Luzon Morning Sun

09/06/2026

𝐍𝐈𝐀, 𝐁𝐅𝐀𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍 𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐒

𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎𝐀𝐆, 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍 (𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — A total of 5,000 tilapia fingerlings have been distributed to members of the United Cale Irrigators’ Association (UCIA) in Manaoag, Pangasinan, giving farming families an additional source of income while boosting local food production.

The fingerlings were provided by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region I in partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Pangasinan Provincial Fisheries Office under the NIA-Assisted Livelihood Program. This encourages irrigators to maximize the use of irrigation facilities not only for crop production but also for fish culture, helping increase farm productivity and household earnings, said NIA Regional Manager, Engr. Geffrey Catulin, who led the turnover of the fingerlings alongside BFAR representative Antonieta D. Evangelista and officers of the United Cale IA headed by president Dominador Salindong.

Ths project is part of bigger efforts to help irrigators diversify their livelihoods and become less vulnerable to fluctuations in farm income, added Catulin.

For many farmers, tilapia production offers a practical way to generate additional earnings between cropping seasons. The program also contributes to food security by increasing the supply of affordable fish in rural communities while providing families with an accessible source of protein.

The fish dispersal project is one of several livelihood initiatives being implemented by NIA Region I to strengthen irrigators’ associations across Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, and Ilocos Norte. In recent years, it has supported farmers through livestock dispersal, vegetable production projects, farm input assistance, skills training, and enterprise development programs designed to create alternative income sources beyond rice farming.

NIA has also been promoting integrated farming systems that combine crop production, fisheries, and livestock raising to maximize the use of water resources and agricultural lands within irrigation service areas. The approach aims to help farmers earn year-round while improving the sustainability of their operations.

Catulin emphasized that livelihood interventions have become increasingly important as farmers face challenges from climate variability, rising production costs, and market uncertainties. By providing communities with additional sources of income, NIA hopes to build more resilient farming households capable of withstanding economic and environmental woes.

Through partnerships with agencies such as BFAR and local governments, Catulin further stressed, “NIA will continue expanding livelihood opportunities for irrigators, reinforcing its role not only as a provider of irrigation services but also as a partner in rural development and agricultural growth across Region I.”

09/06/2026

𝐏𝐒𝐂 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 ₱𝟐𝟎𝐌 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒, 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐒

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Young athletes and sports enthusiasts in Baguio City are expected to benefit from a P20-million grant from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to improve sports facilities and strengthen local sports programs.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, who turned over the funding to the city government on Monday said, Baguio has long been a key center for sports development and training in the country.

Part of the support will go to the continued upgrading of the Baguio Athletic Bowl, while a world-class football pitch is also planned at Teachers’ Camp within the next four months.

The facility is expected to provide more opportunities for local athletes and youth to train and compete.

Gregorio said the grant recognizes the city's efforts to develop sports on its own and encourage active lifestyles among residents. He added that Baguio's sports programs can serve as a model for other local government units.

The PSC chief expressed hope that better facilities and stronger grassroots programs will help discover future champions from the Cordillera, saying investments in local athletes today could lead to Olympic success for the country in the years ahead.

09/06/2026

𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐀 𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐃 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐋 𝐍𝐈Ñ𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐃, 𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐀 (𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟎𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Abra lawmaker JB Bernos is calling on the government to fast-track farmland leveling projects to help farmers cope with water shortages and protect their harvests.

With the possibility of another El Niño dry spell, Bernos said, “land leveling is a simple but effective solution that allows irrigation water to flow more evenly across farms, helping maximize limited water supplies during periods of drought.”

The appeal came after the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration presented their drought-response measures before the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, including rainwater harvesting, irrigation rehabilitation, solar-powered irrigation systems, and rotational water distribution.

Bernos however noted that many small farmers cannot afford the machinery and equipment needed for land leveling. He stressed, “government assistance is necessary to ensure the technology reaches vulnerable farming communities.”

To institutionalize the program, Bernos and Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos filed House Bill No. 6516, or the Bangon Bukid Bill, which seeks to establish a national farmland leveling and reconstruction program aimed at boosting farm productivity, improving irrigation efficiency, and strengthening resilience against droughts and floods.

08/06/2026

𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐎 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎

𝐊𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐍, 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐨 — More farmers, fishers, and local entrepreneurs in North Cotabatonowhave greater access to affordable financing and digital banking solutions as LANDBANKexpandedits initiatives across the province.

The Agrisenso Plus Lending Program and the Uswag MSME Fair held on 04 June2026at theUniversity of Southern Mindanao (USM) gathered over 1,400 participants. This includedaround1,200 farmers and fishers — 600 of whom are USM agri-graduates —as well as 200 micro, small,and medium enterprise (MSME) owners.

More farmers, fishers, and local entrepreneurs in North Cotabatonowhave greater access to affordable financing and digital banking solutions as LANDBANKexpandedits initiatives across the province.

08/06/2026

It is with profound sadness that we at Luzon Morning Sun mourn the passing of our fellow media colleague, Mhar Dilao Oclaman, founder of the Filipino News Sentinel (FNS), who passed away on the morning of June 8.

Mhar devoted his life to the pursuit of truthful journalism and public service. Through his dedication to community reporting, he became a familiar and respected voice committed to informing the public with honesty, integrity, and compassion. His passion for local media and his commitment to keeping communities connected through stories that mattered will never be forgotten.

Beyond the headlines and news coverage was a man whose work reflected genuine service to the people. He leaves behind a legacy built on hard work, perseverance, and a deep love for the craft of journalism.

On behalf of the entire Luzon Morning Sun family, we extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time.

May his legacy live on through the stories he told and the lives he touched.

May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory forever remain a blessing to all who knew him.

08/06/2026

₱𝟐.𝟖-𝐌 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐕 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋

𝐋𝐀 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃, 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐓 (𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟎𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — More than P2.8 million worth of dried cannabis, supposedly ready to the illicit ma*****na market, was recovered by police from an abandoned sport utility vehicle in Barangay Puguis here early Sunday, June 7.

La Trinidad police on patrol found two sacks containing 24 tubular pieces of suspected dried ma*****na inside a deserted Mitsubishi Pajero at Sitio Buhao.

The seized ma*****na weighed about 23.4 kilograms and had an estimated street value of P2.808 million.

La Trinidad police chief Lt. Col. Zacarias Caloy Dausen said the recovery signifies the value of intensified police visibility and community vigilance in the campaign against illegal drugs.

They are into discovering who abandoned the vehicle, Dausen promised.

📸 La Trinidad police

08/06/2026

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 ₱𝟖𝟎𝟎𝐌 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐍𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝟖 𝐏𝐏𝐏 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐋

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟎𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Baguio City is racing to secure fresh funding and new contractors to revive two stalled infrastructure projects worth nearly P800 million, even as most of the city’s flagship public-private partnership (PPP) ventures remain delayed or have collapsed altogether.

Among the projects being rescued is the Luna Terraces Housing Project in Barangay Irisan, a 662-unit housing development designed to help ease the city’s growing housing backlog.

Construction setbacks and the termination of earlier development works forced city officials to seek additional funding to complete the project.

To keep the housing project afloat, the city has turned to several funding sources, including the Social Housing Finance Corporation, Pag-IBIG Fund, the National Housing Authority, and national housing programs.

While major construction remains unfinished, the city has completed the project’s first access road and is preparing to bid out a second road component.

At the same time, Baguio is shifting to a design-and-build scheme to restart the nearly P400-million Youth Convergence Center and Sports Complex at the Baguio Athletic Bowl. The project ground to a halt after the original contractor’s agreement was terminated in 2024 due to severe delays and financial difficulties.

Five prospective contractors are now undergoing post-qualification evaluation, with inspection teams set to visit their completed projects next week. City officials hope the new procurement approach will finally push the long-delayed sports facility toward completion.

The city’s infrastructure struggles extend beyond the two stalled projects. A recent management committee report showed that only one of Baguio’s eight major PPP projects is moving forward, while three remain stuck in various approval stages and four have already fallen through.

The lone project advancing is the P118-billion Baguio City Integrated Terminal, which entered the design phase after a lease agreement was signed with Megawide Construction Corporation in January. Still awaiting clearances are the Smart Urban Mobility Project, Asin Hydroelectric Power Plants Project, and Bulk Water Supply Project, while proposals for the market redevelopment, a transport terminal and cultural center, a monorail and electric bus system, and a socialized housing project have collapsed.

Despite the setbacks, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said PPPs remain crucial to funding major infrastructure projects without heavily burdening city’s funds.

08/06/2026

𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎𝐒 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐂𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄𝐃, 𝐀𝐁𝐑𝐀 (𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟎𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) —Solid North Party-list lawmaker Ching Bernos called on the state-owned gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to sustain its support for sports development by helping improve sports facilities across the country.

At the just concluded 66th Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur participated in more than 13,000 young athletes, Rep. Bernos said, “investing in sports infrastructure is key to shaping disciplined, resilient, and productive youth.” She stressed that accessible facilities and community-based sports programs can give young Filipinos positive outlets while helping them stay away from drugs and other harmful activities.

“Sports are crucial in developing our youth. It instills discipline, grit, and a drive for excellence,” the Solid North PL lawmaker said while urging PAGCOR to continue working closely with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and other government agencies to strengthen grassroots sports programs.

Under the Philippine Sports Commission Act, PAGCOR is mandated to remit five percent of its gross income to the PSC to help fund the country’s integrated sports development program. Bernos said continued investments are needed to expand opportunities for aspiring athletes, particularly in provinces and underserved communities.

The lawmaker also welcomed the cash incentives introduced for this year’s Palaro medalists cia President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announcement that a P10-million fund for athlete rewards, with gold medalists receiving P5,000, silver medalists P3,000, and bronze medalists P2,000.

08/06/2026

𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐏𝐓 𝐀𝐈-𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐒 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓 𝐄𝐋 𝐍𝐈Ñ𝐎

𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐓𝐀 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘, 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍 (𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟎𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — Farmers in the Ilocos Region are expected to benefit from artificial intelligence-powered irrigation systems being deployed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) as the country braces for the possible effects of El Niño.

NIA-Ilocos Regional Manager, Engr. Geffrey Catulin said, the new solar-powered irrigation pumps use AI technology to determine how much water crops need and automatically distribute water based on actual field conditions. This helps farmers avoid wasting water while keeping crops productive during dry periods, he explained.

NIA is also promoting the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method in rice fields, which can cut water use by up to 30 percent without reducing harvests. The technique also helps improve soil health and strengthen crop roots.

To stretch available water supplies, NIA is adjusting planting schedules and implementing rotational irrigation in various areas, Catulin added. It is also speeding up canal lining, desilting, and repair works to reduce water losses and improve delivery to farms.

Catulin said the measures are aimed at helping thousands of farmers cope with possible drought conditions, protect their harvests, and sustain food production as weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable.

07/06/2026

𝐀𝐈 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐘 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 (𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 𝟎𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — A motorist who ignored a pedestrian lane in Baguio City was tracked down using artificial intelligence, showcasing the growing reach of the city’s Smart and Safe City Command Center (SC3) in enforcing traffic laws.

The violation involved a gray Toyota Innova captured on CCTV along Yandoc Street on May 23 for disregarding the city’s “King of the Road” ordinance, which gives priority to pedestrians.

Although glare initially obscured the vehicle’s plate number, authorities used AI-assisted video analysis to trace its route through multiple camera feeds.

Investigators found that the vehicle entered Baguio through Irisan at about 11:22 a.m. and exited via the same route at around 3:40 p.m. The system eventually identified the registered owner, who was traced to Bauang, La Union.

Police later contacted the driver, who reportedly admitted committing the violation. A traffic citation ticket was issued, and the case was endorsed to the Land Transportation Office for appropriate action.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the incident demonstrates how the city’s AI-powered command center is helping authorities hold traffic violators accountable. He reminded motorists to respect pedestrian crossings, warning that offenders can now be identified and tracked even after leaving the city.