Dev Flores

The MRT-3 fare will be free on February 14, 2026 for PhilHealth members. 

The free train rides will be available during peak hours, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

To avail a zero-fare benefit, members are strongly advised to present their PhilHealth ID at the counter to get a Single Journey Ticket.

This initiative is organized as part of celebrating the 31st anniversary of PhilHealth and National Health Insurance Month.

Security guards are not the same as policemen. 

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno clarifies that the distinction following the viral incident where two security guards punched the 17-year-old boy in Pasig River Esplanade. 

“Guards should be guarding property. They’re not policing the state. They’re not allowed,” he said

The incident began when the security guards confronted a minor for cycling in a crowded area, which is prohibited.

The minor reportedly refused to comply. 

The situation became physical when the minor resisted the guards, eventually leading the guards to punch the minor.

According to Lea Ylagan’s report, PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. believes the problem can be fixed through effective communication rather than physical injury.

The PNP chief has ordered a check on the validity of the guards' licenses and their security agency's credentials.

The security guards will face charges for violating RA 7610, also known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act."

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The Department of Health (DOH) has revealed that the Philippines is facing serious concerns regarding the insufficient number of dentists.

DOH Usec. Emmie Liza Chiong mentioned that the dentist-patient ratio in the Philippines is 1:53,000. Meaning, there is only 1 dentist for every 53,000 individuals.

“Actually, malaki po ang gap. Ang ating ratio for every 1 dentist ay 53,000 Filipinos.”

[“Actually, the gap is huge. Our ratio for every 1 dentist is 53,000 Filipinos.”]

This is completely different from the standard of the World Health Organization (WHO), which is 1 dentist per 7,000 individuals.

The key factors contributing to the shortage of dentists include insufficient funds for oral healthcare and compensation.

Hence, the health department calls the attention of the lawmakers to approve the proposed bill concerning a salary increase for dentists.

“Ang budget lang po ng oral health ay 800 million. If you check on it, roughly, nasa 0.14% lang ang budget ng oral health,” she added

[The budget allocated for oral health is only 800 million. If you check on it, roughly, the budget for oral health is only 0.14%.”]

Usec. Chiong calls for a budget increase to buy more supplies to maintain providing necessary services for the Filipinos, especially in remote areas.

With reports from Lalaine Moreno

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The Department of Agriculture (DA) launches a new village-based feed ecosystem. 

According to the agency, this aims to boost corn and livestock production, which lowers feed costs.

On February 2, 2026, DA Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr. approved Memorandum Circular No. 2, granting permission to implement the Village-Type Feed Complete Chain Project.

This project is an integrated feed system in which farmers' cooperatives and associations can generate income through production, harvest, etc.

“Village-Type Feed Complete Chain Project (VFCCP), a vertically integrated feed system that allows farmer cooperatives and associations to engage in corn production, postharvest processing, feed milling, and Total Mixed Ration (TMR) preparation under a single, value-adding enterprise,” the agency explains

For financial allocation, the agency plans to set aside 40 million pesos. The initial fund will be sourced from the National Livestock Program under GAA.

“The DA will set aside a maximum budget of P40 million for each viable project, depending on the approved components and readiness of the recipient. Initial funding will be charged against the National Livestock Program under the General Appropriations Act, with succeeding allocations proposed under the regular budget to ensure continuity,” according to the DA

Cooperatives or associations will manage up to 25 hectares of land dedicated to corn and forage production.

The agency enumerates its task to execute seamless operations.

“These cooperatives will operate mechanized, community-managed feed systems covering crop production, postharvest handling, feed milling, storage, and distribution—effectively creating localized, closed-loop feed supply chains,” the agency stated

The projected net income for this project would be 8.2 million pesos if it reaches the estimated average annual revenue of 38.9 million pesos. The 30.7 million will be charged for operating costs. 

Therefore, the rate of return of this project would be 23%, based on the estimation of the agriculture department.

QUEZON CITY - Morning classes were suspended in the University of the Philippines - Diliman, following the discovery of an unexploded vintage bomb inside the Institute of Chemistry Teaching Building.

The roads between the teaching and research building were also closed to ensure public safety.

On February 3, 2026, the same bomb was found in the same area by the Quezon City Police District. It was believed that the bomb possibly came from World War II.

With reports from Zarah

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