Education & Social Protection: DBM released P9.752B to CHEd for arrears of the Free Higher Education program for 108 SUCs, covering school years 2022–2023 to 2024–2025. Food Security: Exec Sec. Ralph Recto said the Marcos administration will keep distributing free rice every two months to nearly 8 million poor households nationwide, with rice sourced from local farmers. Budget Watch 2027: Lawmakers flagged lump-sum items and warned about unclear execution as Congress starts deliberations on the P7.2T 2027 national budget; Finance Sec. Frederick Go said tax allotments to LGUs and debt interest already take about P2.4T of the total. Local Governance & Patronage Risk: Economist Cielo Magno urged Congress to set clear rules for the Local Government Support Fund to prevent political patronage. BARMM Security: AFP vowed to pursue attackers after an ambush on BARMM interim chief Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua, as Marcos ordered tighter security ahead of the Sept. 14 parliamentary elections. Power Costs: In the Visayas, ERC suspended flawed LLCC charges, with expected rate relief and refunds for consumers. Labor & Wages: FFW asked the government to step in as a Pasig court order delays the NCR wage hike. Agriculture: House passed a bill to strengthen crop insurance via PCIC, expanding coverage for farmers and fisherfolk beyond traditional crops. Quezon City Angle: QC families may want to watch the student load discount push and ongoing education support measures as schools keep shifting due to severe weather.