Rapids Journal Online News

 NGCP to complete 7 key projects in 2026 NGCP is set to energize major transmission projects in 2026 following the completion of several critical project components including facility upgrades, expansions, and improvements for grid stability and reliability. The following projects are targeted for completion within the year: Amlan-Dumaguete 138kV transmission line with ERC-approved cost PhP 1.9 Billion, Tuguegarao-Lal-lo (Magapit) 230kV transmission with ERC-approved cost PhP 2.4 Billion, Tuy 500/230kV Substation Stage 1 (Tuy-Dasmariñas 500kV transmission line component) with ERC-approved cost PhP 8.1 Billion, Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138kV transmission line with ERC-approved cost PhP 4.2 Billion, and Tacurong-Kalamansig 69kV transmission line with a cost of PhP 757.98 Million. The company is also set to finish Stage 2 of its Visayas Substation Reliability project, as well as the relocation of steel poles along the Hermosa-Duhat 230kV transmission line within the year. These will...

 Lunar New  YearChinese New Year also known as the Lunar New Year, starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice and falls between January 21 and February 19. Homes are decorated with red lanterns, couplets, and paper cuttings, as the color red is believed to ward off evil spirits and attract prosperity. Food plays a central role in the celebration, and many Filipino families of Chinese descent prepare symbolic dishes. Tikoy is shared to represent unity and rising fortune, while round fruits —especially oranges—symbolize wealth and good luck because of their color and shape. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner, considered the most important meal of the year. Elders give red envelopes, or “ang pao,” containing money to children and unmarried relatives as a way of passing on blessings and good wishes. Beyond the food and decorations, traditional practices continue throughout the 15-day celebration, which ends with the Lantern Festival. Firecrack...

 Chiz: Sorsogon’s selection as pilot area for classroom expansion highlights province’s commitment to education Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero welcomed the Department of Education’s (DepEd) designation of Sorsogon as the pilot area for its expanded classroom construction initiative, describing the move as recognition of the province’s long-standing dedication to improving education. Escudero said the decision underscores a principle he has consistently advanced: that capable and prepared local government units (LGUs), when empowered through partnerships with national agencies, can deliver faster and more effective results in key sectors such as education. The senator reiterated his earlier call for the national government to pursue a tripartite partnership among DepEd, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Agriculture (DA), aimed at enabling qualified LGUs to accelerate development through improved infrastructure, stronger rural connectivity, ...

 Pinalalakas ng Bayan ng Pagsanjan ang Pakikipagpartner sa UPLB para sa Sustainable Development PAGSANJAN, LAGUNA — Isang mahalagang hakbang tungo sa mas maayos at napapanatiling pag-unlad ang isinakatuparan ng Pamahalaang Bayan ng Pagsanjan matapos nitong opisyal na lagdaan ang isang Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) kasama ang University of the Philippines Los Baños – Technical Assistance Program for Human Settlements Planning (UPLB-TAP-HSP) noong Pebrero 11, 2026 sa Executive Conference Room, Office of the Chancellor, UPLB. Pinangunahan ni Mayor Hon. Januario “Ferry” G. Garcia ang delegasyon ng Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Pagsanjan, habang kinatawan naman ng UPLB si Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr. Dumalo at naging saksi sa paglagda sina Vice Mayor Rod Fernandez; mga miyembro ng Sangguniang Bayan na sina Konsihal Niño Bernales (Land Use Chairman), Konsihal Melvin Madriaga, at Konsihal Noel Cabela; SK Federation Chairperson Patricia Abaquin; MPDO Prince Oliver Fernandez; gayundin an...

 DepEd launches Classroom Leasing Project to address school overcrowding PILA, Laguna (PIA) — The Department of Education (DepEd) is leasing shuttered private school buildings to help ease classroom shortages in the country.  In an interview during the inauguration of the country’s first Classroom Leasing Project at Don Manuel Rivera Memorial Integrated National High School (DMRMINHS) of this town last February 10, Secretary Sonny Angara noted that the government is eyeing to convert 700 to 800 private schools nationwide into additional learning spaces.  “Siguro ay hindi ito ang huli dahil napag-alaman natin na nasa 700 o 800 ang private schools na nagsara noong pandemya. So kung ma-match natin ang kakulangan sa mga public schools na may kakulangan sa silid aralan, pwede natin i-lease.” DepEd has earmarked approximately P1 billion in funding to decongest classrooms through various methods, including leasing arrangements.  “Mayroon kaming mga tinitingnang school at ...

 Gov. Sol Aragones Pushes Immediate School Clinic Improvements to Protect Laguna Students’ Health “Nag iinspek po ako ngayon ng mga clinic ng mga eskwelahan dahil ang mahabang oras ng mga estudyante o mag aaral ay ginugugol nila sa school. Kaya importante, maayos at maganda ang clinic nila,” Governor Aragones said, emphasizing the importance of functional school clinics.““To ensure immediate support for learners, Governor Aragones directed concerned offices to prepare and roll out free medical, dental, and vision checkups within one month, giving schools and health teams a clear timeline to organize services that will directly benefit students and teachers across Laguna.““During the inspection, Governor Aragones observed that several basic requirements of a school clinic were missing, including first aid kits and over the counter medicines. Former Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag also stressed the importance of proper monitoring of supplies. “Mag inventory tayo, k...