TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 13 January 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 13 January 2026, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

1.    Marcos orders DILG to seek extradition with Portugal to arrest Zaldy Co

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, NewsWatchplus, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/13/marcos-orders-dilg-to-seek-extradition-with-portugal-to-arrest-zaldy-co

2. Marcos begins one-day working visit in UAE; historic PH-UAE free trade deal signed

[GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, SunStar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/13/marcos-begins-one-day-working-visit-in-uaepalace

3. Sotto vows to act ‘forthwith’ on any impeachment bid

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH] https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2167357/sotto-vows-to-act-forthwith-on-any-impeachment-bid

4. AFP says too early to discuss charges vs. Army Colonel; no loyalty checks among the ranks

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchplus] https://tribune.net.ph/2026/01/13/afp-too-early-to-discuss-charges-vs-army-colonel-no-loyalty-checks-among-the-ranks

5. PH logs 2026’s first Chinese harassment in Scarborough Shoal

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

https://www.inquirer.net/465086/ph-logs-2026s-first-ccg-harassment-in-scarborough-shoal

6. Cebu landfill landslide death toll rises to 11

[ABS-CBN News, DZBB, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, News5PH]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/972597/cebu-landfill-landslide-death-toll-rises-to-11/story/

7. FLOOD CONTROL PROBE

-Henry Alcantara won’t recant flood control statements — lawyer

-Sarah Discaya, 9 others plead not guilty to graft, malversation raps

-Ex-DPWH Usec. Bernardo unfit as ‘state witness’—NITA

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Philstar, Manila Standard, Rappler, NewsWatchplus]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/01/13/2500697/henry-alcantara-wont-recant-flood-control-statements-lawyer

8. Leviste’s Solar PH slapped with P24-B fine over idle projects; NUP vows raps vs ex-member Barzaga over 'false' claims

[GMA News, Philstar, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin]

https://business.inquirer.net/568621/levistes-solar-ph-slapped-with-p24-b-fine-over-idle-projects

9. ‘Epal’ politicians may face sanctions, DILG warns

[GMA News, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Philstar]

https://manilastandard.net/news/314690784/epal-politicians-may-face-sanctions-dilg-warns.html

10. BARMM Parliament okays long-delayed law, sets 32-district map for polls

[Inquirer, Manila Standard, Rappler, MindaNews]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/barmm-parliament-approves-law-district-map-polls-january-2026/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Partnership inked in Carmen, Surigao Sur, on coconut waste biochar

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

CARMEN, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The local government unit (LGU) of Carmen in Surigao del Sur and Singapore-based Arukah Capital Pte. Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Project Bridge: High-Integrity Coconut Waste Biochar Project.

The initiative seeks to promote environmental sustainability while generating livelihood opportunities for the local community.

Held on Dec. 9, 2025, the MOU signing marked the official start of the project’s assessment phase, building on the gains of a productive stakeholder consultation conducted in September 2025. 

Project Bridge aims to convert coconut agricultural waste into high-value biochar, a form of charcoal and the lightweight black remnants after the pyrolysis of biomass consisting of carbon and ashes that offer a climate-smart solution that supports waste reduction, soil improvement, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Notably, Project Bridge is the first coconut waste biochar initiative to be implemented in Surigao del Sur and the entire Caraga region under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework. The project highlights the growing role of innovative PPPs in accelerating climate action, strengthening local economies, and promoting inclusive development in rural communities.

Chief Executive Officer and Arukah Capital founder Joanna Yeo, and Mayor Valeroso led the MOU signing, with Governor Johnny T. Pimentel serving as witness. 

According to Mayor Valeroso, the initiative reflects Carmen’s commitment to sustainable development, particularly in empowering coconut farmers and advancing climate-resilient livelihood opportunities.

“This partnership brings us closer to our vision of a greener and more prosperous Carmen. By transforming coconut waste into a valuable resource, we are protecting the environment while opening new income opportunities for our people,” Valeroso said.

Gov. Pimentel expressed support for the project’s implementation and emphasized the need to establish similar initiatives in the southern part of the province, particularly in the second district, to extend the project’s benefits to more coconut farmers.

Meanwhile, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Surigao del Sur Chief Christian Gill Hibaya said, “Carmen has more than 1,000 coconut farmers who stand to benefit once the processing facility is established through the PPP arrangement. He added that coconut farmers from nearby municipalities are also expected to gain from the project’s expansion.”

Project Bridge is expected to serve as a model of innovative public-private collaboration, demonstrating how local governments and international partners can work together to advance environmental stewardship, inclusive growth, and sustainable development in Surigao del Sur. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Butuan’s historic ‘Balangay’ featured in ASEAN 2026 PH chairship logo

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — At the heart of the ASEAN 2026 Philippines Chairship logo is the image of the ‘Balangay,’ the ancient wooden watercraft that symbolizes Butuan and the country’s rich maritime heritage.

Dating back to the 10th century in the Common Era (CE), the Balangay was used for inter-island travel, trade, and migration, highlighting Filipinos’ advanced seafaring skills and strong regional connections.

The ASEAN 2026 logo brings together key elements, namely: the Balangay, rice stalks, weave pattern, and waves, which collectively embody the theme—“Navigating Our Future, Together.” Just as the Balangay once carried our ancestors across seas to trade and cultivate relationships, the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship seeks to steer the region toward shared progress, unity, and cooperation.

Including the Balangay in the logo symbolizes ASEAN nations moving forward as one: diverse in identity and culture, yet united in the pursuit of peace, prosperity, and ASEAN centrality.

Butuan City holds a special link to this heritage. In the 1970s, eleven balangay or Butuan boats were discovered at the Balangay dig site in Libertad, Butuan City. The National Museum of the Philippines–Butuan continues excavation and preservation efforts of reburied boats, underscoring their archaeological and cultural value. These watercraft also provided strong evidence of the region’s participation in the Maritime Silk Roads, an ancient network of sea routes connecting Southeast Asia, East Asia, India, the Middle East, East Africa, and Europe.

Importantly, the legacy of the balangay lives on today in Philippine governance. The smallest administrative unit in the country, the barangay, takes its name from the balangay. In ancient times, families, relatives, and their chieftain traveled together on these boats to settle new lands as a community, much like how barangays today represent groups of families forming a local community.

“This discovery contributes to Butuan City’s identity as ‘Home of the Balangays.’ This year, the city is gearing up for the 50th anniversary of the Balangay Excavation, and we are preparing various activities for the big event.  Decorations featuring the Balangay can now be seen around the city, including in the different barangays, as part of our preparations,” said Michiko M. De Jesus, head of the Butuan City Public Information Department. 

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the discovery of plank-built, edge-pegged Balangay boats alongside various ceramic wares in Butuan further highlights the city’s key role in ancient maritime trade and cultural exchange.

By placing the Balangay at the center of the ASEAN 2026 logo, the Philippines not only honors its past but also connects Butuan’s Balangay legacy to the region’s shared future, navigating forward together, just as our ancestors once did across open seas. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

Dinagatnon wins gold at International Science Olympiad

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Glaizel Mae S. Morados, a Grade 12 student of Don Ruben E. Ecleo Sr. Memorial National High School (DREESMNHS) in San Jose, Dinagat Islands, proudly brought home a gold medal from the International Science Olympiad Competition of Southeast Asia (ISOCSEA) in Osaka, Japan.

With brilliance, grit, and unwavering dedication, Morados, guided by Coach John Kenneth Villareal, gave pride to the Filipino people – an affirmation of the country’s inclusive quality education, and placed the Province of Dinagat Islands on the global map of academic excellence.

She thanked everyone who motivated her to join the accolade and inspired her to shine on the world stage. “I read the invitation online, and I was determined to join and represent my country, the Philippines, my beloved province in Dinagat Islands, and my alma mater, DREESMNHS.”

‘Our mantra was gold is the goal. And today, we say, goal achieved,” Morados said.

Coach Villareal also expressed gratitude to the government agencies for supporting the delegation’s travel, including Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., the provincial government board members, Congressional Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, and Schools Division Superintendent Florence E. Alamaden.

For the Schools Division Office of Dinagat Islands, this recognition marked a historic milestone as it sent its first-ever participant to an international competition who emerged victorious and showcased excellence, perseverance, and world-class talent.

“Your achievement is a powerful testament to discipline, brilliance, and the courage to dream beyond borders,” SDS Alamaden said. “You inspire our learners to aim higher, reach farther, and prove fearsome that excellence from the islands can shine on the world stage.”

Meanwhile, held on December 19, 2025, the ISOCSEA, organized by Global League of Winners (GLOW), Inc., is a science competition for primary (Grades 1-6) and secondary (Grades 7-12) students. It promotes science excellence and tourism across SEA countries like the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia, with competitions in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth/environmental sciences.  

Also, the academic competition involves multiple rounds, with winners advancing to international finals, often hosted in various Southeast Asian nations. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DepEd Dinagat Islands) 

Tuesday, 13 January 2026

DICT Caraga honors 48 LGUs for digital excellence in local governance

By Nora L. Molde

Officials and representatives from 48 local government units across the Caraga Region, together with DICT Caraga officials and partner agencies, pose for a photo during the eLGU Awards 2025 in Butuan City, recognizing LGUs for excellence in digital governance and the successful implementation of the Electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) System. (Photo courtesy of DICT Caraga)

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Caraga recognized 48 local government units (LGUs) across the region for outstanding achievements in digital governance, marking a significant milestone in Caraga’s sustained push for efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered public service delivery in line with the national government’s digital transformation agenda.

The eLGU Awards convened 21 elected officials, 13 representatives from partner agencies, and 109 LGU delegates, underscoring the region’s strong collective commitment to digital transformation and whole-of-government collaboration, as directed under the Philippine Development Plan and the National ICT Ecosystem Framework.

Awarded LGUs were cited for the successful operationalization and full implementation of the electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) System, an integrated digital platform that enables LGUs to automate frontline services such as business permitting, licensing, civil registry transactions, and other essential public services. The initiative supports the national government’s thrust under Executive Order No. 170 and the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act, which mandate streamlined, technology-driven, and citizen-focused government processes.

Through digitalization, the eLGU system significantly reduces processing time, minimizes bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improves accessibility to government services for both citizens and businesses, particularly at the local level.

The eLGU Awards promoted excellence in digital governance by recognizing LGUs that effectively leverage technology to enhance service efficiency, transparency, and accountability, while encouraging wider adoption of proven digital solutions in support of the DICT’s Digital Government Transformation Roadmap.

Several LGUs, including Las Nieves in Agusan del Norte; San Francisco in Agusan del Sur; Cagdianao in Dinagat Islands; Socorro in Surigao del Norte; and Tagbina in Surigao del Sur, shared testimonials highlighting tangible gains from eLGU adoption. These include streamlined internal workflows, faster transaction processing, improved data management, and increased public satisfaction, outcomes aligned with the national vision for responsive and inclusive digital governance.

Las Nieves Mayor Karen Rosales, represented by Vice Mayor Avelina Rosales, emphasized the transformative impact of digital governance at the municipal level. “The eLGU system has helped our municipality deliver services more efficiently and transparently. It reduced long queues, simplified procedures for our constituents, and strengthened accountability within our local government,” Vice Mayor Rosales said, noting that digitalization has empowered both frontline personnel and service users.

She further stressed that embracing digital platforms enables LGUs to align local governance initiatives with national digitalization goals while ensuring inclusive and responsive public service.

During the eLGU Awards, seven partner agencies whose sustained support has been instrumental in advancing Caraga’s digital ecosystem were also recognized. These include the Anti-Red Tape Authority – Northern Mindanao Regional Field Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Caraga, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Caraga, Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Caraga, Land Bank of the Philippines – Butuan City Branch, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga, and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Caraga. Their inter-agency collaboration reflected the whole-of-government approach promoted by the national administration to accelerate digital transformation.

DICT Caraga officials called for LGUs to sustain innovation, strengthen partnerships, and continuously uphold transparency and accountability through digital solutions, in support of the country’s long-term digital governance reforms.

The eLGU Awards, held in December 2025, reaffirmed Caraga’s growing leadership in digital governance, driven by shared commitment, technological innovation, and the collective spirit of Digital Bayanihan. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte, with a report from DICT Caraga)