PIA - Caraga Regional Office

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/978678/sarta-duterte-perjury-complaint-ramil-madriaga/story/

8. PH-SOKOR RELATIONS:

-Philippines, South Korea deepen defense, AI, and nuclear energy ties

-PH looks forward to South Korea's continued support for infra projects—Marcos

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/03/04/2511902/philippines-south-korea-sign-deals-defense-agriculture

9. Castro scores Erice over anti-political dynasty bill remark

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/04/do-your-job-castro-scores-erice-over-anti-political-dynasty-bill-remark

10. DOJ: No legal prohibition on PH gov’t coordination with ICC

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Malaya, Manila Standard, News5PH, PhilStar]

https://manilastandard.net/news/314710850/philippines-not-legally-barred-to-assist-iccdoj.html

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Surigao Sur athlete brings home double Gold from ASEAN meet

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY (PIA) — A proud homegrown Cantilangnon, Lindon Jamora Pedolin represented the Philippines with distinction at the ASEAN International Jiu-Jitsu Open Championship, earning international recognition and bringing honor not only to Surigao del Sur but to the entire nation.

Pedolin’s remarkable performance in Quezon City from Feb 7 to 8 earned him Double Gold in the No Gi Category, winning both the Middleweight and Open Weight divisions, and a Bronze in the Gi Category under the Middleweight division. His victories highlighted his discipline, perseverance, and unwavering fighting spirit.

Following the championship, Pedolin visited the Surigao del Sur Provincial Capitol to personally present his medals and share his achievement with local officials. The reception underscored the province’s pride in a native son who continues to excel on the international stage.

Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel personally extended his heartfelt congratulations to Pedolin, emphasizing that the achievement reflected the true strength and fighting spirit of every Surigaonon.

Pedolin expressed gratitude to those who supported his journey, including the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, the local government of Cantilan, and all generous sponsors and partners whose unwavering support made his success possible.

“This success is not just a win on the mat; it is a victory for everyone who stood behind us. As we move forward to the next events, we carry your support with pride, renewed determination, and hope for even greater milestones ahead,” Pedolin said.

His triumph served not only as a personal accomplishment but also as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country. He continues to exemplify the Filipino values of hard work, resilience, and national pride.

Indeed, a true pride of Surigao del Sur, Pedolin’s achievement underscored the province’s growing presence in international sports arenas. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 3 March 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

03 March 2026, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Marcos hopes for Middle East ceasefire

-Marcos eyes emergency powers to reduce fuel excise tax due to Israel-Iran war; assures PH has enough oil supply

-Save energy as Mideast conflict threatens oil supply – Marcos

-Marcos: Gov't monitoring 'fluid' Mideast war; Over 1,400 Filipinos in Middle East want to be repatriated

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/3/marcos-hoping-for-ceasefire-in-the-middle-east-1338

2. South Korea's Lee Jae Myung arrives in PH for 2-day state visit

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/3/south-korea-president-arrives-in-ph-for-2-day-state-visit-1356

3. OIL PRICE HIKE:

-DOE holds emergency meeting on Iran crisis; warns of weekly oil price hikes as oil prices soar

-Provisional fare hike possible if diesel hit P60/liter amid Middle East war—LTFRB

-VP Sara asks public: Save fuel, ban caravan political protests

-DOTr readies fuel subsidy as oil prices surge on Iran conflict

-Lawmakers push to scrap oil taxes as fuel prices climb

-Senate to hold hearing on oil price hike amid Middle East tensions

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZBB, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/3/doe-warns-of-weekly-oil-price-hikes-as-oil-prices-soar-1020

4. DMW: OFW injured in Kuwait airport now safe; No Pinoys killed in UAE as drone threats intercepted

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Philstar]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/312079/fwd-dmw-ofw-injured-in-kuwait-airport-now-safe

5. Day 2 of Sara Duterte impeach hearings starts; raps’ substance to be tackled

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2189722/day-2-of-sara-duterte-impeach-hearings-starts-raps-substance-to-be-tackled

6. Teodoro assures Pinoys: PH won't be dragged into US' conflict with Iran; Israel envoy says 'too hypothetical' PH would get dragged into Middle East conflict

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/03/teodoro-assures-pinoys-ph-wont-be-dragged-into-us-conflict-with-iran

7. PH biz groups sound alarm on Middle East conflict

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, SunStar]

https://business.inquirer.net/577021/pcci-urges-govt-to-defend-peso-amid-middle-east-crisis

8. House panel OKs anti-political dynasty bill barring relatives from same-area posts

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/978531/house-panel-oks-anti-political-dynasty-bill-barring-relatives-from-same-area-posts/story/

9. Senate OKs bill moving Bangsamoro elections to September 2026

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler]

https://malaya.com.ph/news/national-news/senate-passes-bill-resetting-barmm-polls-to-sept-2026/

10. 2 dead, several wounded in helicopter crash in Pililla, Rizal

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/03/03/2511749/helicopter-crashes-rizal-2-reported-dead

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Butuan City’s SineBalangay indie film fest celebrates Butuanon culture, history

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Butuan City’s annual SineBalangay has once again sailed for the Independent Film Festival 2026, serving as a nurturing platform for budding Butuanon filmmakers to develop and hone their skills in the industry.

SineBalangay is derived from the words “sine,” meaning film, and “balangay,” the ancient Butuanon boat used by the ancestors, which symbolizes unity, craftsmanship, and early maritime trade. The SineBalangay Independent Film Festival pays tribute to Butuan’s rich cultural heritage and proudly celebrates its identity as the “Home of the Balangay.”

Through film and storytelling, the festival highlights the history, culture, creativity, and enduring spirit of the Butuanon people. Unlike other film festivals, SineBalangay goes beyond screening entries by actively supporting both aspiring and established filmmakers in refining their stories from concept making to filming through the three-day story incubation program.

Filmmakers will undergo mentorship, collaboration, and guidance from known mentors in the film industry on story development, authenticity in storytelling, and the journey from concept to screenplay.

Through this initiative, filmmakers are allowed not only to strengthen their craft but also to grow creatively and professionally, ensuring that their stories are both meaningful and impactful.

According to Junlou Tordos, festival director of SineBalangay, as part of the incubation program, all submitted entries will be evaluated, and the top 20 finalists selected to receive a P20,000 grant for the production of their submitted short film.

He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the City Government of Butuan for its steadfast support, particularly in the creation of the Butuan City Film Development Council, and for believing in the potential and success of every creative mind among the Butuanons.

“This is a huge leap, not just for film, but for our entire creative community in the region. For the filmmakers. For the storytellers. For the next generation of Butuanons who will know they are seen, valued, and empowered to dream bigger,” he said.

During the SineBalangay 2026 Awards Night, the short film Bandage Poetry was recognized as Best Short Film among other awards, including Best Production Design, Best Editing, and Best Director. The jury cited the film’s masterful construction of a dystopian reality, in which the terrifying notion of “culling the few to save the many” is framed as a civic duty.

Meanwhile, Hinangi Ako Hung Luthang was awarded the Special Jury Prize, Best Cinematography, and Best Actor. Other Short films also garnered awards and recognition.

SineBalangay Independent Film Festival was successfully presented by the City Government of Butuan in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa), Caraga STI & ICT Development Council, and others, as part of the National Arts Month. (MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from SineBalangay)

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Government strengthens grassroots disaster response through LGU, responder training

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Local government units (LGUs) of Agusan del Norte are strengthening disaster preparedness systems, improving emergency response time, and ensuring the safety of communities following the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (PDRRMC) meeting, chaired by Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, on the conduct of the Training of Pool of Evaluators.

The capability-building initiative reinforces the national government’s thrust for disaster-resilient communities under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., prioritizing proactive preparedness, community-based risk reduction, and stronger local response systems in line with Republic Act No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

By developing a pool of trained evaluators and responders at the local level, LGUs are now better positioned to effectively assess disaster drills, identify operational gaps, standardize safety protocols, and enhance evacuation and response mechanisms, ensuring that contingency plans are practical, coordinated, and responsive when hazards occur.

An equipped responder, trained through standardized evaluation and simulation exercises, can expedite evidence-based decisions, reduce casualties, improve inter-agency coordination, and optimize the use of resources during emergencies, key outcomes that directly contribute to saving lives and protecting communities.

The activity, spearheaded by the Provincial Government through the PDRRMO in partnership with the Office of Civil Defense Caraga, on February 19 to 20, brought together 45 participants from the province’s 11 LGUs, members of the PDRRMC, and partner agencies.

Participants were equipped with technical competencies to evaluate multi-hazard drills and recommend improvements across earthquake, flood, and landslide preparedness programs. The training also strengthened LGU capacity to develop more effective Building Emergency Evacuation Plans (BEEP), enhance coordination systems, and reinforce public safety protocols in government offices, schools, and communities.

The program included sessions on earthquake preparedness, building watch exercises, and drill evaluation standards, culminating in a hands-on practicum and site assessment at the New Provincial Capitol in Cabadbaran City, where participants applied real-world evaluation tools and methodologies.

Marc Gil P. Calang, chief of the Capacity Building and Training Section and focal person for simulation and exercises of the Office of Civil Defense, emphasized the importance of capacitating LGUs with trained evaluators to ensure preparedness systems are regularly tested and improved.

“Preparedness at the local level determines how effectively communities respond when disasters occur. Through trained evaluators, LGUs can detect weaknesses early, refine protocols, and strengthen their disaster management systems before lives are at risk,” Calang said.

Lorna C. Bayer, chief of the Operations and Warning Division of the PDRRMO, emphasized that disaster readiness is a continuing process anchored on evaluation and improvement.

“Earthquakes strike without warning. We cannot predict them, but we can prepare for them. When LGUs evaluate drills effectively, they identify gaps, improve systems, and ultimately protect lives,” Bayer said.

As chairperson of the PDRRMC, Governor Amante reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening local disaster response systems through sustained capability-building.

“Preparedness begins at the local level. When our LGUs and responders are equipped with the right skills and tools, we ensure faster response, better coordination, and more lives saved. This training strengthens our collective capacity to protect every Agusanon,” Amante said.

Voltaire Israel Zuleta, operations in charge of MDRRMO Tubay, shared that the training enhanced his capacity as responder, evaluator, and future resource speaker on disaster preparedness, enabling him to better support DRRM initiatives in his municipality.

Through strengthened local capacities, standardized evaluation systems, and sustained capability-building aligned with national DRRM frameworks, the Province of Agusan del Norte continues to advance a culture of preparedness, ensuring communities are ready, responsive, and resilient in times of disaster.

“Today, we strengthen LGU readiness. Tomorrow, we will save lives,” Governor Amante said. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

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#SentroBalita | Kampanya para matulungan ang persons living with HIV, pinaigting pa ng DSWD-Caraga katuwang ang Butuan City Medical Center
#SentroBalita | Libreng session sa self-care at laughter yoga, handog sa mga miyembro ng LDRRMCs sa Caraga
#SentroBalita | Ilang natatanging indibidwal, binigyang pagkilala ng Regional Gender and Development Committee sa Caraga kasabay ng pagdiriwang ng International Men’s Day
#SentroBalita | 7 LGUs sa Caraga, sinuportahan ang pagpapatupad ng 4Ps program ng pamahalaan
#SentroBalita | Iba’t ibang programa ng gobyerno na tutugon sa kahirapan at kabuhayan ng mga taga-Agusan del Sur, tinalakay

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TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 4 March 2026

Wednesday, 4 March 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Tuesday, 3 March 2026

Tuesday, 3 March 2026