Liga ng mga Barangay seeks Supreme Court intervention on plea against postponement of barangay elections. The Liga ng mga Barangay ng Pilipinas has petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene and oppose an earlier plea challenging the constitutionality of Republic Act 12232, which postponed the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from December 1, 2025, to November 2026. In a 35-page filing, the Liga urged the Court to dismiss the petition, calling it without merit. The original petition, filed by election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, seeks to invalidate the law or its provision on the election postponement. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed the measure into law, prompting the ongoing legal challenge. (PHOTO CREDIT: GMA News Online)
Proposed bill to connect 19,000 barangays to the internet nationwide lapsed into law. The Konektadong Pinoy Bill, now officially the Konektadong Pinoy Act, became law on August 24, 2025, after lapsing without President Marcos Jr.'s signature. Aimed at connecting over 19,000 unserved barangays, the law promotes internet access by expediting licensing, encouraging infrastructure sharing, and allowing new players into the market without needing a legislative franchise. Also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill, it seeks to foster competition among internet service providers. However, critics like CitizenWatch Philippines warn the law lacks safeguards against data breaches and foreign interference, potentially risking national security and weakening consumer protections in the digital space.
Major seaweed farms in Leyte barangays site of seaweed industry revival. Leyte’s seaweed industry Leyte’s seaweed industry is poised for revival through scientific interventions addressing declining yields caused by global warming. Led by Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla and supported by national agencies and universities, the province is deploying biosensors in major seaweed farms, starting in Barangay Dawahon, Bato. These devices monitor key factors like salinity, temperature, pH, and detect early disease signs, helping farmers make informed decisions for better yields. Leyte cultivates three main seaweed varieties marketed in Tacloban and Cebu. With global demand for carrageenan rising, officials believe this tech-driven approach will restore competitiveness and sustain livelihoods for hundreds of coastal families.
Palawan governor honors BHWs for the delivery of primary healthcare in the province. Governor Amy Alvarez pledged to raise incentives and strengthen support for barangay health workers (BHWs) in Palawan before her term ends. Speaking at the 1st BHW South Cluster Convention on August 22 in Puerto Princesa, she thanked over 2,000 BHWs for their service and promised medical kits to aid their work. Alvarez emphasized the crucial role of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare and reaffirmed her administration’s focus on health, education, and grassroots programs. The event was organized by the Provincial BHW Federation and the Provincial Health Office, with national and local officials in attendance, including BHW leaders who praised the collective efforts.
House Bill to enhance benefits for BHWs filed by Pampanga Representative. Pampanga Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. filed House Bill No. 3710 on August 13, 2025, to enhance benefits for barangay health workers (BHWs). The bill proposes a minimum monthly honorarium of ₱3,000 and additional incentives, including hazard pay, allowances, insurance, health benefits, and retirement incentives. Lazatin emphasized BHWs’ vital role in grassroots healthcare and their need for proper support. As former Angeles City mayor, he previously increased BHW honoraria and granted benefits. He also plans to request ₱40 million to rehabilitate rural health units in Mabalacat City and Magalang. The initiative aligns with DOH standards and long-term healthcare infrastructure goals.
Free dialysis available soon in two Cebu City barangays. Cebu City is launching two new dialysis centers in Barangays Talamban and Guadalupe to offer free treatment to kidney disease patients. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed on August 29 between the city, barangay officials, and JL Dialmed Trading Co., which will install the machines. Renovations will be completed by month-end. This initiative supports Mayor Nestor Archival’s goal of “zero billing” for indigent patients, covering costs beyond PhilHealth support. The Cebu City Medical Center’s completion is key to this plan. The project aligns with national and provincial efforts to expand free dialysis services and ease the financial burden on poor families.
Newly-built Super Health Center in Cebu City Barangay remains non-operational due to lack of DOH permit. Nearly four months after its turnover, the ₱9.9-million Super Health Center (SHC) in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City remains non-operational due to the lack of a Department of Health (DOH) permit. Mayor Nestor Archival announced efforts to assist barangay officials in securing the necessary clearance. Once operational, the SHC will offer primary care, dental services, birthing, minor surgery, laboratory, and mental health support. It aims to serve not just Labangon but also nearby barangays, easing hospital congestion. Part of the national Super Health Center program, it follows the Apas SHC and precedes another facility planned in Basak San Nicolas.
All barangays in Samal Island were ordered to remove hazardous cables in public areas. Following the electrocution of two students—one fatally—at Mambago-B National High School on August 19, 2025, the local government of Samal Island launched a crackdown on hazardous, dangling wires. Mayor Lemuel Reyes issued an order on August 27 mandating inspections, reporting, and removal of unsafe cables across all barangays. The incident was traced to a telecommunications wire that made contact with a live streetlight line, causing a fatal grounding. Utility and internet providers are now required to ensure proper cable installation and vertical clearance. Face-to-face classes at the school resumed after passing safety inspections. NORDECO denied ownership of the wire involved.
Former conflict-prone barangay in Agusan Del Sur received aid from various sectors. On August 19, the Caraga RTF-ELCAC and Department of Energy (DOE) distributed solar LED lanterns, rechargeable flashlights, and radios to Barangay San Mariano, Loreto, Agusan del Sur under the DOE’s PASIGA Project. Aimed at aiding former rebels and disaster-affected households, the project promotes peace and development in conflict-prone areas. Beneficiary Julito Bugto thanked the agencies for their support. Other government offices also gave aid: DILG provided books and footwear, DENR gave fruit tree seedlings, DA distributed vegetable seeds, and OCD added more lanterns. The initiative reflects a whole-of-nation approach to delivering services and fostering lasting peace in remote communities.
Balik-Barangay Program winning back thousands of conflict-displaced families to return to their barangays. In Patikul, Sulu—a region long plagued by armed conflict—local leaders, civil society, and government agencies signed a historic charter for rehabilitation and reconstruction. Once a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Patikul is now declared ASG-free, marking a major step toward peace. The charter, developed through community participation, focuses on rebuilding barangays, restoring services, and promoting inclusive governance. Over 7,600 displaced families are returning home through the Balik-Barangay Program. Supported by the PROSPER project and the Australian Embassy, the initiative emphasizes healing, resilience, and addressing root causes of violence. Regular reviews will ensure accountability and community-led progress.
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