Bricks, Brains, and Breakthroughs: Cagayan de Oro's Bold Leap Toward Smarter Schools

COURTESY: PIA 10

Cagayan de Oro is shaking things up big time. Officials are rolling out fresh solutions to fix crowded classrooms and boost learning across Northern Mindanao. 

Schools Division Superintendent Roy Angelo Gazo announced that the city will receive **231 new classrooms**. These additions tackle a shortage of 600 units, covering about one-third of the backlog. Moreover, the new buildings aim to end double-shift schedules and replace makeshift shelters in hinterland areas. As a result, students gain better spaces for focused learning.

Furthermore, DepEd pushes a **three-term school calendar** to balance academics and activities. Gazo explained, “Sa three-term system, may tiyak na panahon na nakalaan para sa tuloy-tuloy na pagkatuto.” Teachers and learners benefit from dedicated time for instruction and remediation, so everyone stays on track.

Heroes in the Classroom: Lifting Teachers and Learners Alike

Teachers drive real change, and DepEd knows it. The division supports them by reclassifying positions and promoting 1,200 educators to higher salary grades. Consequently, these promotions improve compensation and retirement benefits while motivating stronger performance.

In addition, the **Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program** helps students catch up in reading, math, and science. Meanwhile, the Computerization Program delivers laptops and smart TVs to high schools, enabling digital research and modern apps. Together, these moves create a brighter, more connected future for Cagayan de Oro kids. 

Shoe Shopping Just Got a Fresh Glow-Up at Ayala Malls Centrio!

COURTESY: Ayala Malls Centrio

Fresh interiors and fresh finds—Payless ShoeSource is back with a better space for the ultimate shoe shopping experience! 

The renovated store feels bright, breezy, and super inviting. You’ll spot trendy kicks and comfy styles the second you walk in. Shoppers are already raving about the new layout that makes browsing effortless and fun.  

Start your summer getaways with the right pair on you.  

Whether you need stylish slip-ons for beach days or durable sneakers for city adventures, Payless has you covered. The fresh collection mixes comfort with cute designs that scream summer vibes. Grab your next fave shoes and step out confidently.  

Why This New Spot Rocks

The team nailed the redesign, creating an open and welcoming area packed with options. Now located at the 2nd Level, CM Recto Wing (beside Oro China Jewelry), it’s easy to find and even easier to love.  

Shop your next fave shoes, slip-ons, and more at Payless, now located at 2nd Level, CM Recto Wing (beside Oro China Jewelry)!  

#PaylessShoeSource #PaylessPH #AyalaMallsCentrio #WhatsNewatCentrio — at Ayala Malls Centrio.  

Fuel Fury Fighters: Tricycle Heroes in Misamis Oriental Grab Quick Cash Boost!

COURTESY: PIA 10

Drivers in **MISAMIS ORIENTAL** finally caught a break. On April 8, a total of 2,371 tricycle operators and drivers received ₱5,000 each in cash assistance. The distribution happened in El Salvador City and Gingoog City under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. 

This payout formed part of a bigger regional rollout in Northern Mindanao to fight the effects of rising fuel prices on transport workers. Irene Mae Dosol Auxilio, information officer, said the assistance rolled out simultaneously across the region. “This is ₱5,000 cash assistance under the DSWD AICS program para ni siya sa abag-abag tungod sa pagtaas sa presyo sa krudo,” she explained. 

Relief Hits Home for Struggling TODA Drivers

Beneficiaries were mainly members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA). Auxilio noted payouts covered eight cities in Region 10, including Cagayan de Oro, El Salvador City, and Gingoog City. Target numbers included 1,798 drivers in Gingoog and 884 in El Salvador, with actual recipients at 1,568 and 803 respectively. The program focused only on qualified folks to keep things orderly. 

Moreover, officials reminded everyone the cash should help with real needs, not gambling. Drivers expressed huge relief. Ricardo Saburao shared, “Dako akong pasalamat kay naa na may magamit pud namo,” saying it covers food and school expenses amid tight times and high gas costs. 

Hope Fuels the Road Ahead

Jacqueline Encabo added that fuel prices slashed her daily earnings, sometimes leaving just ₱400 after gas. “Dako gyud kaayo ni nga tabang, makapalit naman mi ani og bugas ug sud-an,” she said gratefully. She thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DSWD. 

Alexander Lauderes hoped for lower fuel prices soon. “Pasalamat ko nga adunay in-ani nga ayuda,” he noted, using part for rice while dreaming of cheaper gas to ease driver struggles. Overall, this aid brings real support to hardworking TODA members facing the oil crisis.