BusinessWeek National

28/05/2026

BusinessWeek National Online Feature "HOLIDAY WELL SPENT RCCDO TURNS MAY 27 BREAK INTO SERVICE PLANNING IN DAHILAYAN."

27/05/2026

27/05/2026

HOLIDAY WELL SPENT: RCCDO TURNS MAY 27 BREAK INTO SERVICE PLANNING IN DAHILAYAN

Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro banks on “Create Lasting Impact” to set the tone for 2026-2027

BY: MER SUDARIA
Editorial Consultant

*KUMAYKAY, DAHILAYAN, MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON* — While most use holidays to rest, the Rotary Club of Cagayan de Oro is using May 27, 2026 to do the opposite: plan how to serve better.

The club’s 78th Club Planning Session will take over the residence of PN Nilo Ampit in Kumaykay, Dahilayan, bringing together members, incoming officers, and advisers under the theme _“Create Lasting Impact.”_ The goal is simple: align every program, clarify every role, and make sure the next Rotary year starts with momentum.

For incoming President Noel Dajao, the timing makes sense. “If we want projects that actually change lives, we need to start by getting everyone on the same page. A holiday gives us that space without rushing.”

Service starts with preparation

The day’s program reflects that focus on substance over ceremony. After an early carpool from Cagayan de Oro City and lunch in Dahilayan, the session opens with _Rethinking Club Service_ by PDG John Mark Sarraga, challenging members to look beyond routine activities.

The bulk of the afternoon is dedicated to the Officers Bearers Course and a hands-on planning workshop. Incoming officers and directors—from Club Administration to The Rotary Foundation—will map out programs for the year ahead, covering everything from youth service and community projects to global grants and membership growth.

PP Chito Sarraga, incoming adviser, said the training helps avoid the common pitfall of starting the year without direction. “When new leaders understand their ‘why,’ the ‘what’ becomes easier. That’s how you sustain impact.”

Making the holiday count

Secretary Jairus Gochoco said the decision to hold the session on a non-working holiday was intentional. “It removes the conflict with work and lets us focus. We want to walk out of Dahilayan with clear plans, not just good intentions.”

The session wraps up with updates on by-laws, fund-raising strategies, and an open forum, followed by fellowship to strengthen the camaraderie that fuels Rotary service.

All RCCDO members are invited, with the incoming Board of Directors and Advisers for 2026-2027 especially encouraged to attend.

In a club that prides itself on service above self, the message is clear: if you want to create lasting impact, you start by planning for it—even on a holiday.

27/05/2026

BusinessWeek National Feature
'lAdha

27/05/2026

BusinessWeek National Feature

27/05/2026

THAT’S an aphorism from the movie, The Spiderman, which serves as a moral axiom. It highlights the need to use whatever power or capability one has, for a greater good, and not as a means of entitlement.

To learn more, please click the link below:

THAT’S an aphorism from the movie, The Spiderman, which serves as a moral axiom. It highlights the need to use whatever power or capability one has, for a

27/05/2026

A breaking point is the critical threshold where prolonged stress, emotional strain, or exhaustion outpaces your ability to cope. It is not a failure, but rather a warning sign from your mind and body that your current situation or way of carrying the load is no longer sustainable.

To learn more, please click the link below:

A breaking point is the critical threshold where prolonged stress, emotional strain, or exhaustion outpaces your ability to cope. It is not a failure, but

27/05/2026

For decades, we have been talking about relocating entire communities away from flood-prone or earthquake-prone areas. We have seen the same cycle repeat itself — disaster strikes, homes are destroyed, families are displaced, and after the rescue missions fade, many rebuild in the same dangerous places. Why? Because there is nowhere else to go.

To learn more, please click the link below.

It is an idea whose time has come.

27/05/2026

House begins congressional inquiry into May 13 power outages

By Zaldy De Layola

MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday formally opened a congressional inquiry into the massive May 13 power outages that affected millions of consumers across Luzon and the Visayas.

The inquiry, conducted jointly by the House Committee on Energy and the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, focused on the cascading tripping of the Tayabas-Ilijan and Dasmariñas-Ilijan 500-kilovolt transmission lines that triggered several red and yellow alerts across the Luzon and Visayas grids.

The hearing stemmed from House Resolution 1024, authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand "Dinand" Hernandez, seeking an investigation into the widespread grid disruptions.

“This resolution is a call to action. Filipinos affected by these outages expect today’s discussion to be productive, transparent, and collaborative as we work together to strengthen our energy infrastructure and ensure a reliable power supply for every Filipino,” Hernandez said in his opening statement during the hearing.

He said the inquiry was not simply about identifying technical failures, but about ensuring accountability and putting long-term safeguards in place to prevent another major grid collapse.

“This inquiry should remain constructive, solution-oriented, and responsive to the concerns of the public. Our mandate today is to determine what failed, why it failed, and what measures must be put in place to prevent similar incidents from happening again,” he said.

Hernandez said that repeated transmission failures carry serious economic consequences, especially at a time when Filipinos are already struggling with inflation and rising costs.

According to him, more than 3.9 million consumers across Metro Manila, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal were affected by the Manual Load Dropping.

“Every time the lights go out, businesses incur losses, households are disrupted, and our economy, already grappling with inflation and global volatility, takes another avoidable hit," he said.

He also emphasized the need for stronger coordination among the Department of Energy, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, and industry stakeholders to improve response time and crisis management during major power disruptions.

“When these failures occur, the public rightfully demands accountability from government. That is why we must move beyond reactive responses and work toward a more proactive and resilient energy system,” Hernandez said.

“The DOE must have real-time visibility and timely coordination with the grid operator to ensure faster response, clearer communication, and better crisis management."

He said the House inquiry will focus on technical accountability and grid resilience, coordination and communication protocols, and supply security and ancillary services.

He noted that protecting the stability of the power system requires close coordination among regulators, system operators, and power producers.

The House leader pointed out that no entity operates in a vacuum.

“The regulator, the system operator, and the power producers are all interconnected stakeholders in maintaining the stability of our power system. Our goal today is to bridge operational gaps, strengthen coordination, and establish safeguards that will better protect the grid and the Filipino people,” he said. (PNA)

27/05/2026

“This is where it starts” — Lastimosa
Jolas Cup 2026 draws young basketball players in Cagayan de Oro comeback

For young players in Mindanao, the Jolas Cup has long represented more than a summer tournament—it is a starting point toward bigger basketball dreams. That pathway was strengthened as the Jolas Cup 2026 returned to action at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre in Cagayan de Oro made possible through the support of PLDT and Smart Communications through its value brand TNT.

At its core, the tournament reflects a shared belief: that with the right platform and perseverance, dreams in basketball can become reality. For PLDT and Smart, this commitment is about building and sustaining opportunities where young athletes can grow, compete, and be discovered. In Mindanao, this vision is proven through TNT Tropang 5G Kagay-anons whose journeys began on this very court.

"The Jolas Cup 2026 shows how sports can change lives and bring communities closer. It’s more than a basketball tournament—it’s a chance to spark dreams, build character, and open doors for young Filipinos. Each game teaches resilience, discipline, teamwork, and the courage to rise after every setback. With the support of local governments, schools, partners, and communities in CDO and across the country, we're helping every kid believe that no dream is out of reach and that they deserve a shot at their full potential. At Smart Sports, we're committed to more than supporting the game --we're investing in our youth, empowering communities, and creating pathways where talent, passion, and opportunity meet to shape the next generation of Filipino champions," said TNT Tropang 5G Governor and PLDT Chief Leadership Transition Officer Ricky Vargas.

The tournament's comeback brought together 28 schools from across Mindanao, giving aspiring players an opportunity to compete on a larger stage. Jolas Cup founder and PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa said the revival of the tournament was made possible through the shared vision with the telcos.

“Grabe gyud ang support. When it comes to sports, lisod gyud labanan ang Smart ug MVP. Naay foundation nga naga-support sa grassroots programs nationwide—not just basketball but other sports,” he said (The support is strong. When it comes to sports, it is hard to compete with Smart and MVP. There is a foundation supporting grassroots programs nationwide—not just basketball, but other sports.)

Rooted in Lastimosa's own journey from Cagayan de Oro to the national basketball stage, the Jolas Cup continues to serve as a bridge between local talent and broader opportunities — and his desire to give today's youth the same sense of possibility he once had.

“Passion gyud. Every summer, gina-look forward nako ni. Sa una, sa Xavier gyud ni ginabuhat, and didto sad ko nagdako. So gusto nako mahatag sa mga bata diri ang same experience nga akong naagian sauna,” Lastimosa said (It’s really passion. Every summer, I look forward to this. It used to be held at Xavier, and I grew up there. I want to give the kids here the same experience I had before.)

Over the years, that experience has proven transformative. Several Jolas Cup alumni -- Jio Jalalon, Rey Nambatac, and Poy Erram -- have gone on to collegiate, professional, and national team careers--turning early exposure into long-term development and opportunities.

"While not everyone might become a pro, every child has a dream. This is where it starts. Daghan kaayo ug players nga gikan ani nga program nga nakaabot sa Manila. Naay uban nakaabot pa gyud ug higher level. So para sa ako, dako kaayo nga pride nga nakatabang ko pinaagi lang sa pag-create og venue para nila,” he said (Many players from this program reached Manila. Some even reached higher levels. For me, it is a big pride to have helped by creating a venue for them.)

For parent Cherelyn Madelo, the tournament gives young players exposure beyond regular school-based competitions. “Jolas Cup is an opportunity for our children who are wanting to explore basketball even more. This is an experience that they will treasure and bring with them as they grow up. They also become part of a bigger basketball event beyond the usual school competitions, so this is really something special,” Madelo said.

The event also featured the participation of current TNT Tropang 5G PBA players, including Glenn Khobuntin, Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Jio Jalalon, who attended tournament activities and closing events — enabling today’s professionals to inspire the next generation of players.

The tournament featured divisions from 12-under to 22-under, including the first women’s division, marking a significant step toward a more inclusive and developmental platform for youth basketball in Mindanao. School-based teams from Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas competed across all divisions, with winners including Corpus Christi School (12U, 14U), Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori School (16U, 18U), Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School (22U Women), and Pilgrim Christian College (22U). Special awards and support from partners like mWell, the Philippines' first fully integrated health and wellness app, Pickup Coffee, Molten, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Anta made the tournament more exciting for participants this year.

Initiatives like Jolas Cup 2026 form part of the PLDT Group’s broader commitment to youth development, community engagement, and grassroots sports programs nationwide, ensuring that for young players in Mindanao, the dream of going further in basketball starts close to home.

The Jolas Cup was streamed live on PusoP.com, and viewers can still watch the replay online. The TNT Tropang 5G is currently competing in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Semi-Finals Watch PBA games live on free TV via RPTV or online through the Pilipinas Live App and One Sports YouTube Channel. [END]

27/05/2026

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