Davao City allocates P108 M for construction of Bahay Pag-asa for girls

By Ivy Tejano

Published Jun 25, 2026 11:03 pm

DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government allocated P108 million for the construction of a dedicated Bahay Pag-asa facility for girls – a safe and specialized rehabilitation center for female Children in Conflict with the Law and Children at Risk.

Funding came from the city's Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. share and was approved through a resolution of Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, head of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations, upon the request of Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

Dayanghirang said in his official Facebook page that the project seeks to address a critical gap in the city's social protection system, noting that the existing Bahay Pag-asa facility operated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office currently caters only to male CICL and CAR.

"The existing infrastructure exclusively houses male Children in Conflict with the Law and Children at Risk, leaving a need for a separate environment that addresses the unique rehabilitation, welfare, and security requirements of female minors," Dayanghirang said.

According to the councilor, the proposed facility follows the passage of City Ordinance No. 0273-26, the Bahay Pag-asa for Girls Programs, by the 21st City Council, which provides for a separate facility for female CICL and CAR.

The ordinance, authored by Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod and approved in June 2026, seeks to provide girls with a safe place to access rehabilitation services, counseling, education, healthcare, and other support programs while their cases are being processed.

According to city officials, the new building will provide a secure and supportive environment for female minors awaiting court disposition, while offering programs focused on rehabilitation, healing, and personal development.

The initiative is also in line with Section 49 of Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which requires highly urbanized cities to establish, fund, and operate Bahay Pag-asa centers in accordance with national standards.

Duterte said the project reflects the city government's commitment to child welfare and social justice by ensuring that vulnerable young women receive appropriate care, protection, rehabilitation, and support in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Bahay Pag-asa for Girls facility is expected to strengthen Davao City's juvenile justice and welfare system and provide female minors with greater opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Why is adobo popular in the Philippines?

 

Ghemma Marie

 · 

SouthEast Asian

Adobo refers to a method of slow-braising meat using only this few basic spices - vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and whole black peppercorns with the option of adding coconut cream or cooking cream for a twist.

The desired result should be a melt-in-your mouth tangy, garlicky, savoury meat in a rich mix of soy sauce, spices and rendered fat.

The popularity of this dish stemmed from its versatility and minimal low-effort preparation. Plus you can apply the cooking method to almost everything, if you’re creative enough as the adobo dish is not only limited to meat, you can also adobo some fish, vegetables, and tofu, and bamboo shoot and eggs, whatever you prefer.

This is a pork adobo looks like.

A fish adobo

An egg adobo

To vegetarian style (tofu, eggplant, bamboo shoot).

All images from KawalingPinoy.com

Eine Reform „zusätzlicher Belastung“: Sozialverband kritisiert die 33 Vorschläge zur Rente

Stand:24.06.2026, 11:46 Uhr

Von: Dominik Jahn

Die Vorschläge der Rentenkommission sollen laut Kanzler alle umgesetzt werden. Der Sozialverband SoVD zeigt sich nicht glücklich über viele der Pläne.

Am vergangenen Dienstag, 24. Juni, hat die Bundesregierung die Ergebnisse der Rentenkommission vorgestellt. Was die 33 Vorschläge der Experten für die Rente bedeuten, ist klar: Alle sind betroffen von den Maßnahmen.   

Wirklich glücklich ist man beim Sozialverband Deutschland SoVD nicht mit dem, was Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz, die Bundesministerin für Arbeit und Soziales Bärbel Bas und die Fachleute präsentiert haben. Gegenüber echo24 hat die SoVD-Vorstandsvorsitzende Michaela Engelmeier ihre Kritik und ihre Sorgen geäußert.

33 Vorschläge zur Rente: Sorgen und Kritik vom Sozialverband SoVD

Engelmeier findet bei ihren Ausführungen zunächst aber auch gute Ansätze bei den 33 Vorschlägen. Engelmeier: „Der Bericht der Rentenkommission greift einige wichtige Themen auf, bleibt jedoch in wesentlichen Punkten hinter den notwendigen Reformen zurück. Positiv bewerten wir die vorgesehenen Freibeträge, die geplanten Verbesserungen in der Grundsicherung, die Beendigung der verpflichtenden Frühverrentung sowie die Einführung einer Erwerbstätigenversicherung.“   

Sorgen bereiten der SoVD-Chefin aber „die obligatorische kapitalgedeckte Zusatzvorsorge innerhalb der gesetzlichen Rentenversicherung, die vorgesehenen Einschränkungen bei der Rentendynamik sowie die weitere Anhebung des gesetzlichen Rentenalters“.

Kritik äußert sie gerade im Zusammenhang mit der immer präsenteren Altersarmut in Deutschland. Engelmeier: „Zwar wird das Problem der Altersarmut benannt, die strukturellen Ursachen erhalten jedoch nicht die erforderliche Aufmerksamkeit.“

Was die Politik mit der Reform der Rente eigentlich erreichen sollte

Beim Sozialverband hat man dazu klare Vorstellungen davon, was die Politik unbedingt angehen müsste. Engelmeier: „Notwendig sind existenzsichernde Einkommen, ein Mindestlohn, der wirksam vor Armut schützt, bessere Rahmenbedingungen für die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf sowie stabile und verlässliche Ansprüche in der Alterssicherung.“   

Die Vorsitzende des SoVD warnt vor immer weiter zunehmenden Belastungen der Menschen und fordert dahingehend mehr Gerechtigkeit in der Rentenpolitik: „Eine nachhaltige und gerechte Rentenpolitik basiert auf gesellschaftlichem Zusammenhalt und Solidarität – nicht auf zusätzlicher Belastung der Versicherten oder einer Verlagerung von Risiken auf den Einzelnen.“

SoVD-Chefin Engelmeier hatte im Vorfeld eine „klare rote Linie“ gezogen

Bereits in den Tagen vor der Vorstellung der 33 Vorschläge der Rentenkommission hatte sich die SoVD-Chefin auf Nachfrage von echo24 geäußert und eine „klare rote Linie“ gezogen für Maßnahmen, die aus Sicht des Sozialverbandes keine Option sein dürfen.

Gerade mit der Anhebung des Renteneintrittsalters hat die Regierung aber einen dieser Punkte stark in den Fokus der Reform gerückt.   

Merkur.de

 

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I AM THE WAY

By: Klaus Döring

That phrase famously echoes a core statement of Jesus in the Gospel of John, where He declared: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me".

In order to understand what “I am the way, the truth, and the life” means, which was said by the Lord Jesus, we must first be clear that only God can express the truth, grant people life, and show people the way. Before the Lord Jesus said He Himself was the truth, no person had said he himself was the truth, and no person could express the truth. Only the incarnate Lord Jesus said that He was the truth and moreover He could express the truth. Just as it is recorded in the Scriptures, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us … full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

Most followers of Jesus are familiar with this verse. It’s commonly read in churches. However we often miss the significance and richness of what Jesus is actually teaching us.

He does not offer a linear route or a series of actions. He offers Himself. In very simple straightforward words, He declares, “I am the way.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:5-6)

Many times we compare our life with a path. We talk about "the way". We describe a determined man as, "He's on the right track". We go about our tracks, but we are reproved if we take a short-cut and not the path across a rice-field. We learn that there are many ways of solving problems.

We also don't want to stand in other people's way. Sometimes we prefer to keep out of someone's way and plan to avoid getting in their way. Often we try to find the golden middle course... .

Many different ways have been offered to us during our whole life. How can we be able to choose the right and correct one? Which signs can be trusted blindly? These are urgent and vital questions for all of us, and, especially during this time, very important like never before.

In the past, traditions and customs are the paths we took. Nowadays, we make decisions and long for the correct path - mostly on our own.

The German atom-physician Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976) described it very impressively. The man of today is like a ship's captain. This ship is made out of iron. The compass needle is no longer able to show the Northern direction, as expected, because of the ship's iron inflexible body. You have one choice only: look up to the stars and study their guiding support!"

We're all happy and proud, when we have every need at our disposal. On the other hand, it only confuses our aims, goals, and objectives in life.

"I am the way" is NOT ONLY a traffic sign - or a shepherd without responsibility - or a religious founder, who thinks, that "only he is the right way, if one follows him"... .

HIS way is the only right way. Only His deeds colored our fates. Let's keep our eyes open for the important signs at our way, such as :

- Unselfish participation in the life of others;

- Courage to uncover prejudice;

- Ready to help the unprotected and defenseless;

- Struggle for freedom and justice;

- Commitment for peace.

Most of all: Love, which does not calculate and count. Love without measurements, boundaries and limits.

If you can share with others, you'll know one day in future, that someone walked this way - earlier than you - and, and, FOR YOU!

A BETTER CALLING IN MY LIFE?

 

A BETTER CALLING IN MY LIFE?  Finding a better calling in life is about aligning your daily actions with your unique passions and strengths. It is a personal journey of trial and error that transitions a career into a meaningful purpose.

What is a calling? Your life’s calling is what makes you feel that life is meaningful. It helps you live a purposeful life. Callings look different for everybody. Some people, for example, want to help others as part of their calling.

It’s important to understand that a calling is not limited to a specific job or career, but it’s a deeper sense of purpose that encompasses all aspects of life. It’s not just about what we do to make a living, but rather it’s about who we are and what we’re meant to do in this world.

God’s calling on your life is a personal, evolving invitation to partner with Him. It generally spans two parts: your primary calling (to know Him and follow Jesus) and your secondary calling (using your unique gifts, passions, and everyday circumstances to love and serve others). 

Have you ever felt a sense of purpose or direction in your life that you couldn’t quite explain? Some people refer to this feeling as a “calling.” It’s a sense that there is something you were meant to do or become, a mission or a destiny that is unique to you.

Career is a rapid motion. A course of action. Sure! A professional conduct in life. Even a progress through life. Here we are! That means, a careerist is one, who rushes widely and makes his own personal advancement as well as his (or her) own aim in life!

What can we do, if “career doubts” won’t go away? First allow me to quote my bible, especially Jude (Watching out! Sounding an alarm!), who writes in the style of a teacher who is watching a freight train bear down on his student’s driver. Yes, bells ring out: “Be merciful to those who doubt.” (Jude 2:22).

What does my calling in life mean? Your calling can be thought of as the urge to share your gifts with the world. When you express your gifts for the sake of others, you often experience the joy of being fully alive.

A true calling is a career or walk of life that a person feels compelled or meant to do. Finding meaning in life is something people often spend a lot of time contemplating. Or some individuals may feel the passion so strong that they know quickly in their heart what they were born to do.

“The way that people pick up careers is incredibly  primitive,” said Nicholas Lore, founder of the Rockport Institute, a career coaching firm, and author of “The Pathfinder”. Strong tobacco, indeed. That’s why so many people are indeed dissatisfied with their jobs.

Believe me, I always thought about a true calling for myself. Sure, people, whose careers aren’t the fight fit, often  feel like impostors, as Professor Robert I. Sutton, an organizational psychologist at Stanford University in Palo Alto, said. Very, very well said, Sir.

Notice dreams and signs. Prioritize creative expression. Think about what you used to love. Notice what feels good. Turn down the distractions.Pay attention to what keeps coming back. Try new things regularly.

How about you, my dear reader of this column? Are you also placing too high a value on the external rewards of a job, like money, prestige and power? Of course, for many of us (most?). These things are indeed important. Hold on, please! The work you do and the skills  your opportunity  requires and the value of your work are really more vital to fulfillment. Paper work, or not… . You think, you find a better career fit? Go ahead – but don’t expect that this is your life’s career!

I waited for my “better calling” (what a terrible term!) experiencing many even better and wonderful moments in life. I also experienced that several professional things I did in the past had not been very much compatible with me. But I stored many valuable experiences.

Today, I am what I am. And, I am proud of it. Almost 73. A retiree with still so many opportunities in the Philippines.

Northern Mindanao police deploy more cops to schools after Tacloban shooting

 

By Philippine News Agency

Published Jun 24, 2026 10:03 pm

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 10 (Northern Mindanao) has tightened security in schools as a preventive measure following the deadly school shooting in Tacloban City, Leyte on Monday.

PRO-10 chief, Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, said police deployment throughout the region is already in place, with additional coverage in common thoroughfares where students mostly travel.

"We also included that police personnel be part of flag-raising ceremonies in schools every Monday to ensure safety and security," Abrahano said in an interview.

He also reminded police personnel to observe the highest safekeeping measures for their service firearms to prevent them from being stolen or used by civilians, including relatives.

PRO-10 spokesperson Police Major Joane Navarro said administrative cases will be filed against those who fail to comply with safekeeping protocols.

Initial investigation showed that one of the minor perpetrators in the Tacloban shooting used a Glock, a service firearm taken from a relative.

The regional education office also urged the public to fully cooperate with the security measures. (PNA)

Decrease so love can increase

 

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

ON the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, celebrated on June 24, we are reminded of his very inspiring example on how to prepare our heart so that divine love can enter.

He clearly shows us that we just cannot jump straight to divine love without going through the process of repentance. That was the main mission he pursued as the forerunner of our Redeemer. He preached repentance and baptized the people, showing them how to welcome Christ by making sacrifices and overcoming the tendency to hypocrisy and inconsistency.

In short, he is asking us for a real conversion, a proper preparation for the coming of Christ into our lives. He modelled this kind of conversion by showing how love is never self-referential. That is why he said, “He must increase; I must decrease.” (Jn 3,30) That’s what happens when human love is divinized—it stops being about us.

We should do our best to follow the example of St. John the Baptist. Especially for us priests, we should be wary of becoming a demagogue, shouting and scolding from the pulpit. That’s because we as a true precursor of Christ would always preach in a humble manner, always pointing to Christ, and never drawing attention to ourselves. We should make Christ, not ourselves, known, appreciated and loved.

If we really want to be truly Christian, we need to appreciate more deeply the role of St. John the Baptist in the whole economy of salvation. He was the one who prepared the people for the coming of Christ, the one who pointed to Christ, the lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world, to the people. Somehow, we have a duty to follow the example of this saint in preparing people for the coming of Christ.

We know all too well that like St. John the Baptist whose call for repentance as preparation for the coming of the Redeemer was a lonely cry in the desert, we too can be like the voice of God today as well as that of the Church or of any spiritual and moral Christian teaching that has become a voice of one crying in the wilderness.

Present circumstances in the world point to a growing deafness and insensibility to the truths of faith and morals. The prologue of St. John’s gospel already captures this phenomenon: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (1,11)

We cannot deny that there is a lot of ignorance, confusion and indifference to the things of God these days. The life of piety seems to be waning in many parts of our country, let alone, the whole world. Many people are hardly praying, and the practice of devotion seems to be facing extinction.

Just the same, we should not forget that regardless of what may appear to be a deep-seated culture of irreligion these days, every man continues in the deepest part of his heart to yearn for God. What the Catechism says about this is always relevant:

“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself. Only in God will he find the truth and happiness he never stops searching for.” (CCC 27)

Yes, God himself will always draw us to himself in ways that can be very mysterious. And we, on our part, should try our best to discern the directing ways of God. This is where everyone has to do his part in preparing himself to see and follow God’s ways.

Mindanao's largest hotel slated to open on July 30

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Jun 22, 2026 10:08 am

DoubleDragon Corp., the real estate venture of tycoons Tony Tan Caktiong and Edgar Sia II, is set to open the largest hotel in Mindanao, Hotel101-Davao, on July 30, 2026.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), the firm stated that the new hotel will have a total of 519 rooms. Hotel101-Davao is located on a prime 5,384-square-meter property along Eco West Drive in Davao City, just a one-minute walk from SM City Ecoland Davao.

The hotel's facilities and amenities will include a concessionaire-operated, all-day dining HBNB Kitchen, a fitness gym, a full-size swimming pool, function and conference rooms, and a helipad.

DoubleDragon noted that the domestic and international expansions of Hotel101 align with Hotel101 Global’s vision of building one million uniform Hotel101 rooms across 100 countries. This strategy relies heavily on licensing its unique and novel "HBNB" business model, which provides a long-term, recurring revenue stream.

The company reported that its local properties, the 518-room Hotel101-Manila and the 606-room Hotel101-Fort, continue to operate at consistently high occupancy levels.

Meanwhile, Hotel101-Madrid—the brand's first property outside the Philippines—opened last March 2026 with record performance, underscoring its accelerating momentum and exceptionally strong market demand.

As recently disclosed, Hotel101-Madrid achieved a record single-day performance with 100 percent occupancy across its 680 rooms. This milestone demonstrates robust demand for the property and highlights its potential to generate substantial recurring revenue.

The property achieved a single-day revenue milestone of more than €100,000, which is expected to translate into sizable annual recurring revenues. Management noted that this further validates the success of the company’s asset-light, prop-tech hospitality model and its sharp focus on long-term revenue generation across the Hotel101 global portfolio.

Following the Madrid expansion, Hotel101 will begin generating recurring revenue in Japanese Yen from the 482-room Hotel101-Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan, which is slated to open in December 2026.

The year 2026 will mark the company's highest number of room openings in a single year. A total of 2,229 additional hotel rooms are scheduled to become operational this year, including the 680 rooms in Madrid, Spain; 519 rooms in Davao; 548 rooms in Cebu; and 482 rooms in Niseko, Japan. (James A. Loyola)

EPD gears up for Wattah! Wattah! Festival as thousands expected to join

 

(Photo from EPD)

The Eastern Police District (EPD) is set to deploy 477 personnel to ensure the orderly conduct of the Wattah! Wattah! Festival 2026 in San Juan City on June 24. Thousands of residents, devotees, and visitors are expected to join the city’s annual water-splashing activity in commemoration of the birth of St. John the Baptist. Read more

Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday, June 23 announced that the Senate will launch its initial inquiry into the fatal shooting at the San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, Leyte on July 1, 2026. Read more