Wednesday, 22 April 2026

DBP hikes support to Mindanao

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has signed agreements with two government agencies aimed at strengthening socio-economic initiatives including enhancing agricultural productivity and food production in the Mindanao region, a top official said.

DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said the Bank entered into a partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and signed a tripartite agreement with the same agency and the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project (DA – PRDP) Project Support Office Mindanao to deliver critical socio-economic projects for key sectors in the region.

“The collaborative undertakings with MinDA and DA – PRDP are expected to strengthen DBP’s relationships with local government units in Mindanao and boost its support to initiatives that can generate economic activities in the communities and improve the lives of millions of ordinary Filipinos,” de Jesus said.

DBP is the ninth largest bank in the country with total assets of P1.041 trillion and provides credit support to four priority sectors of the economy – infrastructure and logistics; micro, small and medium enterprises; the environment; and social services and community development.

MinDA, established through Republic Act 9996, is mandated to facilitate extensive participation across sectors in advancing socio-economic development in Mindanao. Meanwhile, the agreement with MinDA and DA – PRDP aims to enhance farm and fish productivity through infrastructure development, technology adoption and enterprise support.

De Jesus said under the agreement with MinDA, DBP will extend financing to qualified proponent beneficiaries, including Mindanao LGUs and private sector entities, such as MSMEs, cooperatives, and social enterprises.

He said support will be prioritized for critical projects such as climate-resilient infrastructure, renewable energy, water supply and sanitation facilities, healthcare and educational facilities, and agri-industrial developments.

“In the tripartite agreement, DA-PRDP will provide technical assistance and endorse agriculture and fishery projects eligible for financing under the Bank’s various credit facilities while MinDA will provide institutional support and facilitate stakeholder coordination,” de Jesus said.

As of December 31, 2025, DBP has approved P96.2 billion in total loans for various projects in the region.

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 22 April 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

22 April 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. VP DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT HEARING:

-Luistro blasts Duterte for skipping probe, ‘gaslighting’ committee

-VP Sara net worth hits P88.5 million over 6 years, SALNs show no cash or deposits

-Sara Duterte, husband no declared cash on hand, bank since 2019

-AMLC: VP Sara, husband had P6.7B in 'covered, suspicious' bank transactions

-Trillanes: Dutertes received money from druglord

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar] https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/04/22/2522791/vp-sara-net-worth-hits-p885-million-over-6-years-salns-show-no-cash-or-deposits

2. ICC to rule on Duterte's jurisdiction plea today

[ABS-CBN News, Malaya, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/video-updates-rodrigo-duterte-icc-jurisdiction-ruling-april-22-2026/

3. SC directs Marcos Jr., ES Recto to comment on petition for hair follicle drug test

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, GMA News, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar] https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/22/sc-directs-marcos-jr-es-recto-to-comment-on-petition-for-hair-follicle-drug-test-1555

4. Japan considers inviting Marcos for state visit next month, Nikkei reports; Palace says no confirmation yet

[BusinessWorld, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, SunStar, Reuters]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/22/marcos-state-visit-to-japan-not-yet-confirmedpalace

 

5. Marcos couple joins Manaoag devotees for 100th canonical coronation anniversary

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

https://malaya.com.ph/news/national-news/marcos-couple-joins-manaoag-devotees-for-100th-canonical-coronation-anniversary

6. Leni Robredo rules out national run in 2028; opposition still hopes for reconsideration

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, Inquirer, Philstar, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2216296/leni-robredo-rules-out-national-run-in-28

7. FLOOD CONTROL SCAM PROBE:

-Martin Romualdez a flight risk, Ombudsman says

-Travel ban request vs Romualdez submitted for Sandiganbayan resolution

-BI: Romualdez still in PH

-Romualdez should have testified before the Senate blue ribbon – Lacson

-DOJ chief heading to Prague on April 23 for Zaldy Co’s return

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/22/martin-romualdez-a-flight-risk-ombudsman-says

8. Airfare charges spike as surcharge shoots to record level

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

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/04/22/airfare-charges-spike-as-surcharge-shoots-to-record-level

9. ERC orders Meralco to refund P14-B to customers

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/984899/meralco-refund-erc/story/

10. 7 PNPA cadets, 2 police officers face criminal raps over hazing incident

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/22/7-pnpa-cadets-2-police-officers-face-criminal-raps-over-hazing-incident-1351

11. PAGASA raises El Niño alert as likelihood of development climbs to 79% as early as June

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]  https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/22/pagasa-raises-el-nino-alert-as-likelihood-of-development-climbs-to-79-as-early-as-june

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

PDEA confers ‘Balangay Seal of Excellence’ to LGU Claver, Surigao Norte

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Caraga conferred the prestigious Balangay Seal of Excellence to the local government unit (LGU) of Claver, Surigao del Norte on April 20.

The award was given by PDEA Caraga Director Laurefel P. Gabales, and received by Claver Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee, chairperson of the Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC), together with Vice Mayor Leah D. Patan as MADAC vice chairperson, Sangguniang Bayan members, barangay officials, representatives from We Care, and MADAC members.

Also present during the ceremony was  Provincial Officer Wenifredo D. Alagabia Jr. of PDEA Surigao del Norte, along with personnel from the provincial office.

The Balangay Seal of Excellence is the highest recognition granted by PDEA to the LGUs in acknowledgment of their exemplary and sustained implementation of the Barangay Drug Clearing Program. It is a symbolic, non-monetary award that highlights outstanding local governance and a strong commitment to anti-drug initiatives.

The recognition reflects the collective and collaborative efforts of the municipal government of Claver, barangay officials, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders in advancing the government’s campaign against illegal drugs and in promoting public safety.

Director Gabales commended the LGU of Claver for its unwavering dedication and proactive approach in ensuring the successful implementation of anti-drug programs. He emphasized that such achievements demonstrate the vital role of local government units in realizing drug-free communities.

“The conferment of the Balangay Seal of Excellence to LGU Claver underscores the importance of unity, commitment, and sustained efforts among all stakeholders in the fight against illegal drugs. We commend the local leadership and the community for their exemplary performance and encourage others to follow this model of good governance,” Gabales said.

Mayor Gokiangkee also reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment in sustaining its anti-drug initiatives and further strengthening programs that ensure a safe, orderly, and drug-free environment for all constituents.

PDEA Caraga reiterates the call for continued public cooperation and active participation as support to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen the government’s anti-drug campaign, emphasizing that the fight against illegal drugs is a shared responsibility of every Clavernon and every Filipino, as a whole. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from PDEA Caraga)

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Multi-agency outreach reaches 5,000 beneficiaries in Agusan Norte far-flung barangays

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — About 5,000 residents from far-flung barangays of Mat-i, Consorcia, and Pinana-an in Las Nieves benefitted from a wide range of free government services during the 16th Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Immersion and the 35th Aguservisyo held at Mat-i National High School.

The activity, led by the PPOC chairperson and Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, convened national and local government agencies to deliver essential services directly to communities, particularly those identified under the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), in line with the national government’s directive to strengthen grassroots development and sustain peace initiatives in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

“Through this convergence, we are ensuring that government services reach even the most remote barangays, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive peace and development,” Amante said.

Barangay Mat-i, one of the priority areas under the Support to Peace and Development Program (SPDP) for 2027, served as the main venue of the outreach. The initiative aims to strengthen peace and security while accelerating socio-economic development in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, in line with the national government’s inclusive development agenda and sustained peacebuilding efforts under the whole-of-nation approach under Executive Order No. 70.

Residents availed of medical consultations, minor surgical procedures, dental services, laboratory tests, and family planning services provided by the Provincial Health Office and partner agencies. Food packs, assistive devices, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits were also distributed during the event.

Livelihood and agricultural support were likewise extended through the provision of seedlings, farm inputs, and veterinary services. Participating agencies also rendered legal consultations, labor-related assistance, civil registration services, scholarship information, and disaster preparedness training.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Ellen Vee P. Chua emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing grassroots concerns.

“This initiative reflects the strength of collaboration among government agencies. By working together, we can respond more effectively to the needs of our communities,” Chua said.

Punong Barangay Jasmin Maglasang of Barangay Mat-i expressed gratitude to the provincial government and partner agencies for prioritizing their community.

“We are deeply thankful that our barangay was prioritized in this outreach. This brings essential services closer to our people and shows that the government truly listens to and cares for communities like ours,” Maglasang said.

Pablo, one of the residents who benefitted from the services, also expressed his appreciation for the activity, noting the challenges they face due to their distance from the city.

“Dako kaayo among pasalamat kay gianhian gyud mi diri sa barangay. Lisod man gud para namo moadto sa siyudad, mao nga dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa amo,” he said, expressing that they are very grateful for the outreach as it brought services directly to their barangay, since traveling to the city is difficult and costly for them.

Marites, another resident, also shared her gratitude after receiving assistance from the government. “We are very happy that we received such assistance from the government. My children were provided with dental services, and we also received food packs and other support,” she said.

Local officials, including Vice Governor Enrico Corvera and Las Nieves Mayor Karen Rosales, also conveyed their support for the sustained implementation of integrated service delivery efforts aligned with national peace and development strategies.

The convergence of services under the PPOC immersion and Aguservisyo underscores the government’s continuing commitment to inclusive development, peacebuilding, and ensuring that no community is left behind in accessing essential public services. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

SSS offers financial relief through loan condonation amid crisis

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — In response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a whole-of-government response to the Middle East crisis, the Social Security System (SSS) encourages its members to use and take advantage of its consolidated loan with penalty condonation or the SSS conso loan.

Assistant Branch Head Jessejev Y. Tenecio of SSS Butuan shared, during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on April 14 in Butuan City.

“Having past due loans and accumulated penalties will add to the financial burden of the members, especially with the recent economic pressure. This will also affect the total amount members will receive from SSS when needed,” Tenecio said. “This program will ensure members are worry-free from penalty accumulation on their existing loans and empower them to keep their premium contribution current and secure their pension benefit.”

Since primary and frontline services of SSS are now 95 percent digital, he added that the submission of the conso loan application shall be through the member-borrower’s My.SSS account, and enjoy the benefits of the penalty condonation program, namely:

· Upon full payment, all penalties will be condoned or waived

·  Extended repayment terms

·  No service fee

·  Easy application process

·  Restoration of good standing status with SSS

 Eligibility requirements

All member-borrowers with past due loans or loans that have an unpaid obligation consisting of principal, interest, and penalties equivalent to more than three monthly amortizations, or the loan has a remaining unpaid balance after its maturity.  The covered loans are the following:

1.    Salary Loan, including Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP)

2.    Calamity Loan

3.    Emergency Loan

4.    Restructured Loan

Payment options and penalty condonation

The condonation of consolidated penalties shall depend on whether the past due loan is paid in a one-time payment or through installment:

1.    One-time Payment Term

- The SSS conso loan must be paid in full within 30 calendar days from receipt of the notice of approval of the SSS conso loan application.

- 100 percent of the consolidated penalty shall be condoned upon full payment of the SSS conso loan within the said 30 calendar days.

- The SSS conso loan amount up to P5,000 must be paid through a one-time payment only.

2.    Installment Plan

- Down payment of at least 10 percent of the total consolidated amount within 30 calendar days from receipt of the notice of approval of the SSS conso loan application. However, a higher percentage may be elected as a down payment.

 

- The remaining balance shall be payable in equal monthly amortization based on the loan range below:

 Also, the consolidated penalty shall be condoned as follows:

* Penalty proportionate to the percentage of the down payment shall be condoned upon payment of the required down payment within 30 calendar days.

* The remaining amount of penalty shall be fully condoned after full payment of the outstanding SSS conso loan within the approved terms and conditions.

Meanwhile, SSS Butuan Branch Head Arnold O. Pepino shared the ongoing efforts of SSS in bringing its services closer to the members, especially those residing in far-flung and island areas, by capacitating local government units, including the barangays, to handle on-the-ground assistance, basic inquiries, and transactions of members about their SSS. 

“For Butuan City, we have boarded 12 barangays in this arrangement, making our services nearer, convenient and cost-efficient to our members.”

He emphasized the importance for members to keep their contributions current and updated despite the ongoing crisis. 

“Ang usa ka bulan nga kontribusyon nga P760 mas maayo kaysa walay bayad sulod sa taas nga panahon kay kining bayad nagpadayon sa proteksyon ug benepisyo sa miyembro sa SSS” (The one-month premium payment of P760 is better than no payment at all, especially for a long time, because the payment will ensure the security and benefits of the SSS member),” the officer said.  

During life’s contingencies and hard times, the state insurer remains sincere and tangible to the Filipino people by fulfilling its commitment on “Sa SSS, Sigurado ang Bukas.” (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)