Justice Zones to strengthen coordination within the nationwide justice system

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has welcomed the City of San Fernando, La Union, into the expanding network of Justice Zones under the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC), underscoring continued efforts to strengthen nationwide coordination of the justice system.

Department of Justice undersecretary Atty. Ian Norman Dato, assistant secretary Robert Nomar V. Leyretana, and associate justices John Z. Lee and Rex Bernardo L. Pascual

Unveiled during the grand ceremony at Hotel Aureo, the initiative is part of the continuing expansion of the JSCC, which promotes stronger collaboration among the five pillars of justice, such as law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and the community, to improve the efficiency and coherence of justice delivery across local jurisdictions.

Representing the DOJ secretary Fredderick A. Vida was DOJ Law Enforcement Cluster undersecretary Ian Norman E. Dato, who conveyed the DOJ’s full support for the City of San Fernando’s inclusion in the growing network of Justice Zones nationwide.

“Today’s launch reflects more than commitment. It reflects vision and the conscious decision of the City of San Fernando to embrace a system where communication, cooperation, and collaboration become the foundation of every action and every decision. The launch marks a shift in perspective. From functioning as separate offices, the justice sector agencies and actors of the City of San Fernando now move forward together as one collective unit; a Justice Zone,” he stated.

Justice Zones are designed as hubs where law enforcement, prosecution, courts, corrections, and community stakeholders work as one coordinated system. “Justice Zones thrive because they develop a stronger culture of interdependence, coordination, and shared responsibility in the service of justice,” Dato added.

The DOJ also explained that the framework strengthens coordination during case build-up, ensuring prosecutorial involvement at earlier stages while giving prosecutors greater confidence that filed cases meet the required quantum of evidence.

Department of Justice undersecretary Atty. Ian Norman Dato

“With an established Justice Zone, law enforcement agencies gain the assurance of prosecutorial involvement during the case build-up stage. At the same time, prosecutors gain confidence that the cases filed before them meet the required quantum of evidence, ensuring that only quality cases are brought before our courts,” Dato emphasized.

The launch in San Fernando follows similar initiatives led by the JSCC in other parts of the country, including specialty zones addressing Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC-CSAEM) in Calbayog, Tacloban, Ormoc, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz.

The DOJ also highlighted ongoing reforms within the National Prosecution Service, including updated policies on inquest and preliminary investigation proceedings, aimed at improving case efficiency and supporting broader justice sector decongestion efforts.

During the event, local justice sector partners, including judges, prosecutors, public attorneys, law enforcement officers, and corrections representatives, were likewise recognized for their participation and continued support in advancing the Justice Zone framework.

vivo names first Gen V campus ambassadors

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vivo Philippines has named the first five members of its GEN V Campus Ambassador Program following the grand finals on July 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, marking the conclusion of the brand's first nationwide campus ambassador search.

The initiative brought together student leaders from colleges and universities across the National Capital Region, reflecting the growing role of student creators and campus communities in brand engagement and youth marketing.

Fifteen finalists, selected through four mall auditions and a wildcard round, advanced to the final competition. During the event, participants showcased their talents through acting, singing, and dancing. The finalists also delivered speeches outlining how they would use the platform to serve their respective communities.

Based on their overall performance, the inaugural GEN V Campus Ambassadors are:

1. Rhea Mea T. Parcon (World Citi Colleges) – 92.88
2. Beverly I. Cantos (Mapúa University) – 91.86
3. John Brent Domaya (Centro Escolar University Manila) – 90.48
4. Jerah Bernard L. Eusebio (University of the Philippines Diliman) – 87.46
5. Icen Rose Vivo (University of the Philippines Diliman) – 87.30

Throughout the competition, the finalists highlighted themes of community leadership, confidence, creativity, education, inclusivity, and storytelling. Their presentations reflected how they intend to use digital platforms to engage fellow students and encourage participation within their campuses.

"The vivo Campus Ambassador Program was created to identify students who can communicate with authenticity, collaborate with their communities, and grow alongside the brand," said Liu Lu, Brand Marketing Director of vivo Philippines. "The five ambassadors represent different experiences and perspectives, and we look forward to supporting their development over the coming year."

The selected ambassadors will officially begin their term on August 1, 2026.

As part of the program, each ambassador will receive a Php 5,000 monthly cash incentive for 12 months and access to mentorship sessions led by vivo Philippines marketing professionals covering branding, digital marketing, campaign execution, and communication.

They will also participate in vivo product launches, marketing campaigns, and major brand events, providing firsthand exposure to the company's marketing initiatives. Outstanding participants may be considered for internship or employment opportunities with vivo Philippines after graduation, while select ambassadors may also gain access to international learning or exchange opportunities, subject to program availability.

For Parcon, the top-ranked ambassador, the recognition reinforced the message she shared during the competition.

"This opportunity reflects the message I shared during the competition, that everyone deserves to feel seen," she said. "I hope to encourage more students to believe in their own potential and take chances on themselves."

Domaya said the program provided opportunities beyond personal achievement.

"Through this ambassadorship program, I aspire to create meaningful impact, not only for myself, but for the community as well," he said.

Meanwhile, Vivo said she hopes to use the platform to create meaningful stories that inspire fellow students.

"More than an achievement, I see this as a responsibility to uphold the values of both vivo and my university with authenticity, creativity, and purpose," she said.

The GEN V Campus Ambassador Program is part of vivo Philippines' broader effort to strengthen partnerships with student communities by providing leadership development, practical marketing experience, and opportunities for campus engagement.

Stay updated on vivo's latest products, events, and community initiatives by following vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram , YouTube, X, and TikTok.

Ballet Manila brings back global ballet superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim in La Bayadère

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Mariinsky Ballet principal dancers Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim return for Ballet Manila's La Bayadere

Two of the world’s most celebrated ballet artists will once again step onto the Philippine stage to give Filipino audiences a glimpse of their extraordinary and world-renowned artistry, passion and technical brilliance.

This August, Ballet Manila brings back ballet superstars Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim, principal dancers of the Mariinsky Ballet, to breathe new life into the timeless classic, La Bayadère happening at the Aliw Theater on August 14 at 8 PM, and on August 15 and 16 at 5PM.

Notably, their return solidifies Ballet Manila’s long-standing mission of bringing world-class ballet closer to the Filipino audiences, giving local theatergoers a rare chance to witness internationally celebrated performers in the country.

“We are very excited to welcome Renata and Kimin back to Ballet Manila,” exclaimed Lisa Macuja Elizalde, Ballet Manila’s founder and artistic director. She recalls with pride last year’s successful run of Don Quixote which starred the formidable duo. “Their performances in Don Quixote were truly unforgettable, and the response from Filipino audiences was overwhelming. It was a delight to see our audiences embrace them so warmly, and I know many have been looking forward to seeing them perform here again.”

Kim and Shakirova bring exceptional credentials to the production. Shakirova, whose extraordinary talent was recognized early on, is already a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Benois de la Danse award – touted as the “Ballet Oscar.” The Tashkent, Uzbekistan-native is highly regarded for her musicality, dramatic depth, and commanding presence; thus, establishing herself as one of the Mariinsky’s top prima ballerinas.

Conversely, Kim started ballet relatively late – at around 10 years old – but made his mark as the first foreign male principal dancer in the Mariinsky Ballet’s history. He is also highly acclaimed worldwide for his remarkable athleticism and precise technique. As a pair, they are just as impressive having won the Russia-Kultura TV’s Grand Ballet competition in 2016.

The couple are no strangers to La Bayadère, one of the celebrated masterpieces in ballet. Set in ancient India, the story follows the tragic love story of the temple dancer (bayadère) Nikiya and the warrior Solor. The High Brahmin (high priest), who is also in love with Nikiya, learns of her relationship with Solor and asks the Rajah to kill Solor. But his plan backfires when the Rajah orders Nikiya to be killed instead. The classic melodramatic love triangle spans both the mortal world and afterlife.

At the Mariinsky Theatre, Kim regularly performs the role of the noble warrior Solor, while Shakirova has portrayed both the Nikya and the regal Gamzatti, highlighting her versatility that has earned her international acclaim.

“Renata and Kim’s extensive experience with La Bayadère promises Filipinos audiences a moving and authentic interpretation of Marius Petipa’s enduring masterpiece. We hope that by the end of the show, the audience will have a renewed love for ballet,” concluded Lisa Macuja Elizalde.

Stay up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph

WalterMart Supports the Love for Learning with Brigada Eskwela 2026

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WalterMart recently concluded its participation in this year's Brigada Eskwela, joining the Department of Education's nationwide initiative to prepare public schools for the new academic year. Through customer contributions, employee volunteerism, and education assistance for its employees, the company reinforced its long-standing commitment to education across the communities it serves.

WalterMart's support for Brigada Eskwela began in 2010 as a simple volunteer cleaning drive in a handful of partner schools. It expanded in 2021 to include the distribution of school kits, growing into a mall-wide campaign that now supports over 1,100 schools and 30,000 students nationwide. This year's campaign was held in partnership with 150 schools across North Luzon, South Luzon, and Metro Manila.

Grade 1 students from Calicanto, Bolbok, and Sta. Rita Elementary School receive school kits from WalterMart Batangas during this year's Brigada Eskwela distribution.

WalterMart San Jose employees hand out school kits to Malasin Elementary School students this Brigada Eskwela.

School kits were distributed this year through mall-led and community-based events with partner schools, providing each Grade 1 student a kit made possible by customer support, with additional contributions from partner brands Nagaraya, CDO, Nissin, Presto, Alaska Milk, Similac, Monde Nissin, and Surf. As a gesture of appreciation, customers received a Brigada Eskwela Thank You Card with exclusive vouchers from WalterMart Supermarket, WalterMart Department Store, World of Fun, and Fun Time.

WalterMart employees join clean-up activities at Mamandil Elementary School, part of WalterMart Talavera's support for this year's Brigada Eskwela.

WalterMart teams also led school clean-up activities across partner communities, working alongside teachers, parents, and volunteers to prepare classrooms ahead of the school year, with cleaning supplies provided by partner brands Zonrox, Mortein, and Domex. WalterMart also installed pedestrian crossing signages, "Happy Back to School" signages, and safety bollards in participating schools for a safer return to class.

These are just some of the many ways WalterMart supports the community through education, alongside the everyday service it provides through its Supermarket bringing fresh grocery essentials to every household, its Community Malls offering spaces for good food and good times, its Department Store helping every Filipino look and feel their best, and its Grocery Delivery bringing the supermarket closer to home.

Jollibee celebrates Filipino fandom with exclusive JolliBINI Meal Bundles

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Jollibee the Philippines' number one fast food chain, is giving fans another reason to enjoy their favorite meals with the launch of the exclusive JolliBINI Bundles. Available for a limited time, the new promotion pairs Jollibee's best-loved menu favorites with exclusive collectibles inspired by the nation's biggest P-pop girl group, BINI.

Available from July 15 to August 31, the JolliBINI Bundles let customers enjoy iconic Jollibee favorites while collecting limited-edition merchandise featuring all eight BINI members. Every bundle comes with random member collectibles, while lucky customers also have the chance to receive a rare Special Group Photocard.

"At Jollibee, we always look for new ways to make every meal more joyful and memorable for our customers," said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. "With the JolliBINI Bundles, fans can enjoy their Jollibee favorites while collecting exclusive BINI-inspired merchandise. Every visit becomes an opportunity to discover a new collectible, celebrate their favorite member, and create moments worth sharing with fellow BLOOMs. We hope this campaign brings even more joy as fans collect, trade, and complete their JolliBINI collection together."

Customers can enjoy two bundle options during the promotional period. The JolliBINI Bundle A, starting at ₱269, includes a choice of an Original or Special Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a regular drink, and one random JolliBINI Collectible Set consisting of a Bag Charm and Photocard. Meanwhile, the JolliBINI Bundle B, starting at ₱399, comes with a choice of an Original or Special Double Cheesy Yumburger, one-piece Chickenjoy with rice, a large drink, and two random JolliBINI Collectible Sets.

By pairing exclusive collectibles with Jollibee's iconic menu favorites, the latest Jollibee and BINI collaboration transforms every meal into an exciting unboxing experience that fans can enjoy and share.

The launch is expected to spark another wave of online excitement, with BLOOMs sharing unboxing videos, collection reveals, photocard trades, and bag charm styling across social media as they race to complete the full JolliBINI collection and find the coveted Special Group Photocard.

The JolliBINI Bundles will be available in all Jollibee stores nationwide from July 15 to August 31 for dine-in and takeout.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!