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Museums are the most popular and go-to tourist destinations for Filipinos. Aside from the affordability, they serve as great spots for taking photos and videos for digital content. But if we dive deeper, it is not just about that; we must also recognize that museums are the home of the rich culture and history of the Philippines.
Museums are everywhere. They stand as mirrors reflecting the distinct culture and history of a respective location or region.
Did you know that the month of October is celebrated as Museums and Galleries Month?
This observance is mandated by Proclamation No. 798, s. 1991, signed by late President Corazon “Cory” Aquino.
According to the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA), the Museums and Galleries Month aims to arouse national consciousness and pride in our rich culture.
This year, the 2026 observance carries the theme “Exhibits and Reflections: Creating Opportunities for the New World,” highlighting the vital role of museums and galleries in showcasing art that reflects various facets of humanity.
Museums are more than just aesthetic spots for your social media feeds, but they are the home of our nation’s history and culture. This month, go beyond the lens and immerse yourself in the stories that made us who we are today.
The employment rate in the Philippines in August 2026 dropped to 94.7%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Based on the 94.7% data issued by the PSA, the services sector has the highest employment at 61.7%. This was followed by the agricultural sector at 20.9% and the industry sector at 17.3%.
The top three sub-sectors with the highest employment are:
In terns of annual increase, the following sectors recorded the highest employment gains:
Meanwhile, the following sectors logged the highest annual employment drops:
In August 2025, the PSA recorded a 96.1% employment rate, slightly higher than the current 94.7% figure.
The inflation rate as of September rose to 7.2% due to rising food and energy prices, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The BSP explained that rice inflation increased due to concerns about tighter domestic supply and higher transportation costs. Fish and vegetable inflation also rose due to weather disturbances, which affected the supply. Concerns over the spread of swine flu are also included as a contributing factor to the inflation increase.
The BSP reported that core inflation increased to 4.7% in September from 4.1% recorded in August. They also clarified that items with volatile prices, such as food and energy, are excluded from core inflation.
Meanwhile, the Central Bank assures to continue the assessment on the impact of Middle East conflicts and weather distrubances to the inflation and economic growth.
Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol confirmed that statements from Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, which were made outside the impeachment court, cannot be considered in deciding the case of Vice President Sara Duterte
Atty. Tongol clarified that although they respect the freedom of the former Senator to speak, it cannot be used as the basis of the verdict to be made by the Senator-judges.
“That is his freedom of speech. Hindi naman po natitinag 'yung ating impeachment court doon sa mga ganyang mga extraneous na mga comments at ang ikokonsidera lang talaga nila ay kung ano po yung mga komento na sinasabi on the floor,” he said
He also stated that the Senator-judges will only base their decision on the evidence, testimonies, and formal documents presented before the impeachment court.
“Evidence and the testimonies and the exhibits or documents presented before the impeachment court are the only ones na pagbabasehan nila ng kanilang desisyon,” he said
The impeachment court spokesperson also clarified that the prosecution can use the statements of Trillanes if they see it as a strong instrument to strengthen the case.
“They have the prerogative to call Senator Trillanes in the coming days, if they feel that those information or mga evidence na merong hawak ni former Senator Trillanes would add on to their case or make their case stronger,” he said
Akbayan Party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña, accompanied by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), filed House Bill 11495 or the Animal Life Advocacy and Guardianship Act (ALAGA) Bill in the House of Representatives.
“Itong mga nakaraang araw, nakita natin yung matinding pang-aabuso, pang-aapi, pananakit sa ating mga alaga at nakalulungkot na walang ngipin ang batas para panagutin yung mga nangaabusong ito. Kaya kinakailangan, maliban sa pagtiyak ng welfare ng ating mga alaga, magkaroon din ng ngipin batas para i-prosecute yung mga nananakit sa kanila,” he said
The proposed bill seeks stricter law enforcement and to ensure accountability for animal abusers.
Under the proposal, the National Commission on Animal Welfare will be established as a quasi-judicial body with its own enforcement powers for animal welfare.
In addition to establishing the commission, the bill includes the imposition of stricter penalties for convicted animal offenders. This is supported by PAWS Executive Director Atty. Anna Cabrera because the consequences imposed on convicted animal offenders will become clearer.
“Doon sa current law, “and/or” lang, so madalas ang ini-impose ng mga judges is like the fine or yung minimum ano lang ng fine,” she explained
“Pero ngayon under the Alaga Bill, it's fine and imprisonment all across convicted animal offenders. Ang maganda pa dito, pounds will be strictly monitored and meron accountability,” she added
Apart from enforcing accountability among animal offenders, it also aims to incorporate animal welfare education into basic and higher education and provide protection for rescuers of neglected animals. It also pushes for spay-neuter programs as the proper method for controlling the population of stray animals.
Through these reforms, PAWS and AKBAYAN aim to strengthen accountability in cases of animal cruelty and neglect, and to promote better treatment of animals across the country.
The bill will undergo the legislative process and review before being enacted as law.
