Environment
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Mindoro Bishop Calls for Prayer, Dialogue Over Mining Ban Reversal
A Catholic bishop has called for prayer and dialogue after the Supreme Court struck down a 25-year ban on large-scale mining in Occidental Mindoro province, warning the decision could threaten similar environmental protections. Bishop Moises…
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Pola Mayor Draws Battles Lines Against Sand Dredging
Pola, Oriental Mindoro Mayor Jennifer “Ina Alegre” Cruz has emerged as a vocal opponent of sand dredging operations in her municipality, joining a growing coalition of Mindoro officials challenging Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor’s support for…
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Mindoro Rivers Face Flash Flood Risk as Low Pressure Area Threatens to Intensify
PAGASA has issued a flood advisory Thursday for major river systems in Mindoro and other MIMAROPA provinces as a low pressure area with “medium” potential to develop into a tropical depression brings heavy rains across…
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Balik Scientist to Present Multidisciplinary Approach for Tamaraw Conservation in Webinar
A leading environmental researcher will share insights on protecting the critically endangered Tamaraw through a multidisciplinary conservation approach during a webinar on June 30, 2025 from 1PM to 3PM, organized by Philippine research institutions. Dr.…
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Sabang Bay in Puerto Galera Wins Gold Award for Water Quality
Sabang Bay in Puerto Galera was recognized as the Gold Awardee in the Search for Outstanding Water Quality Management 2025, officials announced Friday. The award ceremony took place at Park Inn North Edsa in Quezon…
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Cong. Panaligan to Refile Bill on Mindoro Mining Ban
Oriental Mindoro First District Congressman Arnan Panaligan has said he will refile legislation to ban mining across Mindoro Island as environmental groups continue to object extractive industries in the biodiversity hotspot. The Mindoreño lawmaker announced…
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Pinamalayan Mayor Stands Firm Against Dredging Operations
Pinamalayan Mayor Aristeo Baldos Jr. has expressed strong opposition to any dredging operations in his municipality, citing environmental threats and potential damage to the town’s coastline. His statement was made in the heels of ongoing…
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Oriental Mindoro Governor Defends Sand Dredging Operation
Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor has defended a controversial sand-dredging project in Gloria town, saying the operation has secured all necessary permits and environmental assessments despite fears from residents and environmental groups who worry…
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Province-wide Clean-up Drive Set for June 20 in Oriental Mindoro to Fight Dengue
Oriental Mindoro will hold the second phase of its province-wide clean-up drive on June 20, 2025, to curb the spread of dengue, a mosquito-borne disease that remains a recurring public health menace in the province.…
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World’s Three New Mouse Species Found on Mindoro Island, a Global Biodiversity Hotspot
Researchers have discovered three new species of forest mice on Mindoro Island, increasing the island’s known endemic mammal species by 33 percent and unveiling its extraordinary biodiversity, according to a study published in the journal…
Founder’S Profile
Romel “Direk” Ferriol Bernardo
Bernardo Creative Ventures, Inc., the company behind Direk Fuels, Oriental Mindoro’s homegrown gas station chain, and Direk Builders, which rents out heavy equipment, is expanding its portfolio by venturing into online media and content production.
The company’s entry into news media is not surprising, as its founder and CEO, Romel “Direk” Bernardo, was a television writer, producer, and director for over 15 years. From 2002 to 2007, he served as a researcher, writer, and producer for GMA-7’s top-rating show Imbestigador before becoming the executive producer for ABS-CBN’s award-winning documentary program, The Correspondents.
