Tuesday, 17 March 2026

LGU Butuan activates ‘Oplan Bantay Presyo,’ monitors fuel prices

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The city government of Butuan has activated the ‘Oplan Bantay Presyo’ team composed of representatives from various regional line agencies and departments to monitor local fuel prices.

In collaboration with personnel from the Department of Energy (DOE), representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine National Police (PNP), and other partner agencies, the city government started inspecting gasoline stations on March 11.

Through this initiative, the city will be able to protect consumers from unjustified and unauthorized price increases and discourage businesses from taking advantage of the situation.

According to Attorney Moshi Ariel S. Cahoy, head of the department of the City Business Permits and Licensing Department (CBPLD), received reports on illegal price increases on petroleum products. For example, according to the Department of Energy, the oil price increase at pump stations was supposed to take effect on March 10. But as early as March 8, some stations already implemented price hikes.

He warned the business owners that their office will issue show cause orders for non-compliance, saying, “If we observe any violations or abusive practices by gasoline stations, we will issue a show cause order. Should they fail to comply with the directives, they may face closure.”

Meanwhile, Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun called all the Butuanons to cooperate. “We will not hesitate to impose very strict penalties on establishments, companies, or businesses that attempt to manipulate prices and take advantage of this crisis. So please cooperate and do not take advantage of this situation. Let us uphold our sense of community. This is a time for us to help one another.” 

Butuanons may report through the Consumer Protection Hotline at 0951-388-4193. 

Since the increase in fuel prices is inevitable due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the local chief executive reminded the public to conserve fuel and observe prompt maintenance of their vehicle to ensure efficient fuel use. He also encouraged carpooling to avoid frequent trips, driving at appropriate speeds, and planning trips to reduce unnecessary travel and fuel consumption. (MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from the Office of Butuan City Mayor)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - 17 March 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

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

1.    LTFRB approves fare increase for jeepneys, buses, TNVS; Transport groups says P1 jeepney fare hike not enough, strike to proceed

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/17/ltfrb-approves-balanced-fare-hikes-for-jeepneys-other-puvs

2. Marcos leads cash payout to PUV drivers affected by oil price shocks

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/980261/marcos-leads-cash-payout-to-puv-drivers-affected-by-oil-price-shocks/story/

 3. COUP RUMORS:

-DND, AFP dismiss yet another rumor of coup plot, this time by 'third force'

-Palace dismisses coup talk, says police deployment part of security exercise

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, Malaya, News5PH, Sunstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/17/dnd-afp-dismiss-yet-another-rumor-of-coup-plot-this-time-by-third-force

4. DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT CASE:

-Luistro: Duterte reply to impeachment raps is like a motion to dismiss

-3rd impeachment complainants waive right to reply to VP Duterte’s 'non-answer'

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2197043/luistro-duterte-reply-to-impeachment-raps-is-like-a-motion-to-dismiss

5. Marcos vows reforms, calls himself ally of women

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2196980/marcos-on-womens-welfare’

6. PH lacks capability to escort ships in Strait of Hormuz – Teodoro

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

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/314370/ph-lacks-capability-to-escort-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz-teodoro

7. Plane fares to surge in April as fuel surcharge more than doubles

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

https://business.inquirer.net/579866/plane-fares-to-surge-in-april-as-fuel-surcharge-more-than-doubles

8. DFA dismisses China’s Scarborough evidence; Chinese embassy insists value of document

-Defense chief Teodoro dismisses China’s alleged 1990 letter on Scarborough Shoal

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

https://www.inquirer.net/470450/dfa-dismisses-chinas-scarborough-evidence/

9. BFP names Wilberto Tiu as new officer-in-charge

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Mindanao Times, Philstar, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/980273/bfp-oic-wilberto-tiu/story/

10. Lacson: Chavit Singson to testify on flood control projects

[DZBB, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/17/lacson-chavit-singson-to-testify-on-flood-control-projects

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

DOST’s smarter Agusan project to accelerate Butuan’s sustainable transportation

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the city government of Butuan for the turnover of a P5 million fund, supporting the Smarter Agusan: Smart-Eco City Transition through Scaling of Locally Developed Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Systems in Butuan (FastCharge).

Held on February 24, Butuan City is the pilot area for the project designed to accelerate sustainable transportation in Caraga’s only highly urbanized city. 

“I accept with gratitude the support for the Smarter Agusan Fast Charge Project and the partnership affirmed today through our Memorandum of Agreement. We see this not merely as funding and a project, but as a boat of confidence in the city’s readiness to innovate, in our region’s capacity to lead, and in our people’s ability to shape a future that is greener, smarter, and more sustainable,” said Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun during the signing of the said agreement.

It can be recalled that the city government of Butuan, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga, launched the Smart Eco Butuan 2040 Roadmap on April 25, 2025. One of its six pillars is smart mobility, which envisions a smart, sustainable mobility experience with seamless options for active transportation systems, multimodal transportation, and real-time traffic updates. 

According to Meriam B. Bouquia, provincial director of DOST Agusan del Norte, this partnership conforms with the roadmap – an essential step toward the city’s smart and low-carbon mobility agenda.

Under the project, two electric vehicles will be deployed, and an established integrated fast-charging system with solar photovoltaic (PV) support will be provided with six charging units powered by the locally developed charging in minutes. With this, the charging time will be reduced from the conventional 4-6 hours to less than an hour.

“This is a continuation of the collaboration for the Smart Eco Butuan 2040 Roadmap. It also directly advances the Butuan City Energy Development Plan 2023–2050, which targets a 100 percent transition to electric mobility by 2050 under the Butuan Energy Transition scenario. That emphasizes early electrification of tricycles and utility vehicles beginning in 2025,” said Director Bouquia.

Bouquia further added that aside from the city government of Butuan, they will be signing an agreement with the municipality of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, for the FastCharge project within the year.

Through this project and developments, Butuan City continues to accelerate its vision of becoming a smart eco-city. (MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from DOST Agusan del Norte)

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

DOST fulfills inclusive services with the Food Innovation Center in Dinagat Islands

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Caraga brought inclusive services for food innovation and enterprise development to the Province of Dinagat Islands as it spearheaded the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the seventh food innovation center (FIC) in the Caraga region.

This partnership, sealed on February 18, brought together the leadership from the DOST Caraga, provincial local government unit (PLGU) of Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU)—PDI campus in a shared initiative aimed at expanding science and technology support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local food innovators.

Representing the partner institutions during the signing were DOST Caraga Director Noel M. Ajoc and SNSU—PDI campus Research Director Ruel Buba, reaffirming commitments of both government and academe to research-driven development and innovation-based solutions for local industries.

“Once operational, this additional FIC will function as a shared-use facility equipped with modern food processing technologies, including a water retort system, vacuum fryer, and dehydrators,” Dir. Ajoc said. “The facility is expected to assist MSMEs and food entrepreneurs in developing safe, high-quality, and market-ready products derived from Dinagat Islands’ priority commodities.”

He added that the project is aligned with the national science and technology agenda championed by DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., particularly the thrust of ‘Agham na Ramdam sa Bagong Pilipinas,’ which emphasizes translating scientific innovation into tangible community benefits and economic opportunities.

Meanwhile, the agreement also marked a significant milestone in advancing the Caraga Food Innovation Consortium (CFIC) Roadmap under the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) Resolution No. 24, series of 2025, an initiative strongly supported by Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., who chairs the Caraga RDC. The roadmap seeks to strengthen regional food processing capacity and promote value-added utilization of local agricultural commodities.

Governor Demerey said, “Gipasiugda sa provincial government ang proyekto sa FIC isip padayon nga paningkamot sa gobyerno sa paghatag og dugang oportunidad sa panginabuhian, paglambo sa lokal nga ekonomiya, ug pagsiguro sa dugang nga trabaho alang sa mga Dinagatnon. (The provincial government highlighted the FIC as a manifestation of the government’s support for livelihood opportunities, sustainable economic growth, and assurance of more jobs for the Dinagatnons.)

Stakeholders view the partnership as a strategic step toward building a resilient and inclusive food innovation ecosystem in Dinagat Islands. By strengthening collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and local industries, the initiative is expected to create new opportunities for enterprise growth and regional development. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DOST PDI)

Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Women 4Ps beneficiaries lead ‘Funtawid’ Day in Surigao City

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — In celebration of International Women’s Day, women beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Surigao City gathered for a meaningful “Funtawid Day” that highlighted the vital role of women in strengthening families and communities.

The Funtawid Day, held on March 8, brought together participants from both mainland and island barangays, emphasizing unity, empowerment, and recognition of women as key partners in the success of the 4Ps program.

The celebration began with a lively, fun walk, symbolizing the collective journey of women toward empowerment and community development. This was followed by a Zumba dance contest of representatives from 15 barangays, where women beneficiaries showcased their enthusiasm, teamwork, and community spirit.

Adding excitement to the celebration was a raffle draw that engaged both onsite participants and beneficiaries who joined the event via Facebook live. Several winners took home prizes ranging from minor items to major household appliances.

Messages of support and inspiration were delivered by local leaders who reaffirmed their commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in the community. Vice Mayor Casurra, City Social Welfare and Development Officer Lenie Liray, City Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person Krystel Grace Buniel, City Women’s Federated President Vanessa Tabada, and 4Ps Federated President Cherry Mignon Maravilla emphasized the continuing importance of supporting women as partners in development and nation-building.

​Helen, one of the 4Ps beneficiaries, said, “For years, the 4Ps has been more than just financial assistance for my family. It has been a partner in keeping my children in school and ensuring they stay healthy. Because of the family development sessions (FDS), I learned to be a patient parent and a better manager of our small resources.”

“Seeing us all gathered here today, smiling and proud, reminds me that our dreams are valid. We are not just ‘beneficiaries.” We are parents, dreamers, and survivors who are slowly but surely crossing over to a better life,” Helen added. “​Thank you, DSWD, for believing in us even when we found it hard to believe in ourselves. To my fellow 4Ps members: let’s keep going. Our children’s future is worth every effort.”

International Women’s Day serves as an important platform to recognize the contributions, resilience, and leadership of women—values that strongly resonate within the 4Ps, where mothers and women beneficiaries play a central role in promoting responsible parenting, health, and education for their families.

Through their commitment to fulfilling program conditions and actively participating in community activities, these women continue to demonstrate how empowered mothers contribute to stronger and more resilient households. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DSWD Caraga)