A New Chapter Begins: Beyond the Headlines

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

To my friends, colleagues, sponsors, and the community that has stood by me:

For years, I have dedicated my life to telling the stories of others. As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, I have lived behind the lens and the keyboard, documenting the pulse of our nation. But today, I am stepping out from behind the platform to share something deeply personal—a piece of my own soul that has been years in the making.

I am officially moving into the final stages of two legacy projects: an intimate photobook and my definitive biography. These aren't just books; they are the culmination of a lifetime of observation, grit, and passion. However, the path of independent publishing is a steep climb. In an industry where funding for literary arts is a rare treasure, I am turning to the people who believe in the power of authentic storytelling.

How You Can Be Part of This Journey

I am inviting you to become a patron of these works. Your contribution—regardless of size—is the fuel that will power the research, production, and high-quality development these stories deserve. By supporting this endeavor, you aren’t just funding a book; you are championing independent Filipino authorship.

Direct Support via GCash:

09473820042

Beyond the Projects

This is not a one-way street. If you are curious about the specific themes of these works, I would be honored to discuss them with you. Furthermore, I am always looking for ways to give back. If you have a creative vision or a project where my experience in media and storytelling can add value, let’s collaborate.

Thank you for believing in me when I was a publisher, and thank you for standing with me now as an author.

With deepest gratitude,

Ross Flores Del Rosario

Founder, Wazzup Pilipinas

Philippines through DepEd officially joins the Governance Committee of the School Meals Accelerator

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

MAKATI CITY, 31 March 2026—The Philippines, through the Department of Education (DepEd), has officially joined the Governance Committee of the School Meals Accelerator (SMA), following its participation in the inaugural meeting held in Rome, Italy from March 26 to 27, 2026.



The Philippines joins fellow new members Guatemala and the Kingdom of Lesotho in this milestone initiative.



The SMA is a global support mechanism designed to assist the more than 110 member countries of the School Meals Coalition in accelerating the implementation of their school feeding programs. Its goal is to expand coverage and ensure that more children receive nutritious and quality meals in schools.

“Our participation in the SMA Governance Committee reflects the strong political commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address undernutrition and improve the well-being of our learners,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.



“Through this international collaboration, we are strengthening our capacity to deliver quality, nutritious meals that are essential to the health and academic success of our learners.”



The Governance Committee is composed of key founding members, including the Government of Germany, the World Food Programme, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the Global Partnership for Education, along with the Philippines, Guatemala, and the Kingdom of Lesotho.



The inaugural meeting focused on establishing the SMA’s governance structure, setting priorities, defining funding and support mechanisms, and developing a three-year work plan with corresponding authorizations.



As a member of the Governance Committee, the Philippines will not only take part in decision-making processes but will also gain direct access to SMA’s support mechanisms.



The country has been identified as one of the five priority countries, alongside Indonesia, Guatemala, the Kingdom of Lesotho, and Zambia.



One of the core strategies of SMA is dedicated to catalytic support in response to country priorities, which include some flexibility to respond to validated government demand as opportunities emerge during implementation.



Secretary Angara was represented by Roger Masapol, Assistant Secretary for Governance and Operations and the official in charge of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) of DepEd.



The SMA support mechanism comes at a crucial time, aligning with President Marcos’ commitment to address hunger and malnutrition through a record PhP25.6 billion budget for the SBFP this year.



This historic allocation aims to provide nutritious meals to 4.63 million learners for 200 days to ensure they are healthy and ready to learn.

The Great Exodus: SMC Infrastructure Braces for the Holy Week Surge

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

As the sweltering heat of March signals the arrival of the Lenten season, a massive human tide is preparing to wash out of the concrete canyons of Metro Manila. For millions of Filipinos, Holy Week is more than a religious observance; it is a high-stakes pilgrimage to the provinces. Standing at the gates of this exodus is SMC Infrastructure, launching a comprehensive mobilization to ensure that the journey home doesn’t turn into a stationary ordeal.

From the northern stretches of the TPLEX to the southern arteries of the SLEX and STAR Tollway, and the elevated lifelines of the Skyway System and NAIAX, the mission is clear: keep the bloodline of Philippine travel flowing.

A Network in Lockdown (For the Better)

To prevent the dreaded "bottle-neck" effect, SMC has enacted a strategic ceasefire on construction. Starting at 12:00 p.m. on March 28 until 10:00 p.m. on April 5, all roadworks and non-essential maintenance activities have been suspended. The orange cones are being pulled back, giving every available inch of asphalt to the motorists.

But a clear road is only half the battle. SMC has deployed a full-scale "peacekeeping" force of traffic personnel to coordinate with national and local authorities. Their focus? The high-pressure zones—the exits and interchanges where the expressway meets the chaos of national roads.

The Commandment of the Road: Speed and Safety

In the rush to reach family reunions or beach retreats, the temptation to "floor it" is real. However, SMC Infrastructure is issuing a firm reminder: Speed limits are not suggestions; they are lifesavers.

Maintaining the limit isn't just about safety—it’s about the wallet. In an era of fluctuating fuel prices, steady speeds significantly improve fuel efficiency. Motorists are urged to keep these numbers in mind:

Ground-level Expressways (SLEX, STAR, TPLEX): 100 kph for Class 1; 80 kph for Classes 2 and 3.

Elevated Expressways (Skyway, NAIAX): A strict 80 kph limit, dropping to 60 kph on curves.

"A vehicle in top condition is your first line of defense. Check your 'BLOWBAG' (Brakes, Lights, Oil, Water, Battery, Air, and Gas) before you turn the ignition."

Digital Salvation: The Shift to Autosweep

The nightmare of the Holy Week traveler is the toll plaza queue. To combat this, SMC is making a hard push for the Autosweep RFID system. For those still clutching cash, the message is simple: the era of the paper ticket is ending.

The barriers to entry have been dismantled to encourage the shift:

Zero Minimum Load: Users can top up with the exact amount needed for a single trip.

Free Maintenance: Deteriorated stickers are replaced at no cost.

Real-Time Control: Through the mobile app, drivers can monitor balances and reload via e-wallets and online banking in seconds.

The Vigilance Continues

While emergency response teams sit stationed at key intervals, ready to spring into action, the ultimate success of the 2026 Lenten exodus rests with the drivers. As the nation prepares for a period of reflection and rest, the men and women of SMC Infrastructure remain on high alert, ensuring that the road ahead is as safe as the destination is welcoming.

Travel safe, stay under the limit, and keep the traffic moving.