TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 27 April 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

27 April 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. PBBM ROXAS CITY VISIT:

-Marcos, Angara to lead mass oath-taking of teachers in Roxas City

-Marcos leads rice distribution to local farmers in Roxas City

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/985448/marcos-nearly-80-000-teachers-school-heads-promoted-since-aug-2025/story/

2. VP SARA DUTERTE BANK DATA DISPUTE VS. BSP, AMLC, & HOR:

-VP Sara's husband files criminal charges on disclosure of bank accounts, violation of privacy

-BSP, AMLC say acting within law amid complaint from VP Duterte’s husband

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/27/vp-saras-husband-files-criminal-charges-on-disclosure-of-bank-accounts-violation-of-privacy

3. Nothing premature with Marcos announcement on Zaldy Co, Palace says

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2026/4/27/palace-defends-marcos-remarks-on-zaldy-co-says-nahuli-not-the-same-as-arrested-1434

4. VP Sara leads 46% while Leni rises to 35% in 2028 polls matchup per OCTA survey

[DZRH, GMA News, Manila Standard, Manila Times]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/985430/vp-sara-leni-2028-polls-octa-survey/story/

5. Marcos assures uninterrupted gov’t services amid energy emergency

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

https://tribune.net.ph/amp/story/2026/04/26/marcos-vows-uninterrupted-govt-services

6. PNP starts probe into Ombudsman investigators' data leak; Ombudsman pursuing raps

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

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/27/pnp-probes-leak-of-ombudsman-investigators-personal-data-1507

7. Castro shrugs off replacement talk: ‘Abangan ang susunod na kabanata’

[BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, News5PH]

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/04/27/castro-shrugs-off-replacement-talk-abangan-ang-susunod-na-kabanata

8. Probes launched as 2 Americans among 19 killed in Negros clash

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar, SunStar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/27/2523936/probes-launched-2-americans-among-19-killed-negros-clash

9. Diesel, kerosene rollback as PH fuel supply climbs to 54 days — DOE

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZBB, GMA News, Malaya, Manila Standard, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://malaya.com.ph/business/business-news/diesel-kerosene-rollback-as-ph-fuel-supply-climbs-to-54-days-doe/

10. 'Atin Ito' to hold jetski ride off Pag-asa Island for civilian mission

[GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/985454/atin-ito-jetski-ride-pag-asa-island/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Monday, 27 April 2026

Over 1,000 solo parents benefited from gov’t interventions last year —DSWD

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A total of 1,302 solo parents were provided with medical, burial, transportation, food, and cash relief assistance in the year 2025 through the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) fund. This was relayed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga Protective Services Division Chief Jessie Catherine Aranas during the Kapihan sa PIA on April 21, as part of the Solo Parents Week celebration.

“The AICS is one of the programs of DSWD, which aims to provide financial assistance to vulnerable sectors, with solo parents being among them. And we also offer livelihood programs such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which helps our solo parents earn their own income through financial and material resources as their start-up capital,” said Aranas.

More than 13,000 solo parents are now registered in the Caraga region, underscoring both the scale of the sector and the urgent need for government support. Data from DSWD Caraga show that 83.77% (10,990) of solo parents earn below minimum wage or have no income, highlighting their financial vulnerability. Employment data further indicates that 3,200 remain unemployed, while many rely on self-employment or low-paying jobs.

The DSWD emphasized that solo parents are among the most economically challenged sectors in Caraga. Their limited income often hampers access to healthcare, education, and basic needs, making them highly dependent on government aid. Vulnerable groups include 1,263 senior citizens and 176 persons with disabilities (PWDs), further stressing the need for inclusive support.

Marina Iting, a 56-year-old house helper and solo parent in Butuan City, shared her struggles of raising her minor children on her own. “It’s very hard to take on the role of both mother and father to my children, especially as an employee earning minimum wage. That is why I was happy when I found the programs and services for solo parents. I will try to visit the DSWD office soon to check if I can apply for their assistance.”

The DSWD has reiterated its high regard for solo parents, ensuring that policies and programs under Republic Act No. 11861, otherwise known as the Expanded Solo Parent Welfare Act, are implemented across the region. “Out of 73 local government units (LGUs), 32 are already providing cash subsidies for solo parents, while four LGUs in Dinagat Islands have established Solo Parent divisions,” Aranas expounded. 

To further strengthen welfare programs, the Unified Solo Parent Database System will be rolled out in 2026, enabling better coordination among agencies and ensuring that solo parents can easily access benefits and privileges.

Resolutions passed in 2025–2026 include spot-check monitoring tools, inter-agency sectoral attendance tracking, and orientations for business establishments on discounts and VAT exemptions for qualified solo parents. The creation of a Regional Federation of Solo Parents also ensures that their voices are represented in policymaking and program implementation. 

By institutionalizing these measures, the government affirms its commitment to uplifting solo parents, recognizing their struggles, and ensuring they are not left behind in the pursuit of equitable social development. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from DSWD Caraga)

Monday, 27 April 2026

DOLE brings services to Siargao with new satellite office

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Gone are the days of costly sea trips to mainland Surigao City for labor-related services as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga inaugurated the DOLE-Dapa satellite office at the municipal gymnasium in Barangay 6, Dapa, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte. 

Held on April 14, this strategic move directly addresses the surge in Siargao Island’s tourism industry, ensuring that labor standards and worker protections keep pace with the island’s rapid development, serving all nine municipalities of the island group.

By establishing a permanent on-site presence, DOLE aims to: enhance accessibility by eliminating the need for long-distance travel to the mainland for workers and employers; Regulate global tourism in providing on-site monitoring of labor standards, particularly for the high concentration of foreign nationals and businesses on the island; and Streamline Permits means more effectively manage alien employment permits (AEP) and ensure local and foreign entities comply with Philippine labor laws.

The inauguration was led by Labor Assistant Secretary Joel M. Gonzales, together with DOLE Caraga Director Jason P. Balais, DOLE Surigao del Norte head May Velonta, DOLE Dapa satellite office head Luzvifeno Miguel A. Cab, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers and other key regional officials.

Asec. Gonzales said, “Bringing services closer to island communities is a priority for the department, as it improves accessibility and empowers the local economy.”

“A permanent presence on the island allows for more holistic and responsive assistance, ensuring that beneficiaries in geographically isolated areas receive the same level of support as those on the mainland,” he added.

For business owner Joel, a resident in General Luna town, the establishment of this satellite office is more than just a ribbon-cutting; it is a landmark moment for the key players of the local economy.

“We are deeply grateful to DOLE for recognizing the unique needs of our island. This office stands as a testament to the fact that Siargao Island is not just a place to visit, but a place where professional standards and labor dignity are held in the highest regard.” he said.

Meanwhile, during the activity, DOLE released a total of P2,976,513 million livelihood funding to benefit 71 solo parents from the municipality of Socorro that will support livelihood projects aimed at providing sustainable income for marginalized sectors.

A turnover of the Certificate of Accreditation to the Atoyay Rural Community Agriculture Cooperative (ARCACO) was also realized, enabling the organization to act as an accredited co-partner in the future implementation of various livelihood and employment programs of DOLE.  (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOLE-Surigao del Norte)

Monday, 27 April 2026

Butuan City pushes ‘Gulay sa Panimalay’ to boost food self-sufficiency

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In response to the current energy crisis and to promote food security, the city government of Butuan is encouraging households to grow their own food through its “Gulay sa Panimalay” or vegetables at home initiative.

“We have available vegetable seeds and seedlings that can be distributed to households interested in becoming ‘plantitos’ and ‘plantitas,’” said Engineer Pierre Anthony D. Joven, department head of the City Agriculture and Veterinary Department (CAVD), during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on April 20, here.

One of the effects of the ongoing energy crisis is the rising cost of basic commodities, including vegetables and rice. These challenges have affected production and distribution, making it more difficult for households to access affordable food. 

The program aims to empower individuals, families, and communities to access fresh and nutritious vegetables right in their homes and neighborhoods. By promoting backyard and community gardening, the initiative supports self-sufficiency while helping households cope with rising costs and limited resources amid the energy emergency.

Under the program, the city government, through CAVD, will distribute free vegetable seeds and seedlings to barangays, which will serve as primary distribution points for residents. Available seeds include eggplant, string beans, kangkong (water spinach), and other easy-to-grow crops. This system allows individuals to request seeds from their barangays instead of traveling to the CAVD office in Brgy. Tiniwisan.

The department emphasized that seeds and seedlings will be provided to residents who have adequate and prepared planting areas, such as backyards or community gardens, to ensure that the distributed seedlings are properly planted and will yield produce. 

Joven added, “Households challenged with space but have ready-planting pots or containers can also join in the program. They just need to present photos of the planting area or spce and we will give them the free seeds and seedlings.”

Beyond food production, the initiative also strengthens collaboration between the city government, barangay local government units, and the community. It promotes a shared responsibility in ensuring food security while fostering a healthier lifestyle among residents.

Moreover, the program reinforces the spirit of “balangayan”, a sense of unity, cooperation, and collective action by encouraging communities to work together in establishing and maintaining their own gardens.

Joven called on all Butuanons to take part in the initiative. “Let us start planting. You may visit either your barangay office or the CAVD to avail of the seeds and seedlings. Just prepare your garden area, and we are ready to provide you with as many seeds and seedlings as your household needs,” he said.

Through “Gulay sa Panimalay,” Butuan City continues to champion sustainable solutions that not only address immediate needs but also build resilient, healthy, and self-reliant communities. (MFC, PIA Caraga) 

Monday, 27 April 2026

DOH Caraga, Agusan Sur ink MOA for provincial cancer assistance fund (CAF) access site

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Department of Health (DOH) Caraga Acting Regional Director Sadaila Raki-in and Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. made official, through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing, the allocation of the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) in the province of Agusan del Sur to provide financial support to low-income cancer patients

There are currently 38 CAF access sites nationwide where cancer patients can apply for financial aid for diagnostics and treatment. The establishment of the CAF access site in Agusan del Sur marks a significant milestone in healthcare not only for the province but as well as in the entire region as this is the first ever CAF access site in Caraga.

Target beneficiaries include individuals in high risk for cancer, cancer patients, and cancer survivors. However, due to the limited fund availability, the DOH prioritizes those patients with severe financial hardship or the ‘poorest of the poor,’ whose access to healthcare is hampered because of their inability to afford cancer medicines and treatment.

Beneficiaries of the CAF will be able to avail of the following service packages:

• Diagnostics and laboratories;
• Therapeutic procedures and services;#
• Prevention, screening, and diagnostics (for at-risk individuals in developing cancer);
• Augmentation for cancer medicines; and
• Other support services or indirect costs.

Currently, there are 38 CAF access sites nationwide, but this is the first in Caraga, expanding opportunities for patients in the region to avail of up to ₱150,000 worth of assistance for diagnostics and treatment.

Dir. Raki-in emphasized the urgency of establishing the CAF site in Caraga, citing the increasing number of cancer-related deaths in recent years. “This is a milestone initiative in advancing our response to the needs of our cancer patients in the region. The MOA signing assures our patients that the CAF will be readily available at their disposal,” she said.

Governor Cane expressed gratitude to DOH Caraga for piloting the program in the province. “The provincial government of Agusan del Sur will really commit to partnering with DOH in this endeavor. We will do whatever it takes and we are open to recommendations on how we can further improve healthcare in Agusan del Sur and the entire region,” he said.

The governor also underscored plans to strengthen healthcare services in hospitals located in far-flung municipalities such as Bunawan, Talacogon, Esperanza, and Loreto, reinforcing the provincial government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable public service. (NJGD, PIA Agusan del Sur with reports from the Provincial Public Information Office and PTV Agusan del Sur)