Golden Arches on the Horizon: McDonald’s Opol is Almost Here!

IMAGE CREDITS: Ransky TV

Hey there, burger lovers!  Are you ready for some exciting news? Drumroll, please! The first McDonald’s branch in Opol, complete with a Drive-Thru, is getting super close to opening its doors. That’s right! If you’re like us and can’t get enough of those golden arches, this is undoubtedly the news you’ve been waiting for. 

So, let’s dive into what’s happening. Right now, the final works are bustling along on both the interior and exterior of the building. You can practically smell the fries from here! With bright colors and a welcoming vibe, it’s clear they’re aiming for that iconic McDonald’s charm. Plus, once it’s up and running, this location will be the largest McDonald’s in Misamis Oriental in terms of land area. Talk about a big deal!

24/7 Fast Food Fun!

Now here’s the cherry on top: this McDonald’s is planning to operate 24 hours daily! Yes, you read that right. Whether you’re craving a late-night Big Mac or an early-morning Egg McMuffin, you’ve got options, my friends. It’s perfect for those midnight snack runs or early risers just looking to grab breakfast on the go. 

Can you imagine the joy of pulling up to the Drive-Thru at any hour? It’s going to change the game for foodies in Opol. Get ready to indulge in your favorite McDonald’s menu items without the hassle of wait times. Plus, bring your friends along for the ride because late-night fries just taste better when you’re sharing laughs. So let’s keep our fingers crossed and watch for that grand opening day. We can't wait to see you all at McDonald’s Opol! 

Champions of Nature & Knowledge: MSU-IIT’s Wildlife Quizbowl Inspires Young Minds

COURTESY: The Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)

In the heart of Iligan City, where the hum of academia meets the lush heartbeat of nature, **The Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT)** once again transformed into a vibrant hub of environmental awareness and academic excellence. On **October 22, 2025**, the **3rd Iligan City–Lanao del Norte Provincial Wildlife Quizbowl** came to life at the **University Gymnasium**, uniting **22 schools** across the province for a day of curiosity, camaraderie, and celebration of Philippine biodiversity.  

The event, spearheaded by the **Department of Biological Sciences** in collaboration with the **Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI)**, **MSU-IIT’s WE CARE Extension Program Office**, the **Rotary Club Metro Iligan**, and the **Haynayan Society**, served as more than just a competition. It stood as a testament to the shared mission of shaping environmentally literate youth who will become tomorrow’s stewards of the land.  

The Battle of Bright Minds and Brave Hearts

From the first round to the nail-biting finale, the atmosphere was electric. The quizbowl challenged participants with questions on **biology, ecology, Philippine wildlife, environmental laws, and biogeography**—each query a bridge toward deeper understanding of the planet’s treasures.  

In a showcase of determination, **MSU–Sultan Naga Dimaporo** emerged as the overall champion with **54 points**, outpacing the **Philippine Science High School – Northern Mindanao Campus** (43 points) and **Iligan City National High School** (39 points). But beyond the scoreboard, every participant walked away with a heightened appreciation for environmental conservation.  

A Debut Worth Remembering: Santiago National High School’s Journey

Among the crowd’s favorites was **Santiago National High School**, joining the competition for the first time and landing an impressive **6th place**. Represented by the resilient duo **Jerry III C. Omping** and **Alyxyl Phette Dayondon**, both Grade 11 HUMSS students and members of *The Eureka Science Society*, the team exhibited perseverance that went far beyond the quizbowl arena.  

Their coach, **Sir Febeto Lumosad Potutan Jr.**, reflected on their journey with both pride and humor. Preparing from scratch, they eagerly researched similar wildlife quiz bowls from other provinces to sharpen their skills. While bouts of “changed-right-to-wrong” answers and spelling mishaps brought laughter, the experience ignited an even stronger determination to come back stronger next year.  

More Than a Quiz—A Movement

As the final applause faded, organizers from **MSU-IIT** and their partners expressed joy at the event’s success. This annual gathering is not merely a friendly contest—it is a growing movement that nurtures minds, fosters teamwork, and deepens the collective commitment to protecting the environment.  

With every year, the **Provincial Wildlife Quizbowl** expands its reach, bridging classrooms with conservation advocacy. If its growth continues, it promises to inspire a generation that will not only master scientific facts but also put them into action to safeguard the earth.  

In events like these, knowledge is not the end goal—it’s the seed. Planted in young minds, it will grow into a forest of hope for the planet.  

Building Bridges, Fueling Dreams: Mindanao’s Bold Leap Through PPP Innovation

A New Era of Partnership and Progress  

COURTESY: (APB/PIA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The air inside the 2nd Mindanao Infrastructure Summit was charged with optimism. As leaders, investors, and visionaries gathered under one roof, one key announcement stood out: the **Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Desk for Mindanao**. Launched in September in Davao City, this groundbreaking initiative by the **Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA)** marks a turning point for the island’s infrastructure journey.  

MinDA Chairperson Secretary **Leo Tereso A. Magno** painted an inspiring picture—Mindanao’s growth will no longer hinge solely on government funding. Instead, by harnessing the strengths of the public and private sectors, they aim to craft projects that are **bankable, inclusive, and climate-resilient**. This one-stop hub will guide LGUs, agencies, and private partners with the tools, advice, and matchmaking needed to transform ideas into concrete, life-changing infrastructure.  

To illustrate the vision, Magno emphasized how PPPs can bridge persistent funding gaps, foster innovation, and accelerate development. From solving technical hurdles to attracting eager investors, the PPP Desk is designed as both a compass and a launchpad for Mindanao’s future.  

Empowering LGUs, Connecting Communities  

The summit’s message was clear: Mindanao is no longer content with slow, fragmented progress. Instead, stakeholders are determined to unlock potential that lies dormant in provinces hungry for growth. Through PPPs, **local government units will be empowered** to dream big, communicate their vision effectively, and partner with the private sector to bring those visions to life.  

Over the past years, landmark projects like the **Panguil Bay Bridge**, the expansion of **Laguindingan Airport**, and the modernization of **Balingoan Port** have transformed connectivity and trade routes. Now, with the **Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project** in full swing, travel time between provinces will shrink, strengthening economic corridors and opening new doors for commerce and tourism.  

Furthermore, Magno shared that the PPP Desk—currently based in Davao City—will eventually have sister desks in other regions across Mindanao. This decentralization ensures that every LGU, whether coastal or inland, urban or rural, will have access to the guidance they need. To complement this, MinDA will conduct a **PPP Roadshow**, bringing awareness, training, and collaboration directly to local leaders.  

The Road Ahead  

Through the Marcos administration’s **Build Better More program**, infrastructure is positioned as the beating heart of inclusive growth. The PPP Desk embodies this vision—ensuring that development is not just a government function but a shared responsibility between communities, leaders, and investors. With consistency, transparency, and innovation at the forefront, Mindanao is on track to position itself as a premier investment destination and a hub of resilience.  

From bridges rising above waves to roads slicing through lush valleys, the story of Mindanao is evolving. And with the PPP Desk as a guiding force, the island is ready to not just keep pace with progress—but lead it.