Category: Philippine Star

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Friday, October 3, announced the cancellation of several domestic flights due to Severe Tropical Storm Paolo affecting northern Luzon.

In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said that ten areas in northern Luzon have been placed under Signal No. 3 as the storm further intensified while moving closer to northern Aurora and southern Isabela.

At least 16 flights have been canceled so far.

Here is a list of canceled flights for October 3, according to the CAAP:

Cebu Pacific

5J 504 Manila – Tuguegarao

5J 505 Tuguegarao – Manila

5J 506 Manila – Tuguegarao

5J 507 Tuguegarao – Manila

5J 508 Manila – Tuguegarao

5J 509 Tuguegarao – Manila

5J 196 Manila – Cauayan

5J 197 Cauayan – Manila

Philippine Airlines

PR 2014 Manila – Tuguegarao

PR 2015 Tuguegarao – Manila

PR 2018 Manila – Cauayan

PR 2019 Cauayan – Manila

PR 2196 Manila – Laoag

PR 2197 Laoag – Manila

PR 2198 Manila – Laoag

PR 2199 Laoag – Manila

CAAP advised affected passengers to coordinate with their respective airlines for rebooking and to monitor updates on flight schedules.

The cancellations come as northern Luzon remains under severe wind and rain warnings due to Severe Tropical Storm Paolo.

Team Jotun swept Boysen in their best-of-three finals series with a 95-86 victory in Game 2 to successfully defend their crown in the Cebu Architects Basketball Club (CABC) 7th Corporate Cup at the Game Changer Sports Facility along Hernan Cortes Street in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City recently.

Chester Hinagdanan sizzled with 23 points, two rebounds, five assists, and three steals to power Jotun to back-to-back titles.

Not to be outdone, Philip Alegado tossed in 19 points and six rebounds while Dex Caadan tallied 14 markers with seven rebounds and four assists for Jotun, which finished the tournament with a perfect 12-0 record.

Jotun actually suffered an offensive meltdown after establishing a huge 22-point lead, 69-47, late in the third quarter, enabling Boysen to pull within just four points, 71-75, early in the final period.

But Jotun held their ground against a tough endgame challenge by Boysen to breeze through a rousing nine-point triumph.

Kim Rebosura paced Boysen with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Carlos Baltar and Alfredo Sanchez combined for 29 points while Joseph Cabigas scored 11 in a losing effort.

The country’s exports of electronic products may hit $110 billion by 2030 amid growing demand from new technologies and products, according to the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI).

‘It’s possible (to reach $110 billion). There are a lot of external factors,’ SEIPI president Dan Lachica told reporters yesterday.

Of the $110 billion electronics exports projected by 2030, he said that semiconductors would account for $70 billion, while other electronic products would cover $40 billion.

These are also the 2030 targets set under the roadmap for the country’s semiconductor and electronics industry announced by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs earlier this year.

While the SEIPI’s official projection is a flat growth for the industry for this year, Lachica said electronics exports could post modest growth, citing encouraging developments.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s electronics exports from January to August rose by seven percent to $29.48 billion from $27.45 billion in the same period last year.

‘If we are on track to continue with our pattern that we’re seeing, the year-to-date numbers, we may even reach if not exceed the 2023 numbers,’ Lachica said.

Last year, electronics exports declined by six percent to $42.74 billion from $45.65 billion in 2023.

Lachica said the growth in electronics exports would be driven by demand for electronics components from new technologies like artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0, as well as from vehicles and devices.

‘The overall demand in the world is increasing,’ Lachica said.

He said risks to the outlook include natural disasters, geopolitical uncertainties, as well as the United States’ plan to impose tariffs on its semiconductor imports.

Earlier, US president Donald Trump threatened to slap tariffs of up to 300 percent on semiconductor imports, with exemptions for companies that commit to invest in manufacturing in the US.

At present, semiconductor exports are not covered by the 19-percent tariff imposed by the US on Philippine goods.

Despite risks, Lachica said SEIPI members are being advised to operate and produce based on existing demand.

He also said two firms engaged in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing in the country are planning to expand operations.

In line with efforts to promote the country’s semiconductor and electronics industry, the SEIPI is set to hold the Philippine Semiconductor and Electronics Convention and Exhibition 2025 from Oct. 28 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.

The first batch of the 141-athlete Team Philippines will fly to Manama on Oct. 17, five days ahead of the opening ceremony of the second Asian Youth Games (AYG), according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino.

The mission, Tolentino said, is to match or surpass the two gold medals Pauline Lopez (taekwondo) and Mia Legaspi (golf) won in the last edition in Nanjing, China, in 2013.

‘We have strong chances at the gold medals in the combat sports, but we’re not discounting production in other fronts,’ said Tolentino, adding that the AYG is the second largest multi-sport competition in the continent after the Asian Games.

The Filipino athletes are competing in 19 of the 26 sports programmed by host Bahrain for the AYG, which started in 2009 in Singapore but were shelved twice in 2017 and 2021 because of the pandemic.

Jiu-jitsu has the most number of athletes with 17, followed by taekwondo with 16 and wrestling with 13 in the AYG where Bahrain included its domestic sport of camel racing as well as beach wrestling. The Philippines is also competing in volleyball (12), teqball (6), golf (6), triathlon (2), MMA (5), muay (12), athletics (8), boxing (6), cycling (6), weightlifting (6), table tennis (6), badminton (8), beach wrestling (3), aquatics (3), kurash (4) and pencak silat (2).

The hosts have announced that 4,250 athletes are competing and will be joined by 900 team and technical officials.

In response to the devastating earthquake on September 30 that struck northern Cebu, The Freeman Foundation has made an urgent appeal for donations—cash and in-kind—to support affected families.

The donations will go to affected families in Bogo City, and in the towns of Medellin, San Remigio, Tabogon, Daanbantayan, Tabuelan, Tuburan, Sogod, Bordon, and other towns that may have also been affected.

The Freeman general manager Melandro Mendoza emphasized that relief efforts will focus on communities that have not yet received aid.

‘We are prioritizing areas that remain unreached. Our first batch of donations is scheduled for dispatch this Sunday (Oct. 5) in Tabogon,’ Mendoza said.

With homes destroyed and communities still reeling from destruction, The Freeman Foundation is calling for essential relief items: bottled water, canned goods, medicines, baby food, infant formula, and diapers. Used clothing is not needed at this time, it said.

In-kind donations may be delivered to The Freeman Newspaper Office, corner of D. Jakosalem and V. Gullas Streets, Cebu City, while cash donations may be deposited to The Freeman’s BPI Colon Branch account number: 9071005477.

Founded as the civic arm of The Freeman, Cebu’s longest-running newspaper, The Freeman Foundation has consistently mobilized support for disaster-stricken communities across Cebu and the Visayas.

Over the years, it has extended assistance during typhoons, fires, and health emergencies-often reaching underserved barangays and indigent patients.

The Freeman Foundation’s work is rooted in the newspaper’s century-old commitment to public service, truth, and community empowerment.

Whether through medical outreach, food drives, or emergency response, The Freeman Foundation stands as a trusted conduit between donors and those most in need.

As northern Cebu begins the long road to recovery, The Freeman Foundation invites Cebuanos and compassionate donors to join hands in solidarity.

Every bottle of water, every can of food, and every peso donated brings hope to families who lost everything.

Paolo (international name: Matmo) intensified into a typhoon on Friday morning, October 3, with PAGASA set to raise Signal No. 4 over portions of northern Luzon and Aurora.

As of 8 a.m., Paolo was spotted over the coastal waters of Dilasag, Aurora.

The storm packed maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 180 kph.

Paolo is moving west-northwestward at 25 kph.

Wind signals

In its 8 a.m. weather bulletin, the state weather bureau said the following areas are under tropical cyclone wind signals:

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), the 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 118 to 184 kph are expected within 12 hours in these areas, with typhoon-force winds likely once Paolo makes landfall or passes close by.

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, Angat)

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

Typhoon-force winds may reach over 185 kph in areas under Signal No. 4. PAGASA warned of widespread damage to structures, power interruptions and uprooted trees in affected localities.

The state weather bureau also warned that the periphery of 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

Sea conditions

Gale warnings remain in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon.

Very rough to very high seas: Up to 11 meters over the seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora, extremely hazardous even for large vessels.

High seas: 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 across remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, and Babuyan Islands.

Rough seas: Up to 4 meters off Batanes, seaboards of Aurora, and northern and eastern coasts of the Polillo Islands.

Moderate seas: Up to 3.5 meters in northern Quezon, Camarines Norte, Pangasinan, Catanduanes, and Camarines Sur.

Slightly rough to moderate seas: Up to 2.5 meters in exposed waters of Quezon, Bicol, Northern Samar, and western Zambales and Bataan.

PAGASA strongly advised against sea travel in these areas as waves and swell heights may worsen with Paolo’s approach.

Track and intensity

Paolo is forecast to move west-northwestward and may make landfall over northern Aurora or southern Isabela on Friday morning or around noon.

After crossing Northern Luzon, it is expected to emerge over the West Philippine Sea by late Friday and exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning, October 4.

Petron Corp. has secured accreditation from the Department of Energy as an official liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) training center, becoming the first oil company to earn this distinction.

The DOE’s Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) awarded the certification last week to Petron through its vice president for industrial sales Virgilio Centeno.

‘We are honored to be recognized as a center of safety and excellence in the LPG sector, an industry we are proud to lead through our trusted flagship brands, Petron Gasul and Fiesta Gas,’ Centeno said.

The accreditation, he added, underscored the company’s commitment to championing the ‘highest standards of safety and quality in every aspect of our LPG business.’

According to Petron, the certification is expected to boost its ability to train and certify qualified service persons from its refinery, terminals, haulers, dealers and retail outlets.

The company currently operates the Bataan refinery, the country’s remaining oil refinery that is capable of producing around 180,000 barrels of oil per day.

‘As more LPG personnel undergo proper training from qualified institutions, consumers can be more confident in the quality and reliability of the LPG products they receive,’ DOE-OIMB director Rino Abad said.

Petron has started scheduling its training sessions, kicking off with dealers and retailers in Ormoc, Leyte. All LPG personnel trained by Petron will receive a DOE certificate, which is essential for meeting licensing requirements.

The LPG Industry Regulation Act, mandates businesses engaged in the production, distribution or sale of LPG to secure the necessary licenses, permits and certifications from the DOE and other relevant agencies.

The DOE has called on all LPG players to strictly follow regulations to ensure public safety, warning that failure to comply could result in business shutdowns, permanent disqualification and fines of up to P100,000 for each violation.

Violators may also face imprisonment for up to 12 years, the DOE said.

The opening of the Matimco House of Wood showroom at Bonifacio Global City’s Uptown Palazzo in Taguig marks a new milestone in the company’s journey.

More than just a store, it is an immersive destination where Filipinos can experience the artistry, innovation, and versatility of Matimco’s wood solutions.

The House of Wood embodies Matimco’s commitment to delivering a refreshed and elevated wood experience – one that inspires creativity and allows homeowners to visualize how wood can transform every corner of their home.

At the grand opening, the company also unveils its newest brand innovation: MasterCraft Cabinetry – a premier line of customized modular cabinetry that brings world-class craftsmanship into modern Filipino homes.

MasterCraft elevates cabinetry with a blend of timeless design, precision engineering, and advanced European technology. Through its partnership with one of the world’s largest cabinet manufacturers, MasterCraft ensures unmatched quality, structural integrity and refined detail in every product.

From kitchens and wardrobes to vanities, doors, windows, countertops, wall panels, and furniture, MasterCraft Cabinetry transforms every corner of the home into a space that is masterfully designed and enduringly crafted.

The House of Wood Grand Opening is more than a showroom launch, it represents Matimco’s continuing evolution as a leader in wood innovation.

The unveiling of MasterCraft Cabinetry completes the company’s vision of providing total home solutions where every detail, from floors to doors to cabinetry, is crafted with precision and excellence.

MasterCraft will also be unveiled in Matimco’s flagship Mandaue Showroom in Cebu later this month – a much-anticipated expansion that will bring this innovation closer to more Filipino families.

Three more party-list nominees are set to assume seats in the House of Representatives following their proclamation yesterday.

Murang Kuryente first nominee Arthur Yap, Abono first nominee Robert Raymund Estrella and Ang Probinsiyano first nominee Alfred delos Santos were proclaimed by the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said Yap, Estrella and Delos Santos would replace the Duterte Youth representatives, based on the recommendation of the National Board of Canvassers Supervisory Committee.

The Comelec said the groups obtained the required percentage of votes under the party-list system, entitling their nominees to sit as congressional representatives.

The poll body previously canceled the registration of Duterte Youth, which secured three seats after obtaining over two million votes in the May 2025 elections.

The much-awaited completion of asphalt works at the Ayala Heights diversion road in Barangay Pung-ol Sibugay has finally been realized, providing safer and better passage for commuters heading to Cebu City’s mountain barangays and those traversing the Transcentral Highway.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed the development in a public advisory issued yesterday, expressing gratitude to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and contractor WTG for fulfilling their commitment to complete the project.

‘Good news to all our commuters traveling to the mountain barangays and those passing through the Transcentral Highway! The Ayala Heights Diversion Road has already been asphalted, providing safe and smooth access to the public,’ Archival announced.

Archival also highlighted what cooperation can do.

‘This is a clear example of how cooperation and action truly bring service to the public. Padayon ta sa kaluwasan ug kalambuan,’ he added.

He personally inspected the site following weeks of delay that prompted the Cebu City Government to issue an ultimatum to the contractor.

Archival had warned that the city would take over the project if work did not proceed immediately.

The swift completion of the asphalt overlay is seen as a direct result of the city’s firm stance on contractor accountability.

Archival reiterated the importance of timely infrastructure delivery, noting that delays not only inconvenience commuters but also hinder the city’s broader mobility goals.

The Ayala Heights diversion road serves as a vital alternate route for upland barangays, helping decongest traffic and improving access to interior communities.

Its completion marks a significant step in enhancing road safety and connectivity in the area.