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IN observance of World Cities Day 2026, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) called on local governments (LGU) and urban stakeholders to integrate climate resilience into housing and urban development strategies.

Highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All,’ the CCC underscored the critical role of cities in fighting global warming.

With urban areas driving a significant share of global carbon dioxide emissions, transforming towns into low-carbon economies remains vital to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goal 11.

‘Urban regeneration is not just about building new structures; it is about rethinking how our cities function in a changing climate,’ said CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje. ‘Every housing unit, every drainage system, and every transport network must be designed with climate risk in mind.’

To drive localized action, the Commission is accelerating efforts to integrate the long-term National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023-2050 into local planning, prioritizing sustainable land use and urban management.

Collaborative initiatives are already underway across the country. Earlier this year, the CCC partnered with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to align Metro Manila’s infrastructure programs with national climate policies, tackling severe risks like extreme flooding, sea-level rise, and urban heat.

The agency also highlighted Quezon City’s leadership as the sole Philippine member of the international C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, describing it as a benchmark for leveraging global support for local adaptation.

Emphasizing that urban development and climate defense must go hand in hand, the CCC urged multi-sectoral cooperation across national agencies, local governments, private stakeholders, and communities.

‘The cities we regenerate today will determine the resilience of our communities for decades to come,’ Borje noted. ‘We must build forward better, ensuring that adequate housing and urban development go hand in hand with climate adaptation and mitigation.’

The towering Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, a landmark sculpture by National Artist for Sculpture Napoleon V. Abueva, stands watch as families visit the graves of their departed loved ones at Eternal Gardens along Baesa Road in Caloocan City on Sunday, November 1, 2026, to observe All Saints’ Day.

Beneath the monument, families lay flowers, light candles and offer prayers, keeping cherished memories alive through a tradition passed down generations.

The observance continues on November 2, All Souls’ Day, when Filipinos traditionally remember and pray for the souls of the departed.

Nearly three in 10 Filipinos struggle every day to afford basic necessities such as food, household bills and transportation, according to the latest nationwide survey by WR Numero Research, underscoring the economic vulnerability that continues to affect many households.

The survey found that 28.8 percent of Filipinos experienced financial difficulty daily over the past three months. Another 29.8 percent said they struggled at least once or twice a week. Combined together, nearly 6 out of 10 Filipinos (or 58.6 percent) reported difficulty meeting basic household needs at least weekly.

The findings suggest that financial stress remains widespread despite signs of stabilization in some indicators.

More than eight in 10 respondents, or 83 percent, said they experienced difficulty paying for essentials at least once a month.

Only 17% said they rarely or never faced such problems, including just 4.5% who reported never struggling to cover basic expenses.

At the same time, public sentiment about the country’s direction deteriorated further.

Nearly three-fourths of Filipinos, or 73 percent, believed that the Philippines is headed in the wrong direction, compared with 68 percent in June.

In its report, WR Numero Research said the widespread pessimism ‘may form an unfavorable backdrop for incumbents.’

Only 18 percent believe the country is moving in the right direction, a sharp decline from 32 percent in the previous survey, while 10 percent remained undecided.

The results suggest that modest improvements in household finances have yet to translate into greater public optimism.

Compared with June, the share of Filipinos reporting financial difficulty every day declined from 32.2 percent to 28.8 percent, while the combined share of those experiencing hardship daily or weekly eased slightly to 58.6 percent from 61.1 percent.

The proportion who said they rarely or never struggled rose to 17 percent from 15.2 percent.

Still, the survey characterized household financial difficulties as broadly unchanged, noting that a majority of Filipinos continue to experience challenges paying for basic necessities.

The results came from the WR National Poll: Philippine Public Opinion Monitor, a quarterly nationwide survey conducted by WR Numero Research, the polling arm of WR Advisory Group.

The firm describes itself as a Manila-based research and consulting company specializing in policy and intelligence research, public opinion polling, social analytics and strategy advisory services.

According to company materials, it has provided campaign research and strategic support during the 2019 midterm elections, the 2022 presidential elections and the 2025 midterm elections.

The October survey was conducted from October 7 to 13 among 1,225 Filipino adults through face-to-face interviews and carries a national margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday said that the Metro’s annual observation of All Saints’ Day was generally peaceful and orderly as thousands of families gathered in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria to remember and honor their departed loved ones.

In line with this, NCRPO officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said that the police command, together with its police districts and partner agencies, maintained heightened security and public assistance measures throughout the observance to help ensure the safety and convenience of the public.

Police personnel were deployed in key cemeteries, transport hubs, major thoroughfares, and other areas where large crowds were expected.

Despite the significant movement of people and vehicles associated with the annual tradition, police units remained focused on maintaining peace and order, managing crowds and traffic in coordination with concerned local government units, responding to public concerns, and providing assistance to individuals and families who needed help.

Abrahano expressed appreciation to the public for their cooperation and for following security, traffic, and cemetery regulations.

‘Public safety requires a collective effort. We thank the public for their patience, discipline, and cooperation with our police officers and other personnel on the ground. Your cooperation greatly contributed to the peaceful observance of Undas,’ he said.

The NCRPO chief also reminded the public that police personnel remain on full alert as the Undas related activities continue, particularly in areas experiencing heavy traffic and large numbers of returning passengers.

Abrahano also encouraged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities or emergencies to the nearest police personnel or police station.

As families continue their journey home after ‘Undas,’ the NCRPO chief assures the public that its personnel will remain ready to respond to emergencies, maintain peace and order, and provide assistance wherever needed.

Eric Olivarez and John Benedict Aguilar begin their title bids on Tuesday in the Mayor Edwin Olivarez National Open Tennis Championships at the Olivarez Sports Center and Parañaque indoor clay courts in Sucat.

Olivarez takes on David Abordo, while Aguilar faces Calvin Chung as the top two seeds headline the opening matches of the week-long, P415,000 tournament.

Neither is assured an easy passage, however, with a 32-player singles draw that includes several seasoned campaigners and younger players capable of challenging the favorites.

Veterans Nilo Ledama, Vicente Anasta and Noel Damian are among those looking to make deep runs, along with Eric Tangub, Loucas Fernandez and Elvin Geluz.

The tournament, sponsored by Mayor Edwin Olivarez and Rep. Eric Olivarez, continues the Olivarez family’s support for Philippine tennis by bringing established players and younger competitors together in a national-level competition.

The singles champion will receive P100,000, with the runner-up taking home P50,000. Prize money will also be awarded to qualifiers and players who exit at the Round of 16 stage of the event supported by Dunlop, Philippine Tennis Association, Icon Golf and Sports, Universal Tennis Rating and Palawan Group of Companies.

The men’s doubles champions will receive P50,000. Among the featured combinations are Olivarez and Ledama, Aguilar and Rolly Saga, Damian and Brysl Libao, and Geluz and Al-Zayeed Baid.

Several notable singles matches are also on the opening-day schedule.

Ledama faces Christian Gorges, Anasta takes on Cristiano Calingasan, Damian meets Lucas Go, Fernandez plays Hans Asistio, Tangub faces Gurkan Nasilbilirsen, and Geluz takes on Krelz Gecosala.

EXPLAINING monetary policy decisions is as powerful as adjusting the policy rate at a time when uncertainty is ‘so high,’ according to BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr.

In his speech at the ‘SEACEN Masterclass: Central Bank Communication,’ Remolona emphasized that ‘communicating monetary policy matters, especially today when uncertainty is so high.’

With global supply shocks, fragmentation, and other noises, people look to central banks for guidance, he explained.

‘We, central bankers, like to think that our most powerful tool is the policy rate. I believe explaining our decisions can be equally powerful,’ added the BSP governor.

While the policy rate moves money, he said the narrative behind it and where it might go ‘also shapes behavior.’

And that behavior, he said, ‘is often what we are after.’

Remolona emphasized that monetary policy ‘works best when our message is not just heard but understood.’

To illustrate the importance of forward guidance, former BSP Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo said in an earlier commentary that ‘central banking is [not only] about the current policy rate, but …also about shaping expectations of where policy is going.’

Guinigundo said if households, businesses and markets begin to believe that the central is becoming more concerned about weak growth than inflation remaining ‘substantially above target,’ expectations can become ‘less firmly anchored.’

Right signal

GUINIGUNDO released this commentary a few days after the Monetary Board (MB), the highest policy-making body of the BSP, decided to raise its policy rate by another 25 basis points on August 27.

While this was the ‘right decision,’ Guinigundo said the more important question is whether it was enough and, more importantly, whether the BSP’s message was ‘strong enough to convince markets that it remains firmly committed to bringing inflation back to target.’

When the commentary was issued in late-August, the former BSP deputy governor said the MB meeting on October 22 ‘will therefore be an important test.’

‘By then, the BSP will have more information on inflation, the peso, global oil prices, domestic demand and inflation expectations,’ Guinigundo said.

If inflation remains elevated and the real policy rate remains negative, he said simply holding the nominal rate unchanged could be interpreted by markets as a ‘further easing of the real monetary stance.’

That would be the wrong signal, Guinigundo said in August.

Fast forward to October 22, the MB delivered a larger-than-expected 50-bps hike in the key policy rate, bringing the BSP’s target reverse repurchase rate (RRP) to 5.50 percent.

Resisting temptation

THE MB based its decision after noting that the coming months could see a further acceleration of inflation, with the average headline inflation forecast for 2027, hence, revised upward to 6 percent from 5.4 percent.

‘The [MB] recognized the need for a strong monetary policy response to broadening price pressures and further upside risks to inflation,’ the BSP said in its statement on October 22.

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Such a ‘decisive response,’ the central bank emphasized, will make monetary policy ‘appropriately restrictive.’

‘This will contain second-round effects and firmly anchor inflation expectations,’ BSP noted.

The central bank said it stands ready to take further monetary policy action ‘as necessary’ to ensure the timely return of inflation to the target, in keeping with its price stability mandate.

In his August commentary, Guinigundo said the BSP should ‘resist the temptation to declare the tightening cycle effectively finished simply because growth is weak.’

‘This is not an argument for indiscriminate tightening or for ignoring growth. It is an argument for recognizing the hierarchy of responsibilities,’ added Guinigundo.

The former central bank deputy governor emphasized that the BSP’s primary mandate is price stability, adding: ‘Other authorities must deal with the structural and supply side impediments to growth.Asking monetary policy to compensate for weaknesses elsewhere risks creating the worst of both worlds: weak growth and persistent inflation.’

NEW Bilibid Prison (NBP) officials on Monday strongly denied reports alleging a two-week water shortage inside the national penitentiary and dismissed claims that prisoners or persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were being forced to pay for access to clean water.

NBP Superintendent Gary Garcia addressed the allegations, explaining that while the prison’s water pumps are currently non-functional, repairs are actively underway – a situation previously disclosed by Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. during a media briefing.

To offset the reduced supply caused by the ongoing pump maintenance, Garcia emphasized that BuCor has engaged water concessionaire Maynilad to deliver clean water to the facility.

Detailed operational records show that between October 29 and November 1, 2026, Maynilad completed eight separate deliveries of 10 cubic meters each to NBP’s Reception and Diagnostic Center (RDC), amounting to a total volume of 80 cubic meters. In addition, agency fire trucks carried out five supplemental water deliveries-three on October 30 and two on November 1.

The RDC incurred a daily water expense of P14,538.54 during the period, bringing the total cost for the four days of Maynilad deliveries to P58,154.16.

Garcia clarified that all expenses incurred from the emergency water supply are fully subsidized by the government, reassuring the public that no inmate is required to pay for water.

‘I held a dialogue with the PDLs yesterday, and they confirmed that the water supplied by Maynilad and the water delivered by BuCor fire trucks are free of charge because the agency is shouldering the expenses,’ Garcia said.

He denounced the extortion claims as a deliberate ‘demolition job’ designed to tarnish his reputation and sabotage ongoing reforms within the prison system. He suggested that the false reports may be a retaliatory move by certain sectors inside the compound affected by BuCor’s aggressive contraband crackdowns, locally known as ‘Galugad’ operations, inside the RDC.

Garcia assured that BuCor remains committed to restoring the main water pumps promptly while maintaining continuous delivery through Maynilad and agency fire trucks to safeguard the health and well-being of the inmates. He vowed to press ahead with internal cleansing efforts inside the country’s main penitentiary despite pushback and smear campaigns.

GOVERNMENT assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has officially breached the 5,000 mark as regional security concerns intensify following recent missile and drone attacks launched by Iran-backed Houthi militants.

Data released by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday showed that, as of November 2, the agency – in close coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) – has extended a total of 6,873 services to 5,257 affected OFWs across Saudi Arabia.

The comprehensive government intervention package includes immediate financial relief, food packs, temporary shelter, medical evaluation and support, as well as land transportation assistance for displaced or distressed workers.

‘The government has also facilitated the repatriation of 560 OFWs and 13 dependents through 14 flights, ensuring that Filipinos who wish to return home receive the necessary support,’ the DMW said in a statement.

The migrant workers’ agency stepped up its emergency response operations after Houthi forces targeting Saudi airports, air defense facilities, and key infrastructure scaled up cross-border attacks. The strikes were launched in retaliation against ongoing Saudi military interventions in Yemen, where the militant group remains entrenched.

Tensions hit close to home for the Filipino community after an OFW was killed by missile fragments when Saudi defense forces intercepted an incoming Houthi drone targeting Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield, highlighting the growing hazards faced by foreign nationals in the area. The situation remained volatile over the weekend as militant forces launched a fresh barrage of strikes across Saudi territory.

Despite the heightened security situation, the Philippine government has yet to impose a deployment ban for workers heading to the Kingdom. DMW

Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia confirmed in a Viber message last week that no deployment restrictions for Saudi Arabia have been implemented as of present.

Meanwhile, DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac assured the public that the government remains fully prepared to safeguard the welfare of the active diplomatic and labor contingent. He said that the DMW and Owwa are working hand-in-hand with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Embassy, and host government agencies in Saudi Arabia to continuously monitor the ground situation and deliver timely aid.

The DMW strongly urged all Filipinos residing and working in KSA to exercise extreme caution, stay updated on local security advisories, and contact the government’s 24/7 emergency hotline at 1348 (or +63 2 1348 for international calls) should they require immediate emergency or evacuation assistance.

One of the longest-running original Filipino musicals, ‘Joseph the Dreamer,’ returns to the stage for a limited run with a new-generation cast including Jordan Andrews, Neo Rivera, and veteran actor Nonie Buencamino. Produced by Trumpet’s, Inc., the show will run from November 6 to 22, 2026, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Inspired by the biblical tale in the Book of Genesis, the story follows Joseph, Jacob’s eleventh of 12 sons, who is sold into slavery by his brothers out of envy and resentment. Blessed with the ability to interpret dreams, Joseph overcomes hardships anchored by unwavering faith and trust in God.

Audie Gemora, Trumpets’ Artistic Director and the original Joseph, looks back on the legacy of the musical that changed his life, which was first staged in 1989.

‘When I played Joseph the Dreamer for the first time, I realized we could affect people’s lives by our performance. People would come up to us and say, ‘I was going to leave my husband, but after watching this show, I learned about forgiveness.’ So many lives were changed,’ Gemora recalls.

For the 2026 run, Joseph Andrews and Neo Rivera will take turns portraying the title character, Joseph. Both actors previously played Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, and they now step into the lead role with greater experience and a deeper appreciation of Joseph’s journey.

Andrews first took on the role of Joseph in 2025 with theater credits that include Ang Huling El Bimbo, Rent, Shrek the Musical, and A Chorus Line. He also gained early stage experience performing in Broadway and West End productions of Miss Saigon and The King and I. Andrews later became widely known in the Philippines as a housemate on Pinoy Big Brother Season 10: Celebrity Edition, where he was introduced as ‘The Musical Dream Chaser of London.’

For Andrews, Joseph’s story is something all people can relate to because of its universal theme of faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams. It serves as a reminder that there is always ‘hope’ to hold on to even during difficult times.

‘We’ve all gone through our own journey, and Joseph is relatable because we all have dreams we want to achieve. [Whether] you’ve watched it a hundred times, or seeing it for the first time, we can all relate to that,’ Andrews shares.

Rivera is a versatile actor who’s also gifted in singing and dancing, and dabbles in the visual arts, photography, and content creation. He has built a steady career in theater and film, with lead roles in Going Home To Christmas and The Quest For The Adarna before briefly stepping away from the stage. Rivera made his comeback as Fred in A Christmas Carol, and was widely praised in portraying Phil in this year’s production of On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.

Veteran actor Nonie Buencamino joins the production as Jacob, the patriarch, bringing decades of experience across television, theater, and film. His notable screen credits include Heneral Luna, Goyo: The Boy General, and Jose Rizal. Buencamino also recently won a Gawad Buhay award for playing three roles in Balete and portrayed Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha.

The supporting cast includes Iya Villanueva and Naya Ambi, who alternate as Asenath and the principal narrator, while Lorenz Martinez plays the Pharaoh. Omar Uddin takes on the role of Potiphar, with Dippy Arceo and Jannah Baniasa as Mrs. Potiphar.

Rapah Manalo and Boo Gabunada play Judah and Reuben, respectively, alongside Luis Marcelo, Renz Bernardo, Sam Panlilio, Anton Posadas, Daniel Solis, Carlos Canlas, Gabo Tiongson, Antonio Valdez, and Matthew Barbers. Liam Nery and Enzo Isaac portray Young Joseph and Manasseh.

Julia Serad plays Rachel, Joseph’s mother, and performs the ballad ‘He Opens a Window.’ Justine Narciso, Kathleen Francisco, Gabby Concepcion, Jim Ferrer, and Coleen Paz complete the cast.

Leading this run’s production as the staging director is industry veteran Bernice Aspillaga, who has also worked on a variety of shows under Trumpets and Theatre Group Asia, among others. Jim Ferrer is also on board as assistant director and dance captain, and Jay Pangilinan as musical director.

LEGISLATORS have expressed optimism for lasting peace and economic growth in southern Philippines following the historic convening of the first elected Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliament and the election of its regular leadership.

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Sen. Francis Escudero, and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia-ur Rahman Alonto Adiong separately congratulated newly elected Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and Speaker Amer Zaakaria A. Rakim, along with the deputy chief ministers, deputy speakers, majority floor leader, and members of the 80-seat assembly.

The inaugural session, held on October 30, marked the formal transition from over seven years of interim governance under the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to a fully elected Parliament following the region’s historic parliamentary elections on September 14, 2026. The term of the first regular Parliament will run through June 30, 2031.

Call for unity, support

GATCHALIAN highlighted the region’s path toward long-overdue economic development and good governance under the new leadership.

‘We congratulate our countrymen in BARMM, as well as Abdulraof Macacua for his election as chief minister of the whole region. We have trust in the new leadership’s ability to push good governance and, with the help of stakeholders, to push economic progress and welfare of everyone in the region,’ Gatchalian said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Gatchalian urged political blocs, civil society organizations, and local governments to unite behind the new BARMM administration to guarantee stability and inclusive development.

‘For so long, everyone has dreamed of long-term peace and development in BARMM and the entire Mindanao. We are confident we can attain the dream of progress for the communities of our Muslim brothers and the whole of Mindanao,’ he added.

Milestone

ESCUDERO lauded the assembly as a major victory resulting from years of peace negotiations between the National Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

‘The inaugural session is a testament to the progress we have made in transforming decades of conflict into meaningful opportunities for peace, stability and self-governance,’ Escudero said, wishing the leaders success in pushing the region toward greater prosperity.

‘This is a victory not only for the Bangsamoro people but for the entire country. It is proof that peace, when nurtured through dialogue, patience and cooperation, can lead to stronger institutions and more empowered communities,’ the Bicolano legislator added.

Escudero expressed confidence that the assembly will build upon transition-period gains to improve public services and uplift daily life for ordinary Bangsamoro families.

National-regional partnership

ADIONG, a former Bangsamoro Parliament member (2019-2022), called the moment a fulfillment of a long-standing dream for genuine self-governance.