Bonita Ermac

Bonita Ermac is a dedicated reporter for Mindanao Gold Star Daily based in Iligan City. With an eye for community-focused journalism, Bonita covers a diverse range of topics, including local government, social issues, and regional events. Her reporting keeps readers informed on the most critical developments across Lanao del Norte.

148 stories

Aboitiz Foods President and CEO Tristan R. Aboitiz and Philippine Army Personnel Management Center Director Col. John Mark S. Competente standing together holding a formal agreement for the Livelihood Assistance and Management Program (LAMP).

Mindanao

Aboitiz Foods, Army renew 5-year livelihood program

Aboitiz Foods and the Philippine Army renew a 5-year partnership to provide agribusiness and technical training to active and retiring soldiers.

Oct 1, 20261800

Performers in bright yellow and purple traditional costumes dance while holding decorated parasols on an outdoor blue stage during a festival competition. Spectators fill the grandstand under a sunny sky behind a banner reading Diyandi Festival 2026.

Lifestyle

Tomas Cabili takes Kasadya sa Diyandi crown

Tribu Tomas Cabili claims the ₱1-million top prize and sweeps major minor awards at Iligan's Kasadya sa Diyandi 2026.

Sep 30, 20262200

Grade 12 students from Kolambugan attending LGU work immersion during a municipal flag ceremony.

Mindanao

216 Kolambugan students take their first step into the workplace

Two hundred sixteen Grade 12 students in Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte participate in hands-on LGU workplace immersion.

Sep 28, 20262700

Lanao Norte learners explore new paths to Stem careers

PSHS-NMC, DepEd Lanao del Norte, and the provincial government launched the SPARK Outreach Program 2026–2027 in Baroy. The initiative equips Grade 6 learners and teachers with hands-on STEM tools while preparing students for the Philippine Science High School National Competitive Examination.

Sep 23, 20262700

Thousands of devotees fill the streets of Iligan City for the annual Pagpakanaug procession honoring Señor San Miguel during Diyandi Festival 2026. The major religious event at St. Michael's Cathedral brings together Christians, Maranaos, and Higaonons across Lanao del Norte and Northern Mindanao. (Photo by Bonita Ermac)

120,000 devotees bring faith to Iligan streets for Pagpakanaug

Around 120,000 devotees gathered at St. Michael Cathedral for the annual Pagpakanaug, lowering the image of Señor San Miguel to launch the Diyandi Festival 2026 novena. The religious rite unites Iligan's diverse communities in prayer, thanksgiving, and cultural celebration leading to the Sept. 29 patronal feast.

Sep 22, 20262800

Military officials led by Brig. Gen. Bernardo Taqueban and MILF-BIAF commanders led by MP Abdullah “Bravo” Macapaar meet at Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte on Sept. 11, 2026. Organized by OPAPRU and Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento, the security dialogue aims to ensure safe voting and peaceful BARMM parliamentary elections across Lanao del Norte. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

GPH, MILF leaders tighten security coordination ahead of Bangsamoro polls

Government security officials and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders convened at Camp Bilal to coordinate joint security protocols ahead of the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. The effort aims to establish direct communication, de-escalate potential conflicts, and ensure a safe, credible voting environment for all citizens.

Sep 14, 20263000

DOST SOCCSKSARGEN and DepEd Lanao del Norte formalize a partnership for the eTuro Digital Learning System turnover at Berwar Integrated School in Tangkal, Lanao del Norte. The MOA signing expands digital learning resources for public schools in the region. (Photo by Bonita L. Ermac)

Lanao del Norte school gets digital learning boost through DOST eTuro

Grade 6 learners at Berwar Integrated School in Tangkal, Lanao del Norte, gained access to the eTuro Digital Learning System through DOST SOCCSKSARGEN’s Science for Peace program. The deployment includes 80 Chromebooks and interactive learning tools designed to bridge educational gaps in conflict-affected communities.

Sep 14, 20263200

The 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade of the Philippine Army celebrates its 16th activation anniversary at Camp Sultan Badrodin, Iligan City. Guest speaker Lt. Gen. Rey B. Alemania and BGen. Bernardo A. Taqueban highlighted the unit's peacebuilding efforts in Lanao and readiness for the BARMM parliamentary election. (Photo by Bonita Ermac)

2nd Mechanized Brigade marks 16 years of guarding Lanao

The Philippine Army's 2nd Mechanized Infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade celebrated its 16th activation anniversary on September 9 at Camp Sultan Badrodin in Iligan City. Officials highlighted the unit’s peace-building initiatives, new facility inaugurations, and ongoing joint security operations for the BARMM parliamentary election.

Sep 11, 20263500

FESTIVAL PARK OPENS: Visitors gather near the decorative entrance archway of Mugna 2026 at its new venue at Ludo Ground in Bayug, Hinaplabon, Iligan City. The fiesta park officially opened on Sept. 2, 2026, as part of Iligan’s month-long Diyandi Festival celebration, bringing together food stall owners, local artisans, and performers to generate economic opportunities for micro and small enterprises across the city. (Photo by Bonita Ermac)

Mugna opens new venue, boosts local business

Mugna Fiesta Park officially opened on September 2 at its new venue in Ludo Ground, Bayug, Hinaplabon, as part of Iligan’s Diyandi Festival. Beyond entertainment, organizers highlighted the park's key role in generating income for local vendors, small businesses, transport operators, and workers throughout the month-long celebration.

Sep 7, 20264400

CULTURAL UNITY: Performers in traditional attire showcase the tri-people heritage of Iligan City during the Diyandi Festival on a lit outdoor stage. The month-long festival celebrates the shared culture, faith, and peaceful co-existence of Iligan’s Higaonon, Maranao, and Christian communities in honor of the city's patron, Saint Michael the Archangel. (Photo by Bonita L. Ermac)

Diyandi 2026 brings culture, crowds to Iligan

Iligan City has allocated P20 million for the month-long Diyandi Festival 2026, celebrating the shared heritage of its Higaonon, Maranao, and Christian communities. Culminating on the September 29 feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, the festival features street dancing, sports tournaments, traditional rituals, and heightened security measures.

Sep 4, 20264600

JOINT CHECKPOINT. Philippine Army and police personnel intercept and engage in dialogue with a group of MILF members during a checkpoint operation in Lanao del Norte ahead of the 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections. (Photo courtesy of 2Mech Magbalantay Brigade)

Army, police stop 200 MILF members in Lanao

Joint Army and police forces intercepted around 200 MILF members at a Lanao del Norte checkpoint after reports indicated some were carrying firearms. Following a calm dialogue on election security rules ahead of the 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, the group peacefully returned to Sultan Naga Dimaporo.

Sep 3, 20263500

The official seals of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, the operating units behind a joint operation in Barangay Tampilong, Marawi City, on Aug. 29. Photo: Courtesy of Lanao del Sur PPO / 103rd Infantry Brigade, PA

2 Maute-linked suspects killed in Marawi operation

Two alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiya–Maute Group were killed during a joint military and police operation in Marawi City on August 29. Authorities recovered firearms and improvised explosive device components from the scene, while another key suspect managed to escape arrest.

Sep 1, 20264100