Dev Flores

A newly licensed board exam passer has proven that visual impairment is no barrier to achieving one’s aspirations.

Aira Brigola is a BS Psychology graduate from Our Lady of Fatima University - Antipolo, and has now officially earned her title as a Registered Psychometrician (RPm) despite being totally blind.

Brigola is included in the list of 14,146 successful examinees of the September 2026 Psychometrician Licensure Examination.

To accommodate her during the exam, personnel from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) dictated the questions and answer choices, according to RGO Psychology Review Center.

“During the exams, the staff of PRC dictated to her the exam with choices, then shade Aira's answer in the scantron paper,” they said on the congratulatory message

The review center also stated that Brigola was rejected in several institutions before she found OLFU Antipolo.

“She was not accepted in several schools and yet true to its name, Our Lady of Fatima University - Antipolo Campus welcomed her, studied her Psychology Course, reviewed with RGO and now a licensed RPm,” they said

Brigola’s story is truly inspiring and serves as a story of hope to young persons with disabilities pursuing their dreams.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued the new fare rates for Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), effective on Monday, September 28, 2026.

‍

PUJ 

Traditional - ₱14.00 (first 4km) | ₱2.00 per succeeding kilometer

Modern - ₱17.00 (first 4km) | ₱2.40 per succeeding kilometer

‍

City Bus 

Ordinary - ₱15.00 (first 5km) | ₱2.49 per succeeding kilometer

Aircon - ₱15.00 (first 5km) | ₱2.98 per succeeding kilometer

EDSA Busway Northbound & Southbound - ₱18.00 (first 5km) | ₱2.98 per succeeding kilometer

‍

Provincial Bus 

Ordinary - ₱2.20 per succeeding kilometer

Air-conditioned - ₱2.45 per succeeding kilometer

Deluxe - ₱2.60 per succeeding kilometer

Super Deluxe - ₱2.70 per succeeding kilometer

Luxury - ₱3.35 per succeeding kilometer

‍

Taxi

Regular - ₱65.00 flag-down rate 

Silver Premium - ₱80.00 flag-down rate 

Gold Premium - ₱95.00 flag-down rate 

Airport Taxi - ₱115.00 flag-down rate (first 500 m) | ₱4.00 per succeeding 300 meters

‍

TNVS

Hatchback / Sub-Compact - ₱55.00 flag-down rate 

Car Sedan - ₱65.00 flag-down rate 

AUV / SUV - ₱75.00 flag-down rate 

Premium - ₱165.00 flag-down rate

UV Express

Traditional - ₱2.60 per kilometer

Modern - ₱3.00 per kilometer

‍

According to Department of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, it is high time to increase the fare for PUVs.

“Itong umiiral na pamasahe sa PUVs, ito na ‘yung pamasahe bago pa man ‘yung fuel crisis. Kaya hindi na ito sapat para magkaroon nang maayos na kita ‘yung ating mga driver at operator. Napapanahon na itong dagdag-pasahe para masiguro rin nating sapat ang mga PUV sa kalsada, at may masasakyan ang ating mga komyuter,” he said

TNVS Community Philippines expressed gratitude following the announcement of newly approved fare adjustments, and stated that the government is listening and responsive to the needs of the affected sectors.

“Ang makasaysayang pagpapatibay sa kinakailangang fare adjustment ay isang malinaw na patunay na ang ating pamahalaan ay nakikinig at handang umalalay sa mga sektor na patuloy na nagsisilbi para sa ekonomiya at sa mamamayang Pilipino,” they said

The Victory Liner is also grateful and stated that fare adjustments may help protect jobs and maintain the quality service for the communities.

“The fare adjustment provides essential support for operators to continue dispatching safe and roadworthy buses, maintain routes, protect jobs and serve communities throughout the country,” they said

Although they were grateful for the government's response, they were aware that this might add to the financial burden on commuters. Hence, they clarified that the adjustment is not a reason to celebrate, but a necessary measure to ensure quality transport service for Filipinos who depend on it.

“It is not a reason for celebration, but a necessary measure to help preserve the public transport service on which millions of Filipinos depend on,” they added

The mandatory 20% fare discounts to students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities will also be retained, according to the DOTr.

Meanwhile, a transport group, PISTON, held a protest on Monday, September 28, in relation to rising fuel prices in the market. 

The group expressed in the protest that the take-home earnings of some drivers have dropped to P300 to P400 after deducting daily operational expenses. The largest portion of their expenses goes to fuel, which costs almost P100 per liter.

PISTON calls on the government to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law, Excise Tax, and Value-Added Tax (VAT), and set the fuel price to 55 pesos per liter.

The group emphasized that the 1-peso increase for traditional jeepneys is not enough to cover the family's living expenses.

“Kahit na sabihin natin na kung nakaka-200 passenger ang ating mga driver – 200 pesos yung madadagdag – kulang doon sa sinasabi natin na sa ilalim ng family living wage man lamang na 1,200 pesos,” PISTON President Mody Floranda said

Alongside the protest, the PISTON also announced the two-day nationwide transport strike, starting September 29 to September 30.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) directs Reddit and Discord to appoint resident agents or local representatives in the Philippines within 24 hours.

According to the CICC, their request to the two platforms aims to strengthen coordination on child safety concerns.

The order follows growing concerns about children being exposed on online platforms, which are used to spread violent extremist content or ideologies, leading them into danger.

According to CICC Executive Director Usec. Aboy Paraiso, the agency is not asking the platforms to police the internet for the government but to be reachable, accountable, and responsive when activities involving their platforms put the children and the communities at risk.

Aside from the order, the CICC also requests that the two platforms submit a written explanation regarding the arrangement and concrete plans to strengthen safety standards, rapid response mechanisms, and age-verification or age-assurance measures.

The CICC also seeks the participation of Discord and Reddit to provide a cooperative framework to address online exploitation of minors.

However, if the two platforms fail to comply, the CICC may coordinate with the authorities to restrict user access in the Philippines.

‍

A decade after its original release, Lyca Gairanod’s 2015 track “Puede Nang Mangarap” is trending again, known as a go-to anthem for celebrating personal wins, comedic survival moments, and other creative entries that come to mind for anyone who wants to join a trend.

Even the singer herself couldn’t resist joining the hype. In a TikTok post, Lyca Gairanod recreated the choreography in her original music video.

She also teased the fans in the comments about the remake.

Nation’s Girl Group BINI also joined a trend, putting their creative twist. Instead of using the studio track, the group posted a video where BINI Maloi sang an a cappella rendition, while BINI Aiah and BINI Sheena danced in the back, representing the OA and nonchalant line.

Filipino netizens have also proven their trademark wit, turning an inspirational track into relatable workplace humor. Many creators used the audio to capture the exact feeling of relief every payday. Other content also shows a transition from petsa de peligro to celebratory payday.

Since the ‘ber’ months officially begin, others have jumped ahead to celebrate the looming arrival of their 13th month pay.

Aside from personal feeds, public and private organizations have joined the trend, posting their creative entries for their content.

If there’s workplace humor, the students will say present to the trend.

Whether it’s a major life milestone, a hard-earned paycheck, or simply making it through a tough week, the “Puede Nang Mangarap” trend reminds us that there will always be hope and a way to achieve your dreams and aspirations.

So, how about you? What’s your “Puede Nang Mangarap” entry?

Following the appointment of the professional boxing athlete, Manny Pacquiao, as Secretary and Lead Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), he recently received his first-ever honorary doctorate at the Philippine Normal University (PNU).

The PNU conferred the Doctor of Physical Education and Sports, Honoris Causa, on September 16, 2026.

In an Instagram post by his wife, Jinkee Pacquiao, she expressed pride and joy for her husband's new milestone.

The honorary doctorate degree aims to recognize his outstanding achievements in sports, which makes Filipinos proud. Secretary Pacquiao stated that the degree he received is not just a validation of his achievements in boxing, but he also committed to serve and inspire the younger generation, according to PNU.