(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 20 June 2025) Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—˜π—”π—§π—›π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Surigao del Sur will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to ITCZ. Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from East to Northeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas / (0.6 to 1.5 meters).



Friday, 20 June 2025

Direct RORO service connecting Surigao and Sorsogon commences

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte,  (PIA) --  A new and historic direct roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry service officially commenced on June 12, providing a vital, direct connection between Surigao City in Mindanao and Bulan, Sorsogon, in Luzon.

This much-anticipated service is set to transform inter-island logistics by offering a crucial alternative for RORO transport, bypassing the increasingly challenging route through Samar and Leyte, particularly the load limitations at San Juanico Bridge.

Port Manager Froilan Caturla of the Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao, as well as Lipata Terminal Manager Allan Yap personally witnessed the arrival of MV 1018, watched her first docking maneuver and inspected the ship’s facilities and amenities alongside Seen Sam Shipping Inc.’s Operations Manager Edwin Bordaje

MV 1018 is a newly built landing craft transport (LCT) vessel owned and operated by Seen Sam Shipping Inc., a Cebu-based company. Fresh from the shipyards of Zhejiang Zhenxing Shipbuilding Company in China, the MV 1018's inaugural journey from Lipata Ferry Terminal in Surigao City to the Port of Bulan in Sorsogon marked a significant milestone. It is the first purely RORO service to directly link Mindanao and Luzon, thereby circumventing a major segment of the Philippine eastern nautical highway and offering a more efficient and direct route for goods and passengers.

According to Bordaje, "The MV 1018 is a seven-lane LCT vessel. It boasts an impressive length overall (LOA) of 85 meters and a gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 2,024 metric tons. The vessel is capable of accommodating 37 10-wheeler trucks and five 6-wheeler vehicles, addressing a critical need for efficient cargo transport across the archipelago."

"With an estimated sailing time of around 21 hours, this direct ferry service is anticipated to be a game-changer," he added. "To enhance the travel experience for essential personnel, truck drivers and their helpers will be provided with complimentary accommodation in air-conditioned sleeping quarters, designed to offer comfort similar to tourist or cabin facilities found on commercial passenger vessels. Meals (lunch and dinner) and morning coffee are also included, since the voyage starts at 5:00 AM."

He also shared the freight charges for the new service begin at P18,000 for a 6-wheeler Bongo. Other notable rates include P30,000 for 6-wheeler Canter, elf, and forward trucks; P44,000 for 20-footer trailer trucks; and P115,000 for trailer trucks loaded with heavy equipment. A comprehensive freight matrix is available for all cargo types.

While the MV 1018 currently serves as the sole vessel on this pivotal direct route, Seen Sam Shipping Inc. plans to bolster its service offerings in the near future. A new vessel, the MV 1070, is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, promising increased capacity and frequency for this vital new logistical artery. (PPA- PMO Surigao/ PIA- Surigao del Norte)

Friday, 20 June 2025

Renote school in Surigao Norte receives potable water system

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte --  Gacepan Elementary School in Barangay Gacepan, Sison, Surigao del Norte recently received the climate resilient sustainable powered potable water system.

This initiative, which aims to secure clean and sustainable water access, was funded by the New Zealand Embassy in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) program on WASH (water, sanitationn and hygiene) and the Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development (ACTED).

The event was attended by representatives from National Commission on Indegenous Peoples (NCIP) Surigao del Norte and the Mamanwa Indigenous People of Barangay Gacepan, led by Tribal Chieftain Dakula Joenil B. Masana

The inclusion of the NCIP representative and the Mamanwa community emphasized the importance of respecting indigenous cultures and ensuring that the water solutions implemented are culturally appropriate.

Tribal Chieftain Dakula Joenil, thanked all the agencies involved for the collaborative efforts in ensuring that Mamanwa's school children can access safe and potable drinking water.

The newly commissioned water system utilizes sustainable energy sources to pump, treat, and distribute safe drinking water, providing a reliable supply that is resilient to the increasing challenges posed by climate change. 

This innovative approach not only ensures access to clean water but also minimizes environmental impact by leveraging renewable energy technologies.

The event was also attended by  Catherine McIntosh, New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines, along with UNICEF representatives led by Maya Fachrani Faisal, and ACTED personnel supervised by Joey M. Cabilao. Local dignitaries included Karissa R. Fetalvero-Paronia, the municipal mayor of Sison, and  Punong Barangay Nelger S. Saladu.

Also, key representatives from national agencies such as the Department of Education and the Department of Health were also present, highlighting the collaborative effort to secure sustainable clean water for the community. (NCIP- Surigao del Norte/PIA Surigao del Norte)

TOP STORIES – Friday, 20 June 2025

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 20 June 2025, Friday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Palace: Marcos open to discuss rejoining ICC

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZBB, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/06/20/2451894/palace-marcos-open-discuss-rejoining-icc

2. Marcos meets with Japanese tourism sector

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/950009/marcos-meets-with-japanese-tourism-sector/story/

3. PBBM PODCAST:

-Marcos’ rule on power, water supply woes: Fix the problem, stop the blame

-Marcos backs NCAP but urges fair implementation

-Marcos wants 12 tons load capacity in San Juanico by December 2025

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2072763/marcos-rule-on-power-water-supply-woes-fix-the-problem-stop-the-blame

4. VICE PRESIDENCY:

-Sara Duterte on personal trip to Australia to join rally for her father

-Ombudsman directs VP Sara, 9 others to answer confidential funds raps; OVP confirms receipt of order

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

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/281368/sara-duterte-on-personal-trip-to-australia-to-join-rally-for-her-father

5. IRAN-ISRAEL CONFLICT:

-DMW issues deployment ban on new hires for Iran, Jordan amid conflict with Israel

-Six Filipinos from Israel cross border to Jordan

-Wounded Filipinos in Israel rise to 8, one critical

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/949950/dmw-issues-deployment-ban-on-new-hires-for-iran-jordan-amid-conflict-with-israel/story/

6. Gov't increases student discount on LRT, MRT to 50 percent

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/6/19/gov-t-increases-student-discount-on-lrt-mrt-to-50-percent-0617

7. DOE: 5-peso price hike for diesel possible

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/6/19/5-peso-price-hike-for-diesel-possible-doe-0713

8. PNP reshuffle: Central Luzon top cop is new director for comptrollership

[DZBB, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2072828/pnp-reshuffle-central-luzon-top-cop-is-new-director-for-comptrollership

9. BI official unseated from his post by DOJ Sec Remulla

[Daily Tribune, DZRH, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times]

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/20/bi-official-unseated-from-his-post-by-doj-sec-remulla

10. DOT hits website for mistakenly tagging PH as ‘least safe country’

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

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/281286/dot-hits-website-for-mistakenly-tagging-ph-as-least-safe-country

11. Peso drops to P57:$1 ahead of anticipated BSP interest rate cut

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

https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/19/peso-drops-to-571-ahead-of-anticipated-bsp-interest-rate-cut

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Friday, 20 June 2025

Child adoption rate increases in Caraga

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) —“Legal child adoption continues to increase in Caraga region,” Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) Caraga Social Welfare Officer III (SWO) Juderiz O. Neri said in the recent Kapihan sa PIA at SM City Butuan as part of the yearly celebration of the Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week (AACCW).

“Republic Act No. 11642, also known as Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, contributed to the increase in the number of adoption orders being issued in the region,” he added. “In my seven years of experience of handling adoption cases in court, I witnessed only about one adoption order being issued per year.”

He further disclosed that with the implementation of R.A. 11642 in 2023, there was a significant increase. “In 2023, seven adoption orders were issued. In 2024, there were twelve, and as of date, we already have fifteen, totaling 34 adoption orders, a major increase compared to previous years.”

He emphasized that adoption is the last resort. “If the social worker’s assessment determines that adoption is necessary, only then do we proceed with the process.”

However, he explained that in cases when parents are unable to properly take care for the child, RACCO coordinates with the local government unit (LGU) to provide assistance or livelihood support so the child can remain with their family, stressing on the policy that the child should not be separated from their family.

“If the social worker’s assessment supports adoption, that is when the case elevates for further evaluation to determine whether the child is fit for adoption or should instead be reintegrated with their family,” said Neri. (KKG, PIA Agusan del Sur)

Friday, 20 June 2025

BJMP Caraga feeds children, drivers in Butuan City

By Mariesh CeledeΓ±a

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) - “We received shy but heartwarming smiles and soft ‘thank yous’ from the children and drivers we shared food with,” said JInsp. Isidro T. Logronio Jr., chief of the Community Relations Service Division of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Caraga during recent conduct of their “Feeding on Wheels.”

The program uses a BJMP Transport Vehicle (BTV) loaded with essentials for the beneficiaries where jail personnel roam around the outskirts of the city to look for children in the streets and tricycle drivers.

The bureau distributed food packs and beverages in the different areas of Butuan City, benefitting some 100 children and tricycle drivers. 

According to the bureau, the activity is part of the celebration of Community Relations Service (CRS) Month as part of its intensified efforts to strengthen community engagement and promote public service beyond the jail walls.

“We aim to extend compassion and support to marginalized members of the community by providing free food packs and essential items. Specifically, the activity catered to children in selected barangays and random tricycle drivers plying the main thoroughfares of Butuan City,” said JInsp Logronio.

During the event, the BJMP personnel onboard a designated vehicle roamed around identified areas to distribute packed meals, snacks, and beverages to children and tricycle drivers who were working under the heat of the sun to provide for their families.

Aside from food packs, pairs of slippers were also given to children seen barefoot or in worn-out footwear. This emphasizes BJMP’s concern for the well-being and dignity of every child in the community.

“Just seeing the beautiful smiles of the children already proves the activity’s success. This has been the 2nd year of our implementation of Feeding on Wheels and we will continue this activity,” said JInsp Logronio. (MFC, PIA Butuan City with a report from BJMP Caraga)