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Dev Flores

Lifestyle

Cordillera workers get ₱35 wage hike starting today, December 30, 2025

December 30, 2025 3:21 PM
PST

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued an update on the wage increase in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). 

The previous rate of ₱470.00 for workers, now rises to ₱505.00. 

Domestic workers will get a ₱600.00 hike on their monthly minimum wage which increases from ₱6,000.00 to ₱6,600.00

The wage hike is effective today in the provinces of the region such as Abra, Apayao, Benguet,Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mt. Province.

Crime & Investigation

Fire prevention tips during the holiday season

December 27, 2025 1:39 PM
PST

There have been 40 fire incidents reported as of December 24, 2025; 17 were related to the use of firecrackers.

BFP Chief, Public Information Service Spokesperson FSupt. Anthony Arroyo explained that the majority of the incidents were caused by increasing utilization of appliances, lightings, unattended open flames or LPG leaks.

“Maraming nagdagdagdag ng load sa holiday season na ito dahil nga mas maraming gumagamit ng pailaw, mas maraming nagluluto gamit ang electrical cooking appliance. At gayun din ‘yung mga additional lightings sa mga surrounding hindi lamang sa bawat bahay kahit sa mga outside properties.” he said

[“There is a significant increase in electrical load this holiday season because of the increasing use of lighting, many people are cooking through electrical appliances. And also, the additional lightings in the surroundings not only in each houses but also in outside properties."]

In light of these incidents, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has issued safety tips to prevent fire incidents during the holiday season.

  1. Always unglug appliances that are not in use.
  2. Avoid using firecrackers or pyrotechnics and if possible use alternative noisemakers instead.
  3. Inform a trusted neighbor if you will be away from your house for a long period of time.
  4. Turn off all the lights, stove, and LPG tanks before going to sleep.
  5. Keep the firecrackers away from electrical outlets, cigarette butts or any source of ignition.
  6. Do not utilize sky lanterns.
  7. Utilization and ignition of firecrackers near residential houses and other buildings should be prevented

Arroyo reminds the public to avoid using sky lanterns and not to emulate the practices of other countries like Japan and Taiwan. Communities in the Philippines are densely populated. With a simple wind movement, if the lanterns land on residential areas, the fire could spread so fast, forming a massive destruction to the community.

Take note of these tips and have a safe and joyous holiday! 

Via Ryan Lacanlale’s report 

Lifestyle

A friendly reminder on purchasing firecrackers before the year ends

December 27, 2025 1:29 PM
PST

The end of the year 2025 is nearly approaching. As a part of tradition that passed through different generations, Filipinos welcome the new beginning with loud, bright, and lively activities. 

Firecrackers have been a part of the celebration every year.

Bocaue, Bulacan is one of the most well-known selling hubs of firecrackers, where consumers usually return before the year ends.

The Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI) reminds the public to avoid purchasing from unauthorized and unlicensed dealers to ensure the safe celebration.

The PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) also warns to be cautious and not be tempted to buy firecrackers online. PNP-ACG Director PBGen. Wilson Asueta mentioned earlier that online selling of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices is prohibited under the law.

In the remaining days of 2025, the Bocaue PNP is prepared to execute necessary actions against the illegal sales and manufacture of firecrackers. 

Bocaue MPS Chief of Police PLtCol. Virgilio Ramirez encourages the public to report the incidents of illegal selling so that immediate actions can be taken against violators to ensure community safety.

Ramirez also added that manufacturing firecrackers is not allowed in residential areas. There are only authorized places for licensed individuals to create those items. 

Authorities have been consistently reminding us to avoid buying illegal firecrackers whether online or not. Always check if the dealer displays necessary documents on hand such as the DTI Permit, Municipal Business Permit, BFP Fire Safety Inspection, 3 years of contract with PNP Camp Crame.

Have a safe, bright and lively celebration as you welcome a new beginning of the year!

Weather & Environment

DOTr issues alternative routes on a full road closure of EDSA Kamuning from Dec. 27-28, 2025

December 27, 2025 1:20 PM
PST

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) issued an update, showing an alternative route for motorists that will pass through EDSA, particularly the area of Kamuning. 

The implementation of full road closure in EDSA Kamuning southbound will begin from December 27 to 28, 2025 (1:00 AM to 4:00 AM) to give way to the construction of the new face of Kamuning footbridge and busway. 

In a traffic advisory released by the Transportation Department, from EDSA before reaching Kamuning, motorists can turn to Sct. Borromeo, then turn to Sct. Ybardolaza or proceed to Sct. Esguerra Avenue, then proceed to Timog Avenue to get back to EDSA. 

DOTr

EDSA Kamuning busway station will be temporarily unavailable while the full road closure is effective. Commuters who usually get off in Kamuning station are advised to go to other stations like Quezon Ave or Nepa Q-Mart.

Via Benedict Samson’s report

Crime & Investigation

Davao City Police Office enforces the firecracker ban for the long holiday

December 25, 2025 11:00 AM
PST

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) reminds the public regarding the strict implementation of firecracker ban in Davao City during the long holiday break. Aside from the firecrackers, improvised explosive devices are also prohibited in the city.

The City Ordinance 060-02 or the Firecracker Ban ensures the safety of Davaoeños in celebrating the holidays by prohibiting the possession, use, sale, manufacture and distribution of pyrotechnic devices in Davao City

Violators of this ordinance shall be subject to a fine or possible imprisonment or both 

The following penalties per offense are:

First offense - ₱1,000 fine or 20 days to 1 month imprisonment or both

Second offense - ₱3,000 fine or 1 to 3 months of  imprisonment or both

Third offense - ₱5,000 fine or 3 to 6 months of  imprisonment or both

Davao City Police Office Spokesperson PCpt. Hazel C. Tuazon stated their goal in sustaining accident prevention hoping to get zero reported incidents and injuries.

“Since na-enjoy na natin na walang paputok dito sa ating lungsod sa Davao, gusto ng ating City Director na ma-sustain na walang disgrasya. Other than that, wala rin sanang ma-record na ma-injured at makuha ang zero incident.” she said

[“Since we enjoyed the firecracker-free in our city in Davao, our City Director wants to sustain no accidents. Other than that, we hope to record no injuries and achieve zero incident.”]