SAFETY. PLDT teams up with the PNP in Davao Region, Davao City, and other cities in Mindanao to protect customers from scammers. (Photo supplied) LEADING telecommunications company PLDT Inc. (PLDT) is taking a firm stance in protecting its customers in Mindanao from fraudulent schemes.  The company has issued a call for vigilance following a surge of scam incidents in Davao del Norte involving impostors posing as PLDT staff.In these troubling events, unsuspecting subscribers were tricked by individuals falsely claiming to be representatives of the telco giant.  These scammers have be ..read more

AUTISM AWARENESS. City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy supports the heartwarming ‘Angels Walk’ event for children with autism at Centrio Ayala Mall, a day filled with smiles and unity. (CIO photo) The city of Cagayan de Oro celebrated a heartwarming event as the ‘Angels Walk’ with children with autism unfolded successfully at the Centrio Ayala Mall on April 16.  City mayor’s office Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan, proudly disclosed the details of the event that embraced the beauty of inclusion and awareness. The day before the walk, Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy expressed his unwavering support for ..read more

IT was high school when I wore pink dresses almost every single day. Did I love pink? No. No offense to those who love it. I had no choice then. My school uniform, from kindergarten to fourth-year high school, was a solid pink—a hue I wore for 11 years. Could it be why I find it difficult to even look at it now? Now you know why I love neutral colors. My eyes got stung with pink. Or maybe I love being an Addams. Anyway, this is not about the color pink. It is about that night in high school when my cousin was relentlessly looking for her white socks. She was close to having tantrums (I think s ..read more

A Mindanaoan lawmaker has offered Palestinian Gaza refugees stranded in Manila to settle in Lanao del Sur and the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao. Rep. Zia Adiong Alonto (1st district, Lanao del Sur) said there are 21 Palestinian men married to 25 Filipinas with 23 children ages 14 years old, living in Manila where they sought refuge when the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023. Adiong said these Palestinian men and children would face deportation by the end of April if the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice decide on the official status of these people. Bangsamor ..read more

MATTHEW VALLECER, Chief of Staff to Rep. Bambi Emano, discusses transformative projects for Misamis Oriental during the COPC press event at SM Downtown Premiere, Wednesday. (Photo by Channah M. Lopez) By MIMI BAÑARIA and CHANNAH LOPEZ, GSD interns MATTHEW Valleser, Chief of Staff to Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Vincente “Bambi” Emano, expressed optimism on Wednesday about the transformative projects that are poised to elevate the province. The significant advancements in infrastructure development took center stage during the Cagayan de Oro Press Club’s (COPC) meet the press even ..read more

IN a display of unity and determination, advocates who once relied on the strength of prayer are now preparing for the next phase of their battle. Their coalition spans indigenous communities, women’s groups, fisherfolk, members of the 105 branches of the First Community Cooperative (Ficco), and environmental organizations, marking a formidable force in their mission. The rallying cry for continued action echoed through the streets during a poignant prayer rally on April 9, opposing the proposed development of Xavier University’s (XU) main campus and Manresa Farm. GIRDING UP FOR THE NEXT CRUSA ..read more

A wannabe who was urong-sulong and laban-bawi in running for a seat in the Cagayan de Oro City Council for more than ten years now, may finally be running next year. The wannabe’s face is on a tent. If that’s not a clue, since I saw only one tent, let’s wait for more. I gotta feeling there’s a conscious effort to change the wannabe’s image to something more acceptable to the madlang pehpohl since Pinas is still a Catholic country with judgmental citizens and a Catholic Church that continues to say no to divorce and same-sex marriage. The image has to fit what the wannabe is expected to be and ..read more

ILIGAN City ― In defiance of the ‘tigil pasada’ crippling Manila’s streets, transport groups here are standing their ground, refusing to join the fray today. Jaime Pableo, a prominent figure within the Coalition of Lanao Utility Transport for Change (Clutch), delivered this resolute message over the weekend to a swarm of reporters, solidifying their stance against the nationwide protest. Reports reveal that a staggering 99 percent of local transport factions have already adhered to the consolidation process, demonstrating a proactive approach despite the Land Transportation Franchising and Reg ..read more

PROCULO Maslog, one of the pillars of community journalism in this city died of Parkinson’s disease yesterday, a day after he celebrated his 76th birthday. His daughter, Sydney-based book author, Kristyn Maslog-Levis, said her father died Monday afternoon while sleeping in their house in Barangay Patag, here. MASLOG (Photo courtesy of Kristyn Maslog-Levis) “He just left us silently. We were thankful because the last few weeks were painful for him,” Levis said. Levis said her father had been sick with Parkinson’s disease ― a brain condition that affects the nervous system ― for the past two yea ..read more

THE Junior Chamber International (JCI) launched its much-anticipated JCI Week 2024 festivities last Thursday under the banner of “Lead to Serve, Make a Difference,” promising a week of impactful events and initiatives. The opening day commenced with a vibrant parade originating from the Pacifico Hotel, weaving through the streets of DV Soria, culminating at the Pelaez Sports Center. The celebratory spirit continued as participants engaged in a mangrove planting and coastal cleanup at Sitio Malingin, Barangay Igpit, Opol, highlighting their dedication to environmental stewardship. Ken Francisco ..read more