Dev Flores

South Korea has extended its visa fee waiver for group tourists until December 31, 2026.

Six countries are included in the visa fee waiver program: the Philippines, China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

According to the Justice Ministry, the program aims to boost the tourism industry and may also help to recover the local economy.

In 2025, at least 790,00 foreigners visited South Korea using group visas, which is 39% higher than the record last year.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued an order that prohibits all learners and school personnel from using portable electronic devices during instructional hours.

On the other hand, the department will grant exemptions for two important purposes — academic and emergency.

The use of gadgets will allow for academic purposes, such as accessing educational platforms, digital resources, or other online activities; the emergency purpose covers communication during disasters, medical crises, or immediate safety concerns. 

The order is in accordance with DepEd Order No. 006, s. 2026 or the Guidelines on Ensuring Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).

Earlier, Mayor Gungun Gica ordered the implementation of a cellphone ban in public and private schools in Dumanjug, Cebu.

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Tropical cyclones may help to restore the water levels in Angat Dam, according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Hydrologist Elmer Caringal.

“More than 1,000 plus pa yung kailangang ah millimeters of rainfall para ma ma-reach niya ulit yung normal high water level niya. So I think mga two to three na bagyo na tatama sa watershed ng Angat Dam bago siya makaabot doon sa normal line niya,” he said

According to PAG-ASA, current rainfall remains insufficient to bring the dam back to its normal level. Based on the data as of July 2, the water level stood at 160.32 meters, which is still below the minimum operating level of 180 meters.

According to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), more than 90% pf the water supply in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces originates from Angat Dam. However, the government has implemented numerous initiatives to diversify water sources and prevent a repetition of the 2019 water crisis.

The initiatives include the following:

• Construction of new dams
• Treatment plant
• Deepwell 
• Repaired water pipelines to minimize water leaks 

“So during that time po nung 2019 hanggang ngayon ay nag-implement po tayo ng tinatawag po nating mga augmentation measures po. So ito yung mga new additional na water sources po natin no na ah pwede po nating gamitin para hindi po tayo magkaroon ng interuption,” according to MWSS Manager Patrick Dizon

With reports from Lesley Huidem

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BALER, AUORA — The National Museum of the Philippines has officially opened its regional component located in Baler, Aurora.

In a photo shared by the Department of Tourism, you can see a look-alike view of the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces in a portion of a building.

According to DOT, the new establishment aims to stand as a cultural landmark where people can see the rich history and culture of Aurora.

“The NMP-Baler stands as a new cultural landmark dedicated to preserving and showcasing the province's rich history and culture,” the DOT said

The National Museum of the Philippines in Baler is the first regional component established in Central Luzon. The establishment was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, and officially opened to the public starting July 1, 2026.

The museum is free and open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to intensify safety and security measures in schools following the three violent incidents inside the school premises, where both students were involved and victimized. 

In light of this, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara stated that it is now necessary to add plantilla positions for security guards.

“Well, siguro kailangan natin ng pondo or ng position para sa security guard. Yun ang pinakaimportante,” he said. “Yung ibang school kailangan ng more than one security guard. So kulang na kulang yung mga plantilla items natin for security,”

Angara also emphasized the importance of security, noting that students must feel safe while studying their lessons at school.

“Habang nag-au-audit tayo nung anong pangangailangan ng mga schools, inobserbahan din natin yung mga eskwelahan at number one priority dapat safety kasi diba kahit maganda yung tinuturo natin kung feeling naman ng mga magulang or mga estudyante hindi sila safe  sa eskwelahan mahirapan [din sila],” he said

According to Angara, before he was appointed to his position, the security guards in public schools underwent a nationalization system, where at least 200 security guards remained while there were 48,000 public schools in the country. 

Recently, the department has continued to go around schools to conduct a school safety audit to restore a safe environment for students.

With reports from Mia Alonzo

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