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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) plans to begin the special payout sessions for those legitimate drivers who have not yet received their cash assistance after the long holiday.
“We will be doing a special payout session in Metro Manila after Holy Week,” according to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian
Secretary Gatchalian assures that in the special payout session, drivers may claim their cash assistance if they were unable to receive it previously for some reason. The special payout also covers drivers who were not included in the initial list.
Aside from Metro Manila, the DSWD plans to distribute financial assistance to other regions.
The Department Secretary also calls on the respective groups and Local Government Units (LGUs) to make sure their lists are complete and organized so all legitimate drivers may receive the benefit.
With reports from Jed Nerecina
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The long holiday is approaching, and with this, the influx of passengers in different terminals is expected as they travel to their intended destinations.
To ensure public safety, the Philippine National Police (PNP) previously announced the deployment of over 50,000 personnel across the country.
“The PNP has intensified or maximized the police visibility through full patrol and establishment of assistance desk and coordination with our local government agency and tourism stakeholders,” according to PCPT. Amie Tiu, Directorate for Operation Tourist and Safety Protection Section Chief
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will also conduct random drug testing and inspections at various bus terminals nationwide to ensure passenger safety during long-distance travel.
For those travelling this Holy Week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issues the following safety reminders to ensure a convenient and secure travel experience:
1. I-check ang schedule ng biyahe at mag-advance booking kung maaari upang maiwasan ang abala sa terminal.
(Check the trip schedule and book in advance if possible to avoid delays in the terminal.)
2. Planuhin ang oras ng pag-alis at iwasan ang last-minute na biyahe.
(Plan your departure time and avoid the last-minute trips.)
3. Ihanda ang mga kinakailangang dokumento at ticket bago umalis ng bahay.
(Prepare the necessary documents and ticket before you leave.)
4. Mag-impake nang maayos at magdala lamang ng sapat na gamit para sa mas maginhawang biyahe.
(Pack and bring what is only needed for more convenient travel experience.)
5. Siguraduhing awtorisado at lehitimo ang sasakyang sasakyan para sa mas ligtas na paglalakbay.
(Make sure that you are riding an authorized and legitimate vehicle for a safer journey.)
The LTO calls on travelers not to use colorum vehicles to avoid complications.
“Para po sa mga babiyahe na nagtatangkang magbiyahe as a colorum, please don’t kasi nga po you’ll face a criminal offense at the same time, a fine and an impounding,” ayon kay Mr. Jerome Rodriguez of LTO Traffic & Safety Management Department
[“To those attempting to proceed using their colorum vehicles, please don’t because you’ll face a criminal offense, at the same time, a fine and an impounding.”]
Rodriguez also noted that passengers may report to LTO if they notice that their driver is not paying attention to the road.
Have a safe vacation experience, mga Kasangbahay!
REGASCO has announced an increase in LPG prices, which is effective today, March 26, 2026. The decision is driven by the rising cost of diesel in the market, which affects their operations.
As a result, there will be an additional ₱8 per kilogram or ₱88 increase per cylinder. This March, the price of 11 kilogram ranges from ₱1,100 to ₱1,200, and it could potentially rise in April - ranging fro ₱1,400 to ₱1,500.
LPG Marketers Association (LPGMA) at REGASCO President and CEO Arnel Ty explained that the rising fuel costs affects their operations, forcing them to implement a price hike in LPG products.
“Linggo-linggo ay may malalaking pagtaas pagdating po sa diesel na pangunahing ginagamit pong petrolyo ng ating mga sasakyan lalong-lalo na po yung mga bullet tankers na kumukuha mula po doon sa mga terminal para i-deliver po yung tank sa ating mga retailing plant,” paliwanag niya
[“Every week, there is a price hike in diesel, which is the primary fuel used by the vehicles, especially the bullet tankers that transport supply from terminal to retailing plants.”]
Aside from the rising cost of diesel, some suppliers have declared force majuere and a reported non-arrival of ships carrying LPG; hence, they are forced to get a supply at higher prices to sustain the supply.
“Hindi lang talaga natin kayang kontrolin ang presyo because kung hindi natin binili yung mahal na produkto sa international market, kukunin at kukunin yan ng mga ibang bansang katabi natin” Ty said
[“We cannot simply control the price because if we didn’t purchase the expensive product from the international market, our neighbor countries will surely take it.”]
With reports from Mia Alonzon
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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reminds taxpayers that the submission for Income Tax Return (ITR) is open until April 15, 2026 (Wednesday).
The ITR is a document that reflects the total income of an individual or business and the corresponding tax that must be paid. It also includes income from the salary, business, properties, and profession.
BIR Head Revenue Executive Assistant of Excise Large Taxpayer Service Atty. Dondanon Galera confirmed this, saying: “Huwag po nating kalimutang mag-file ng Income Tax Return at magbayad ng kaukulang buwis on or before April 15,”
[“Let us not forget to file our Income Tax Return and pay the corresponding tax on or before April 15.”]
He also mentioned that it is better and safer to file on time to avoid penalties.
The Bureau reminds taxpayers that the tax is a huge contribution to fund government programs, particularly in the sectors of infrastructure, education, and health.
With reports from Evan Alvarez
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The Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) season is over. With this, the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) officially declares the start of the dry season on March 23, 2026.
The relevance of the heat index to heat-related illness
This season, intense heat is expected, and PAGASA is closely monitoring the heat index, or “damang init,” across various regions in the Philippines.
The heat index varies by location and is classified as extreme danger, danger, extreme caution, or caution.
These are the classifications and the possible heat-related illnesses that one may experience under prolonged heat exposure, according to PAGASA.
The 3 common heat-related illness
Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are common during warm and dry season.
In an interview with Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Amado Flores III in a station’s program, Doctors on TV, he noted that patients with hypertension, diabetes, urinary or kidney problems, mental conditions, and those who are taking medications that may increase body temperature may be prone to heat-related illness.
Heat cramps
Medical experts defined heat cramps as a mild form of heat illness. Dr. Flores III explains that heat exposure increases sweating, which causes the body to lose salt. Low salt levels, specifically the potassium, can trigger muscle pain or cramps.
Heat cramps may lead to heat exhaustion if a patient doesn’t replenish electrolytes or continues their activity in the heat.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion happens when a patient is exposed to intense heat. The body temperature is high but lower than 40°C (104°F).
The symptoms include:
If the condition remains untreated, it may lead to heat stroke.
Heat stroke
Heatstroke occurs when an individual has prolonged exposure to or physical activity under intense heat. In this condition, the patient’s body temperature climbs to 40°C (104°F).
Heat exhaustion can be a cause of this condition.
“Untreated heat exhaustion (a moderate form of heat-related illness) can lead to heat stroke,” according to the Cleveland Clinic
But the clinic clarifies that heatstroke may occur without warning signs.
Same with the heat exhaustion, a patient may experience dizziness, vomiting, and weakness, with heatstroke, it also affects the brain function.
“Heat exhaustion and heat stroke share similar symptoms — like dizziness, nausea and weakness. But a key difference is that heat stroke causes brain dysfunction (encephalopathy). This means you experience changes to your thinking and behavior — like confusion, agitation and aggression,” the clinic explains
Dr. Amado Flores III confirmed that heatstroke affects the mental state of the patient once the warning signs are present.
“Ang pinakawarning sign talaga sa heatstroke is a changes in behavior or mental status ng pasyente,” he said
The following symptoms of heatstroke include:
This condition needs emergency care. Medical experts advise seeking immediate assistance or calling 911 to prevent further complications.
With this, PAGASA reminds the public to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exposure or activities during peak heat hours, and wear light-colored clothing for a comfortable experience.
References:
DOST PAGASA (n.d.). Heat Index
Cleveland Clinic (2023). Heat cramps
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24866-heat-cramps
Mayo Clinic Staff (2024). Heat cramps
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-heat-cramps/basics/art-20056669
Cleveland Clinic (2024). Heat exhaustion
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21480-heat-exhaustion
Mayo Clinic Staff (2023). Heat exhaustion
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/symptoms-causes/syc-20373250
Cleveland Clinic (2024). Heat stroke
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21812-heatstroke
Mayo Clinic Staff (2024). Heat stroke
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581
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