanic languages that has preserved that grammar structure, the system of grammatical cases grants a much freer word order in the sentences with more freedom of combining them according to the context. German has also three grammatical genders in the nouns.

On the contrary English lacks of the system of declensions present in German, the only grammatical cases that English has preserved are the genitive and nominative, besides the word order in the English sentences is by far the strictest among all Germanic languages with mostly SVO pattern, allowing in very fewer cases a different word order in the sentences that it isn't this one.

English also lacks of grammatical gender distinction in nouns and adjectives, being among the fewer Germanic languages that has this characteristic.

Also the phonology of German could be harder to master for English speakers, since that there are many phonological sounds in the German language that they're not present in English.

Coincidentally Old English had grammar structures very similar to present day German with three grammatical genders and a system of declensions for grammatical cases, but all those features were lost during the transition from Old English to Middle English, Middle English had no longer those grammar features.

But it doesn't mean that German is harder to learn for English speakers overall since that it also depends according to the individual perception of the person and their personal experience with the studying of the language.

17th Star Awards for Music unveils 2026 nominees

By Neil Ramos

Published Jun 1, 2026 03:08 pm

The 17th Star Awards for Music unveils its 2026 nominees, highlighting top OPM artists including BINI, SB19, TJ Monterde, Ben&Ben, and Regine Velasquez across major categories like Song of the Year and Album of the Year.

Major names in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) are set to compete for top honors at the 17th Star Awards for Music of PMPC Star Awards Inc., scheduled on June 25, 2026, at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City.

This year’s nominees reflect a strong mix of mainstream chart-toppers, veteran performers, and rising acts, with BINI, TJ Monterde, SB19, Ben&Ben, and Regine Velasquez among the most-nominated artists.

Top categories include Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and a wide range of performance awards spanning pop, R&B, rock, rap, and live concerts. Special honors will also be given to music icons in recognition of their lifetime contributions to the industry.

Below is the complete list of nominees:

“Dilaw” – Maki (Tarsier Records)

“Marilag” – Dionela (UMG Phils./EMI Records Phils.)

“Multo” – Cup of Joe (Viva Records)

“Nami-miss Ko Na” – Lola Amour (Warner Music Phils.)

“Palagi” – TJ Monterde (Cornerstone Entertainment)

“Sa Bawat Sandali” – Amiel Sol (Ivory Music)

“Salamin, Salamin” – BINI (Star Music)

Album of the Year

“jgh” – James Reid (Careless Music/Sony Music Phils.)

“Lola Amour” – Lola Amour (Warner Music Phils.)

“Method Adaptor” – Ely Buendia (Sony Music Phils./Offshore)

“MU” – Arthur Miguel (Warner Music Phils.)

“Sariling Mundo” – TJ Monterde (Cornerstone Entertainment)

“Talaarawan” – BINI (Star Music)

“The Traveller Across Dimensions” – Ben&Ben (Ben&Ben Music/Sony Music Phils.)

Female Recording Artist of the Year

Dia Mate – “Ganda-Gandahan” (Island Records Phils.)

Eliza Maturan – “Museo” (Unstable Records)

Janah Zaplan – “I Luv U” (StarPop)

Jayda Avanzado – “Right Lover, Wrong Time” (UMG Philippines)

Klarisse De Guzman – “Minamahal Pa Rin Ako” (StarPop)

KZ Tandingan – “Toyo” (Star Music)

Moira dela Torre – “San Ka Na” (UMG Philippines)

Male Recording Artist of the Year

Darren Espanto – “Iyo” (Star Music)

Ice Seguerra – “ATM” (Star Music)

Inigo Pascual – “Kahit Di Mo Ko Nakikita 2” (Republic Records Phils.)

Juan Karlos – “Tanga Mo Juan” (UMG Philippines)

Maki – “Dilaw” (Tarsier Records)

Rob Deniel – “Happy Ending” (Viva Records)

TJ Monterde – “Sariling Mundo” (Polyeast Records)

Duo/Group Artist of the Year

Ben&Ben – “The Traveller Across Dimensions” (Sony Music Phils.)

BINI – “Talaarawan” (Star Music)

Cup of Joe – “Multo” (Viva Records)

Lola Amour – “Lola Amour” (Warner Music Phils.)

SB19 – “Kalakal” (Sony Music Phils.)

Sponge Cola – “Tatlong Buwan” (Universal Records Phils.)

The Juans – “Puwede Ba Kitang Ligawan” (Viva Records)

Concert of the Year

“Juan Karlos: Live” – Juan Karlos (Nathan Studios)

“Ogieoke 2: Reimagined” – Ogie Alcasid (A Team/Viva Live)

“Pagtatag! World Tour (Manila)” – SB19 (1Z Entertainment)

“Pure Energy: One More Time” – Gary Valenciano (Manila Genesis)

“Regine Rocks: The Repeat” – Regine Velasquez (iMusic Entertainment)

“Sariling Mundo” – TJ Monterde (EKG Productions)

“Seatbelts On!” – Cup of Joe (Viva Live Inc.)

“The King 4-Ever” – Martin Nievera (A Team/iMusic Entertainment)

Female Concert Performer of the Year

Belle Mariano – “Believe”

Julie Anne San Jose – “Ang Ating Tinig”

Laarni Lozada – “Groovin’ with the Champions”

Nina – “Love Nina”

Odette Quesada – “Love Q&A”

Pops Fernandez – “Always Loved”

Regine Velasquez – “Regine Rocks: The Repeat”

Sitti – “Sitti-Scape: The City of Bossa”

Male Concert Performer of the Year

Arthur Nery – “Solo Concert”

Dingdong Avanzado – “The Original Prince of Pinoy Pop”

Gary Valenciano – “Pure Energy: One More Time”

Ice Seguerra – “Videoke Hits (Encore)”

Juan Karlos – “Live @ MOA Arena”

Martin Nievera – “The King 4-Ever”

Ogie Alcasid – “Ogieoke 2”

TJ Monterde – “Sariling Mundo Concert”

Duo/Group Concert Performer of the Year

Alamat – “Ragasa: The Concert”

Ben&Ben – “The Traveller Across Dimensions”

Cup of Joe – “Seatbelts On!”

December Avenue – “Sa Ilalim ng Mga Bituin”

Over October – “Ikot Sa Music Museum”

Rivermaya – “The Reunion Concert”

SB19 – “Pagtatag! World Tour (Manila)”

Music Video of the Year

“Di Nakakasawa” – Arthur Nery

“Kalakal” – SB19 x Gloc-9

“Misteryoso” – Cup of Joe

“Palagi” – TJ Monterde

“Pulso” – Zack Tabudlo

“Salamin, Salamin” – BINI

“Sining” – Dionela

“Tiger” – Mayonnaise

Pop Album of the Year

“II: The Second” – Arthur Nery

“I’m Okay” – Moira dela Torre

“jgh” – James Reid

“Lola Amour” – Lola Amour

“Sariling Mundo” – TJ Monterde

“Talaarawan” – BINI

“The Traveller Across Dimensions” – Ben&Ben

Female Pop Artist of the Year

Angeline Quinto – “Salamat Ika’y Dumating”

Atasha Muhlach – “Love Story Kong Bitin”

Janine Berdin – “Alas Dos”

Jayda Avanzado – “Right Lover, Wrong Time”

KZ Tandingan – “Toyo”

Morissette – “Wishing Well”

Zephanie – “Kung Ang Puso”

Male Pop Artist of the Year

Amiel Sol – “Sa Bawat Sandali”

Arthur Miguel – “MU”

Darren Espanto – “Iyo”

Dionela – “Sining”

Maki – “Dilaw”

James Reid – “Mirasol”

Rob Deniel – “Happy Ending”

TJ Monterde – “Sariling Mundo”

New Female Recording Artist of the Year

Alyssa Muhlach – “Paalam”

Andrea Gutierrez – “Naghihintay”

Debbie Lopez – “Ang Higugmaon Ka”

Graciel Hizon – “Ang Tanging Alam Ko”

Isha Ponti – “Lambing”

Liana Castillo – “Umaambisyon”

Ryannah J – “This Na Malambing”

Shierrah – “Hindi Na Babalik”

New Male Recording Artist of the Year

Dwayne Garcia – “Taym Perst Muna”

Frank Lloyd Mamaril – “Made to Believe”

Gaz Magalona – “Di Madali Pero Kaya”

Kiel – “Bibitaw Na Ba?”

Marko Rudio – “Kasama Ka”

MC4D – “I’m All That”

Serlwin Rey – “Heartbreak Dilemma”

New Female Group of the Year

FINA – “Paramdam”

FINIX – “Hand in Hand”

PIX!E – “Iced Coffee”

RAYA – “Bling”

Sugar N’ Spice – “Sugar Sugar”

VVINK – “Alon”

Ziren – “Punong Puno”

New Male Group of the Year

12th Street – “Walang Humpay”

6ENSE – “H.U.G.”

Five Fingers – “Lakas Mo”

Formula 5 – “Sa Darating na Pasko”

Magic Voyz – “Sa Bintana”

Neo – “Tugatog”

News:ID – “Ghost”

SYNC – “Balang Araw”

Rock Artist of the Year

Bandang Lapis – “Itinagong Lihim”

Ely Buendia – “Method Adaptor”

Itchyworms – “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo”

Mayonnaise – “Thanks for Everything”

Sandwich – “Morena”

Sponge Cola – “Tatlong Buwan”

Sunkissed Lola – “Olaholah”

Rap Artist of the Year

Alex Bruce – “Fall Season”

Flow G – “Burgis”

Gloc-9 – “Sari-Sari Story”

Hev Abi – “Bahay Namin Maliit Lang”

Illest Morena – “Morenita”

Shanti Dope – “I Dior U”

Skusta Clee – “Low Key”

Female R&B Artist of the Year

Dia Mate – “Ganda-Gandahan”

Janah Zaplan – “I Luv U”

Janella Salvador – “Hey You”

Karylle – “MT”

Klarisse De Guzman – “Minamahal Pa Rin Ako”

Marion Aunor – “Laruan”

Princess Velasco – “Akala Ko Tayong Dalawa”

Zela – “Pogi Boy”

Male R&B Artist of the Year

Bugoy Drilon – “Hilom”

Inigo Pascual – “Kahit Di Mo Ko Nakikita 2”

James Reid – “Hurt Me Too”

Kris Lawrence – “Within”

Kyle Echarri – “Believe”

Michael Pacquiao – “Time’s Up”

Stell – “Room”

Female Acoustic Artist of the Year

Acel Bisa – “Be Still”

Angela Ken – “Kulimlim”

Janine – “Apat na Buwan”

Keiko Necesario – “Inay”

Melissa Corpus – “Susugal”

Moira dela Torre – “San Ka Na”

Nixx Santos – “Moo”

Sam Benwick – “I Like You I Do”

Male Acoustic Artist of the Year

Amiel Sol – “Sa Bawat Sandali”

Benedict Cua – “Di Namalayan”

Ice Seguerra – “ATM”

Juan Karlos – “Tanga Mo Juan”

Kyle Raphael – “BB”

Leyo – “Pahinga”

Noel Cabangon – “Aking Diwata”

TJ Monterde – “Sariling Mundo”

Collaboration of the Year

“Believe” – Kyle Echarri x Illest Morena

“Hanggang Dulo” – Jos Garcia x Nolo Lopez

“Kalakal” – SB19 x Gloc-9

“Kasama” – Flow G x Chito Miranda

“Ligaw” – Jet x Jay R

“Palagi” – TJ Monterde x KZ Tandingan

“Sikulo” – Angela Ken x Maki x Nhiko

Rap Album of the Year

“7sins” – Felip

“Backshots” – Waiian

“Bahay Namin Maliit Lamang” – Hev Abi

“Bludevl” – Hellmerry

“Drugs” – Shanti Dope

“Morenita” – Illest Morena

“Sari-Sari Story” – Gloc-9

Dance Recording of the Year

“Ganda-Gandahan” – Dia Mate

“Hiraya” – Alamat

“I Luv U” – Janah Zaplan

“Limitless” – G22

“Patintero” – BGYO

“Salamin, Salamin” – BINI

“Say Whatcha Wanna Say” – Bilib

Revival Recording of the Year

“Di Sinasadya” – Regine Velasquez

“Himala” – Ronnie Liang

“Ipagpatawad Mo” – Khel Pangilinan

“Kapag Ako’y Nagmahal” – Jolina Magdangal

“Magbalik” – Lily

“Mr. Right” – Angeline Quinto

“Sana Ay Malaman Mo” – Daryl Ong

“Tell Me” – Martin Nievera

Inspirational Song of the Year

“Bawat Hakbang” – Divino Rivera

“Face of God” – December Avenue

“Inay” – Keiko Necesario

“Karapat-dapat” – Kakai Bautista

“Lampara” – Press Hit Play

“Ningas ng Pag-asa” – Jamie Rivera

“Pagmamahal sa Tinubuang Lupa” – Various Artists

“Sagot Sa Aking Dasal” – Erik Santos

Christmas Song of the Year

“Christmas With You” – Isha Ponti

“Christmas Without You” – Diane de Mesa

“Macho Na Si Santa” – Masculados

“Ngayong Pasko” – Andrea Gutierrez

“Paano Ngayong Pasko” – Annrain

“Pasko Sa Ating Puso” – InnerVoices

“Rainbow Christmas” – Vice Ganda

Special Awards

Pilita Corrales Lifetime Achievement Awards - Celeste Legaspi and Andrew E.

Levi Celerio Lifetime Achievement Award - Mon del Rosario 

A night of charity with a plus

DigiPlus Foundation reveals a billion-peso investment at BingoPlus Night 2026

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

For the fourth straight year, BingoPlus celebrated its victories as the number one and most trusted Filipino online entertainment platform with the uber-glitzy BingoPlus Night 2026: Step into the Next Plus, held last May 19 at a luxury ballroom in Pasay City.

Smack dab in the middle of the spotlights and splendor, however, was a dedicated segment celebrating what truly matters: the lives improved by the DigiPlus Foundation through its key projects this year, in previous years, and beyond.

Top DigiPlus executives raised their wine glasses with pride as the foundation, together with BingoPlus, announced a massive P1 billion commitment to causes, donations, and initiatives over the next three years—a significant step up from past endeavors.

To ensure that the Filipino public can track where this huge commitment is being directed, the DigiPlus Foundation also launched its own Charity tab within the BingoPlus app, making it a one-stop hub for the country’s number one and most trusted Filipino online entertainment platform.

Through this tab, users can view the company’s championed causes, particularly in community resilience, accessible healthcare, and technology education, including the upcoming PluSkwela project, all neatly presented in visual cards optimized for mobile viewing.

Having transformed the lives of more than 1.1 million Filipinos, the DigiPlus Foundation remains in constant work mode, as evidenced during BingoPlus Night 2026, where WishPlus segments were held between artists’ performances, infusing the party atmosphere with purpose.

With the help of BingoPlus endorser Kim Chiu and fellow stars Julie Anne San Jose and Yeng Constantino, more wishes from the Filipino public were granted in line with the organization’s inclusive empowerment pillar.

No stranger to charitable efforts herself, Kim urged more Filipinos to continue submitting their wishes, saying that the WishPlus initiative is open to Filipinos from all walks of life.

As the night progressed, foundation initiatives continued playing in the background, with DigiPlus scholars and beneficiaries of its technology education pillar notably featured during Bamboo’s high-energy and interactive set.

From dusk until early morning, BingoPlus Night 2026 was a celebration of epic proportions, yet it never lost sight of the reason the party began in the first place.

An island state of mind at Plantation Bay

 

By Rey Ilagan

Published Jun 1, 2026 10:00 pm

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is an 11.4 hectare luxury paradise in Cebu. (Photo: Plantation Bay)

The summer season never quite feels complete without one last escape to the sea. Before the rains fully settle in and the pace of daily life takes over again, there is always that lingering desire for a few more days of sun, sand, and sea.

For my final attempt at a summer getaway this year, I found myself at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu.

I have to admit: I may very well be among the last people in my circle of friends to visit this iconic resort. For years, I had heard stories about its sprawling lagoons, exceptional service, and unique approach to luxury. Yet somehow, visit after visit to Cebu, I never found my way to the resort.

After spending a few days there last month, I could only ask myself one question: Why did I wait so long?

Plantation Bay's grand lobby (Photo: Rey Ilagan/Manila Bulletin)

From the moment I arrived, the resort definitely made an impression.

The expansive lobby area immediately sets the tone for the entire experience with its colonial elegance meets Caribbean-inspired architecture. Turquoise-painted steel truss ceiling, white wicker lounge furniture, natural stone walls, oversized birdcage, and impressive chandeliers with botanical motifs frame the grand tropical resort lobby. It possesses a timeless charm that reminds guests they are entering a place designed not merely for accommodation but for retreat.

Elements of the resort's grand lobby (Photo: Rey Ilagan/Manila Bulletin)

Bakehouse by the beach (left) and a giant birdcage located at the lobby (Photo: Rey Ilagan/Manila Bulletin)

As I reached my suite, the story continued. Stepping inside felt less like checking into a resort and more like arriving at a private tropical retreat. Warm earth-toned walls, handcrafted terracotta floors, rich wooden furnishings, and classic plantation shutters create an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. The bedroom, anchored by a romantic four-poster king bed draped in flowing white canopies, evokes that charm of old-world island escapes.

What struck me most, however, was how Plantation Bay approaches luxury.

In an era when many resorts compete through spectacle and towering buildings, Plantation Bay, now celebrating its 30th year, chooses a quieter path.

Living area (Photo: Plantation Bay)

Iguazu House (Photo: Rey Ilagan/Manila Bulletin)

Toilet and bath (Photo: Plantation Bay)

Bedroom of Iguazu Suite (Photo: Plantation Bay)

Spread across 11.4 hectares, the resort is designed horizontally rather than vertically. Instead of looking up at imposing towers, guests look outward toward lagoons, gardens, pathways, and open skies. The layout subtly shifts your mindset. Rather than feeling like a visitor to a hotel, you feel as though you have arrived at an expansive beachfront estate.

There is a comforting familiarity with it.

The bike-friendly lanes, vast greens, and interconnected waterways evoke memories of family vacations and carefree summers. The property invites exploration without demanding it. You can spend an entire afternoon cycling or walking through the grounds, strolling beside lagoons, or simply sitting under a shaded pavilion doing absolutely nothing.

And that, perhaps, is the point.

(Photos: Plantation Bay)

(Photos: Plantation Bay)

Plantation Bay understands something many luxury destinations may have forgotten: Sometimes the greatest indulgence is just being present in the moment.

The resort’s signature saltwater lagoons are naturally its centerpiece. Covering 2.3 hectares, these crystal-clear waterways weave throughout the property, creating ever-changing views from almost every angle. Guests can have a leisurely swim, kayak, or sunbath under the afternoon sun, fostering an experience that’s both restorative and calming.

For those seeking more activity, there is plenty to discover. Guests can enjoy archery, tennis, wall climbing, and a fully equipped gym. Yet despite the abundance of options, the atmosphere never feels busy. A large part of that comes from Plantation Bay’s philosophy of quiet luxury.

(Photos: Plantation Bay)

(Photos: Plantation Bay)

The resort enforces a no tipping policy, ensuring service is delivered from genuine hospitality rather than expectation. Staff members are attentive, warm, and remarkably efficient at any area in the whole resort, creating a seamless experience from check-in to departure.

Equally impressive is its commitment to tranquility. Motorized watercraft are prohibited on the lagoons, preserving an atmosphere where the loudest sounds are often birdsong, flowing waterfalls, and the gentle rustling of palm trees.

It is a small detail that makes a world of a difference.

Kilimanjaro Kafe and its famed 'World's Best Kare-Kare' (Photos: Plantation Bay)

Route 66 Diner (Photo: Plantation Bay)

Palermo Restaurant (Photos: Plantation Bay)

Fuji Restaurant interiors (left) and its famous 'World's Best Tempura' (Photo: Plantation Bay)

Dining, meanwhile, becomes part of the journey. Each dining outlet in the resort is a testament to the best experience a guest can become accustomed to.

At Kilimanjaro Kafe, the resort’s flagship restaurant, guests can enjoy international favorites any time of the day. Among its standout dishes are the famed “World’s Best Kare-Kare,” hearty Bulalo, and indulgent Twice-Fried Pork Belly.

Fiji, meanwhile, offers fresh seafood and Pacific Rim specialties in a relaxed setting with beach as the main view. A definite must-try is the Four Jumbo Prawns, part of what the resort proudly calls the “World’s Best Tempura”--and easily among the best tempura I have ever tasted.

At Palermo,the spotlight shines on premium steaks, from prime cuts to wagyu selections, making it a destination for serious steak lovers. For a touch of nostalgia, Route 66 serves burgers and steaks within a charming 1950s-style diner.

Each venue possesses its own character, allowing guests to move through different culinary experiences without ever leaving the resort.

Mogambo Springs (Photo: Rey Ilagan/Manila Bulletin)

Mogambo Springs (Photo: Rey Ilagan/Manila Bulletin)

Another pleasant surprise was the wellness component. At Mogambo Springs, Plantation Bay’s Japanese-inspired spa village, wellness extends beyond the traditional massage. Guests can experience thermal contrast therapies, healing pods, red-light therapy, sensory floating tanks, and even hyperbaric oxygen treatments. It’s not every day you get to see those being offered at resorts. But at Plantation Bay, it’s one you mustn’t miss out on. This reflects a growing understanding that modern luxury is no longer defined solely by comfort, but also by restoration.

After all, the true measure of a holiday is not how busy it is but how renewed you feel when it ends.

As my stay drew to a close, I found myself lingering a little longer than usual, reluctant to leave the calm that Plantation Bay had so effortlessly created.

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa is an 11.4 hectare luxury paradise in Cebu. (Photo: Plantation Bay)

Perhaps that is its greatest achievement for my stay. Beyond the impressive facilities, beautiful lagoons, and excellent dining options lies something more meaningful: a genuine sense of ease.

If there’s one resort that showcases the best of Filipino hospitality with international flair, Plantation Bay deserves a place among the country’s finest. It is a masterclass in how a Philippine resort can blend Filipino warmth with world-class service, creating an experience that feels polished yet deeply personal.

It reminds me that luxury does not always have to announce itself loudly. Sometimes, it is found in silence, in space. And sometimes, it is found in finally visiting a place you’ve heard about for years and realizing it was worth every moment of the wait.

Chenonceaux House (Photo: Rey Ilagan/Manila Bulletin)

Mount Apo closed from June to August

 

MOUNT Apo (DENR photo)

By Ivy Tejano

Published Jun 1, 2026 10:53 pm

DAVAO CITY – Mount Apo Natural Park (MANP) is closed to all trekking and camping activities from June 1 to Aug. 31.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-11 announced on Monday that suspension of access will be implemented simultaneously in Davao region and Socsksargen.

According to the DENR-11, the measure is intended to support ecological recovery, disaster risk reduction, and the continued protection and conservation of Mount Apo's biodiversity.

"Hiking and camping activities are strictly prohibited during the closure period until further notice," the DENR-11 said, adding that trekking activities will most likely resume on Sept. 1.

Affected access routes are Kidapawan City and the municipalities of Makilala and Magpet in North Cotabato as well as Digos City and the towns of Bansalan and Santa Cruz in Davao del Sur.

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB), which oversees policy directions for Mount Apo, enforces the yearly off-season under Resolution No. 8, Series of 2021.

PAMB said the initiative is designed to allow the mountain ecosystem to recover and minimize human disturbance, giving wildlife a period of undisturbed habitat.

Mount Apo Natural Park spans around 64,000 hectares in Cotabato in Region 12 and Davao del Sur and Davao City in Region 11. It is recognized as the country's highest peak, rising 2,954 meters above sea level.

Government officially declared the area as a protected zone and part of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) through Republic Act 9237 in 2003.

DENR offices in Regions 11 and 12 conducted a simulation exercise on April 30 as part of preparations for Mount Apo's evaluation as a United Nations, Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Global Geopark.

MANP combines key geological, biological, and cultural features that meet UNESCO's geopark standards, and is supported by local governments, Indigenous leaders, and barangay officials.

The official UNESCO validation visit is scheduled for August and will cover areas within Regions 11 and 12, including Mount Apo Natural Park, the DENR-Socsksargen said.

 

Big-time oil price rollback starting June 2

A gasoline attendant filling up a motorcyle tank (Photo by Mark Balmores)

The Department of Energy prescribed a minimum rollback effective Tuesday, June 2, reducing diesel by ₱9.26 per liter, gasoline by ₱4.76 per liter, and kerosene by ₱10.86 per liter. Read more