Boracay Times

12/08/2026

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 || 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐝, 𝐘𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬

MANILA — The Visayas Grid was placed under Red and Yellow Alert on August 12, 2026, according to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The grid has an available capacity of 2,153 MW against a peak demand of 2,394 MW. A Red Alert is in effect from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, while Yellow Alerts are scheduled from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

NGCP attributed the alerts to the unavailability of several major coal-fired power plants and limited power imports from Mindanao. A total of 931.5 MW of generating capacity is currently unavailable to the grid.

11/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BggXXHLLw/

NGCP may implement Manual Load Dropping (MLD) in the following areas today, 11 August, to maintain the integrity of the power system:

VISAYAS

1PM-10PM

VECO
MECO
CEBECO I
CEBECO II
CEBECO III
NEPC
NOCECO
NORECO I
NORECO II
NONECO
MORE
AKELCO
ANTECO
CAPELCO
ILECO I
ILECO II
ILECO III
GUIMELCO
BLCI
BOHECO I
BOHECO II

6PM-7PM

LEYECO II
SOLECO
DORELCO
LEYECO III
LEYECO IV
LEYECO V
ESAMELCO
BILECO
NORSAMELCO
SAMELCO I
SAMELCO II

⁠The implementation of Manual Load Dropping (MLD) is due to limited generation in Cebu, Negros and Panay sub-grid and limited import power from Mindanao grid.

Schedule may be cancelled if system condition improves, such as if actual demand falls below projections.

NGCP encourages everyone to exercise prudence in using electricity.

11/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Da5uaejQ6/

VISAYAS GRID ALERT STATUS
Update as of 11 August 2026, 8AM

Red Alert
4:00PM- 8:00PM

Yellow Alert
1:00PM- 4:00PM
8:00PM- 10:00PM

Available Capacity - 2,226MW
Peak Demand - 2,410MW

5 plants are on forced outage on August 2026, 2 plants since July, 3 plants since June, 7 plants since May, 1 plant since March, 3 plants since 2025, 2 plants since 2024, 2 plants since 2023, and 1 plant since 2021, while 14 plants are running on derated capacities, for a total of 924.7MW unavailable to the grid.

Factor/s that contributed to the RED and YELLOW Alert declarations:

1. Unavailability of Visayas' large coal plants TVI 1, TVI 2, CEDC 1

2. Limited power import from Mindanao (due to the extended outage of SEC 2, maintenance outage of GNPK 2 and GNPK 1 emergency shutdown due to boiler tube leak, high system demand)

A red alert status is issued when power supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement.

A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.

09/08/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐌𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬

In communities across the country, good ideas often stay just that — ideas. A life-saving system sits unused by the local government that needs it. A farmer keeps working the old, slower way, simply because no one showed them another path.

POLLD Emergency System Corporation and Kasaka Agriventures, Inc. refused to let their innovations stop there. POLLD built the WERT System, an offline-resilient emergency command infrastructure designed to help local government units prepare for and respond to disasters. Kasaka developed an Automated Coconut Sap Juice Extractor, aimed at easing the labor-intensive work of coconut farmers and improving their livelihoods.

Both companies entered the Mindanao Sub-National Competition of the 2026 Presidential Filipinnovation Awards, and both were named among only four Mindanao finalists advancing to the national stage.

As DOST NorMin Regional Director Dr. Mark Lemuel L. Garcia said during the competition, "An innovation does not create impact simply because it is brilliant. It creates impact when it reaches the people who need it."

09/08/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐂𝐒𝐊𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐂 𝐌𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠!

At DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, we take pride in celebrating leaders whose commitment to public service continues to inspire the entire DOST family.

Today, we proudly stand behind 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗿. Sancho A. Mabborang, who has been recognized as a 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗼 – one of the country's highest honors for exemplary government service.

This recognition reflects years of dedicated leadership, meaningful impact, and an unwavering commitment to bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to every Filipino community.

𝙉𝙤𝙬, 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩.
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𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟭𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

Together, let's celebrate leadership that puts service before self, innovation into action, and people at the heart of every initiative. Because behind every breakthrough in science is a leader who believes it should make life better for every Filipino.

From your DOST SOCCSKSARGEN, thank you for standing with us and supporting one of our own.

09/08/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞:𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫-𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐈 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union — Demonstrating its commitment to digital innovation and inclusive public service, the Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region) conducted the two-day training "Shaping Responsible Communicators through AI: Strategic Prompt Engineering and Ethical, Gender-Responsive Integration" on July 29–30, 2026, at the DOST Ilocos Region Multi-Purpose Hall in Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union.

Organized by the Regional Science and Technology Promotion Program Center (RSTPPC), led by Mr. Lemuel G. Castigo, Science Research Specialist I, in partnership with the Gender and Development (GAD) Unit, guided by GFPS Secretariat Ms. Mary Ann B. Ofiana, Project Technical Assistant I. The event brought together members of the DOST Ilocos Region Media Core, and the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) from both regional and provincial offices. The activity aimed to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding needed to effectively use Artificial Intelligence (AI) through strategic prompt engineering while promoting responsible, inclusive, and gender-responsive workplace communication.

In her opening message, Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog emphasized the important role of DOST communicators in making science, technology, and innovation (STI) more understandable, relevant, and accessible to every Filipino. The first day focused on gender-responsive communication. Ms. Nataliza L. Llapitan of the National Gender Resource Pool (NGRP) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) guided participants in recognizing gender bias, using gender-fair language, and producing inclusive communication materials. She underscored that regardless of technological advancements, communicators must remain responsible for ensuring that every message reflects equality, respect, and inclusivity.

On the second day, Engr. Aunhel John M. Adoptante of the DOST – Advanced Science and Technology Institute (DOST-ASTI) introduced participants to Generative AI, prompt engineering, and responsible AI use. He demonstrated how well-crafted prompts can help generate high-quality drafts for press releases, feature stories, captions, and other communication materials while emphasizing that human judgment remains essential in verifying facts, protecting data privacy, minimizing AI bias, and maintaining institutional credibility.

Participants then applied their learnings through a hands-on workshop where they enhanced existing DOST Ilocos Region IEC and promotional materials using AI tools and gender-responsive communication principles. The workshop showcased how AI can improve efficiency in content development while ensuring that messages remain accurate, inclusive, audience-centered, and aligned with the agency's values.

To conclude the two-day activity, Assistant Regional Director (ARD) for Technical Operations Services Ms. Racquel M. Espiritu and ARD for Field Operations Services Mr. Decth-1180 P. Libunao led the awarding of certificates to the resource speakers and participants. In her closing message, ARD Espiritu commended the workforce for taking proactive steps toward digital transformation and reminded everyone that ethical integrity and gender sensitivity must always remain at the core of science communication.

By integrating AI literacy with ethical and gender-responsive communication, DOST Ilocos Region continues to strengthen the capabilities of its communicators in delivering timely, credible, and inclusive science stories. The initiative reinforces that AI is not a replacement for human communicators but a powerful tool that, when used responsibly, enables more effective science communication and supports the agency's continuing digital transformation and people-centered public service.

09/08/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐃𝐎𝐒𝐓-𝐍𝐂𝐑 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐳𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲
By: Nelson Santos

VALENZUELA CITY — The Department of Science and Technology–National Capital Region (DOST-NCR), in partnership with the City Government of Valenzuela, officially opened the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) in the National Capital Region on August 6, 2026, highlighting the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) in creating safer, more resilient, sustainable, and people-centered communities.

Carrying the theme, “Siyensya, Teknolohiya, at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan,” the three-day celebration showcases technologies, programs, and innovations aimed at addressing the needs of communities, local governments, businesses, academe, and other sectors. In his keynote message, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. emphasized anticipatory governance, stressing that the impact of STI should ultimately be measured by the lives made safer, better, and more secure through science-based solutions.

Among the key initiatives highlighted during the opening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between DOST-NCR and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development–National Capital Region (DHSUD-NCR) for the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, which seeks to support local governments in adopting science- and technology-based approaches to sustainable urban development. The City Government of Valenzuela also formally adopted GeoRiskPH through a partnership with DOST-NCR and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST), strengthening the use of hazard and risk information in planning, decision-making, and disaster preparedness.

The celebration likewise highlighted efforts to expand access to advanced manufacturing technologies through the establishment of Advanced Manufacturing Center Satellite Laboratories with DOST-MIRDC and partner academic institutions. Meanwhile, DOST’s support to local enterprises through the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) was showcased through the experience of G-Start Builders Corporation, demonstrating how technology upgrading, technical assistance, and productivity interventions can improve business operations and competitiveness.

Also launched was the VSPARK Valenzuela Startup Development Program and iHub Valenzuela, providing students, young innovators, and aspiring startup founders with opportunities for mentorship, skills development, ideation, and product development. These initiatives reflect DOST-NCR’s continuing efforts to make STI more accessible and responsive to the needs of Filipinos.

Through the 2026 RSTW in the NCR, DOST-NCR reinforces the spirit of —bringing science, technology, and innovation closer to the people and translating them into practical solutions for stronger communities, better public services, and a more resilient and secure future.

08/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14hQp3LN3zj/

NGCP may implement Manual Load Dropping (MLD) in the following areas today, 8 August, to maintain the integrity of the power system:

VISAYAS

6PM-10PM

VECO
MECO
CEBECO I
CEBECO II
CEBECO III
NEPC
NOCECO
NORECO I
NORECO II
NONECO
MORE
AKELCO
ANTECO
CAPELCO
ILECO I
ILECO II
ILECO III
GUIMELCO
BLCI
BOHECO I
BOHECO II

⁠The implementation of Manual Load Dropping (MLD) is due to limited generation in Cebu-Negros-Panay sub-grids.

Schedule may be cancelled if system condition improves, such as if actual demand falls below projections.

NGCP encourages everyone to exercise prudence in using electricity.

07/08/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎K || 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐕𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭, 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲
August 7, 2026

CATICLAN, Aklan— Lite Shipping Corporation officially commissioned its newest vessel, Lite Ferry Twenty, following a blessing and inauguration ceremony at Caticlan Port in Barangay Caticlan, Malay, Aklan, marking another milestone in the company's commitment to strengthening inter-island connectivity and supporting the country's growing tourism industry.

The ceremony began with the traditional blessing officiated by a Catholic priest, followed by the ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by Aklan 2nd District Representative Hon. Florencio T. Miraflores, Ms. Sonia B. Malaluan, Administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Jonathan L. Imboy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lite Shipping Corporation. Government officials, maritime stakeholders, business leaders, and invited guests witnessed the inauguration of the company's newest vessel.

During his message, Congressman Miraflores emphasized the strategic importance of Caticlan in the country's transport network, saying, "This is a manifestation of how important Caticlan has become as the gateway to the Panay Nautical Highway." He also encouraged Lite Shipping Corporation to consider expanding its operations through Dumaguit Port, expressing hope that the company would explore its potential as another key maritime hub to further improve connectivity, promote tourism, and stimulate economic growth in Aklan.

The commissioning of Lite Ferry Twenty underscores Lite Shipping Corporation's continued investment in expanding and modernizing its fleet to provide safe, reliable, and efficient maritime transport. The new vessel is expected to enhance passenger and cargo services while further strengthening Caticlan's role as the country's premier gateway to Boracay Island and one of the most important maritime gateways in Western Visayas.

07/08/2026

𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐎𝐖 || 𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐍, 𝐀𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐍

The Blessing and Launching of M/V Lite Ferry Twenty is set to begin shortly at the Caticlan Jetty Port in Malay, Aklan. The ceremony will officially introduce Lite Shipping Corporation's newest vessel, starting with a blessing and ceremonial ribbon-cutting, followed by the formal program.

The event is attended by officials from Lite Shipping Corporation, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and key leaders from Aklan, including Governor Jose Enrique Miraflores and Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores. The launch of M/V Lite Ferry Twenty marks another milestone in strengthening inter-island connectivity and providing safer, more efficient sea transport for passengers across the Visayas.

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