Ben Balce is the Associate Editor of Mindanao Gold Star Daily. A veteran journalist since 1997, Ben has served as a city reporter, editorial cartoonist, and regional correspondent for national dailies like Malaya and Abante. An active member of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, he specializes in regional governance, investigative reporting, and visual commentary.
1514 stories
The CoScho scholarship program implemented by CHED-10 and PCA has produced 308 graduates from coconut farming families across Northern Mindanao and BARMM since 2023.
Kauswagan plans to develop six major water sources worth ₱20 million and expand organic farming initiatives to protect local agriculture from Super El Niño.
PSA-10 urged local leaders to use reliable tourism statistics to ensure industry growth brings jobs and protects heritage during National Statistics Month.
Iligan City plans to use unspent 2026 CPOC funds for school metal detectors while hosting international delegations to boost tourism and security ratings.
Misamis Occidental’s economy grew 3.8% to ₱142.07B in 2025, driven by services and trade, though contractions in agriculture and industry reflect uneven sectoral performance.
Following student concerns over exam permit fees, the Cagayan de Oro City Education and Development Office is stepping in to align billing procedures with PHINMA-COC, ensuring 3,000 city scholars are not barred from taking scheduled examinations during pending voucher settlements.
According to PUBLiCUS Asia’s Q3 2026 PAHAYAG survey, 44% of registered voters anticipate a conviction in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, as interest remains high following prosecution testimony on ₱817.87 million in allegedly unexplained wealth.
Philippine drug enforcement and police authorities are tracking local handlers, charter flight arrangements, and syndicate connections as they investigate who financed and organized the ₱3.54-billion shabu shipment intercepted aboard a private jet in Laos.
Former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio highlights what he calls strong documentary evidence regarding Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged undeclared assets, drawing parallels to the 2012 Corona impeachment trial as Senate proceedings focus on Article II.
The Senate Impeachment Court accepts the House prosecution’s withdrawal of three out of four charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, leaving Article II on unexplained wealth as the sole focus while sparking sharp debates over due process and defense remedies.
DSWD Field Office 10 reports releasing ₱2.83 billion in crisis aid to more than 546,000 clients across Northern Mindanao, bringing public assistance transparency into focus as Congress approves the proposed ₱7.2-trillion 2027 national budget.
Talaandig farmers of the Balugto Agroforestry Association undergo hands-on organic farming and beekeeping training under DOST-10's community-based farm project, working to convert new agricultural techniques into higher yields and better market access.