(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Friday, 30 January 2026) Caraga Region and the provinces of Davao Oriental, Camiguin and Misamis Oriental will experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms due to the Shearline. Possible flashfloods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains. The rest of Mindanao will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flashfloods or landslides due to severe thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds from the Northeast to Northwest with moderate to rough seas (1.8 to 3.4 meters) will prevail in the eastern sections of Mindanao. Elsewhere, light to moderate winds from the Northeast with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 1.8 meters). Shear Line affecting the eastern section of Mindanao. Northeast Monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas.


Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Agusan Sur town to launch localized ride-hailing app ahead of Palarong Pambansa 2026

By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The municipality of San Francisco in Agusan del Sur is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes, coaches, officials, and visitors as one of the official billeting areas for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026. In line with this, the local government unit (LGU) is set to introduce a localized ride-hailing application that will cater to the transportation needs of delegates and guests during the national sporting event.

The innovation, currently undergoing simulation, will enable users to book local tricycles through a mobile platform similar to popular services like Grab. The LGU is also in the process of determining tariff rates based on distance traveled to ensure that fares remain fair, transparent, and consistent across the municipality.

Municipal Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo proudly shared the development, emphasizing its importance both for visitors and local drivers. “We came up with this ride-hailing application, which enables visitors to book our local tricycles the same way as other similar applications, such as ‘Grab’ [taxi]. Besides helping out tricycle drivers in looking for passengers, this, in turn, will also be a big help for our guests, who, despite their location across the municipality, booking a ride will be no hassle,” she said.

The LGU believes the initiative will not only ease mobility for guests but also provide livelihood opportunities for tricycle drivers, who will benefit from a more organized and accessible passenger booking system. By integrating technology into local transport services, San Francisco aims to showcase its adaptability and readiness to host a large-scale national event.

Officials noted that the ride-hailing app is part of a broader set of preparations being undertaken by the municipality to ensure that delegates experience a smooth and memorable stay. Aside from transportation, San Francisco is also coordinating with schools, barangays, and local establishments to provide safe accommodations, reliable utilities, and accessible public services during the games.

The Palarong Pambansa, the country’s premier student-athlete competition, is expected to draw thousands of participants from across the Philippines to Agusan del Sur as this year’s host province. San Francisco, serving as a billeting area, is seen as an opportunity to show the LGU’s hospitality, promoting the municipality as a progressive and visitor-friendly destination.

The localized ride-hailing app is expected to be fully operational before the opening of the Palarong Pambansa 2026. Once launched, it will stand as one of the pioneering initiatives in Agusan del Sur, setting a precedent for other municipalities to explore digital solutions that enhance tourism and community services. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

Posted by at