Category: Philippine Star

Department of Transportation (DOTr) is readying a directive that will allow the co-designing of a public transport system framework involving various sectors and underrepresented end users to address the challenges in public commuting and mobility.

At the Philippine Mobility Summit 2025, DOTr’s Supervising Transportation Development Officer Lucas Mangulabnan said the department’s order hoped to engage more people in the crafting of the framework for effective solutions to the country’s public transport system woes.

‘So, we’re pushing for this to be enacted as a Department Order to transform the way we work in the department. We hope that other implementing agencies can catch on as well and that we’re currently refining the legal aspect of the department order, and hopefully this will be rolled out soon,’ Mangulabhan told the forum recently.

According to Mangulabnan, the DOTr hopes to include persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, women, expectant mothers, small children, people with children, LGBTQ folk, people carrying heavy or bulky luggage, and other underrepresented end-users, or what he called the accessibility or inclusion reference group (AIRG), in the formulation of the framework.

The AIRG, he said, will function as an independent consultative group that will be ‘regularly and intimately involved’ in co-designing ‘with the technical consultants and experts in conducting the feasibility study and preparing detailed engineering designs for passenger facilities and conveyances while providing direct feedback and alternative solutions for the implementing agency to consider.’

Grab, which sponsored the Philippine Mobility Summit 2025, said people’s involvement in the crafting and designing of the government’s transportation and mobility plans was a step in the right direction.

‘To hear civilian voices, to enable the exchange of ideas, to co-create solutions to make mobility in the Philippines better is the appropriate approach because they are the ones who experience first-hand the problems or shortcomings during their daily commute. They are the ones who can identify issues and what can be done to address these effectively,’ said Grab Philippines’ Booey Bonifacio.

Mangulabnan admitted that experts and consultants usually involved in the planning and implementation of transport infrastructure projects were not regular riders of jeepneys, buses, nor motorcycle taxis – a situation wherein accessibility and inclusion in the public transport framework ‘tend to get lost’.

The co-design framework that the transportation department is developing hopes to make interactions happen between the AIRG, ‘people with lived experience,’ and technical experts and implementing agencies.

‘The government cannot do it alone and when it’s in place, we’re very much looking forward to seeing more involvement and active participation from the public in the delivery of our transport projects. It is public money, after all,’ Mangulabnan said.

The Philippine Mobility Summit, held recently at One Ayala in Makati City, is the culmination of the ‘Philippine Mobility Series,’ which discussed road safety, inclusive urban public spaces, low-cost mass transit, and transport transformation from April to August.

The first-ever such summit in the country was presented by AltMobility PH and co-presented by the DOTr, supported by the Move As One Coalition, and sponsored and co-sponsored by Grab, Ayala and GIZ, and The Asia Foundation and Ayala Land, respectively.

DDMP REIT [DDMPR 1.05 unch; 98% avgVol] [link] declared a Q2/25 dividend of P0.023702/share, payable on Nov. 26, 2025 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 30, 2025. This dividend is 2.8% bigger q/q and 0.6% higher on a y/y basis. The total amount of the dividend is P422.5 million, which is 90% of the P467.82 million in distributable income that DDMPR declared for the quarter in its dividend declaration filing.

MB bottom-line: The discrepancy between the distributable income claimed by DDMPR in its dividend declaration and as revealed through its Quarterly Reports is still an open question for me. Does anybody have an explanation for this? For example, so far, DDMPR has declared a P411 million Q1 dividend and a P422 million Q2 dividend, for a total of approximately P833 million in H1/25 dividends. Its Q2 Quarterly Report says that it has earned P830 million in H1/25 distributable income. Its dividend declarations say that it has earned P901 million in distributable income (P467M + P434M). Relative to its Quarterly Report, DDMPR has distributed marginally more than 100% of its distributable income for the period. Relative to the statements from its dividend declarations, which don’t appear to tie to the Quarterly Reports, DDMPR has distributed 92.5% of its distributable income for the period. What am I missing?

The Department of Tourism (DOT) confirmed widespread disruption in Central Visayas’ tourism sector following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on September 30, affecting more than 700 workers and forcing the closure of dozens of heritage sites, resorts, and cultural institutions.

In its Public Advisory No. 2, the DOT reported that at least 711 tourism workers-from hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, and transport services-have seen their employment and income disrupted.

Eighty tourism establishments were directly affected, with damage ranging from minor cracks to total collapse.

Among the hardest-hit sites is the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, which suffered 70 to 80 percent structural loss. San Isidro Labrador Church in Tabogon collapsed at the façade and roof, while Sts. Peter and Paul Parish in Bantayan sustained partial damage to its heritage structure. San Francisco de Asis Parish in Balamban reported cracks and fallen statues.

In San Remigio, the Capelinha de Fatima Replica was severely damaged, while San Juan Nepomuceno Parish recorded ceiling damage, wall cracks, and fallen images. San Ignacio de Loyola Church in Medellin reported a full ceiling collapse. The Ala Mercedes Golf Course was rendered inoperable, and the Medellin Tourist Rest Area sustained roof and wall damage, including an A/C collapse.

In Bantayan Island, the Bontay Walk in Madridejos was closed due to damaged footbricks.

In Cebu City, cultural institutions including Museo Sugbo, Casa Gorordo, the Kabilin Center, the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu, and the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House suspended operations pending inspection.

In Bohol, Hinagdanan Cave and the National Museum-Tagbilaran have been closed for safety assessment.

Accommodation facilities were also affected. Nustar in Cebu City reported severe damage, including a collapsed canopy and wall breaches, prompting the evacuation of 337 guests. Bayfront Hotel Cebu – North Reclamation sustained partial floor damage from the sixth to tenth floors. Radisson Blu reported hairline cracks in its ballroom and lobby, though guest rooms remained unaffected.

In northern Cebu, several resorts in San Remigio-including Pofer Beach Resort, Maayo San Remigio, Siete Beach Resort, Hagnaya Beach Resort, Orongan Beach Resort, and Sonrisa de Playa-ceased operations due to moderate to severe damage. San Remigio Beach Club remains under inspection. Ogtong Cave Resort in Bantayan was also closed due to rockfalls. In Bogo and Medellin, Northhomes Pensione and Woody’s Beach Resort were shuttered due to structural damage.

DOT-7 has deployed field teams to assist affected establishments and distribute medical kits and drinking water.

Of the 15 tourists initially reported stranded, eight were relocated to Cebu City, while six chose to remain in Bantayan Island until ferry services resume. One foreign guest in Bogo City is receiving direct assistance from DOT personnel.

In the Negros Island Region, light to moderate shaking was recorded in several towns, with the strongest tremors felt in Murcia, Negros Occidental. Minor incidents such as fallen objects and cracked plaster were noted. In Siquijor, coastal towns including Larena, San Juan, and Lazi reported Intensity III to IV tremors.

The DOT said it continues to coordinate with LGUs, disaster response teams, and tourism stakeholders to ensure traveler safety and expedite restoration efforts.

Several provincial and local governments suspended classes and government work ahead of Severe Tropical Storm ‘Paolo,’ which is forecast to bring heavy rains and strong winds on Friday, October 3.

According to PAGASA, Paolo strengthened into a severe tropical storm at around 8 p.m. Thursday, October 2, and was last located 340 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 115 kph.

The storm is moving westward at 30 kph and is projected to make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday morning. It may still intensify into a typhoon before landfall.

As of 11 p.m. on Thursday, Wind Signal No. 3 was raised in several areas in Aurora, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Benguet, where storm-force winds are expected within 18 hours.

While Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Panay Island, Marinduque and Romblon are not under any wind signal, the state weather bureau said they may experience gale-force gusts on Friday due to Paolo’s strength.

While most local governments imposed class suspensions due to the tropical storm, some provinces will be observing a provincial teachers’ day on Friday.

Here is a list of class suspensions according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Ilocos Region

Ilocos Norte

Solsona – all levels (public and private)

Ilocos Sur

Tagudin – all levels (public and private), including government offices

Narvacan – all levels (public and private), including government offices

La Union – all levels (public and private)

Pangasinan – all levels (public and private)

Dagupan City – all levels (public and private)

Cordillera Administrative Region

Abra – all levels (public and private), shift to Alternative Delivery Mode

Apayao – all levels (public and private), in observance of Provincial Teachers’ Day

Benguet – pre-school to senior high school (public and private)

Baguio City – all levels (public and private) in observance of Teachers’ Day, including government work starting 12 p.m. due to Paolo

Kalinga – kinder to junior high school (public and private)

Mountain Province – special non-working day in observance of Provincial Indigenous People’s Day

Ifugao

Mayoyao – all levels (public and private)

Lamut – kindergarten to junior high school (public and private)

Banaue – all levels (public and private)

Lagawe – pre-school to senior high school (public and private)

Central Luzon

Nueva Ecija – all levels (public and private)

Aurora – all levels (public and private), including government offices

Pampanga

Angeles City – kindergarten to senior high school (public only)

Tarlac

Paniqui – all levels (public and private) in observance of Teachers’ Day

Camiling – all levels (public and private) in observance of Teachers’ Day

Zambales

Palauig – all levels (public and private), including alternative learning system

Masinloc – all levels (public and private)

Cagayan Valley

Cagayan

Aparri – all levels (public and private)

Baggao – all levels (public and private)

Tuguegarao City – all levels (public and private)

Peñablanca – all levels (public and private)

Sto. Niño – all levels (public and private)

Iguig – all levels (public and private)

Sta. Praxedes – all levels (public and private)

Allacapan – all levels (public and private)

Lasam – all levels (public and private)

Amulung – all levels (public and private)

Solana – kindergarten to senior high school, including alternative learning system (public and private)

Rizal – all levels (public and private)

Abulug – all levels (public and private)

Gattaran – all levels (public and private)

Ballesteros – all levels (public and private)

Claveria – all levels (public and private)

Sanchez Mira – pre-school to kindergarten (public and private)

Pamplona – pre-school to kindergarten (public and private)

Isabela – all levels (public and private), including government offices

Santiago City – all levels (public and private), including government offices

Nueva Vizcaya – all levels (public and private)

Calabarzon

Quezon

Lopez – all levels (public and private)

Batangas

Tuy – all levels (public and private)

Lian – all levels (public and private)

Lemery – all levels (public and private)

Balayan – all levels (public and private), shift to online or Modular Distance Learning

Nasugbu – all levels (public and private), shift to online or Modular Distance Learning

Calatagan – all levels (public and private), shift to onlien or Modular Distance Learning

Central Visayas

Lapu-Lapu City – all levels (public and private) due to the 6.9-magnitude earthquake, shift to Alternative Delivery Mode

Cebu

San Fernando – all levels (public and private) due to the 6.9-magnitude earthquake, shift to Alternative Delivery Mode

Talisay – all levels (public and private) due to the 6.9-magnitude earthquake

Bicol Region

Masbate – all levels (public and private) due to tropical cyclone “Opong” until October 4. The province is under a state of calamity.

No, I am not talking about the death penalty when I speak of the penalty of death, but rather what it does to one’s soul, the spiritual decay and separation from God. This, however, casts no fear on those who must continue to bear the consequences for their actions in stealing from the people, the very same ones they swore to protect.

Then, to add to all the challenges that the country continues to face as we see more revelations about flood control, Cebu is hit by a massive magnitude 6.9 earthquake with at least 69 people killed and dozens of others injured. The province of Cebu is now under a state of calamity and thousands spent the night on the streets due to repeated aftershocks. It has also been reported that about 800,000 residents are without electricity weeks after Typhoon Opong and the most recent earthquake. Many residents are also reported to have no access to clean water after the back-to-back typhoons.

Most of the victims of the quake come from Bogo, which is said to be the place closest to the epicenter, with body bags lined on the streets and people being treated in tent hospitals. Not to mention the cracked roads and broken bridges that are making it difficult to get help to people fast. This is truly a tragedy and we are in it for the long haul.

Difficult as it may be to say, this is the real problem that we must set our sights on yet, despite all of our pains, there are those who choose to focus on matters that do absolutely nothing for our countrymen except to keep us divided or distracted from the bigger issues caused by greed and corruption that are literally killing our nation.

So what’s next for us? We are at a point in our history when our leaders and our people need to be united to fight for our country, regardless of color, because divisive factions do nothing for our nation’s future and progress. There is no room for more strife and conflict when the battle is clear – we need to fight against corruption and we can only do this together if we want to have a better Philippines. How many more communities or school buildings need to be destroyed by the wickedness of corrupt government officials and their supporters in order for us to decide on what we should do to collectively rebuild this country?

The time is now as we are drowning in the multiple schemes of corruption that have been created as acceptable and systemic. Multiple corrupt practices, as Mayor Benjamin Magalong explained, that is going on inside the House of Representatives point to its former leadership, where corruption is linked to the very top level of its ranks. Change starts from the top but sometimes, corruption can also come from the top as well. This is the hard and bitter truth that all of us must be brave enough to express so that we can all make the very idea of corruption extremely nauseating and revolting to people and make them fully appreciate and support good governance.

I don’t think we all completely understand how difficult it is for us to build our country on good governance, considering that corruption is so deeply entrenched in our society. Former US president Woodrow Wilson said: ‘If you want to make enemies, change something.’ Anyone of us who is involved in trying to make a change would likely agree with this statement because change does not come easy, as we have to unite in working against habits and behaviors that have been formed over a long period of time, and doing this involves people.

But first and foremost, in order for us to achieve this change, we must be compelling in our commitment to communicate the need for change so that more people will understand what the problem is and why this problem can no longer continue to persist. Corruption hurts everyone and erodes the trust we have in public servants who are supposed to act in our best interest.

At this juncture, we are facing one catastrophe after another and the question is, how much more can we handle and how prepared are we to endure potential challenges yet to come? In the aftermath of the Cebu earthquake, we are finding out that while the Philippines lacks the resources of Japan, a country that has achieved the world’s most sophisticated earthquake response and mitigation system, addressing the gaps we face in building safety standards and structural integrity of building structures, including taking earthquake drills and go bag reminders seriously, Filipinos can respond bravely and more quickly during crisis situations. This is why we need to act and tune in to the multiple scenarios that are happening in order for us to be part of the solution.

In the time of Noah, God saw how the wickedness of people became so pervasive that their hearts were filled with only evil. The sin of omission is disobedience to God’s plan for all of mankind, as this is a clear neglect of what is good because, by failing to help the very same people we promise to protect and serve, we actively participate in the process that is indifferent to the people’s right to a dignified life. What has happened to our countrymen is nothing less than evil and the consequences of this, as the Bible says, is death, the kind that is worse than any form of death penalty.

While some countries do sentence their corrupt officials to death, this has not stopped, even just by example, all those who have robbed and raped us. While this does not frighten them, perhaps we can take comfort knowing that the law of the Lord will give us the justice we deserve. The penalty of death represents all that we need to express in order to put an end to greed, apathy, corruption and love for power. The change is within our grasp and this is where we must place our firm resolve.

Artificial intelligence (AI) could worsen the digital divide in the Philippines unless the government acts fast to strengthen data systems, expand digital connectivity and implement safeguards, experts warned.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies president Philip Arnold Tuaño described AI as both a powerful tool and a looming threat.

‘AI is now an enabler of connections, a driver of knowledge creation and a catalyst for adaptation in nearly every field,’ Tuaño said.

He added that without better infrastructure, skills and governance, its benefits will remain concentrated in the hands of a few.

For his part, Christopher Lamont of Tokyo International University said that the government must view AI as a governance challenge, not merely a technical one.

‘The real test of AI is not just whether it spurs growth, but whether it safeguards citizens,’ Lamont said.

World Bank senior digital development specialist Naoto Kanehira noted that fragmented and unreliable datasets hinder the country’s capacity to utilize AI effectively.

‘Data is often inaccurate, incomplete, not sharable or even not machine-readable,’ he said, adding that without reliable data, AI cannot deliver smarter, faster public services.

‘Yet, even if data systems are in place, millions of Filipinos still cannot benefit because they remain offline or lack the skills to navigate digital tools,’ Kanehira said.

Information and communications technology policy analyst Mary Grace Mirandilla-Santos emphasized that without urgent investments in broadband and digital literacy, AI will empower those already connected while excluding those still left behind.

The BPO Industry Employees’ Network (BIEN)-Cebu has filed a complaint before the Department of Labor and Employment-Regional Office 7 (DOLE-7) against 10 BPO companies in Cebu City, citing alleged violations of labor rights and occupational safety and health standards after the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

BIEN-Cebu-an independent group that promotes the rights and welfare of BPO workers-said it received multiple reports of companies adopting a ‘business-as-usual’ approach immediately after the September 30 quake.

According to the group, violations included forcing agents to return to take calls, offering double pay to resume work, threatening termination, and coercing workers to sign a memo prohibiting them from speaking about the incident on social media.

Additional complaints alleged that a pregnant employee was left unattended while evacuating from a high-rise building, and that exit doors were deliberately blocked, preventing swift evacuation.

With these reports, BIEN-Cebu strongly condemned what it described as ‘unacceptable’ labor practices.

‘Workers must have the right to ensure the safety of themselves and their families, especially during disasters. No employee should be forced to return onsite without proper safety clearance and building inspections,’ the group said.

‘Companies must not impose liability, sanctions, or administrative penalties on workers who refuse to work due to unsafe conditions,’ it added.

BIEN-Cebu also urged DOLE-7 to hold ‘reckless’ and ‘negligent’ employers accountable and uphold Republic Act 11058 or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act of 2018.

In an interview, BIEN-Cebu spokesperson Kyle Enero confirmed that formal complaints had been filed Thursday morning against 10 BPO firms.

He said the group’s primary goal was to directly engage DOLE-7 regional director Atty. Roy Buenafe for immediate action on the ground complaints.

According to him, they identified at least 10 BPO firms with ‘potential violations of labor rights’ and occupational safety and health standards.

‘Kung diin in an emergency situation, instead nga ang mga employees, papaulion, parecoveron, gipugos og pabalik sa ilang mga offices under the premise nga ang mga private companies kuno ang mag decide as what have been instructed by the DOLE,’ said Enero.

After the quake, Enero said reports surfaced that at least 30 BPO companies forced their employees back to work. The 10 companies identified allegedly committed extreme cases, such as requiring agents to take calls during the tremor and barricading exits to prevent evacuation.

‘Pipila pud ani man gud, hisgotanan pud og giunsa pag uphold ang welfare sa employees amidst the disaster, i-prioritize unta ilang welfare over profit,’ he added.

Enero said these actions clearly violated OSH standards, though he withheld the names of the 10 companies pending talks with DOLE-7 to protect employees from possible sanctions.

This followed reports that some workers were threatened with penalties, allegedly backed by a signed document.

‘It wasn’t specified unsa nga sanctions but gipa sign sila og document nga di sila paistoryahon publicly sa social media kabahin sa nahitabo sa company,’ Enero said.

He further described the companies as a mix of ‘big players’ and smaller firms, with some reportedly based in IT Park. BIEN-Cebu is set to meet with Buenafe on Monday.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña also weighed in, saying the issue is ‘unacceptable’ if proven true.

‘I need to be sure of this, but if this is true, we will do more than just file a complaint at DOLE. I will personally contact every known local and overseas client that company has to tell them what kind of company they hired,’ Osmeña wrote on his social media page.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed 70 criminal complaints against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and members of her family for allegedly falsifying the documents of their property and businesses in Marilao, Bulacan.

Guo, her sister Shiela Leal, brother Seimen and her father’s partner Lin Wen Yi were charged with 30 counts of falsification of public documents for allegedly submitting false articles of incorporation, secretary’s certificate and the general information sheet for six companies.

According to the NBI, Guo and her family are incorporators of QJJ Group of Companies Inc., QSeed Genetics Inc., QJJ Meat Shop Inc., QJJ Slaughter House Inc., QJJ Smelting Plant Inc. and QJJ Embroidery Center Inc. These are all located in Barangay Patubig, Marilao, Bulacan.

The NBI said the Guos presented themselves as Filipino citizens in the articles of incorporation of these companies, despite evidence proving that they are Chinese nationals.

Overall, the NBI’s Bulacan South District Office filed 70 charges against the respondents, who figured prominently in the investigation into Philippine offshore gaming operators that facilitated crimes, including scams and human trafficking.

An additional four counts of falsification of public documents were filed against Guo and her relatives for supposed misrepresentations in the firms’ business, occupancy and building permits.

Another 30 counts of violation of the Anti-Dummy Law were filed against the respondents.

Guo is also facing six counts of falsification of public documents for allegedly falsifying the deed of sale and documentary stamp of a 4,636-square-meter property in Bulacan that she bought for P2 million on Oct. 5, 2010.

Cebu’s largest property developers and hospitality groups have moved to reassure the public and investors that their facilities remain structurally sound and operational after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake shook the province on September 30.

Mandani Bay, a major mixed-use development in Mandaue, said preliminary inspections showed no major damage to its estate. The company has commissioned an independent structural consultant to conduct a full audit ‘as a precaution,’ noting that operations continue uninterrupted.

BE Hotels and Resorts, which operates residential and hospitality projects across Cebu, including BE Residences and Mabuhay Towers, reported no structural damage and said engineering teams remain on site to carry out further safety checks.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), one of the region’s largest listed developers, confirmed all its projects were unaffected.

‘No structural damages were found across our sites. All residents were promptly attended to, and monitoring protocols were carried out to ensure their safety and comfort,’ the company said, adding that inspections would continue across its portfolio.

Tourism establishments, a key pillar of Cebu’s economy, also reported limited impact.

Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark in Mactan said its facilities were cleared following an engineering review, while Bai Hotel Cebu confirmed its building was safe for occupancy after an initial evacuation.

Cebu Safari and Adventure Park in Carmen declared both facilities and guests safe.

Nustar Resort and Casino Cebu said inspections showed no injuries or casualties and emphasized guest safety as its ‘utmost priority.’ Its shopping complex, The Mall at Nustar, temporarily suspended operations on October 1 to allow comprehensive structural assessments. Management said repairs, if required, would follow ‘the highest safety standards.’

Maayo San Remigio, a resort in northern Cebu, opted to suspend operations temporarily pending a full structural review, citing guest safety as the primary concern.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco visited Cebu on October 1 and ordered the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority to conduct safety inspections of heritage churches in Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Tabogon and San Remigio, alongside major tourism establishments in Metro Cebu and northern parts of the province.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) also activated its 151-TOUR hotline to field inquiries from travellers.

Industry executives underscored that disaster preparedness and rapid response protocols remain central to Cebu’s property and tourism sectors, which account for a significant share of the province’s economic activity.

‘The well-being of residents, tenants and guests remains our top priority,’ Mandani Bay said, echoing a sentiment repeated across Cebu’s business community as the province seeks to balance immediate safety concerns with sustaining investor and tourist confidence.

Several areas in northern Luzon have been placed under Signal No. 3 on Friday morning, October 3, as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo further intensified while moving closer to northern Aurora and southern Isabela.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the storm was spotted 150 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 125 kph.

Paolo is moving west-northwestward at 20 kph.

Storm-force winds extend outward up to 350 kilometers from the center. PAGASA warned that Paolo may reach typhoon category before making landfall later today.

Wind signals

Tropical cyclone warning signals have been raised in the following areas:

Signal No. 3

northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)

central and southern portions of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, San Guillermo, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, Cordon, City of Santiago, Ramon, San Isidro, Alicia, Angadanan, City of Cauayan, Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Aurora, San Manuel, Burgos, Gamu, Roxas, Palanan)

northern portion of Quirino (Maddela, Cabarroguis, Aglipay, Saguday, Diffun)

northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Diadi, Bagabag, Villaverde, Ambaguio, Quezon, Solano, Bayombong)

Mountain Province

Ifugao

southeastern portion of Abra (Tubo)

northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Atok, Kapangan)

central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur (Sugpon, Alilem, Cervantes, Suyo, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Sigay, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar, Salcedo, Santa Lucia, City of Candon, San Emilio, Galimuyod, Lidlidda, Banayoyo, Santiago, San Esteban, Burgos)

northern portion of La Union (Sudipen, Santol, Balaoan, Luna, Bangar, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, San Juan)

Winds of 89 to 117 kph are expected within 18 hours in these areas, posing moderate to significant threats to life and property.

Signal No. 2

central and southern portions of mainland Cagayan (Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Solana, Iguig, Tuao, Piat, Rizal, Santo Niño, Alcala, Amulung)

rest of Isabela

rest of Quirino

rest of Nueva Vizcaya

central portion of Aurora (Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis)

northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Bongabon, San Jose City, Pantabangan, Rizal, Lupao)

central and southern portions of Apayao (Conner, Kabugao)

Kalinga

rest of Abra

rest of Benguet

central and southern portions of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Currimao, Banna, Laoag City, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Dingras, Solsona, Marcos, Bacarra, Piddig)

rest of Ilocos Sur

rest of La Union

northern portion of Pangasinan (San Fabian, Sison, Pozorrubio, Umingan, San Jacinto, Laoac, Binalonan, San Nicolas, Natividad, Tayug, San Manuel, Asingan, Santa Maria, San Quintin, Dagupan City, Mangaldan, Manaoag, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Binmaley, Calasiao, Mapandan, Santa Barbara, City of Urdaneta)

Residents under Signal No. 2 may experience minor to moderate impacts from winds of 62 to 88 kph within 24 hours.

Signal No. 1

rest of mainland Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

rest of Aurora

northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta) including Polillo Islands

Camarines Norte

northern portion of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Tinambac, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Goa, San Jose, Presentacion)

Catanduanes

rest of Apayao

rest of Ilocos Norte

rest of Pangasinan

rest of Nueva Ecija

northern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, San Rafael)

Tarlac

northeastern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba, Mabalacat City)

northern portion of Zambales (Palauig, Masinloc, Candelaria, Santa Cruz)

Areas under Signal No. 1 could experience minimal to minor impacts from winds of 39 to 61 kph within 36 hours.

Severe winds

PAGASA warned Friday that the periphery of Severe Tropical Storm Paolo will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas not currently under wind signals:

Friday, October 3: Batanes, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Panay Island, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar

Saturday, October 4: Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Zambales and Bataan

The bureau said the worst-case scenario could reach Wind Signal No. 4 as Paolo may intensify into a typhoon before landfall.

Sea conditions

Gale warnings remain in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo continues to intensify.

PAGASA said sea travel is risky for all types and tonnage of vessels, and mariners should remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside.

Very rough to very high seas: Up to 11 meters are expected over the seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora. These waters may produce extremely hazardous conditions for large vessels and ships navigating near exposed areas.

High seas: Coastal waters may reach up to 6 meters along the eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan, western seaboard of Ilocos Norte and seaboards of Ilocos Sur and La Union.

Moderately high seas: Up to 5 meters are expected over the remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Babuyan Islands.

Rough seas: Up to 4 meters are forecast over Batanes, remaining seaboards of Aurora and northern and eastern coasts of the Polillo Islands. Small boats and fishing vessels are strongly discouraged from venturing out.

Moderate seas: Up to 3.5 meters in northern Quezon and Camarines Norte, as well as the seaboards of Pangasinan. Up to 3 meters are expected along the northern seaboards of Catanduanes and Camarines Sur.

Moderate to slightly rough seas: Up to 2.5 meters in the eastern seaboards of mainland Quezon, Catanduanes, Rapu-Rapu Islands, Sorsogon, northern and eastern Northern Samar, and the western seaboards of Zambales and Bataan.

PAGASA warned that strong winds may enhance waves and swell heights in coastal and exposed areas, and sea conditions may worsen as Paolo approaches northern Luzon.

Track and intensity

Severe Tropical Storm Paolo is forecast to move west-northwestward and may make landfall over northern Aurora or southern Isabela Friday morning or around noon, PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau warned that heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surge may still affect areas outside the projected landfall point and forecast cone.

After crossing Northern Luzon, Paolo is expected to emerge over the West Philippine Sea later Friday afternoon or evening and will continue west-northwestward until it exits the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday morning, October 4.