Dev Flores

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported the completion of the expanded drainage system in G. Araneta Avenue, Quezon City.

This initiative is part of the agency’s program, Oplan Kontra Baha.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon mentioned that the new drainage system is triple the size of the previous structure.

“So, times 3 na ngayon yung laki ng drainage dito, so, hopefully malaki yung mabawas nito sa baha,” he said

[“So, the new drainage is times 3 larger than the previous, so, hopefully, this may help to lower flood levels.”]

Following the completion of G. Araneta, the agency will also pay attention to the rehabilitation of the drainage system in E. Rodriguez. This project is expected to be completed in May. 

They also plan to install a pumping station in San Juan River to ensure faster subsidence of floodwaters in G. Araneta Ave.

“Malaki na yung drainage. Tapos magdadagdag tayo ng pumping station para mas bibilis pa yung daloy ng tubig para mas mabilis mawala.”

[“The drainage has been expanded. Then, we’ll add a pumping station to make the water flow faster, so the flooding will subside quickly.”]

Sec. Dizon highlighted the urgency to accomplish these projects on time as a preparation for the expected extreme rainfall and flooding in June. 

“Ang sabi lang ni Presidente, kailangan paspasan natin ‘yung trabaho, kasi pagdating ng Hunyo, uulan na naman. Magbabaha na naman.”

[“The President just said, it’s necessary to speed up the work, because come June, it will be raining and flooding again.”] 

With reports from Benedict Samson

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The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) cautions the public against job offers abroad from a fake email address, falsely attributed to DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. 

According to the agency, this is a scam and the public is strongly advised to be vigilant and not to trust unverified entities to avoid confusion and struggles for those who aspire to work overseas.

The agency clarifies that the email address casdacdmw.gov.ph@gmail.com is not the official email of the Department Secretary. They never authorized using that email to offer job positions or process necessary documents for employment.

For those who want to work abroad, make sure to get verified and accurate information by reaching out to the Facebook page, official website, and contact numbers: (02) 8722-11-44 and (02) 8722-11-55

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed formal administrative charges against 12 officials from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) linked to a slot-for-sale scheme and fire safety inspection irregularities.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla expressed his determination to end the alleged long-standing corruption in the bureau.

“For the last 20 years, ganito ang sistema sa BFP, wala lang pumapansin. Enough is enough. We have to break the culture of corruption inside the BFP,”  he said via online issued statement of DILG

Slot-for-sale scheme

The department reported that eleven officers were liable for their involvement in the slot-for-scale scheme.

Among them, four former officials from Region VIII were charged due to alleged involvement in recruitment for Fire Officer 1 in 2025. The department revealed that applicants reported that they had to pay between ₱400,000 and ₱800,000 to secure the position. 

“Ginawa nilang negosyo ang serbisyo publiko. Para lang sa isang slot, makapasok lang sa BFP, ₱400,000 hanggang ₱800,000 ang bawat aplikante.” SILG Remulla revealed

In Region X, six officials were reported to be involved in recruitment irregularities, where applicants were approved but failed to present Medical, Physical, and Dental clearances and results.

One officer from Region I is allegedly demanding ₱90,000 to facilitate a recruitment slot. 

Inspection irregularities

SILG Remulla also revealed that anomaly is not only limited to recruitment but also happens in fire safety inspections.

Two personnel from Region IV-A were allegedly involved in irregularities in fire safety inspection. 

“Two personnel were charged for alleged irregularities in fire safety inspection practices, involving violations of established inspection protocols,” according to DILG

Sec. Remulla also revealed that business owners are also affected by the misconduct.

“Ang BFP, sa ginagawa nila, targets the middle class, the small and medium scale industries. Pinipilit nilang bumili ng fire extinguisher. Pinipilit nilang magpalagay ng sprinkler. Sa bawat condominium na nakikita niyo, sila nangongontrata,” he said

The agency also revealed that they received 40 complaints;  21 of them have already been referred to PNP - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), while the remaining 19 are currently under verification.

With reports from Joan Nano

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A total lunar eclipse will be visible in Metro Manila and other provinces on March 3, 2026. 

According to the Department of Science and Technology -PAGASA, the total eclipse will last about 59 minutes and 24 seconds. The maximum eclipse where the moon is at the center of the Earth’s shadow will occur at 7:34 PM.

The agency also stated that during the maximum eclipse, the moon is obscured by the umbral shadow of the Earth and appears red, a phenomenon also known as a Blood Moon. 

The total lunar eclipse will also be visible in Eastern Asia, Australia, the Central Pacific, and other areas in America.

DOST-PAGASA mentioned that observing a lunar eclipse is completely safe compared to a solar eclipse.

“Contrary to solar eclipses, observing a lunar eclipse is completely safe and does not require any protective eyewear,” they said

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The Department of Tourism (DOT) expressed pride as Boracay’s White Beach secured the 6th spot among Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Beaches in Asia. 

This award is under the umbrella of Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026 of Tripadvisor, which is based on the outstanding feedback from travelers over 12 months.

DOT Secretary Christina Frasco acknowledges the world-class recognition that paves the way to sustain the local livelihood of the Filipinos in the island.

“Behind every award are thousands of Filipino workers—our boatmen, hotel staff, tour guides, transport operators, and micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs, whose livelihoods depend on a thriving and sustainable tourism industry,” she said via online issued statement of DOT