(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 16 January 2026) Dinagat Islands will experience rains with gusty winds due to TS “Ada”. Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains. Minimal to minor threat to life and property due to strong winds. Northern Mindanao and the rest of Caraga will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to TS “Ada”. Possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to at times heavy rains. The rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. The eastern section of Mindanao will have moderate to strong winds from west to southwest with moderate to rough seas (2.1 to 3.4 meters). The rest of Mindanao will have light to moderate winds from northeast to northwest with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.5 meters). At 3:00 PM today, the center of Tropical Storm "ADA" {NOKAEN} was estimated based on all available data at 270 km East of Borongan City, Eastern Samar (12.1°N, 127.9°E) with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 80 km/h. It is moving Northwestward at 20 km/h. Northeast Monsoon affecting Northern and Central Luzon.


Friday, 7 February 2025

NEMSU seeks legislation support for campus dev’t, expansion

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) – The North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU) President Nemesio Loayon sought the commitment and support of the Surigao del Sur 1st District Congressional Office for the continued development of its campuses in the province, focusing on infrastructure expansion, student welfare, and campus safety.

In a press statement, Pres. Loayon confirmed that Congressional Rep. Romeo S. Momo Sr., also the chairperson of the Public Works and Highways Committee, is actively securing funding for key projects, overseeing facility upgrades, and pushing for policies that ensure a safer and more student-friendly learning environment. These initiatives aim to modernize NEMSU’s campuses, provide better student support systems, and reinforce its status as a premier academic institution in the region.

Key infrastructure projects in the pipeline

During a recent consultation with NEMSU officials, the solon emphasized the need to prioritize funding and programs that will enhance the university’s facilities and services. Among the most critical projects discussed was the construction of seven laboratories for the College of Medicine, which will play a crucial role in securing the university’s Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC)—a key requirement to meet national medical education standards.

To accelerate infrastructure projects, a Board Resolution authorizing Loayon to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be submitted to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This will pave the way for the San Miguel campus development. However, while bidding can proceed, contract awarding will remain on hold due to the election ban.

He also revealed the two major infrastructure projects for the San Miguel campus are set to be posted within two weeks, with funding already allocated for the construction of two overpass bridges at the Tandag City campus. He underscored the importance of seamless coordination between NEMSU and DPWH to ensure timely implementation of these projects.

Prioritizing student welfare and campus safety

Beyond infrastructure, affordable dormitories and food options were identified as an urgent concern. Rep. Momo emphasized that ensuring affordable housing and meals is crucial in supporting students and addressing campus concerns.

Campus safety was another key issue, with several measures proposed to foster a secure and conducive learning environment, including:

Random drug testing to deter illegal substance use.

Stricter monitoring of boarders to ensure student safety.

Strengthening student organizations to promote awareness and peer support.

Regulating dormitory and food establishments to uphold health and safety standards.

He also noted that opening new roads leading to the San Miguel campus will ease transportation challenges and potentially boost student enrollment. Discussions with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) are already underway for a school bus donation, while the utilization of DPWH vehicles for student transportation is also being explored.

Strengthening NEMSU’s global competitiveness

Looking beyond local development, Momo expressed his commitment to elevating NEMSU’s international presence. Discussions included funding support for programs that will foster global partnerships, faculty exchanges, and student mobility initiatives—critical steps in positioning NEMSU as a competitive institution in higher education.

Commitment to NEMSU’s growth

With clear commitment to expanding NEMSU’s infrastructure, strengthening student welfare programs, and improving campus safety, Momo assured the university officials that he will work closely with national agencies to turn these plans into reality.

This proactive leadership and collaboration are aligned with NEMSU’s long-term vision of becoming a leading academic institution in the region. As these projects take shape, the university remains poised to offer better opportunities for students, faculty, and the wider academic community. (Photo courtesy of Dr. N. Loayon/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)