(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Tuesday, 02 June 2026) Easterlies affecting the country. Easterlies ang makaapekto sa rehiyon sa Caraga.



TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 02 June 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

02 June 2026, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Senate majority ‘no-show’ again in plenary

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2238680/senate-majority-no-show-again-in-plenary

2. Sara Duterte to Senate: Junk impeachment raps

-Better for VP Sara to explain instead of seeking dismissal of impeachment case, Palace says

-House prosecutors slam VP Sara's impeachment answer

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2238316/sara-duterte-to-senate-junk-impeachment-raps

3. Marcos tells DepEd: Ensure School Year 2026-2027 learning continuity; VP Sara joins Brigada Eskwela drive in Quezon City

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/989860/marcos-deped-school-year-learning-continuity/story/

4. Malacañang laments effects of Senate 'drama' on Marcos priority bills; Senate gridlock delays confirmation of 5 generals

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/989874/malaca-ang-laments-effects-of-senate-drama-on-marcos-priority-bills/story/

5. Palace rebuts Cayetano on Senate independence; says it was only proper to serve warrant vs Estrada

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/02/palace-rebuts-cayetano-on-senate-independence-says-it-was-only-proper-to-serve-warrant-vs-estrada

6. Sandiganbayan reschedules graft arraignment of Estrada, Bonoan

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/2/jinggoy-estrada-graft-arraignment-pleads-not-guilty-1323

7. NBI files raps vs Barzaga over Senate shootout social media claims

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2238603/nbi-files-raps-vs-barzaga-over-senate-shootout-social-media-claims

8. Palace says proposed P240 immigration fee not yet approved

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Philstar]

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/06/02/palace-says-proposed-p240-immigration-fee-not-yet-approved

9. Death toll hits 20 in Pampanga building collapse

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/6/2/death-toll-hits-20-in-pampanga-building-collapse-1436

10. Visayas grid on yellow alert on Tuesday, June 2, 2026

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/989848/visayas-grid-on-yellow-alert-on-tuesday-june-2-2026/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Tuesday, 02 June 2026

EU-backed peace initiative empowers women in Agusan Norte town

By Nora L. Molde

Mayor Joselito T. Roble of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Youth Philippines–Women (UNYPHIL-Women) and Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) for the implementation of the European Union-funded Gendered Action on Peace, Advocacy, and Community Transformation (G-PACT) Project aimed at strengthening women’s participation in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and inclusive community governance in Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of MLGU Buenavista)

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) Women in the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, are expected to gain stronger participation in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community governance following the signing of a partnership for the implementation of the Gendered Action on Peace, Advocacy, and Community Transformation (G-PACT) Project.

The initiative is seen to empower women and youth, strengthen inclusive governance, and promote sustainable peace and community resilience in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities in Mindanao.

To formalize the partnership, the local government unit (LGU) of Buenavista signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Youth Philippines–Women (UNYPHIL-Women) and Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO).

Mayor Joselito T. Roble led the signing ceremony together with UNYPHIL-Women Executive Director Noraida C. Abo and VSO Project Officer Allyson Banga-an.

Funded by the European Union from 2025 to 2027, the G-PACT Project aims to strengthen the role of women in Buenavista in local peacebuilding and conflict resolution mechanisms while promoting gender-responsive governance and community transformation.

The partnership advances the national government’s peace and development agenda under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly the promotion of inclusive governance, women’s empowerment, and sustainable peace in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities.

The initiative also supports the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda being advanced by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), which encourages greater participation of women in conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding, and community leadership as support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s peace agenda.

Mayor Roble thanked UNYPHIL-Women and VSO for selecting Buenavista as one of the project beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in sustaining peace and development initiatives at the local level.

“We are grateful for this partnership that will help empower women and strengthen peacebuilding initiatives in our communities. Through this project, we hope to build a more inclusive, peaceful, and resilient Buenavista for future generations,” Roble said.

He also assured the full support of the municipal government for the effective implementation of the project, recognizing the vital role of women and youth in building resilient and peaceful communities.

UNYPHIL-Women and VSO are currently implementing various peacebuilding and development interventions across Mindanao through the G-PACT and ACTIVE programs, which provide support for former combatants, women, and youth sectors.

According to project partners, empowering women and communities to participate in governance and peace processes is essential in sustaining long-term development and social cohesion in Mindanao.

The initiative complements the Philippine government’s continuing efforts to strengthen localized peace engagement and social cohesion under the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the broader “Bagong Pilipinas” governance thrust of President Marcos.

Globally, the project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Goal 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, highlighting international collaboration to advance inclusive peacebuilding and community resilience. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Tuesday, 02 June 2026

Caraga MSMEs venture into global partnerships, investments at IFEX 2026  

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA)  Ten micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the Caraga region showcased their locally sourced and produced products at the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines 2026, held at the World Trade Center in Manila, supporting the mandate of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expand local businesses beyond national borders and into the global market.

The annual trade show, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), gathered over 500 local and international companies under the theme “Tropical Flavors for the World.” The Caraganon MSMEs’ products, crafted from abundant raw materials in their localities, aligned seamlessly with the theme, highlighting the region’s rich natural resources and culinary potential.

With full support from DTI Caraga, which facilitated registration, airfare, and product logistics, participating enterprises presented their goods to international buyers and investors. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to empowering regional MSMEs and positioning them as globally competitive players in the food industry.

“We identify MSMEs equipped with the necessary product permits and documentation, who aim to expand their businesses on a global scale, and invite them to our annual IFEX. This is just one of DTI’s initiatives to assist MSMEs not only in starting their business but expanding it as well,” said Valentina Rose O. Sagrado, trade promotion officer of DTI Agusan del Norte.

The following are the participating MSMEs from the Caraga region and their products:  

* Ermies Food Products – Mangosteen products, Calamansi Pure Extract, Wild Honey

* De Claudia Food Processing – Tableya (Cacao Native Chocolate)

* Monique Miracle Fruit Juice – Calabash fruit products

* Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Inc. – Premium Quality Robusta Coffee

* Deseo Food Products – Cacao-based products

* ARDA Integrated Farm – Tableya (Cacao Native Chocolate)

* Butuan Coconut Products Inc. – Virgin Coconut Oil

* Te Carlings Food Products – Pure and Flavored Calamansi Concentrate#

* Amamio Farm Products – Cacao-based products, Raw Honey, Malunggay, and Turmeric powder

* Janicah Food Products Inc. – Mangosteen and Calamansi concentrate

Alan Rey D. Antoquia, chief executive officer (CEO) of the ARDA Integrated Farm – producer of cacao-based products – was among the beneficiaries of DTI’s Rapid Growth Program. Through the subsidy he received for modernizing equipment and machinery, his company significantly improved operational efficiency. When he learned about IFEX 2026, Antoquia immediately seized the opportunity to participate for the first time, following an invitation from DTI Caraga.

“It was an opportunity given to us by DTI to engage with both nationwide and global markets. The entire experience opened my eyes to so many possibilities—I realized that there are countless opportunities to increase our sales and to connect with the right buyers,” Antoquia shared.

With exportation as part of his long-term vision, he viewed the trade fair as a strategic platform to meet potential foreign investors and partners.

“I was able to speak with international investors during the fair. Every conversation, every product tasting, every business card exchanged taught me something valuable. It was a humbling and empowering realization that truly helps us MSMEs grow and believe that we belong in bigger arenas,” he added.

According to Antoquia, the response from both local and international buyers was overwhelming. They praised the aroma, taste, and texture of ARDA’s cacao products and were impressed that such high-quality offerings originated from a humble farm like his.

The Caraga delegation’s participation in IFEX 2026 is expected to open doors for international partnerships, investment opportunities, and wider market access, strengthening the region’s role in the country’s export-driven growth. (NJGD, PIA Caraga/Photo courtesy of DTI Agusan del Norte)

Tuesday, 02 June 2026

Japan, Agusan Sur strengthen int’l partnership through new IP training center 

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA)  The partnership between the province of Agusan del Sur and Japan, through BAMATA Tribal Inc., continues to strengthen through projects that promote inclusive development, education, and empowerment for Indigenous communities. 

BAMATA Tribal Inc. in Agusan del Sur, a non-government organization (NGO), whose name was derived from the three Indigenous groups—the Banwaon, Manobo, and Talaandig—received a project grant amounting to approximately P3.5 million for the continued construction of the new BAMATA Tribal Training Center during the turnover ceremony for the project named, ‘Construction of Training Center for BAMATA Community in Agusan del Sur.’ The momentous event was also attended by Consul General Ono of Japan.

The project was funded through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) and was formally turned over on May 25 in Barangay 3, San Francisco.

Reverend Datu Balvino ‘Bhen’ Andaya, also known as Datu Kalamboan and president of BAMATA Tribal Inc., expressed his gratitude and happiness upon receiving the project.

“We are happy that the Indigenous community has received recognition, and this project will also help improve our living conditions. It is a big help for us, especially in education,” said Datu Kalamboan.

“This is the second project from Japan. The first one was way back in 2009, which helped us build a literacy classroom that later became a National High School in Sitio Tumalog, Barangay Zillovia, Talacogon. This is also in line with one of our objectives, which is to enhance education for Indigenous Peoples,” he added.

Datu Kalamboan further emphasized that the organization aims to provide accessible education and skills training opportunities for Indigenous peoples (IPs) to help improve their knowledge, capabilities, and future opportunities.

“BAMATA also seeks to empower Indigenous communities by strengthening leadership, participation, and self-reliance among our members,” he said

He added that, in terms of economic development, “BAMATA promotes livelihood programs and capacity-building initiatives that help increase income and improve the quality of life of IP families, especially those living in remote and mountainous areas of Agusan del Sur.”

Datu Kalamboan also highlighted that the organization advocates for environmental protection and the preservation of Indigenous culture and heritage, ensuring that ancestral traditions, values, and natural resources are safeguarded for future generations.

Under Japan’s continued support through its grassroots assistance program, the BAMATA Tribal Training Center is expected to become a vital hub for learning, livelihood, and cultural preservation for the Banwaon, Manobo, and Talaandig communities. The initiative also reflects the shared commitment of Japan and Agusan del Sur in uplifting marginalized sectors, fostering sustainable development, and building stronger international cooperation for future generations. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with photos from the Consulate General of Japan in Davao)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 01 June 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

01 June 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Estrada surrenders to authorities following Sandiganbayan's arrest warrant for plunder

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

https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/895917-estrada-surrenders-arrest-warrant-sandiganbayan-graft-plunder

2. PH-VIETNAM BILATERAL TALKS:

-Marcos, Vietnamese President To Lam deepen bilateral ties in Malacañang

-PH, Vietnam expand cooperation on defense, trade, digital transformation

-Vietnam calls off President To Lam’s meeting with Cayetano

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/1/marcos-vietnamese-president-to-lam-deepen-bilateral-ties-in-malca-ang-0923

3. Marcos, Rubio discuss WPS, Luzon corridor in ‘productive’ call

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

https://www.inquirer.net/476540/fwd-marcos-rubio-discuss-south-china-sea-luzon-corridor-in-productive-call/

4. VP DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL:

-VP Sara must file impeach response today

-PNP: 2,000 cops to secure Senate for impeachment trial

-OCTA: 74% of Pinoys back Senate impeach trial for VP Sara

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

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/06/01/2531907/vp-sara-must-file-impeach-response-today

5. Pulong Duterte says Marcos owes 2022 win to VP Sara, Palace hits back

[Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/989755/pulong-duterte-says-marcos-owes-2022-win-to-vp-sara-palace-hits-back/story/

6. DELA ROSA ICC ARREST ORDER:

-PNP has leads on Bato dela Rosa's whereabouts

-NBI subpoenas Aplasca, Padilla’s aid, uncle over dela Rosa escape

-Subpoena for Bato's wife not linked to manhunt – NBI

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

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/325585/cidg-says-it-has-leads-on-bato-dela-rosas-whereabouts

7. Brigada Eskwela 2026 starts; 240,000 workers tapped to prepare schools

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2237715/brigada-eskwela-2026-starts-240000-workers-tapped-to-prepare-schools

8. Typhoon Domeng exits Philippine Area of Responsibility; affects 85k in BARMM, causes P3.4 million in damages

[Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/989737/domeng-affects-over-85-000-people-in-barmm-ndrrmc/story/

9. Death toll in Angeles building collapse now 13

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, NewsWatchPlus]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/6/1/death-toll-in-angeles-building-collapse-now-13-1405

10. Major rollbacks set for the 1st week of June

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

https://business.inquirer.net/593078/major-rollbacks-set-for-the-1st-week-of-june

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit