Highest ever 28 Philippine cities join WWF’s One Planet Cities (OPC) program in 10th anniversary

By WWF-Philippines
April 29, 2025

QUEZON CITY – The highest-ever number of cities are joining WWF-Philippines’ One Planet Cities (OPC) program marking a significant growth in the Philippines urban sustainability movement since it started 10 years ago.

“We are seeing an almost double growth in the number of cities that joined the program, from 15 cities in the 2023-2024 cycle to 28 in the 2025-2026 cycle. This is the highest number of cities in the Philippines that are making a strong commitment to sustainable urban development,” Atty. Gia Ibay, Climate and Energy Programme (CEP) Head, said in a statement.

“The increasing number of cities that are recognizing the importance of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and advocating for sustainable development is a clear sign. The call for all sectors to unite and take action for the climate is not just a necessity, but an urgent one, especially now as we mark our 10th anniversary,” she added.

Of the 28 cities leading the charge, 17 are returning, while 11 are joining for the first time.

Luzon: Returning - Baguio City, Batangas City, Legazpi City, Makati City, Malolos City, Naga City, Puerto Princesa City, San Fernando City (La Union), Santa Rosa City. New - Balanga City, Calapan City, Carmona City, Laoag City, Ligao City, Tayabas City.

Visayas: Returning - Catbalogan City, La Carlota City, Ormoc City, San Carlos City (Negros Occidental). New - Bacolod City, Iloilo City..

Mindanao: Returning - Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Dipolog City, Tagum City. New - Butuan City, Island Garden City of Samal, Oroquieta City.

The significant increase in the number of participating cities was helped in part by the support of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), which endorsed the OPC program to its member cities. The LCP's endorsement has been instrumental in spreading awareness and encouraging more cities to join the program, demonstrating the power of collaboration in driving sustainable urban development.

Since 2015, WWF-Philippines has been implementing the global WWF OPC program and its flagship One Planet City Challenge (OPCC) – a biennial, global challenge that assists cities to act as transformation catalysts, implementing integrated and inclusive plans in line with the 1.5°C, while ensuring urban climate resilience and unlocking individual and collective climate actions. OPCC is the longest and largest friendly competition since 2011, engaging a total of 900 cities all over the globe.

“A decade into the OPC journey in the Philippines, we are inspired by the continued commitment of our partner cities and we are proud to witness more cities stepping up to lead climate action. Urban areas are significant in the reduction of carbon emissions while fostering collaboration with stakeholders and governments, which is vital in driving inclusive, adaptive, and science-based climate solutions at the local level,” Imee Bellen, Project Manager of One Planet Cities, said.

For OPCC, all participating cities will report their climate actions, strategies, and data through a standardized international platform, which is reviewed by WWF and compared against good-practice, climate-action-planning criteria guided by the OPCC Assessment Framework.

Each participating city will then receive a tailor-made “Strategic Feedback Report,” which shows the city’s climate journey, its alignment with the Paris Agreement, the alignment of the city’s goals and targets versus their actual initiatives, and providing further recommendations on the most effective actions to meet such targets.

A “Localized Feedback Assessment Report” that takes into consideration the national context, including policies, geographical location, and financial viability, will be provided by WWF-Philippines, with the assistance of the ICLEI Southeast Asia Secretariat (ICLEI-SEAS).

A key addition to this 2025-2026 cycle is the launch of WWF’s Strategic Support Program (SSP) – a new initiative designed to provide cities with structured learning opportunities and guidance to strengthen their climate strategies. Through a dynamic mix of webinars, practical guides, and group-based coaching, the SSP will equip cities with tools and insights to help them develop, communicate, and track science-based climate action.

Locally, WWF-Philippines will also deliver relevant activities to assist cities in reporting climate data and improving local climate plans and actions. This support will be provided through a series of capacity-building workshops and consultations throughout the two-year local implementation of the program.

Additional activities are also planned to actively engage a diverse range of urban stakeholders, including youth, educators, private organizations, and city representatives. To kick off their 2025-2026 OPC engagement, a workshop with these 28 Philippine cities will be conducted in the 3rd week of June.

COMVISCOM honors 25 Stormtroopers during visit to 8ID Units in Samar and Northern Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
April 29, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Lieutenant General Fernando M. Reyeg, Commander of the Visayas Command (COMVISCOM), visited line units of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army, in Samar and Northern Samar on April 25–26, 2025.

During the two-day visit, Lt. Gen. Reyeg engaged with personnel from the 803rd Infantry Brigade and the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion in Catarman, Northern Samar, and the 87th Infantry Battalion in San Jose de Buan, Samar. He also addressed troops at the 8th Infantry Division Headquarters in Catbalogan City.

As part of the visit, Lt. Gen. Reyeg conferred awards to 25 officers and enlisted personnel in recognition of their professionalism, dedication, and significant contributions to peace and security in Eastern Visayas. Among the awards given were the Gold Cross Medal, Silver Cross Medal, and the Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medal.

These awards honored acts of gallantry in combat, meritorious achievements in intelligence operations, and efforts in community development and civil-military engagements.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Reyeg commended the Stormtroopers for their continued success in internal security operations and emphasized the need to sustain these gains through professionalism and unwavering commitment.

“Keep up the good work. Continue the same work ethic, dedication, commitment, and sacrifices you’ve demonstrated in fulfilling our mission,” he said.

With the national and local elections drawing near, Lt. Gen. Reyeg gave clear guidance to all Stormtroopers: “We must perform our job well. We must remain nonpartisan. We must remain apolitical.”

He stressed the critical role of the Armed Forces in protecting the integrity of the democratic process and ensuring peaceful, orderly, and credible elections.

“We must guarantee that these elections are peaceful and free from violence, allowing voters to exercise their rights without intimidation and coercion,” he added.

PSA Leyte conducts CCRO forum among Tacloban City LCRO personnel with key updates on civil registration system and National ID policies

By PSA-8
April 29,2025

TACLOBAN CITY – The Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) of Tacloban City, in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority -Leyte Provincial Statistical Office (PSA Leyte), successfully conducted the CCRO Forum: Awareness on Relevant OCRG Issuances and Cascading of the Administrative Petition for Correction Automated System (APCAS) & Orientation on National ID Latest Issuances and Updates last 25 April 2025, at the LCRO-Tacloban Office.

The forum aimed to empower local civil registration personnel by strengthening their understanding of the latest Office of the Civil Registrar General (OCRG) issuances and enhancing the implementation of the Administrative Petition for Correction Automated System (APCAS). Additionally, it served as a venue to cascade the updates and latest developments in the implementation of the National Identification System.

The program opened with an AVP presentation followed by a warm welcome message from Ms. Imelda A. Roa, City Civil Registrar of Tacloban City, who highlighted the importance of keeping the registry personnel well-informed of policy changes and technological innovations, particularly in improving the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of civil registration services.

Ms. Vianey Marie D. Almia, Administrative Officer I of PSA Leyte, led the session on relevant OCRG issuances and APCAS, providing insights into how the system simplifies the processing of administrative corrections in civil registry documents. She later returned to deliver the event's closing message.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rodolfo R. Novillo, Jr., Registration Officer II of PSA Leyte, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the latest developments in the National ID system. His presentation covered several key areas, including the ongoing rebranding of the National ID to improve public recognition and trust, the acceptance of various ID formats – physical, paper-printed, and digital – as valid proofs of identity, and the nationwide rollout of authentication services aimed at facilitating secure and reliable identity verification in both public and private transactions.

Mr. Novillo also highlighted the critical importance of integrating civil registry services with the National ID system to streamline identity management and ensure a more unified and efficient public service delivery.

To support a wider public awareness campaign, National ID informational leaflets were distributed to all participants. These materials aim to further educate communities on the benefits, usage, and processes involved in the National ID system, as part of the government’s larger push toward inclusive, accessible, and secure identity verification for all Filipinos.

The event concluded with an open forum, where participants actively engaged the resource speakers through questions and feedback – demonstrating their strong commitment to enhancing civil registration services in the city. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to modernize and harmonize civil registration systems and align them with National ID policies, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and inclusivity in identity management. It also aims to equip local registrars with the necessary tools and knowledge to meet the changing needs of the public.

NMP expands training partnerships with renewed and new MOAs

Press Release
April 26, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) reinforced its training partnerships by renewing Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) with Davao Merchant Marine Academy (DMMA) College of Southern Philippines and AMLO Bros. Training and Education Corporation (ABTEC), and establishing a new partnership with Abuyog Community College (ACC). The agreements were formalized during a virtual signing ceremony held on April 24, 2025.

The renewal with DMMA and ABTEC focuses on delivering Professional Development Courses (PDC) for maritime instructors and assessors. These programs aim to enhance seafarers' qualifications and improve faculty capabilities, ensuring that Filipino seafarers acquire the necessary competencies for employment on board ships.

Meanwhile, the new agreement with ACC aims to expand maritime training opportunities, enhance the training network, and provide more pathways for aspiring maritime professionals, especially BSHM students of ACC.

The new partnership with ACC expands maritime training opportunities, particularly for its Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students, creating additional pathways for aspiring maritime allied professionals in the region.

NMP Executive Director, Victor A. Del Rosario, highlighted the significance of the renewal, saying, “This is a significant step in making PDCs more accessible to maritime professionals, especially with the passage of the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. It is a great opportunity for government agencies and stakeholders to collaborate on building a robust maritime training system.” He also recognized the new partnership with ACC, noting, “Through this collaboration, we ensure that maritime professionals, especially from Region 8, gain access to high-quality training that opens doors to global careers.”

AMLO Bros. President, Atty. Lloyd Bantiling, expressed appreciation for the continued partnership, saying, “We are honored to be part of this initiative. AMLO Bros. remains committed to fulfilling all agreements to ensure the successful implementation of our training programs.”

On behalf of DMMA College President Mrs. Gloria S. Uriarte, Vice President for Administration, Mr. Ronald Jay D. Ortiz reflected on the long-standing partnership with NMP. He noted, “Since 2021, we’ve completed 26 batches of PDCs. This partnership has opened many doors for seafarers, and as we renew our commitment today, we look forward to even stronger collaboration in the years ahead.”

ACC College President, Dr. Clemelle L. Montallana, shared his excitement about the new partnership, stating, “This is a significant milestone for us. As a grassroots institution, we are proud to work with NMP to provide our students with the best training opportunities. As the African proverb says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ This partnership allows us to go far, equipping our students with the skills needed for global employment.”

In closing, NMP Deputy Executive Director Mayla N. Macadawan expressed enthusiasm for the renewed partnerships, saying, “We are moving forward with greater commitment. The partnerships in Cebu, Davao, and now with ACC will continue to uphold NMP and MARINA standards, ensuring quality maritime training across new regions.”

The MOAs are effective for three (3) years, with the option for extension upon mutual agreement.

NMP remains open to future collaborations that will continue to enhance maritime training and education, empower Filipino seafarers, and create more pathways to global opportunities, ensuring a brighter future for the maritime industry.

DMW-NMP earns MARINA accreditation as Assessment Center, expands courses & upgrades facilities

Press Release
April 25, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – After a rigorous inspection conducted by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) from 22 to 24 April 2025, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) has been recommended for approval as a MARINA-accredited Assessment Center.

This significant development marks a major milestone in NMP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its role in the maritime industry – not only as a premier training institution but also as a competent provider of maritime assessments. The accreditation is particularly beneficial to seafarers in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) and neighboring areas, as it eliminates the need to travel to distant assessment centers, thereby improving accessibility and convenience.

Included in the inspection were NMP’s newly developed STCW courses – the Refresher Course on Fast Rescue Boat (RCFRB) and Medical Care (MECA) – both of which were likewise recommended for accreditation, bringing NMP’s total course offerings to 56. Plans are also underway to potentially offer them free of charge, aligning with the current 30 out of 54 training programs already being delivered at no cost to support the development of Filipino seafarers.

In line with its goal to expand its reach, NMP is currently coordinating with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for the conduct of a Feasibility Study on the establishment of an NMP Training Center in Tanza, Cavite. This initiative will maximize the use of the 2.2-hectare lot acquired by NMP in 1995. Initial discussions with DAP have been held, and the proposal is expected to be submitted in May 2025.

As part of its modernization efforts, NMP continues to upgrade its training facilities. For Calendar Year (CY) 2024, NMP was allocated P52 million for the acquisition of a Full Mission Bridge Simulator (FMBS), a Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator (LCHS), and the upgrade of its existing Engine Room Simulator Software. In CY 2025, a P63 million budget was allotted for the procurement of additional maritime training equipment and simulators. For CY 2026, NMP is seeking a P335 million budget in its Tier 2 proposal to further bolster its capabilities through additional simulator acquisitions and infrastructure improvements, including the construction of a new Ratings’ Dormitory, the repair of the existing Officers’ Dormitory, and the construction of a new training pool.

In addition, NMP has ongoing infrastructure projects funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), amounting to P66 million. These include the construction of a training building, gymnasium, multipurpose building, and the rehabilitation of roads with drainage systems.

With these developments, NMP extends its sincere gratitude to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), led by Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, for its unwavering support of NMP’s modernization and expansion initiatives. NMP likewise acknowledges the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for providing responsive budget allocations, as well as all maritime stakeholders – and most importantly, the Filipino seafarers, whose welfare and advancement remain at the core of NMP’s mission.

Peace journalism in the digital age: HWPL workshop explores ethics, AI, and global cooperation

Press Release
April 25, 2025

MANILA – The HWPL International Workshop on Peace Journalism Studies, held on April 17, 2025, brought together journalists, scholars, and peace practitioners to explore how peace journalism can help address global challenges such as misinformation and conflict in an era of rapid digital transformation. The event was hosted online by an international peace NGO, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), with around 200 participants joining from 50 countries.

Under the theme of Transforming Conflict through AI and Cultural Understanding, a key focus of the workshop was the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism. Discussions explored how journalists can responsibly integrate new technologies while upholding essential values such as accuracy, fairness, and empathy.

The event also featured discussions centered on the recent publication, Peace Journalism Studies (2024). The journal highlights peace journalism’s potential to foster reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding, especially in regions affected by conflict. Case studies demonstrate how constructive reporting can help bridge divides and support long-term peacebuilding.

In a congratulatory message, Mr. Berry Lwando, Director General of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, remarked, “In today’s fast-paced media landscape, what we choose to highlight matters. Peace journalism isn’t about ignoring conflict – it’s about framing it in ways that invite dialogue, not division. That’s a responsibility we carry.”

In his article, Director of News, Sports and Current Affairs / ABS TV Radio in Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Garfield Burford, underscores the importance of evidence-based reporting to counter misinformation. While AI can make journalism more efficient, he cautions that it also raises concerns about accuracy and trust. He emphasizes that ethical judgment and human empathy remain essential to the work of a journalist.

From the Philippines, Dr. Musa Damao, Executive Director of Bangsamoro Dialogue for Peace and Justice, Inc., highlights how peace journalism supports the Bangsamoro peace process. He advocates for integrating peace education into school curricula and highlights how morally grounded journalism can contribute to lasting peace and development.

CEO of Varna Institute for Peace Research in Austria, Mr. Josef Mühlbauer, explores how open dialogue and debate can help challenge harmful narratives. He references the “Varna Peace Institute” podcast as a platform where open discussions help uncover root causes of conflict and promote understanding.

The workshop also aligned with HWPL’s broader peace initiatives, particularly the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). Article 10 of the DPCW, “Spreading a Culture of Peace,” emphasizes the role of media in promoting harmony through responsible communication. HWPL continues to advocate for journalism that contributes to a more peaceful and inclusive society.

The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration among journalists, academics, and peacebuilders, reaffirming a shared commitment to ethical and thoughtful journalism in a rapidly evolving media environment.

The latest volume of the Peace Journalism Studies by the Media Association for Global Peace can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/PeaceJS

Immunization equity, possible through local and national leaders’ push – DOH, UNICEF, WHO

Press Release
April 24, 2025

QUEZON CITY – From having over one million unvaccinated or “zero-dose children” in the Philippines from 2020 to 2021, the number dropped to 163,000 in 2023 following the intensified efforts of vaccination nationwide.

As of February 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) still reached a stride in reducing the number of at-risk children and has fully immunized a total of 1,542,282 out of the 2,392,392 aged 0-12 months in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the coverage for the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV) remains at 66% among eligible indigent senior citizens, while the influenza vaccine has reached 65.57% of the eligible population – including seniors, healthcare workers, and individuals with comorbidities.

Sustained and intensified efforts – both on the local and national level, remain crucial to ensure every Filipino receives life-saving vaccines. Despite the significant improvement in battling hesitancy, persistent challenges within the immunization program are still to be addressed. Interconnected strategies on strengthening the supply chain to guarantee consistent vaccine availability will pave the way for higher vaccination coverage and a healthier future for Filipinos of all ages.

UNICEF Philippines warned that despite the improvements, decades of hard-won progress in immunization would be lost without sustained action and funding. To prevent outbreaks, vaccine coverage must reach at least 95% of the eligible population for all vaccines.

“Routine immunization has saved many lives in the Philippines by eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus, containing measles outbreaks, and ending polio transmission in 2021.

The government’s continued investment in the national immunization programme will build resilient, sustainable systems, especially in the last mile. Our children’s future, where they are healthy, protected, surviving, and thriving, is the dose of good news we need in unpredictable times,” said Behzad Noubary, UNICEF Philippines Acting Representative.

To increase vaccination coverage across life stages, the DOH, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, continues to strengthen vaccination in communities. As part of its efforts, the DOH will be joining countries across the globe in celebrating the World Immunization Week (WIW) on April 24-30, 2025, aimed at converting vaccines into vaccinations through stronger national and local immunization programs.

“WHO commends the National Immunization Program Acceleration Plan and the growing efforts to engage local governments, civil society, and partners. Yet, persistent inequities remain a significant challenge – many unvaccinated children live in underserved communities. Leaders across all sectors must champion immunization and promote equity to reach every child, because every child vaccinated is a step toward a safer, healthier future – and a reminder of what is humanly possible,” said Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.

For the national launch of World Immunization Week in Calbayog City, Samar, more than 31,000 individuals will be vaccinated. Children aged 0–12 months will receive vaccines for Tuberculosis, Polio, Pneumonia, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and the pentavalent vaccine. Senior citizens will get flu and pneumonia shots, girls aged 9-14 will receive the HPV vaccine, and pregnant women will be given the Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine. The week-long initiative emphasizes the importance of collective action to ensure more Filipinos – especially children – are protected against VPDs.

“Vaccination is a cornerstone of the DOH’s 8-Point Action Agenda. Towards Universal Health Care, we continue to engage local leaders, parents, health workers, and partners to build a strong and resilient immunization system, where the promise of improved vaccination coverage rates is realized, and more lives across life stages are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases,” said DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.

DPWH administrative team conducts field inspection and personnel head count

Press Release
April 23, 2025

CATBALOGAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Administrative Section, led by Chief Administrative Officer Mizpah Lyn A. Ko together with Human Resource Management Officer Romeo A. Julaton and team, conducted an on-site inspection of the maintenance field personnel and operations on April 22, 2025.

The activity, carried out in coordination with administrative personnel and staff, aimed to assess ongoing field activities, ensure proper documentation of field presence, and perform an accurate head count of deployed maintenance workers.

This initiative forms part of the department’s continued efforts to improve operational transparency, personnel accountability, and efficient delivery of public service. The activity highlighted the importance of regular monitoring to maintain upholding standards and promote accountability in the workplace.

The DPWH remains committed to its mandate of maintaining quality infrastructure and ensuring responsible public service through proactive administrative oversight.

World is watching: Int’l observers to monitor PH mid-term polls amid escalating election violence

Press Release
April 23, 2025

MANILA – The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) has officially launched its International Observer Mission (IOM) for the 2025 midterm elections, vowing to monitor the polls amid rising concerns over electoral violence.

“The Philippines has long been a hotspot for election-related violence, particularly in rural areas,” said ICHRP Vice-Chairperson Patricia Lisson in the online press conference. “As a global human rights coalition, we are once again deploying the IOM to support Filipinos in protecting their civil and political rights, including the right to free and honest elections. The eyes of the world are on the Philippines.”

This is the second IOM mounted by ICHRP after deploying more than 60 observers in the heated 2022 presidential elections. The previous mission was able to document election-related human rights violations, including vote buying, failure of the vote-counting system, misinformation, red-tagging and threats, and killings.

“The 2022 election did not meet the standard of ‘free, honest and fair’ because prevailing conditions robbed the voters of access to reliable information, access to the voting places without intimidation, and access to credible vote counting system,” says former Australian Senator Lee Rhiannon and now serving her second time as IOM commissioner.

This 2025, the IOM is led by a group of Commissioners with long-standing records in monitoring elections, democratic governance, humanitarian work, and peace-building. Aside from Lee, the IOM Commission includes General Secretary Rev. Michael Blair of the United Church of Canada, Sylvain Goldstein, Asia Director for General Confederation of Labor–CGT (France), and Colleen Moore, the director of Peace With Justice at the General Board of Church and Society (USA). Additionally, Xavier Cutillas, who is the President of the Catalan Association for Peace–ACP.

The mission responds to the call for impartial, international scrutiny of the Philippine electoral process, amid persistent reports of state-sponsored harassment, and election-related killings, and fraud. The IOM will be looking closely at the disenfranchised Filipino communities, particularly in rural areas where it’s highly militarized with state and private armed groups. “Now, we are seeing an intensification of violence on the ground as reported by our local partners. We are determined to carry out this mission and document these cases,” says Commissioner Colleen Moore.

"The situation remains that political elites operate their own bailiwicks, private armies, and patronage networks, which fuel the highest levels of violence in the archipelago’s rural areas," says Prof. Danilo Arao, convenor of election watchdog Kontra Daya and official partner of IOM 2025.

The country's Elections Commission, Comelec, recorded 46 incidents of political violence between January 12 and April 11. However, according to the monitoring of IOM local partner Vote Report PH, “red-tagging is still the highest among violation categories, amounting to 78.72% of our 733 reports as of April 11. Since the official start of the campaign period in the local government, election-related violence rose in numbers,” says Vote Report PH data analyst Ian Aragoza.

“Red-tagging in the Philippines poses a grave threat to democracy, and we’re seeing its intensification during election season,” warned Prof. Danilo Arao, convenor of election watchdog Kontra Daya. “Activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens are being harassed, attacked, and in many cases, killed, often by state forces such as the military and police.” Arao said, adding that Kontra Daya will continue working with the IOM 2025 to document election-related violations and political repression on the ground.

A UN human rights expert has recently sounded the alarm on red-tagging, as it frequently leads to threats, unlawful surveillance, and even unlawful killings. This practice not only intimidates individuals but also stifles freedom of expression, undermining legitimate activism, journalism, debate, and criticism, all of which are essential components of a democratic society.

In its methodology, the mission will monitor election-related violations in the Philippines, including political violence, red-tagging, vote-buying, electoral fraud, and disinformation campaigns on both mainstream and digital platforms. It will also closely track violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights, particularly in militarized areas and communities of rural and indigenous peoples.

“These elections are unfolding under the shadow of deepening repression and the entrenchment of political dynasties,” said ICHRP Vice-Chairperson Patricia Lisson. “We are here in solidarity with the Filipino people, and we are committed to documenting the truth on the ground.”

From February to May, the mission will cover the official campaign period, election day on May 12, and the critical post-election phase. International delegates will be stationed across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, especially in areas known for electoral violence. Teams will document violations through interviews with voters, poll watchers, and local groups, while remote observers will monitor overseas absentee voting and digital election manipulation.