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To give teachers and learners a much-needed pause to recover from the strain of recent natural disasters and the spread of flu-like illnesses, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the implementation of a mid-school year wellness break of learners and teachers from October 27 to 30, 2025.

Classes will resume on November 3, 2025, following the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara said that during this period, schools are encouraged to give teachers recovery time and adjust the conduct of the midyear In-Service Training (INSET) after the break.

‘Sa linggo-linggo nating pagbisita sa mga paaralan, naririnig namin ang panawagan ng ating mga guro. Minabuti na natin na mabigyan sila ng oras para magpahinga at magkaroon ng dagdag na oras kasama ang kanilang pamilya,’ Angara said, adding that the guidance was given by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. to look after the well-being of teachers.

‘Marami sa ating mga guro at mag-aaral ay galing sa mga lugar na tinamaan ng bagyo at lindol o may mga kaso ng trangkaso. Kaya sabi nga natin, konting pahinga muna. Mas makakapagtrabaho tayo nang maayos kung maayos din ang pakiramdam natin,’ Angara added.

This modifies certain provisions of DepEd Memorandum-Office of the Undersecretary for Learning Systems-2025-095 in line with Department Order No. 12, s. 2025 and aims to reaffirm DepEd’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its teachers and learners.

For schools and divisions that already paid for venues and meals for INSET during the break, these may be moved to another date or used for other purposes. If not feasible, the activities may still push through voluntarily, and teachers who join will no longer be required to attend similar trainings later in the school year.

Schools are given discretion to adjust their schedules in coordination with their respective Schools Division Offices (SDOs) and Regional Offices (ROs). DepEd reminded that schools and divisions should still conduct In-Service Training (INSET) and professional development programs on any other preferred dates within the remaining days of School Year 2025-2026.

INSET is a structured professional development program designed to support teachers and school leaders in enhancing their knowledge, skills, and classroom practices.

For teachers, INSET helps them stay updated with new teaching strategies, curriculum reforms, and innovations that improve teaching and learning outcomes.

AMBASSADOR Anna Ferry led the Team Sweden delegation in Iloilo City to strengthen bilateral cooperation on economic development and explore more areas of cooperation.

Ferry said that they would like to better understand the priorities of Mayor Raisa Treñas and Iloilo City, learn areas for development or already ongoing programs including public transport, and seek ways they can support the goals’ achievements.

‘Sweden is strong in various sectors. We have technology and knowledge, [and we are happy to share that knowledge in areas like.transportation, rail, upgrade of airports, as well as] areas like renewable energy, energy efficiency, water management, and water treatment,’ Ferry said. ‘So, there are a few areas that we are looking into how we can expand our cooperation.’

Recently, Sweden-through its development finance institution Swedfund-has inked a deal to provide up to SEK6 million (roughly P30 million) through grants for feasibility studies of Metro Iloilo’s integrated public-transport system project.

‘The purpose of this partnership is to provide [an exploratory study on how the city and the surrounding local government units] can have an integrated bus transit system so it will be better for all the citizens of Metro Iloilo City to commute, and it will also contribute to the goal of the city and province to have a livable city,’ the ambassador said in a media interview.

The support also aimed to showcase how data-driven and efficient public-transport solutions can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate congestion, and improve accessibility in Iloilo City.

Swedish engineering consultancy Sweco and Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council signed the contract last August for the former to undertake a feasibility study for this project. It will involve the phased implementation of an integrated public-transport network plan.

Visiting Iloilo City for the first time, Ferry expressed her delight in seeing and experiencing the city, which she described as a ‘really.livable’ one.

‘I see that you can walk and bike; you have open spaces, parks.and of course, I tasted fantastic food,’ the ambassador said.

The Swedish envoy, who also attended the first State of the City Address of Mayor Treñas, was joined by Swedfund project manager Louise Bernander.

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has hailed Brunei Darussalam’s valuable contribution in the ongoing peace process in Mindanao.

During his official visit to the Southeast Asian country, Teodoro met Minister Pehin Datu Lailaraja Maj. Gen. (retired) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof of the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defense II, as relayed by Defense spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong.

‘The two officials discussed common defense interests amid evolving regional security dynamics and exchanged views on peace and stability in Southeast Asia, with particular attention to developments in the Southern Philippines,’ Andolong said in a statement.

He added that Teodoro ‘acknowledged Brunei Darussalam’s contributions to the International Monitoring Team and the Independent Decommissioning Body-both of which support peace processes in Mindanao.’

Teodoro also presented the Philippines’ ongoing defense modernization efforts, which are focused on safeguarding national interests, ensuring maritime security, and supporting blue economy initiatives.

Andolong said Teodoro’s visit sought to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations and address shared regional security priorities: ‘[The Secretary] also proposed increased collaboration in defense training and education between our two countries. He] also extended an invitation to his counterpart, Minister Pehin Halbi, to visit the Philippines for continued discussions on expanding both bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation.’

While in Brunei Darussalam, the Defense Department’s chief also met with Philippine ambassador Marian Jocelyn Tirol-Ignacio, as well as representatives of key partner countries. These include Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

‘He provided updates on regional developments and sought support for the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term,’ the spokesperson furthered.

A key highlight of the visit was Teodoro’s audience with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaula, held at the Istana Nurul Iman-the Sultan’s official residence.

‘Secretary Teodoro’s official visit to Brunei Darussalam [underscored] the Philippines’ continued commitment to deepening defense relations and promoting regional peace, security, and prosperity,’ Andolong said.

The Philippines is facing a growing wave of health risks as heavy rains and flooding fuel a nationwide spike in influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue, diseases expected to worsen with the onset of La Niña later this year.

Drawing from internal data collected in recent months from clients across the country, leading HMO provider PhilCare warned that persistent monsoon rains, poor sanitation, and crowded public transport have created ‘a perfect storm’ for disease transmission.

The company’s medical team reported that pneumonia and influenza-like infections are rising sharply, with leptospirosis and dengue cases climbing in tandem, showing how extreme weather is compounding public health risks.

Urban centers

PhilCare’s surveillance data, drawn from 11,597 flu and pneumonia-related claims nationwide, shows the highest concentration of cases in urban centers. Region IV-A (CALABARZON) accounts for 32.91 percent of cases and the National Capital Region for 31.40 percent, representing nearly two-thirds of all reported cases.

‘What we’re seeing is not just a seasonal flu outbreak, but a convergence of environmental, infrastructural, and public health factors that are creating ideal conditions for multiple infections to spread simultaneously,’ said Dr. Eilyn Evora-Ayuste, PhilCare Medical Director.

She explained that heavy rains and flooding since June have increased exposure to respiratory illnesses due to cooler, damp conditions, while stagnant floodwaters have created breeding grounds for mosquitoes and sources of leptospirosis infection.

This situation is expected to worsen as the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) forecasts a 70 percent chance of a La Niña event from October 2025 to February 2026. Historically, La Niña brings heavier rainfall, cooler temperatures, and spikes in respiratory and waterborne diseases.

Dependents

PhilCare’s data also shows that 73 percent of flu and pneumonia cases involve dependents, mostly children and the elderly covered by their principal members, highlighting the vulnerability of high-risk populations.

‘Our data shows that it’s not just the workers getting sick, but their families, particularly children and elderly parents who may have weaker immune systems,’ Dr. Ayuste noted. ‘This affects both household health and workplace productivity, as employees take time off to care for them.’

Region III accounted for 14.40 percent of cases, Region XI for 5.38 percent, and Region VI for 4.81 percent. Other regions reported lower but still significant numbers.

PhilCare’s medical team identified key drivers of the surge: poor sanitation in flood-hit areas, overcrowded public transport, limited access to preventive care, and cooler weather that allows influenza viruses to survive longer.

‘When you combine crowded jeepneys and buses with people soaked from the rain and unable to practice proper hand hygiene, you create the perfect environment for respiratory viruses,’ Dr. Ayuste explained. ‘Add to that the reality that many Filipino workers can’t afford to stay home when they feel unwell, and you have an ideal environment for community transmission.’

Workplace health policies

To address these risks, PhilCare urged corporate clients to revisit workplace health policies, offering flexible work-from-home options for symptomatic employees, improving health information dissemination, and expanding vaccination benefits to cover influenza and pneumococcal shots.

The company is also promoting its telemedicine services, DigiMed and DigiMed PLUS, as safer, cost-effective options for non-critical cases. ‘Telemedicine allows members to get medical advice without exposing themselves to other illnesses in clinics or hospitals, and without contributing to further spread,’ Dr. Ayuste said. ‘This is about breaking the chain of transmission and easing pressure on healthcare facilities.’

Citing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PhilCare highlighted that flu vaccination can reduce ICU admissions by 82 percent, adult hospitalizations by 40 percent, and pediatric ICU admissions by 74 percent. Pneumococcal vaccines are 60 to 70 percent effective in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease.

‘Despite strong evidence of vaccine effectiveness, we continue to see low uptake among Filipino employees-partly due to cost concerns and lack of awareness,’ Dr. Ayuste said. ‘We’re urging employers to see vaccination as a strategic investment in workforce health and business continuity, especially as we head into several months of challenging weather.’

PhilCare said this crisis underscores the value of its ongoing health surveillance and research programs, which help identify emerging health trends and guide both public and private sector response.

The initial public offering (IPO) of Maynilad Water Services Inc. could perk up the country’s equities market, as interest rates are declining and investors are naturally gravitating towards the stock market.

Virgilio O. Chua, Security Bank Capital Investment Corp. president, said they are bullish on Maynilad’s IPO, which is the country’s second largest maiden offering at P34 billion.

‘We’re hoping that the Maynilad IPO does well post-listing and that will actually encourage issuers to come out again and investors to invest, to buy shares. So, we’re bullish about that IPO because it’s been quite a significant IPO,’ Chua told reporters in a media briefing for SB Capital’s 30th anniversary.

Maria Margarita Antoinette C. Lee, SB Capital’s coverage and origination team head, said Maynilad’s IPO is oversubscribed and that the IPO will push through notwithstanding the flood control mess.

‘So, we see that there’s still a lot of interest, especially from foreign investors. We have good quality cornerstone investors coming in, such as IFC [International Finance Corp.] and ADB [Asian Development Bank], and we believe that money that will be performing well, also in the secondary market,’ she said.

Maynilad’s IPO alone, only the second maiden offering this year following Top Line Business Development Corp., also has pushed the funding raised at the Philippine Stock Exchange by more than three times from just P11.9 billion last year.

While Chua may be upbeat about the equities market for next year, he could not mention familiar names that may go public.

‘Actually it’s hard to say because some of them we’re still working on. I know that GCash has deferred theirs. SM Prime’s REIT [real estate investment trust] has deferred theirs as well. So, we don’t know. Maybe they will reconsider. But this is just my own (opinion) that with the improvement in the sentiment on the equity capital market, maybe they will be encouraged to actually go out.’

For the fixed-income market, Chua said there were 11 issuers this year, or less than the 12 issuers last year, and most of these were repeat issuers.

‘One of our tasks is to bring new issuers to the market. and we’ve been mandated to actually arrange a maiden retail bond issue. So, we’re very excited about it, because we’re bringing a new name to the debt capital market space.’

Since its founding in 1995, SB Capital has played a key role in shaping the country’s capital markets-arranging over P1 trillion in funding for transformative projects in infrastructure, energy, real estate, mining, manufacturing, health care, and financial services. Through these transactions, the firm has helped drive economic growth, business expansion and industry modernization.

THE Supreme Court will maintain its guidelines for the release of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) of the members of the judiciary to the public.

This is despite the request of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla for the judiciary and other branches of the government to align their rules in releasing SALNs to the public to the memorandum he issued last October 14 which simplifies the requirements for public access to SALNs filed with his office.

The Ombudsman said the new guidelines are in line with the principle that ‘the public has a legitimate right to know how those in government acquire and manage their wealth.’

Ting stressed that the Court upholds the public’s constitutional right to access information, records, and documents in its custody, subject to reasonable conditions prescribed by law.

Ting noted that under A.M. No. 09-8-6-SC, copies of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), Personal Data Sheets (PDS), and Curriculum Vitae (CV) of the Justices of the SC are requested from the Office of the Clerk of Court and are subject to the approval of the Court En Banc.

Requests must be made in writing using the SALN/PDS/CV Request Form available on the SC website and must state the specific purpose for which the information is sought.

Media requests must include proof of media affiliation and accreditation.

The SC spokesman, however, noted that the Court is currently updating its rules and forms on access to information.

When asked if the said requirements are too tedious, Ting replied: ‘ Well, under the laws actually there are some exceptions to releasing of the SALNs especially we have to consider the privacy concerns also of the people. So. That’s also one of the reasons why it has to be approved by the banc.’

Ting added that the justices would have to check which information needs to be redacted to protect the privacy of the justices.

The SC spokesman, however, admitted that the rules do not provide the timeline within which the request for SALN should be included in the agenda and acted upon by the Court.

‘Usually, we wait for the resolution approving the request and then we can release the SALN already,’ Ting explained.

The Silangan project of Philex Mining Corp. is on track to start commercial production by the first quarter of next year, according to its chief executive Eulalio B. Austin Jr.

‘We are still on progress with our Silangan Project, and we are trying to have the first metal by the first quarter of 2026. We are still looking into that target to have that first commercial production in 2026,’ Austin told reporters at the sidelines of the Mining Philippines 2025 Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday.

He said the mine’s tailings plant is now ready to accept tailings from the processing plant.

As far as the mine is concerned, he said the ore body is already reached.

‘We are now stockpiling ore coming from the underground, ready for processing. What we are looking at is to finish the mechanical installation of the processing plant by the end of December.’

By the first month of 2026, he said Philex will start debugging the processing plant in time for the first metal output towards the end of the first quarter.

Silangan is envisioned to start small, producing at a capacity of 2,000 tons per day.

Once revenues are generated, he said production will be ramped up in the fourth year of 2026.

‘And then once we get another money, we ramp it up again on the tenth or twelfth year.

We will reach the maximum capacity of 12,000 tons per day,’ said Austin.

He also said foreign and local investors have expressed interest in the Silangan project.

He added that the current trends in the price of gold in the world market are also favorable to investors at the moment.

‘Copper and gold are on the uptrend in terms of metal prices, and we are all aware that Silangan is a copper and gold company, which means to say that we are in the right direction.’

Meanwhile, Austin said Philex’s Padcal mine continues to operate and produce minerals. He said the life of the mine has been extended to 2028, and exploration is ongoing 1 kilometer away from Padcal, but within the company’s mining tenement in Benguet.

PAGASA Island’s beach forest plays a vital role in capturing and storing carbon while sustaining coastal biodiversity, a new study revealed.

The study by researchers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) was published in the Philippine Journal of Science, and presents the first scientific account of Pagasa Island’s beach forest ecosystem.

It says that the 32-hectare island stores nearly 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide or equivalent to the annual emission of about 2,000 cars, while supporting native coastal vegetation that plays a vital role in shoreline stability and island resilience.

The study, an ERDB contribution to the country’s beach forest research, underscores the ecological and climate importance of coastal forests in remote Philippine territories, highlighting their role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and natural coastal defense amid growing environmental pressures in the West Philippine Sea.

The DENR-ERDB research team recorded 20 plant species from 19 families, including resilient coastal trees such as Barringtonia asiatica (botong), Calophyllum inophyllum (bitaog), and Terminalia catappa (talisai). Despite limited species diversity, the forest stood out for its exceptional carbon storage capacity, thanks to its tall, large-diameter trees.

‘Pag-asa’s beach forest may be small, but its ecological value is immense,’ said Jose Alan Castillo, co-author and head of the Mangrove and Beach Forest Research team of ERDB said in a statement.

‘These large coastal trees are nature’s living carbon vaults and serve as the first line of defense against storms and rising seas.’

Further, the study found that B. asiatica alone accounts for 85 percent of the island’s carbon stock, while C. inophyllum contributes 9 percent. These two native species, known for their resilience to coastal conditions, can serve as key anchors for future reforestation programs. Lead author Alvin Gestiada added, ‘Each tree lost is not only a loss of carbon storage but also a loss of coastal protection and biodiversity.’

With Pag-Asa Island’s beach forest vegetation cover declining from 11 hectares in 2017 to less than seven hectares in 2023, the researchers stress the need to prioritize beach forest ecosystems in climate change mitigation and coastal management efforts.

‘Beach forests, though often overlooked compared to mangroves and coral reefs, play an equally crucial role in stabilizing shorelines and regulating the climate,’ Castillo emphasized.

The researchers recommend integrating beach forest protection into the National Greening Program and other climate adaptation strategies.

LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday firmly rejected allegations linking him to convicted fraudster Patrick Mahony, whose name has surfaced in connection with the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).

The controversy surfaced after a report by Sarawak Report, a Malaysia-based investigative news outlet, claimed that Mahony had been advising officials behind the MIF and was often spotted in Manila social circles alongside Romualdez.

Reports have suggested that Mahony attempted to establish ties with the MIF, but these claims have been denied by the fund’s investors and officials.

In a statement, Romualdez described the reports as ‘false and baseless,’ emphasizing that he has never engaged in any discussions or communications regarding investments or advisory roles related to the MIF.

‘I join the Maharlika Investment Corporation in completely denouncing the false and baseless allegations published by certain online sources. I have never had any discussion, meeting, or communication with any individual regarding investments, advisory roles, or management decisions involving the Maharlika Wealth Fund. The reports attempting to link me to such matters are entirely unfounded, misleading, and malicious,’ said Romualdez.

Mahony, a British-Swiss national, was convicted of siphoning over US$1.8 billion from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) fund and was sentenced to six years in prison for his role in the scandal.

The 1MDB scandal also led to the 2022 imprisonment of former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak for the embezzlement of the state-owned 1MDB fund.

The Maharlika Investment Corporation, the fund’s managing entity, has also issued statements distancing itself from Mahony and refuting any allegations of misconduct.

The flu season has arrived with more than just sniffles and coughs. Across the Philippines, cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) are quietly climbing, prompting schools to suspend face-to-face classes and communities to heighten precautions. What many still dismiss as a ‘simple flu’ is, according to health experts, a public health concern that demands greater awareness and vigilance.

Recent reports show a steady increase in ILI cases across several regions, with classrooms, offices, and households feeling the impact. Some schools have declared ‘health breaks’ to curb transmission, an action that coincided with the conduct of classroom and building inspections in light of recent earthquakes. But the primary concern, experts say, remains the surge in respiratory infections.

‘It’s not something we should take lightly,’ warned Dr. Rontgene Solante, past president of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and an infectious disease expert. ‘When multiple viruses are circulating, especially influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Covid-19, even mild symptoms can spread quickly and cause complications among children and older adults.’

The reminder came during a recent health forum, ‘Fighting Flu Together, Protecting Us All,’ organized by the PCP, where the issue of the recent rise in ILI and the importance of prevention was discussed.

Not Just ‘the Flu’

INFLUENZA-like illness isn’t a single disease but a syndrome or a group of symptoms including fever, cough, and fatigue that can last up to 10 days. While influenza A and B viruses are common culprits, other pathogens such as rhinovirus, (RSV), enterovirus, and even Covid-19 can cause similar symptoms.

Dr. Solante emphasized that ‘flu-like’ doesn’t mean ‘harmless.’ ‘We tend to dismiss fever and cough as ordinary, but when several viruses are co-circulating, even a mild infection can spread rapidly and cause serious complications,’ he said.

Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed that ILI cases typically rise from September to January, months marked by cooler temperatures and increased indoor crowding. As of September 27, 2025, the DOH reported 121,716 ILI cases nationwide. While lower than last year’s 132,538, health officials warn that complacency could easily reverse that trend.

Regions 1, 2, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon (CALABARZON), Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan (MIMAROPA), and Region 5 have recorded the sharpest increases, with children aged five to 14 years old most affected. The elderly, meanwhile, face heightened risks of pneumonia and cardiovascular complications.

Vaccination: the best line of defense

VACCINATION remains the most effective shield against severe respiratory illnesses. Dr. Solante underscored the need for timely immunization, advising Filipinos six months and older to get their annual flu shots, preferably by March or April, before infections rise later in the year. The trivalent influenza vaccine, which protects against the H1N1, H3N2, and B Victoria strains, is recommended for most individuals.

Meanwhile, seniors, immunocompromised patients, and those with underlying health conditions are encouraged to get additional protection through pneumococcal and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines to help prevent hospitalization and serious complications.

‘Vaccination is not just an individual decision but a community responsibility. When more people are protected, we interrupt transmission and protect those who can’t be vaccinated.’

Public health measures that became second nature during the pandemic like mask-wearing in crowded spaces, frequent handwashing, and surface disinfection, remain effective tools against respiratory infections. Experts also cautioned against self-medicating with antibiotics, which don’t work against viruses and can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.

Instead, early consultation with healthcare providers ensures proper care and prevents complications.

A call for shared responsibility

THE PCP forum underscored that fighting ILI requires both science and solidarity. While case numbers are currently below epidemic levels, experts stressed that public cooperation through vaccination, hygiene, and responsible health behavior will determine whether those numbers stay manageable.

Dr. Nemencio Nicodemus, Jr., President of the Philippine College of Physicians, pointed out that the goal of the forum is simple: to give clear, correct, and practical information so families and communities can be protected.

‘The PCP wants to answer the questions, correct the misconceptions, and share best information to avoid getting sick. The PCP will also continue to push for discussions on health that is important to the public. It is about working together to prevent diseases, and to keep our children safe and healthy,’ he said.

In a statement, the PCP said that ILI is manageable when communities use layered, simple measures: vaccination, masking when appropriate, hand hygiene, ventilation, prompt isolation when ill, and early medical care for those at risk. The group also expressed its readiness to support clinicians, institutions, and the public, and likewise urges everyone to contact the local DOH office for guidance, information on local vaccination sites, or to report outbreaks.

As the rainy season continues, the message remains simple but urgent: don’t shrug off that ‘simple flu.’ It may be common, but it’s never trivial. With caution, vaccination, and community effort, Filipinos can ensure this flu season passes without lasting harm.