Category: Philippine Star

RJ Abarrientos was not supposed to suit up for Barangay Ginebra against the TNT Tropang 5G in their PBA Philippine Cup match on Wednesday evening.

The guard was not exempted from flu, which has affected Filipinos across the country.

Still, Abarrientos suited up and powered Ginebra with 14 points in 22 minutes of play off the bench to help the Gin Kings tally their first win of the conference with a dominant 92-77 win over the Tropang 5G.

After the game, Abarrientos said that the team’s nurses and doctors told him he had Influenza A.

‘Actually nagsabi na ako sa mga nurse namin na doctor na hindi ako makakalaro, madaling araw. Sabi na rin ng misis ko na wag ko na nga raw pilit, pero sabi ni Coach Tim [Cone] na tignan sa warmup, baka pag napawisan, maging better. Pero yun naman, medyo naging better,’ the guard, who was wearing a mask, told reporters.

‘Pero ang hirap. Ang hirap maglaro ng may sakit. Yun lang,’ he added.

He said he had fever and was not feeling well even during the game, but he was able to muster strength to suit up.

‘Pag pinawisan ka na, parang wala. Ganun lang. Tapos pag medyo natuyo ka, parang nanlalamig ulit. Yun yung pakiramdam,’ Abarrientos bared.

‘Happy naman kasi nakuha yung panalo. Siguro, mabibinat ako na to pag natalo kami eh. Yun lang naman.’

Cone, during the post-game press conference, admitted that he ‘kind of forced’ his shifty guard to play.

‘RJ Abarrientos was, in the beginning, not supposed to play at all tonight. And I kind of forced him to come to the game and warm up and see if he could go through it. And lo and behold, he came out and played an awesome game,’ he said.

‘But he was running a 41 temperature. Was it 41? And a high temperature and he’d been vomiting. And he still came out and played. I hope he didn’t get everybody sick on the court though. But it was a really good flu game. Really good mental strength by RJ tonight,’ he added.

Abarrientos’ 14 backstopped Japeth Aguilar’s 17 point-10 rebound performance.

Troy Rosario had 13 markers, while Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt and Norbert Torres added 10 apiece.

Abarrientos is expected to play anew for Ginebra as they return to action on Friday, taking on the Meralco Bolts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

We are within the Pacific Ring of Fire, this we know.

So earthquakes, volcanic eruptions are not new to us, yes.

So much DRRM budget, education, and preparation have been conducted throughout the country, we have been told, yes.

However, were these enough to prepare our people for the recent round of earthquakes, eruptions and typhoons?

You be the judge. What do you think?

This is the first time, though, we are witnessing and experiencing simultaneous quakes, eruptions and typhoons.

No matter how much past DRRM preparation has been done, nothing really prepared us all for the calamities and disasters to hit various places within and outside the Philippines SIMULATANEOUSLY!

Before the Cebu quakes affected various cities, municipalities especially in the North, we remember typhoons that came one after another or almost at the same time in Northern Luzon.

Recently, however, we are witnessing simultaneous quakes in Cebu, in the Visayas, in Luzon, in Mindanao and other parts of the world as well!

Then, there was a typhoon as well.

Then the Mt. Kanlaon eruption.

And more continuing strong aftershocks in already previous strong quake-affected areas!

One precious lesson.

Local, regional, national and international UPDATED, REORIENTED DRRM education, training, preparation, funds, responses are urgently needed to cope with simultaneous natural events, calamities and disasters affecting people, communities, structures, properties, resources.

Wider SIMULTANEOUS COORDINATION among local, regional, national, international private and public responders is now called for.

Another inspiring lesson.

The heartwarming bright light in the midst of destructive calamities is the ever-present BOTTOMLESS WELL OF LOVE AND CONCERN from countless individuals and groups and from all over, for the affected.

To facilitate faster, more effective, more far-reaching response network of support and assistance, one lesson learned is to COLLECTIVELY plan, decide and implement a MORE COORDINATED SYSTEM of data collection, resource/assistance sharing, transport, distribution, monitoring, evaluation of private and public, local, national, global DRRM initiatives.

Another lesson to guide future response.

So many in need, so many were eager to help and reach out. Heavy traffic could have been avoided, faster response and assistance for victims facilitated had there been a prior template for regulating, coordinating multilevel, multisectoral DRRM response and initiatives.

A must from now on as well.

COMMUNITY DATA should already be available showing population number, profile, location to ensure no one is left behind, that all are accounted for and responded to SOONEST and EFFECTIVELY after every calamity.

DRRM initiatives should also prepare for immediate-short-medium-long term-TIME-AREA-BASED responses for all residents of various types of communities – farms, forest, coastal, urban, towns.

One glaring reality was the lack of defined, designated and well-equipped EVACUATION AREAS for different types of community residents.

And URGENT/APPROPRIATE ITEMS/FACILITIES (RED CROSS TENTS) to ensure the immediate-long-term safety, protection and welfare of all affected residents and communities.

‘We need food, water, safe places to sleep and stay in’ immediately after and while the calamities continue.

EMERGENCY/HEALTH NEEDS require immediate attention, medical providers/practitioners, facilities, especially STEADY ELECTRIC/WATER supply!

Please mainstream proper/dedicated DISASTER WASTE SEGREGATION/ MANAGEMENT!

A very important lesson – COMMUNICATION is INDISPENSABLE.

From here on, every community, LGU, resident should be part of a communication network to ensure that everyone is accounted for during calamities and everyone’s immediate, urgent need responded to.

Within communities, residents should have a communication system, a communication brigade or tree where Person number 1 contacts Person number 2 and so on and the last person on the list contacts Person number 1 to confirm that everyone included in the communication network responded and their needs communicated to each other.

The community communication network should link to the LGUs in towns/cities and provinces.

Informal/personal communication networks are just as vital as working communication devices and facilities please.

GENDER/AGE/DISABILITY-specific responses should also be mainstreamed so the appropriate assistance is extended to the victims.

By now, it should be obvious to anyone but the dense, legally and mentally, that the decision for the so-called Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to hold hearings behind closed doors has been a mistake.

And the three-person ICI will pay dearly for it – in terms of credibility, acceptability of its decisions and in the popular outrage ICI will trigger in case the public does not perceive its recommendations for prosecution are the most guilty.

In the public mind, fairly or rightly, the most guilty are: former House speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate president Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero (both for their leadership roles in Congress which they converted into a colossal criminal syndicate); former House appropriations committee chair Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co (for running away with P86 billion of taxpayers’ money); DPWH engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza (for being the top DPWH leaders in facilitating the P1-trillion flood-gate scam) and contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya for running away with P207 billion of taxpayers’ money.

In banking, you can parlay or lend a P207-billion cash deposit six to seven times, or a gearing ratio equivalent to P1.242 trillion to P1.449 trillion.

The Discayas are trillionaires by any measure – unlike one self-made Filipino billionaire who had to bribe a complicit assessor to inflate his assets to over one trillion just so he could declare himself a trillionaire.

The Discayas’ trillions make them bigger than the 11th to 40th biggest Philippine banks in terms of assets or resources, or bigger than 75 percent of all our banks. Only 10 Philippine banks have P1 trillion in assets. The Discayas are also bigger than all the 41 thrift or savings banks in the Philippines.

I ask ICI: Can you build a case of thievery against a trillionaire? Nah.

If any or all of the most guilty people are let go in terms of being given deals like witness protection (meaning immunity from suit or penalty), restitution in whole or in part of their stolen wealth, the political equivalent of a reprimand, or any kind of deal that looks like a slap on the wrist – people will be outraged to the hilt. People will suffer from haemolacria, crying for blood.

In Asia, death is imposed for corruption in China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. In ASEAN, death penalty for corruption is de rigueur or the norm or standard. Here in the Philippines, the penalty for corruption is – due process. Ask the Supreme Court or the Senate under Chiz Escudero.

Based on the latest Sept. 25-30, 2025 survey of OCTA Research, a clear majority of the 1,200 respondents (60 percent) of Filipinos are outraged and frustrated over corruption in government infrastructure projects, particularly flood control.

Another 30 percent expressed fear or anxiety, reflecting concern about the impact of corruption on government performance and service delivery. Also, nine percent reported feelings of sadness or disappointment.

Filipinos want any or all of the following to result from the investigations:

Holding corrupt officials and contractors accountable (68 percent);

Recovery of lost or misused public funds (58 percent);

Imprisonment of those proven guilty (58 percent);

Ensuring efficient implementation of quality flood control projects (41 percent);

Strengthening transparency and monitoring of government infrastructure projects (34 percent).

About 83 percent back President BBM’s opening the flood-gate of corruption. But they want strong accountability measures, the prosecution and imprisonment of those proven guilty, recovery of stolen funds and genuine institutional reforms to ensure that future infrastructure projects are transparent, efficient and corruption-free.

Only 46 percent believe that an independent commission of credible individuals from the private sector – such as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) – is the most suitable body to lead the investigation into the flood control scandal.

This finding, says OCTA, reflects a strong public preference for a credible, impartial and nonpolitical inquiry into corruption allegations. ICI enjoys high trust levels in the National Capital Region (60 percent) and among Class ABC (63 percent).

The Senate ranks second, with 23 percent of adult Filipinos identifying it as the most appropriate institution to lead the probe.

OCTA says the strong support for an external, integrity-based commission underscores the public’s skepticism toward political institutions and highlights the need for new, transparent mechanisms of accountability that can restore public confidence in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.

Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman and president Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) warned the nation’s top financial executives (FINEX) Oct. 10, worsening corruption in government could stall economic growth, shatter investor trust and risk downgrading the country’s credit rating.

‘Investor confidence could get affected. I think they’re slowly getting affected by this particular event. Perhaps even credit ratings, too, could be at risk if the institution’s responses are seen to be inadequate,’ MVP, himself a top finance man, said.

‘When cash of the magnitude of budget insertions – they say as much as P1 trillion – are taken out of the pockets of the many who are poor and diverted to the wallets of the few, the economy will indeed suffer, as the stock exchange has indeed suffered these past three weeks,’ he warned.

The stock market has shed 1.5 to 1.8 percent of its market value in recent weeks.

In credit ratings, per Standard and Poor’s rates, the Philippines at BBB+ with a positive outlook – a step away from the coveted ‘A’ grade. Pangilinan frets that complacency and weak institutional action could easily reverse that progress.

‘It isn’t just about catching crooks,’ MVP said. ‘It’s filling the gaps with financial experts with the competence and integrity. Corruption survives not because bad people are smart, but because good people are absent.’

‘The public is now increasingly aware that the presence of ethical attributes – or their absence – impacts businesses and the economy seriously,’ said MVP.

TCL, the No. 1 Panel TV brand in the Philippines, a Triple Global Top 1 TV brand, and a top global leader in air conditioner sales, is joining forces with its premier retail partner, Anson’s, for an exclusive showcase dedicated to their loyal customers. Marking 25 years of strong partnership, TCL and Anson’s continue to redefine excellence through innovation, quality and customer trust.

Dubbed “Beyond the Screen: A TCL x Anson’s VVIP Showcase,” this event highlights TCL’s commitment to innovation and customer excellence. The showcase will culminate in the grand reveal of the TCL × Anson’s October 15 Promo Lineup-a curated selection of top-tier TVs, air conditioners and essential home appliances designed to make premium technology accessible to all.

‘Anson’s has been a major contributor to TCL’s success in the Philippines from day one. Our relationship with Anson’s is deeply rooted and strategic. They have been instrumental in driving TCL’s growth, especially in the large-screen and premium segment, and in achieving our current market leadership status. This dedicated event is our way of celebrating that shared success and reinforcing the strong partnership we rely on as we continue to bring our innovations to consumers,’ TCL CEO Peter Chen emphasizes.

As for Ansons’ part, their strategic relationship with TCL has evolved. Transitioning from a traditional retailer-supplier model to a deep strategic alliance focused on mutual growth, market penetration, and customer experience.

‘The partnership has been a long and successful one. We’ve seen TCL evolve, continuously innovating and enhancing the quality of its product offerings. For us at Ansons, this means we can consistently provide our valued customers with great technology and reliable service. We take pride in our partnership with TCL and are strongly committed to expanding our reach within the Filipino market,’ Chen adds.

TCL honored Anson’s Appliances with a special award for their outstanding commitment to excellence. Ansons earned this recognition by becoming the first partner dealer to record the highest sales of the monumental 115-inch TCL C7K Premium QD-Mini LED TV, currently the world’s largest and most advanced display. This accomplishment solidifies Ansons’ position as a market leader and a pioneer in the industry.

Beyond the screen, elevating lives

The retail space venue, Anson’s The Link, was transformed into a cinematic showcase of innovation and elegance. With the flagship 115-inch TCL C7K Premium QD-Mini LED TV serving as the centerpiece, guests were fully immersed in the Beyond the Screen experience.

In addition to exploring TCL’s wide range of innovative products, guests were treated to an exceptional live performance by Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren, Nina, who serenaded the crowd with her top hits, adding a touch of elegance to the exclusive afternoon affair.

And to make the celebration even more exciting, just in time for the holidays, TCL rolled out an exclusive, limited-time promotion-offering massive discounts on a wide array of TCL products, including TVs, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators, from October 15 to 19, at all Anson’s store locations.

‘We’re thrilled to jumpstart the holiday rush with this special offer, available exclusively at Anson’s. We sincerely thank Anson’s for their unwavering support and partnership, which continues to be invaluable to TCL. Expect more exciting developments ahead as we remain focused on delivering innovations that truly elevate the quality of life for our customers,’ TCL Philippines deputy director of sales Cyd Montebon shared.

Hurry! These exclusive offers are available for a limited time only-visit your nearest Anson’s store today and upgrade to your favorite TCL appliance.

Farm Fresh waylaid a short-handed Cignal, 25-19, 25-20, 25-16, on Thursday to continue its strong start in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Trisha Tubu carried most of the load and fired a match-best 21 points, 19 of which came off attacks and the other two off blocks, as the Foxies registered their finest start in franchise history.

The win sent the Frank Lao-owned franchise atop Pool A.

‘This is our strongest start, that’s why we’re happy,’ said the athletic, power-hitting Tubu.

Helene Rousseaux slowed down after erupting for a conference-high 38 points in a 22-25, 25-23, 25-19, 25-21 win over Nxled a week ago in Dasmariñas City and chipped in 17 hits on this one.

But the prolific Belgian spiker didn’t need to score that much on this one, thanks to Tubu taking charge all game.

‘We were relaxed entering the game, that’s why we also played relaxed inside the court,’ said Tubu.

The Super Spikers suffered their second straight defeat that was exacerbated by the absences of Vanie Gandler (minor injury) and coach Shaq delos Santos (under the weather).

In the Philippines, almost everyone believes that there is widespread corruption in the government.

This is among the findings of the latest Pulse Asia survey on corruption, which was conducted amid the ongoing investigation into anomalies involving flood control and other infrastructure projects.

The survey, conducted from Sept. 27 to 30, found that 97 percent of the respondents believe that corruption is prevalent in the Philippine government (78 percent ‘very widespread,’ 20 percent ‘somewhat widespread,’ correctly rounded).

Less than one percent said corruption is not widespread, while two percent said they cannot say if it was widespread or not.

Based on the survey, 85 percent said corruption in the government increased in the past 12 months, while 12 percent said it stayed the same. Only three percent said it decreased.

More than half or 59 percent agreed that corruption is a normal part of politics in the Philippines, while 30 percent disagreed. Eleven percent said they cannot say if they agree or disagree with the statement.

Asked which actions they consider as corrupt, whether in the public or private sector, a majority selected accepting or giving bribes (75 percent), misuse of public funds or company resources (67 percent) and offering or receiving kickbacks (64 percent).

Other ‘corrupt’ practices included insider trading or financial fraud (49 percent), evading taxes or regulatory requirements (41 percent), nepotism or favoritism in hiring or promotions (38 percent) and non-disclosure of conflicts of interest (27 percent).

Specific to the alleged anomalies on flood control projects, nine in 10 believed that there was collusion among executive officials, legislators and private contractors in the misuse of public funds.

Sixty-one percent said they ‘strongly agree’ with the statement, while 29 percent said they ‘somewhat agree.’

Only four percent said they do not believe that there was collusion, while six percent said they cannot agree or disagree.

Frequent class suspensions have led to a 12 to 14-percent decline in Math and Science grades among Grade 4 students, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) revealed yesterday.

Aside from the decline, the commission said the suspensions resulted in learning losses equivalent to half to a full school year, with 30 percent of school days in 2023-2024 lost.

‘The school closures have a big effect on the grades of a student. Majority of these (class suspensions) were due to typhoons, earthquakes and other calamities,’ EDCOM 2 noted, adding that 32 days were due to calamities and 12 due to non-teaching tasks.

Earlier, the Department of Education (DepEd) warned that prolonged suspension of face-to-face classes could disrupt students’ learning and development, following Gov. Sol Aragones’ order to suspend in-person classes in all levels in Laguna, citing the need for heightened disaster preparedness.

Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) legal counsel Joseph Noel Estrada questioned this decision, saying: ‘Laguna governor should publicize what the provincial government will do during the two-week suspension of classes as part of disaster preparedness and what it seeks to accomplish after.’

To address the learning crisis, DepEd, for its part, has strengthened its partnership with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to ensure class suspension decisions are guided by scientific data, localized risk assessments and safety standards.

The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, meanwhile, urged schools to strengthen academic recovery strategies.

‘Schools are encouraged to strengthen their. flexible learning options, lesson compression and continuity plans to minimize learning loss. Let us work together to keep learning going, rain or shine, and ensure every learner’s progress despite disruptions,’ the association said.

Health break

Aside from Laguna, several local government units have also suspended classes due to rising flu and respiratory illness cases.

Quezon Gov. Angelina Tan suspended classes in all levels, both public and private, on Oct. 16 and 17 to serve as a ‘health break’ amid a surge in influenza-like illness, severe respiratory infection and pneumonia in the province.

Meanwhile, Cavite Gov. Abeng Remulla yesterday suspended face-to-face classes in all levels, both public and private, from Oct. 15 to 18 ‘to give way to influenza-like illness surveillance and preparation for The Big One.’

‘During the suspension of face-to-face classes, the alternative delivery mode will be implemented like online classes and modular learning to ensure the uninterrupted learning of the learners,’ Remulla announced.

‘This move is a proactive effort to protect the health and safety of each Caviteño,’ he added.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) yesterday likewise urged DepEd to postpone the upcoming In-Service Training (INSET) and instead allow a total health break for educators amid the rise in flu and other illnesses affecting schools nationwide.

TDC chairman Benjo Basas said DepEd should suspend the conduct of the INSET scheduled from Oct. 27 to 31 and allow teachers to fully enjoy their health and wellness break, as provided under DepEd Order 12, Series of 2025.

‘However, the same order also recommends the holding of INSET during this period, placing school and division leaders in a dilemma, many of whom opt to conduct INSET for compliance,’ he said.

As a result, he noted, many schools still plan to hold mandatory INSET sessions, effectively defeating the purpose of giving teachers time to rest and recover.

‘Teachers, just like their students, deserve this break. After months of continuous work, from lesson preparation and actual classroom teaching to paperwork and assessments, our teachers need time to rest and recharge,’ he added.

While the INSET is meant to improve teachers’ professional competencies, Basas said it may not be practical to conduct it during a supposed wellness period.

‘In fact, teachers will still spend the week completing school-related tasks such as finalizing learners’ performance outputs and grades for the second quarter, leaving them with no real break at all,’ he said.

He urged the DepEd to review how the INSET is being implemented, noting that the program is funded by public money and should genuinely serve its purpose of developing teachers, not adding to their workload and fatigue.

Basas also acknowledged that INSET can be an opportunity for meaningful discussions on teachers’ welfare, advocacies and issues in the education sector, but only if school heads are supportive and faculty organizations are empowered to assert their rights.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has unveiled a new set of winter escapade packages designed for travelers seeking to trade freezing temperatures for the Philippines’ mild and inviting climate.

The packages, available from October 1 to December 31, spotlight Clark as the centerpiece of this seasonal offering.

With Korean stars Kim Myung Soo (popular actor-singer widely recognized for lead roles in Angel’s Last Mission: Love and Numbers, and formerly a member of INFINITE) and Choi Bo Min (actor-singer best known for A-Teen 2 and Shadow Beauty, and member of K-pop boy group Golden Child) helping curate and promote the campaign, TPB Philippines aims to tap into their massive fan base and the aspirational pull of Korean celebrity culture.

By showcasing the Philippines through the lens of these well-loved figures, Clark is positioned as a warm-weather alternative just a short flight away from many East Asian gateways. Its temperate conditions during the winter months make it an ideal hub for outdoor sports such as running, as well as for wellness retreats where visitors can relax and recharge.

Developed in collaboration with DOT-accredited operators, the packages curated with the Korean stars blend wellness, sport and culture.

Travelers can enjoy scenic runs and outdoor activities that showcase Clark’s open spaces and nature trails without the harsh winter chill; spa and wellness experiences, including the Philippines’ traditional hilot therapy designed to restore balance and vitality.

It also includes curated excursions to nearby heritage sites, beaches and natural destinations, ensuring a deeper cultural connection beyond the typical getaway.

‘In December, the Philippines-especially Clark and its nearby destinations-offers a milder climate where visitors can enjoy scenic running trails, wellness sanctuaries and cultural journeys that blend relaxation with discovery,’ said TPB Philippines Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

‘These winter escapade packages are designed to let travelers return home feeling recharged, inspired and connected. By spotlighting the country through the journeys of Choi Bo Min and Kim Myung Soo, we inspire their fans and followers to consider the Philippines as their next winter destination.’

K-pop has evolved into a global phenomenon with a loyal following that transcends borders, and together the two Hallyu idols command close to 2.5 million Instagram followers with a combined reach of nearly 3 million.

As both celebrities promote their firsthand experience of the Philippines, TPB seeks to convert this worldwide fandom into concrete travel demand.

The campaign is strategically positioned to encourage travelers from colder climates to consider itineraries that reflect Bo Min and Myung Soo’s activities, thereby supporting increased arrivals and reinforcing the Philippines’ appeal as a year-round destination of choice for international travelers.

“The Department of Tourism continually enhances our tourism offerings to captivate the Korean market, focusing on experiences that resonate deeply with Korean travelers. Our packages emphasize golf tourism, with world-class courses set against stunning backdrops, as well as educational tourism opportunities that showcase the Philippines as a hub for learning and cultural exchange,’ enthused Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

‘Additionally, the vibrant dive sites provide an unparalleled underwater adventure. We are committed to providing diverse and enriching experiences that highlight the Philippines as a premier destination for Korean tourists,’ Frasco added.

With direct flights linking Clark, Manila, Davao and Cebu to major cities across Asia, and with accredited tour operators offering curated itineraries, the Philippines stands ready to welcome more travelers looking for warmth, wellness and adventure this winter.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to purchase 30,000 breeder pigs next year to boost the government’s hog repopulation program and help farmers recover from the devastating impact of African swine fever (ASF).

DA Undersecretary for livestock Constante Palabrica said the procurement would focus on young female pigs or gilts which will be used for breeding to rebuild the country’s stock and strengthen local production capacity.

‘For 2026, Congress has passed the P1.6 billion repopulation program. For pigs, 30,000 gilts will be purchased by my department,’ Palabrica said during his speech at the celebration of the 32nd Meat Safety Consciousness Week in Quezon City.

He said the initiative would help revive the local hog industry and at the same time strengthen operations of slaughterhouses nationwide as it ensures a steady supply of locally raised hogs which would, in turn, support meat processors and retailers.

Palabrica highlighted the need to modernize locally registered meat establishments (LRMEs) or slaughterhouses accredited by local governments.

Many of these facilities, he said, still practice ‘floor dressing’ or butchering animals directly on the floor, a method the DA seeks to eliminate to meet national hygienic and food safety standards.

Palabrica said the country’s livestock sector remains promising, citing strong government support and new investments aimed at improving animal production and food safety.

He said that under a recently signed law, the government will allocate around P20 billion annually for a national livestock fund to support disease control programs, infrastructure development and research to further strengthen the industry.

In particular, he said a budget of P100 million has been allotted for 2026, with another similar amount set for 2027, to establish meat laboratories that will help improve quality testing and compliance with food safety standards.

For the nth time, nature is hitting back at humanity. The intensity 6.9 earthquake that hit and devastated northern Cebu reminded us again that man’s relentless ravaging of the environment is now reaping the natural consequences. Nature’s fury is hitting humanity with a vengeance, through a series of blows that can cause multiple deaths and tremendous losses and damage to property. But people never learn.

It has been prophesied in Deuteronomy (31:17), “And on that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?” The Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and we should reflect deeply on the causes and consequences. For the longest time, the Philippines has been battered, devastated, and thousands have been killed, but the government failed to train their constituents on the science of disaster preparedness. Filipinos are more interested in planning for beauty pageants and sporting events than for disasters and calamities.

We should learn from history. The deadliest typhoon that ever hit our country, as recorded by the books of natural disasters, was Haiphong from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6, 1881. It killed more than 20,000 people and injured hundreds of thousands. Hurricane Haiyan or Yolanda, which devastated the Eastern Visayas and other areas, from Nov. 7 to 8, 2013, was our country’s second worst, killing no less than 6,241, based only on the number of dead bodies. But many people say it may have been 10,000 if we included those missing until now. Yolanda was the one that the whole world came to know because of the access to modern technology and social media. But still, we seem not to learn.

History also tells us that the other deadly typhoons include Thelma (Uring), which killed 5,956 from Nov. 2 to 7, 1991; Pablo with 1,901 dead from Dec. 2 to 9, 2012; Angela, which killed 1,800 from Sept. 20 to 26, 1867; Winnie which killed 1,593 from Nov. 27 to 30, 2004; Frank which killed 1,501 from June 18 to 23, 2008, an unnamed typhoon hit the country from Oct. 7 to 16, 1897 and caused the death of 1,500 people; Nitang from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, 1984 killing 1,492, and Reming with a mortality of 1,399 from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, 2006. People died because of drowning, falling trees, rocks, and collapsing structures. The houses are not built to withstand super cyclones and hurricanes and the locations of communities and settlements have not been planned to protect lives and properties. We never learn.

Based on the amount of damage caused to properties, the worst typhoon to hit the Philippines was Pablo causing damages worth no less than 42.2 billion. Damage caused by Yolanda was P35.5 billion; Pepeng from Sept. 27 to Oct. 14, 2009 was P27.3 billion; Pedring from Sept. 26 to 28, 2011, P15 billion; Frank, 13.5 billion; Ondoy from Sept. 25 to 27 2009, P11 billion. Ruping caused P10.8 billion damage from Nov. 10 to 14, 1990; Rosing, also 10.8 billion from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, 1995; Kadiang caused damage worth P8.75 billion from Oct. 2 to 6, 1993, and Juan from Oct. 10 to 12, 2010, P8.32 billion. Of course, all these natural calamities could not have been prevented, but the extent of losses could have been mitigated had the government planned well and the people been more prepared. But we do not learn from the lessons of history.

I recall that PAGASA has drawn a disaster map which identifies the five most typhoon-prone months, and these are July, August, September, October, and November, with June and December not being far behind. Knowing this and knowing the patterns indicated by history, officials of national agencies and LGUs should be ready with their Disaster Preparedness Plans. Typhoons can hit us 10 times more before Christmas. We should start to learn how to prepare. Our country is right on the vortex of the Ring of Fire. We should be the experts on disaster preparedness and disaster responses.

Of course, we cannot track the incidences of earthquakes. Yet, we need to learn how to respond in a more organized and orderly way. We should start to learn or perish.