Press Release

Seeking to bridge gaps in access to essential government services, a group has proposed a science and technology-driven development program for a Bukidnon-Magahat Indigenous Peoples (IP) community through the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.The initiative is part of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc.’s (HBONI) Project Tikang (Step) in Sitio Madaja, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, which aims to bring government services and development opportunities closer to isolated and underserved communities.Project Tikang Lead and journalist Reymund Titong said the effort was born out of the widening gap in access to services between urban centers and hinterland communities, and that CEST comp...

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is urging the government to tap the P30-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), created under Republic Act No. 11203, to finance interventions that go beyond short‑term cash aid to shield farmers from El Niño and rising global fuel costs.Escudero pointed to the P15 billion allocation for “Other Priority Programs, Activities and Projects” under RCEF, or the Rice Tariffication Law, that could be redirected to interventions that “most effectively promote farmers’ productivity, supply resiliency, and address food security emergency situations on rice due to supply shortage or extraordinary increase in prices.”“Isa pang pwede na makakatulong sa ating mga magsasaka ay yung portion ng P30 billion mula sa rice competitiveness enhancement pr...

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is urging the national and local governments to immediately provide a “fuel differential subsidy” to drivers of public jeepneys, taxis, tricycles and transport operators this April, saying the temporary aid is needed to help them cope with oil price shocks that have already disrupted operations nationwide.Escudero issued the call as transport groups in various locations such as Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod,  and Cebu have reported severe financial strain due to the rapid rise in fuel costs, with some cooperatives slashing trips and others warning of possible shutdowns if no immediate intervention is provided.“I hope the national and the local government can give them fuel differential subsidy to PUJ/PUV/tricycles in the form of cash or vo...

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has expressed concern for the country’s coconut and sugar farmers as the government studies possible amendments to Republic Act 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006, including proposals to allow limited biofuel importation to address rising global oil prices. In a statement, Escudero said any policy shift should carefully consider its impact on rural livelihoods that rely on the domestic biofuel industry. He noted that the Department of Energy (DOE), in a recent Senate hearing, said it was considering a one‑year allowance for biofuel imports to mitigate oil price surges. The senator said such a move could significantly affect local producers and farmers, and urged the DOE to reassess the proposal. Instead of importation, he urged the depar...

The rock band 'Tamad si Juan' from Davao City*Out of the garage and onto the throne - Tamad si Juan from Davao City has officially been crowned the 2025 Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban Grand Champion.The high-octane finale, held on Saturday, March 14, transformed the Filinvest City Events Grounds in  Alabang Muntinlupa,  into a mecca for Pinoy Rock.The Davao-based quintet outperformed the country’s toughest rising talent to secure the prestigious title and a life-changing P1 million cash prize.The journey to the top wasn't easy. After a year of grueling preliminaryThe band—composed of Reg Twostone (vocals), Kram Noiz (lead guitar), Shed Jabinez (guitar), Jepax Jaso (bass), and Vistal—expressed deep gratitude for the platform, noting that the long journey from the ...

The Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement chaired by Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has tackled all 35 bills and resolutions on its agenda, reinforcing his “no backlog” policy in the committees he leads.  Among those approved for committee report was Senate Bill No. 934, authored by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, which strengthens the government’s authority to expropriate land for socialized housing. “The measure amends Sections 9, 10, and 11 of the Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA) of 1992 to empower local government units and housing agencies to identify priority areas, streamline land acquisition, and allow expropriation of idle lands, including residential lands under litigation,” Escudero said, noting that the bill supports the administr...

 Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental has adopted a four-day onsite workweek and stricter energy conservation measures after Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo issued Executive Order No. 264, Series of 2026.Under the new policy, which takes effect March 16, municipal government offices will operate Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m.  to 6:30 p.m. completing the required 40-hour workweek within four days, a press release from Moises Padilla said Thursday, March 12.Fridays will serve as an Energy Conservation Day, during which offices will be closed to the public.Despite the revised schedule, the local government assured that public service will remain uninterrupted through its “No Noon Break” policy, with a skeletal workforce assigned to continue operations from 12 p.m.to ...

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero over the weekend urged private companies to consider adopting Malacañang‑backed four‑day onsite workweek or implement staggered work‑hour schemes as the country aims to cushion the impact of fuel price hikes and broader economic disruptions amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.In a statement, Escudero said such flexible arrangements could help reduce daily transportation demand, lower operating costs, provide workers with added relief as global oil markets remain volatile, as well reduce billions of pesos in lost opportunities every day because of traffic congestion.“Acting this early as we anticipate what could possibly happen would strengthen the country’s resilience should the situation worsen,” the senator said.The veteran legislator ...