ICONS of education and its ‘internationalization’The winners of the Internationalization Leadership Award with CHED Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis (third from right) and Commissioners. Just days after the CHED ICONS Awards 2025, the higher education community mourned the passing of Atty. She believed that Philippine higher education institutions could compete globally, and that internationalization should be inclusive, reaching state universities and colleges, even in the most far-flung areas. Particularly telling was the emphasis on the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which measure universities’ contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals. She also announced that in 2026, the Philippines will assume the ASEAN Chairship for Higher Education, with Artificial Intelligence as the regional theme.

Countdown to CNY: New Year prospects for people born in the Year of the Horse

BuCor explores solar power shift for prison facilitiesBuCor Director Gregorio Catapang Jr. (right) with BDLS Core Energy President Rommel Paradero (left) during the signing of the memorandum of understanding. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has signed a memorandum of understanding with a private energy firm to explore transitioning its correctional facilities to solar power. Under the agreement, BDLS will conduct a technical and financial feasibility study on the use of solar energy and other renewable applications in the prison system. BuCor will provide the firm access to relevant correctional facilities and premises needed for the assessment. Of this amount, P102 million comes from just three facilities: the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, the BuCor National Headquarters, and the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.

Marcoleta echoes China's lines, drawing Hontiveros' rebuttalMANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said China is unhappy about being portrayed as the "kontrabida" in the West Philippine Sea dispute, relaying remarks he attributed to Beijing's envoy in Manila. Marcoleta said there was "relative peace" during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who had often echoed pro-China positions on the West Philippine Sea. Rather than defending Tarriela, however, Marcoleta said such statements should be avoided. Marcoleta also suggested that China could be an ally of the Philippines if differences were set aside. Hontiveros rejects Marcoleta's positionHontiveros countered Marcoleta's remarks, saying China has itself depicted the Philippine president and other leaders offensively, portraying them as puppets of foreign powers.

Retired SC justices attend House hearing on political dynastiesAmong those invited were retired chief justices Reynato Puno, a highly respected constitutionalist and Artemio Panganiban as well as former associate justices Adolf Azcuna and Antonio Carpio. “At this juncture, there is growing public groundswell to finally legislate the Constitution’s mandate on Congress to ban political dynasties,” Cendaña said. Before, we accepted political dynasties as part of reality. Akbayan’s “Comprehensive Anti-Political Dynasty Bill” or House Bill 5905 has been touted by some political reform advocates as among the strongest prohibitions on political dynasties. In December 2025, Speaker Faustino Dy III and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos filed House Bill 6771, marking the first major push by top House leaders to operationalize constitutional provisions intended to prohibit political dynasties.

EDITORIAL - Another tragedy at seaAs of last night, 18 people were confirmed dead from the sinking of the roll-on/roll-off vessel Trisha Kerstin 3 at around 1:50 a.m. yesterday off Basilan. But the tragedy should serve as a reminder that ensuring the seaworthiness of all ships operating in the country is a year-long undertaking. Near the site where the Trisha Kerstin 3 sank, off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan, another Aleson vessel – the MV Lady Mary Joy 3 – caught fire while plying the same sea route in March 2023. In July 2002, the vessel Aleson Container Carrier 5 collided with another ship off Cebu; one fatality was reported. After the Lady Mary Joy disaster in 2023, the Maritime Industry Authority ordered an inspection of all Aleson vessels.

Ferry sinks off Basilan: 18 dead, 24 missingZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A passenger vessel sank yesterday off the coast of Basilan, leaving 18 people dead and 24 others missing, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Authorities rescued 317 people after MV Trisha Kerstin 3 encountered trouble amid rough sea conditions. Citing the accounts of some survivors, PCG spokesperson Cap. PNP officers rescuedAmong Trisha Kerstin 3’s passengers, 13 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel were rescued and one died. CondolencesEuropean Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro said he was deeply saddened by the tragic ferry sinking off Basilan.

French lawmakers took a first step towards banning social media for under-15s, an effort championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a way to protect children from excessive screen time. The legislation, which also provides for a ban on mobile phones in high schools, follows Australia's ban on social media for under-16s in December, a world first. As social media has grown, so has concern that too much screen time is arresting child development and contributing to mental health problems. He added that "social media platforms will then have until Dec. 31 to deactivate existing accounts" that do not comply with the age limit. 'Destiny of our country'In addition to combating the impact of screens and social media on the mental health of young adolescents, Attal stressed that the measure would counter "a number of powers that, through social media platforms, want to colonise minds".

"Ten minutes later, I heard a sudden, loud snap," said the 53-year-old attorney from nearby Zamboanga City in Mindanao. "Then the ship immediately capsized," he said in an interview from his home, describing how panic quickly gripped the passengers. 'No alert from crew'Sajili said he was awoken by a fellow passenger as the triple-decker ferry began to tilt precariously. The first rescue vessels arrived at around 3:30 am, Sajili said, although those bobbing in the water faced a longer wait. The ferry sank about five kilometres (three miles) east of Basilan province's Baluk-Baluk Island, near the Zamboanga peninsula.

Record PCIC budget to cover insurance for 2.93 million farmersPCIC said it has been given an appropriation of P6.5 billion, the highest in the agency’s history, up from last year’s P4.5 billion. MANILA, Philippines — State crop insurer Philippine Crop Insurance. Corp (PCIC) plans to insure almost three million farmers this year after its budget increased by 45 percent. The expanded budget will translate into higher insurance cover for rice and corn and a wider reach for its free insurance program nationwide, PCIC added. Furthermore, the free insurance coverage is also extended to coconut farmers registered under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System, backed by about P500 million from the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund.

'Bizarre, sad' game for US city in turmoilFans hold signs to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis during the game between the Warriors and Timberwolves.

Four Hong Kong defendants convicted of fraud in first illegal short-selling case prosecuted as fraud

The next president and BSP governor‘Twas a breezy Friday night as bankers descended on the glittering Courtyard of the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay for the annual Bankers’ Night – yet the buzz was as hot as a sweltering summer’s day. For instance, some bankers and regulators raised the question: who would be the next Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor when Governor Eli Remolona Jr.’s term expires in 2029? It’s a tough role to be the BSP governor, for sure. ‘Bright spot’At the Bankers’ Night, he appeared in his usual relaxed self, welcoming industry leaders and fellow regulators. As for me, I left the venue wondering – was the next BSP governor present at the Courtyard that night, quietly observing the system he or she may later inherit?

Water treatment facility launched in NegrosPresident Marcos and Israeli Ambassador Dana Kursh lead the inauguration of the Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant in Negros – a project that strengthens partnerships for clean, safe and sustainable water for communities. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos led the inspection and inauguration of the Sum-ag Water Treatment Plant on Jan. 19, marking a major milestone in improving access to safe, reliable and sustainable water supply for communities in the Negros Island Region. Marcos said the facility benefited from international expertise, including Israeli water treatment and automation technology that supports efficient water purification, real-time monitoring and automated control to ensure a consistent, safe and reliable supply. Despite having more than 60 percent of its land classified as desert, Israel learned to overcome water scarcity through innovation, including drip irrigation and advanced water technologies. We are proud to share Israel’s experience and practical solutions to support water and food security for Filipinos.

C5 eyed as next busway siteMotorists crawl through heavy traffic along EDSA–Taft Avenue in Pasay City on January 4, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — To improve commuting in eastern Metro Manila, C5 Road is being eyed as the next location for a bus rapid transit (BRT) similar to the EDSA Carousel. The Department of Transportation is looking at the viability of establishing a busway along C5, particularly in Katipunan, as part of the DOTr’s studies on where best to locate BRT systems. Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor said it would be easy to put up a busway on C5 because the DOTr expects to face minimal issues on right of way (ROW). The EDSA busway, one of the most congested modes of public transport, received P88.71-million budget for 2026, forcing the DOTr to look at other options to increase funding.