Empower Philippines

29/07/2026

Priority will be given to studies that address underlying issues or support initiatives in human and social services, economic development, environment and climate change, infrastructure, and institutional development.

Selected fellows may receive research grants of up to P100,000, with additional assistance of up to P20,000 for each eligible support category, including books and research materials, transportation, and printing and reproduction of research papers, subject to program guidelines.

Applications may be submitted individually or by teams, provided the principal proponent or project leader meets the eligibility requirements.

Interested applicants may submit their requirements through the Betty Go-Belmonte Research Grants module on the Quezon City e-Services Portal at https://qceservices.quezoncity.gov.ph.

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https://manilastandard.net/news/314771299/applications-open-for-betty-go-belmonte-research-grants.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcATWTj5jbGNrBNZOOmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHkzsvfmqKdj_i85r6x3XoLh1N_b8pB1NXUv7258ceVBNCPEWU6BMi2ow0xlJ_aem_AxDysq_En754io_Hpn3eEg

The Quezon City government has opened applications for the first batch of fellows under the Betty Go-Belmonte Research Grants Program, which aims to

22/07/2026

"The loophole is widely referred to as the “forgiveness clause” or “marry your ra**st” law, and in many parts of the world, it has already been shut down. In a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2021, the Philippines was named among the shrinking number of countries where a ra**st can still avoid punishment by marrying the victim."
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Fortunately, some lawmakers are moving to strike down this archaic provision. Representatives Dadah Kiram Ismula, Chel Diokno, and Perci Cendaña of Akbayan, along with Dinagat Islands Representative Kaka Bag-ao, have officially filed House Bill 10099 to repeal Article 266-C.
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“Rape is a grave crime. Marriage should never be used to shield the ra**st from accountability and condemn the survivor to a lifetime of hell,” Ismula said in an official statement. “Nakakahiya na nasa batas pa rin natin ito. Panahon na para i-amend ang ating batas para sa dignidad ng mga victim survivors ng r**e.”

/forgiveness-clause-anti-r**e-law-a2826-20260722-bsc?utm_source=Facebook-Spot&utm_medium=Ownshare-Photo&utm_campaign=20260722-fbnp-newsfeatures-forgiveness-clause-anti-r**e-law-a2826-20260722-bsc-fbfirst-commentsectionlink&fbclid=IwdGRjcATNKpdjbGNrBM0qZWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHqmbWYdCgXW6ZjUPG6R58hPAZXhby1RMYKIVRyclDrou33IeMM_iEUTiQj99_aem_IL1MfxiHBiSG0tMaWWDyCw

Lawmakers are pushing to close the loophole that pardons ra**sts.

20/07/2026

SCHOLARSHIP ALERT

Several international schools in the country are opening scholarship slots for Filipino students for SY 2027–2028.

Here's a roundup of schools still accepting applications and what aspiring scholars need to know.

Full story in the comments

17/07/2026

"He also warned that under current laws, Philippine courts do not recognize alimony once a marriage has legally ended, leaving financially dependent spouses highly vulnerable.

“In the Philippines, we don’t have the concept of alimony. Once the ties are severed between the husband and the wife, there is no more financial obligation to each other, so to speak,” Chico said. While an ex-spouse can seek support for their children, that obligation terminates once the children reach the age of majority, leaving the former partner with no legal claim to ongoing financial support.

Despite the intense institutional resistance that divorce bills face whenever they are introduced in Congress, Chico maintains that legal reform is necessary to protect citizens trapped in failed marriages.

“The state really doesn’t want couples to separate,” Chico said. “But when things go completely awry, we need practical remedies.”

Lawyer Ed Chico argues it's time for the Philippines to recognize divorce, citing limited legal options and the need for reform in marriage laws.

15/07/2026

01/07/2026

19/06/2026

BE HUMAN!

“Be patient, be brave, always strive to be excellent, but most of all, strive to be human,” Naga City Mayor and former Vice President Leni Robredo told Bicol University graduates.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape work, learning, and industries, Robredo reminded graduates that technology should not make people forget what makes leadership truly human.

Speaking during Bicol University’s 56th Commencement Exercises, she urged the graduates to remain grounded in empathy, integrity, resilience, and public service as they enter a world where AI can automate tasks and change careers.

The message goes beyond learning how to use new tools. It is also about knowing how to make ethical decisions, understand people, serve communities, and lead with compassion.

AI can process information, generate answers, and improve efficiency. But it cannot replace a person’s conscience, sense of responsibility, or ability to care for others.

Robredo also emphasized continuous learning and upskilling, recognizing that graduates will face a future where many jobs and skills will continue to change.

But in that changing world, human qualities remain powerful. Analytical thinking, creativity, resilience, leadership, empathy, and lifelong learning are becoming just as important as technical ability.

Her message reminds that success should not only be measured by achievement, salary, or position. It should also be measured by how one uses knowledge to uplift others.

In the age of AI, being future-ready is not only about mastering technology.

It is also about staying human.

16/05/2026

https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=2a1f3eb7-9e50-4b7e-a0a1-515696f1ab4d&appcode=THE276&eguid=9161d5f9-e4cb-4858-950c-7ec9720b4314&pnum=17&fbclid=IwdGRjcAR0rShjbGNrBHSs5GV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHswR8MPm9odVK1icXXjYI0xTUTzwNWaKPzSYC_xuFgtlYBB-eE_W84WcJ6GW_aem_QtUfTEGj_WPF4zJqb0jVIw

04/05/2026

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/5/3/after-developing-r**e-kits-ph-scientists-call-for-dna-law-to-make-justice-accessible-1328?fbclid=IwdGRjcARlMwNjbGNrBGUyrGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHheg9J43Dd6o5zbWAkQk9tpYyHzRYxPF6EhtjTKBx1uG2a48XflBNwSPdUMY_aem_9g1raYf8n1AlumySqAvsaA

The SAI.kit developed by the UPD team is far more than a simple medical supply. It is a self-contained system featuring standardized swabs and meticulous instructions to ensure a foolproof chain of custody.