Dev Flores

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) offers WiSUPPORT – a safe space for those seeking emotional, mental, and psychological support in times of need.

The DSWD assured the public that this platform is safe and has guidance from trained professionals.

The following sectors are encouraged to reach out to the WiSupport platform:

• Distressed OFW
• Women facing serious challenges
• Parents
• Children seeking special protection
• Senior Citizens
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
• Families and children affected by armed conflicts
• First responders, frontliners, caregivers, and their families
• Other individuals and families facing crisis

WiSPPORT is free and can be accessed online through Facebook, email, and the agency’s portal. 

The following contacts are available here:

Email: wisupport@dswd.gov.ph

Website: wisupport.dswd.gov.ph

Facebook: wisupport@dswd.gov.ph

VALENZUELA CITY — Two more water pumps were installed in Wawang Pulo Pumping Station in Valenzuela City.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon stated these two additional pieces of equipment can pump water from the Polo River to the Meycauayan River.

“Nagpa-pump siya ng 5,000 liters additional, 5,000 liters per second from Polo River sa Valenzuela, palabas ng Meycauayan River dito sa Bulacan,” he said

[“It can pump 5,000 liters additional, 5,000 liters per second from Polo River in Valenzuela, going to Meycauayan River here in Bulacan.”]

The Secretary also noted that previously, the water from the Polo River couldn’t flow, making the flood-related concern highly critical.

“Critical na critical ito kasi yung baha sa Valenzuela. Mostly in the past nanggagaling sa pagpasok ng tubig sa Bulacan River dito sa Meycauayan River at hindi na ilalabas yung tubig from the Polo River,” he said

Aside from Wawang Pulo, nine pumping stations in the city are expected to operate and function next month.

Dizon also revealed that several pumping stations in Metro Manila are not connected to Meralco.

“Nalaman ko lang several months ago, yung palang mga pumping stations sa Metro Manila, marami dito, kaya hindi gumagana kasi hindi konektado sa Meralco. I think more than half hindi konektado sa Meralco. Genset lang ang nagpapatakbo,” he said 

[“I only found out several months ago, those pumping stations in Metro Manila, many here, cannot function because it’s not connected to Meralco. I think more than half is not connected in Meralco. Only the genset runs the operations.”]

The Local Government Unit (LGU) also guaranteed to shoulder the operations and maintenance of the water pumping station.

So ngayon, LGU will guarantee, konektado siya sa Meralco, will guarantee yung maintenance nito. Yung operational expense, LGU na rin ang magbabayad. Para masisigurado natin na tuloy-tuloy ang operation at hindi masisira,” he added

[“So now, the LGU will guarantee that it will connect to Meralco, will guarantee the maintenance. The operational expense, the LGU will pay to ensure the continuous operation and prevent damage.”]

With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approves 32, 916 teaching positions for the school year 2026 to 2027. 

The approved teaching positions are open at different levels, including Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior High School, Senior High School, and Alternative Learning System.

The 32,916 vacant positions include 32,047 for Teacher I, 369 for Teacher III or Special Science Teacher I, and 500 Teacher IV for Special Needs Education (SNED).

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara welcomed this opportunity, as it addresses classroom needs and reduces the workload of public school teachers nationwide.

He also recognizes the support of the President and the DBM in empowering the education sector.

“Through the strong support of President Bongbong Marcos and the DBM under Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo, our request for these critical items has been granted, fundamentally expanding our teaching force so that our educators can focus on what they do best—nurturing the minds of our learners,” according to Angara via DepEd’s press release.

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has announced the possibility of limiting water allocations to consumers due to the declining water level in Angat Dam, which is also linked to the anticipated effect of El Niño.

NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. stated that one of the interventions that they can do is to reduce water allocation.

“Isa sa mga pwede po nating intervention na pwede po nating ilatag ay yung pagbabawas ng alokasyon, hindi naman po dahil mababa na but para po mapangalagaan yung mga pangangailangan po natin sa mga susunod na buwan po,” he said

As of May 20 (8:00 AM), the water level of the dam has dropped to 177.05 meters; this is lower than the 177.41 reported on May 19. These figures are below the minimum operating level. 

NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. stated that the board has suspended water allocations for irrigation in Bulacan and Pampanga because the cropping season has ended.

PARAÑAQUE CITY – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has inspected flood-prone areas in Parañaque City.

Among the areas, the Secretary noted that the Don Galo Creek and Villanueva Creek need to be dredged. 

“Villanueva Creek at Don Galo Creek kailangang i-dredge,” he said

He added that the water flow in creeks is nearly at a standstill due to the garbage blocking the flow.

Also, the flooding that occurred on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) last weekend may have been caused by blocked drainage due to construction debris or leftover cement from the expressway.

Secretary Dizon noted that the flood subsided in 30 minutes, which he claimed was a good sign, unlike in other areas, where it takes an hour to finally subside.

The agency will conduct declogging operations in partnership with San Miguel Corporation, the operator of SLEX.

With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.