The Amplify Education Budget Initiative, the budget-advocacy campaign of the youth-led coalition Multiply-Ed (X-Ed) Philippines, today raised the alarm over what it called a sharp turn toward discretionary, centrally-pooled spending in the proposed 2027 budget of the Department of Education (DepEd). Programs that used to be split into dedicated line items or distributed to regional offices, the group said, have been consolidated into a handful of lump-sum allocations held at the DepEd Central Office, concentrating decisions over tens of billions of pesos in a single office at the very moment the country heads into an election cycle.   The coalition...

The Amplify Education Budget Initiative, the budget-advocacy campaign of the youth-led coalition Multiply-Ed (X-Ed) Philippines, has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to treat the hiring of school mental health personnel and the building of school care centers as an emergency, warning that the department is moving too slowly even as incidents of violence and bullying in schools mount.   Nearly two years after the mental health law took effect, DepEd opened hiring for its target of 10,000 school counselor associates only in mid-2026. In several areas monitored by Multiply-Ed, coalition members report the associate posts were advertised only this...

 Ride-hailing is becoming a more regular part of how Filipinos move. According to inDrive data, 74% of Metro Manila residents have used ride-hailing apps in the past three months and used them at an average of three times a week.    This data points to how Filipinos are becoming more deliberate with how they move. As mobility demands continue to evolve, so do the choices Filipino commuters make about how they get around.   Filipino Commuters are Becoming More Intentional    inDrive data shows that Filipino passengers today consider ride-hailing apps essential to move around the metro. Now, ride-hailing apps...

More than 350 runners hit the streets of Makati on August 23, not for a gaming tournament, but for a 5KM run that marked nubia Philippines’ major step beyond its gaming roots. Through its NEOverse Max Out campaign, nubia brought its performance-driven spirit into the running community, partnering with Cotti Coffee Philippines for its first-ever NEOverse Max Out Social Run at MJ Plaza, Makati City, marking the new direction for nubia Philippines to expand its community beyond gaming and into the passions and lifestyles of everyday Filipinos.   From GameMaxxing to RunMaxxing   Best known for its gaming smartphones and...

NFP CHESS CLUB TOURNAMENTAugust 2, 2026 (Sunday)Activity Area, Lower Ground Floor, Farmers PlazaFarmers Plaza will bring together 200 chess players for a day of strategic competition and sportsmanship. Participants from various age groups and skill levels are expected to compete in a series of matches as they vie for top honors in the tournament.The event aims to promote chess as a sport that develops critical thinking, discipline, focus, and camaraderie while providing a platform for both emerging and experienced players to showcase their talent.   CROWN & COUTURE FASHION SHOWAugust 1, 2026 (Saturday)Activity Area, Lower Ground Floor, Farmers PlazaFashion and style...