Merlina Hernando-Malipot

Senior Section Editor / Senior Reporter

A veteran journalist with over two decades of writing and reporting experience, she currently serves as a Senior Section Editor for Manila Bulletin under National News. 

In this role, she oversees reports on agencies and departments, including but not limited to Education, Health, Science and Technology, Social Welfare, and ICT. 

As a Senior Reporter, she covers press conferences and events, conducts interviews with key figures, and regularly writes news stories and features on education, health, and other related topics. 

Read her stories at https://mb.com.ph/author/merlina-hernando-malipot

Featured Stories
‘Don’t fool yourself’: Expert warns vaping is not safe, just as harmful as smoking
By Merlina Hernando-Malipot

SUBIC, Zambales — An expert on Friday, June 14, debunked a “myth” about vaping and its reputation as a “safer alternative” to smoking, noting that it has now become a growing public health concern.

PAGASA weather update: Mindanao braces for rain, 29 areas under extreme heat alert on April 26

April 26, 2025 4:09 am

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued a weather alert for Saturday, April 26, forecasting rain showers in parts of Mindanao and extreme heat in at least 29 areas across the country.

Antique graduation controversy: Teachers call for due process after principal's removal

April 25, 2025 12:14 pm

A group of teachers is calling for due process following the removal of a principal after a viral graduation incident. 

Why DepEd’s summer programs ‘won’t fix’ the Philippines’ education crisis

April 24, 2025 3:11 pm

Despite the Department of Education's push for expanded summer programs in 2025, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers warns these efforts are "band-aid solutions" that fail to address the systemic roots of the Philippines' education crisis—including chronic underfunding, teacher overload, and lack of resources. 

DepEd boosts school feeding, farm education to secure Filipino students’ nutrition

April 24, 2025 10:26 am

The Department of Education (DepEd) enhances school feeding and farm education programs in 2025 to boost food security and student well-being across the Philippines.

‘Walang bonus?’: Teachers slam disqualification from 2023 PBB, urge DepEd to act

April 24, 2025 6:00 am

Teachers are calling on DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara to appeal the AO25 IATF's "not eligible" rating, which disqualifies them from receiving the 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB)