Category: Philippine Star

The country’s overall water use efficiency (WUE) declined in 2025, representing a 4.3-percent drop, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The PSA reported that the country’s WUE in 2025 fell to P221.48 per cubic meter of water used, down from P231.42 the previous year.

The WUE measures how effectively an industry utilizes water resources by dividing its value-added with the volume of water it consumes.

The services sector accounted for the highest WUE in 2025 at P1,553.61 per cubic meter of water used.

This was followed by the industry sector with a WUE amounting to P261.47, a decrease of 33.4 percent from P392.86 in 2024.

‘This decline contributed to the decrease in the overall WUE,’ the PSA said.

On the other hand, the agriculture sector remained with the lowest WUE at P16.48 in 2025.

The PSA also reported that total freshwater withdrawals rose to 101.61 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2025 from 93.08 bcm in 2024, while the level of water stress reached 31.1 percent.

‘The annual level of water stress from 2016 to 2025 consistently fell within the low-level classification range set by the Food and Agriculture Organization, which is 25 to 50 percent,’ it added.

The allocation for emergency loan assistance for members and pensioners of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) displaced by flooding in Luzon and Mindanao has been increased to nearly P8 billion.

The state-run pension fund said the program covers 16 areas affected by the southwest monsoon and Typhoons Luis, Maymay and Neneng.

The expanded loan program applies to GSIS members and pensioners working or residing in areas declared under a state of calamity.

Deadline of application will be from Sept. 20 to Nov. 16, depending on affected areas.

Qualified borrowers with existing emergency loans may avail themselves of up to P40,000, with the outstanding balance of their existing loans to be deducted from the proceeds. Those with no existing emergency loan balance may borrow up to P20,000.

The loan is payable within 36 months and carries a corresponding interest rate of six percent.

Members and pensioners may apply through the GSIS Touch mobile app or check the state insure’s website for areas covered by the loan assistance program.

From bus terminals to provincial hospitals, strategic government facilities in Cebu are being eyed as sites for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under an ordinance approved on third and final reading by the Provincial Board.

Ordinance No. 004, authored by Board Member Stanley Caminero, seeks to establish the Cebu Provincial Green Mobility Roadmap and EV Charging Network, with the Cebu South Bus Terminal, Cebu North Bus Terminal, and all provincial hospitals among the priority sites.

The Provincial Board approved the measure on third and final reading during its regular session on Monday, Sept. 14.

Aside from charging infrastructure, the ordinance provides for a socialized charging fee system, public-private partnerships, a phased adoption by component cities and municipalities, a Cebu Green Mobility Trust Fund, and an oversight committee that will supervise the program.

“Existing and future Provincial Government facilities shall establish publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations,” a portion of the ordinance reads.

Under Phase I of the ordinance, existing and future provincial government facilities will establish publicly accessible EV charging stations, with high-priority anchor sites identified for public utility vehicles, health services, and frontline public transport.

These include the CSBT, CNBT, and all provincial hospitals managed by the provincial government.

Other potential sites include Capitol compounds, provincial transport terminals, sports complexes, tourism gateways, government motor pools, government-owned parking facilities, provincial educational institutions, and strategic public service centers.

The ordinance also encourages component cities and municipalities to establish at least one publicly accessible EV charging station in a strategic government facility within one year from the ordinance’s effectivity.

However, the provision describes the adoption by component local government units as being “strongly exhorted and encouraged” through their respective Sanggunians, making the Phase II rollout a voluntary and harmonized effort.

P20M initial fund

To support the initial rollout, the measure creates the Cebu Green Mobility Trust Fund, which will finance the installation, maintenance, expansion, and upgrading of charging stations, as well as climate reporting and subsidy programs.

“An initial allocation of Twenty Million (Php 20,000,000.00) Pesos shall serve to jumpstart the establishment of a dual charging station,” the ordinance stated.

An initial allocation of P20 million is proposed to jumpstart the establishment of dual charging stations, including fast direct-current (DC) and standard alternating-current (AC) charging units, at the Capitol Compound, north and south bus terminals, and other suitable areas.

The trust fund may also receive revenues from charging fees, public-private partnership concession fees, national government grants, climate adaptation and environmental grants, carbon credit mechanisms, external financing, and lawful donations.

The ordinance allows four operating models for the charging stations: province-owned, public-private partnership, hybrid concession, and renewable energy integration.

Under the hybrid model, the provincial government may own the infrastructure while allowing qualified private entities to operate and manage the facilities.

Charging rates

The measure also sets different charging arrangements depending on the user.

Private EV owners will be charged the full commercial rate, while provincial government employees will receive a discounted rate of at least 20 percent.

“Private and premium EVs are strictly excluded from free charging incentives,” it added.

Official government vehicles will be allowed free charging, while selected utility electric vehicles, including registered modern public utility vehicles and electric tricycles, may receive free or subsidized charging.

Ambulances, rescue vehicles, fire trucks, and emergency response vehicles will also be allowed free charging.

The measure specifically excludes private and premium EVs from free charging incentives. Public utility vehicles and government units seeking subsidized or free charging under the program will have to register under a proposed Provincial Green Mobility Local Registration System.

The ordinance also creates a permanent Provincial Green Mobility Implementation and Oversight Committee that will oversee the implementation of the program.

The committee will be tasked with drafting the implementing rules and regulations within 90 days from the ordinance’s effectivity, as well as establishing technical and operational guidelines, local EV registration protocols, tariff formulas, and connector specifications.

It will also identify strategic deployment sites; monitor the technical, operational, financial and environmental aspects of the program; recommend tariff adjustments; and coordinate the voluntary adoption of the charging network among component LGUs.

The committee will be composed of representatives from the provincial government, Provincial Board committees, national government agencies, local government leagues, and various resource sectors.

The Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Climate Change Commission (CCC) will be represented in the body, while representatives from the academe, electric utilities, EV industry, transport cooperatives, climate finance institutions, and civil society may serve as resource members.

The Provincial Planning and Development Office will serve as the permanent secretariat, while the committee’s proceedings will remain recommendatory and will be referred to the governor for final approval.

Safety standards, battery disposal

The ordinance also requires EV charging infrastructure to comply with technical, electrical, and fire safety standards.

Charging stations must use standardized connector types and power capacities in accordance with standards promulgated by the Department of Trade and Industry-Bureau of Philippine Standards, while charging infrastructure must comply with the Philippine Electrical Code and Bureau of Fire Protection guidelines for high-voltage DC fast-charging facilities.

For end-of-life EV batteries, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office will be tasked with establishing protocols for recycling and disposal.

Damaged or end-of-life lithium-ion batteries from provincial government-owned EVs must be handled by DENR-accredited hazardous waste treaters.

The ordinance also encourages, and where technically and financially feasible mandates, the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar panel canopies into charging stations to reduce grid dependency.

The measure cites Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act of 2009, and Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code as among its legal bases.

It also aligns the provincial initiative with the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Act, and several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Under the ordinance, qualified private partners and EV charging station operators may also benefit from streamlined provincial permitting and lease incentives, subject to applicable national rules, while EV charging station operators in Cebu will be required to register with the DOE’s central EV Industry Portal.

The ordinance will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation or posting as required by law.

With ube going global, the Department of Agriculture has banned the export of fresh purple yam to protect local planting materials.

Whether the ban comes too late will be known soon enough, if other countries with advanced agricultural and food processing industries begin selling ube products sourced from their own farms.

After taking the local tuber for granted for a long time, agriculture officials appear unprepared for the spike in global demand as Philippine ube attains international renown rivaling matcha.

Philippine production cannot keep pace even with domestic demand for ube – fresh, powdered, processed into paste and flavors for a wide range of food items. The tuber can become a major cash crop, but the government must provide the necessary aid to farmers, in terms of premium planting materials, technical assistance, financial and marketing support.

Incentives must also be given to those with the capabilities and know-how for production on a larger scale including tissue culture. The government must move quickly to obtain a Geographical Indication for Philippine ube and assist local governments in getting GI registration for specific regional varieties.

The Philippines is no stranger to GI registration; ‘Guimaras mango’ is now GI-protected in its export to Europe. The same can be done for ube.

Neighboring countries particularly Thailand and Vietnam have moved faster in seeing the market potential of their crops. The Philippines had to play catch-up with Thailand in exporting coconut juice and cream, and has yet to capitalize on expanding the production of the uniquely delectable macapuno.

Farmers need help in propagating the best varieties of other items that grow well in the Philippines or are unique to certain regions, such as pili, pungent Ilocos garlic, coffee and cacao.

There’s a huge global market for orchids and cut flowers, but in this region, the Philippines is trailing Thailand and Taiwan in orchid production, and Thailand and Malaysia in cut flowers.

Energizing the farms through the production of high-value crops such as ube and empowering farmers are infinitely better than any state-funded ayuda or subsidy. And such crops, like ube, also become a source of national pride.

Bank officials and employees found liable for serious violations could face suspension of up to one year for a first offense and removal or disqualification for repeat offenses under the proposed rules of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

In a draft circular, the BSP sets out procedures for administrative cases, which determine liability for violations of banking laws and central bank regulations, against BSP-supervised financial institutions and their directors, trustees, officers and employees.

Stakeholders have until Sept. 25 to submit comments on the proposal.

Under the proposed schedule of non-monetary penalties, a first serious offense will carry a suspension of six months and one day to one year, with a stern warning. Disqualification can also be recommended to the BSP’s Monetary Board if warranted by the severity of the offense.

A second or subsequent serious offense will carry removal from office and/or disqualification.

Serious offenses include fraudulent acts, unsafe or unsound practices and violations of banking laws or Monetary Board directives that have or could have a material adverse impact on a financial institution, its depositors or other stakeholders.

The proposed schedule will apply to administrative proceedings covered by the draft and where the relevant BSP regulatory manuals do not already prescribe a non-monetary penalty. Fines and other sanctions can also be imposed under applicable laws and regulations.

For minor offenses, a first violation without aggravating circumstances will merit a reprimand and a warning against further violations. These offenses include procedural lapses that can be corrected immediately and acts that do not cause material harm or risk.

Second and subsequent minor offenses will carry suspension of one to six months, with possible disqualification if warranted by the severity of the offense.

However, several acts that individually qualify as minor offenses can warrant suspension even if each was committed for the first time.

The BSP will consider factors such as deliberate misconduct, concealment, fraud, significant harm and previous administrative liability in determining penalties. Good faith, cooperation, corrective measures and voluntary admission will be considered mitigating factors.

Beyond the sanctions, the draft lays down procedures for filing complaints, submitting evidence, deciding cases and seeking reconsideration or appeal.

‘These rules shall be liberally construed to promote just, inexpensive and speedy disposition of administrative cases filed with the BSP,’ the draft stated.

Proceedings will follow a simplified process without necessarily adhering to the technical rules of procedure and evidence used in courts. They will remain confidential, subject to disclosures allowed by law.

Complaints will have to be in writing, under oath and supported by evidence. Anonymous complaints would not be entertained.

Respondents will have 30 calendar days from receipt of the order and complaint to file a sworn answer. Failure to respond will allow the hearing officer to decide the case based solely on the complainant’s evidence or conduct proceedings without the respondent’s participation if necessary.

Once a case is formally submitted for resolution, the hearing officer will have 60 calendar days to render a decision. An extension will require good cause and approval from the director of the Consumer Complaints Resolution Office.

Decisions imposing only fines of up to P100,000 for each transactional violation or P30,000 per calendar day for continuing violations will be submitted to the BSP governor for approval.

Fines above those thresholds and decisions imposing non-monetary sanctions will require Monetary Board approval.

The Gilas women stamped their ticket to the quarterfinal round of the Asian Games women’s basketball division after blasting Hong Kong, 90-73, Sunday morning at the Aichi International Arena in Japan.

Gilas remained unscathed through two games after back-to-back huge wins. The squad first defeated Kazakhstan, 86-58, before the huge win over Hong Kong.

Stefanie Berberabe paced the Filipina dribblers with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists. Afril Bernardino added 17 markers, 11 boards and four dimes, while Jhaz Joson had 15 points.

The two teams were kept in a close game through the midway point of the third quarter, with a triple by Tsz Kwan Li making it a 59-57 lead by the Philippines.

But Gilas stepped on the gas and left Hong Kong on the rear-view mirror with a backbreaking 16-3 run capped by a deuce by Afril Bernardino to push the Philippines ahead, 76-60, with 7:37 remaining.

Li and Tong tried to rally Hong Kong back into the game, but Bernardino, Joson, Camille Malagar and Berberabe put the finishing touches in the dominant win.

Malagar tallied 14 points for the winning team, while Elizabeth Means chipped in 11.

Li carried the offense for Hong Kong with 30 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Tan Fung Ma had 15 markers.

The Philippines will take on Japan in their final Group B play on Tuesday. The home team is also holding a 1-0 record thus far, before facing Kazakhstan Sunday afternoon.

The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) is pushing for the creation of anti-bullying desks and the installation of dedicated alarm systems as part of measures to strengthen school security following 19 threats investigated across Cebu since July.

CPPO Director Police Col. Abubakar Mangelan Jr. made the recommendations during the Cebu Provincial Board’s regular session on September 14, where partner agencies were invited to discuss school safety and preparedness.

Mangelan said the proposed anti-bullying desks should be supported not only by police but also by barangay officials, school authorities, parent-teacher associations (PTAs), and student governments.

He said the setup would ensure that addressing bullying and related concerns would not become a one-person responsibility for the police.

Aside from anti-bullying desks, Mangelan proposed that schools install an alarm system specifically intended for shooting incidents.

The proposal forms part of the CPPO’s recommendations for schools to improve their ability to immediately alert authorities and school communities in case of a serious security threat.

19 threats across province

According to Mangelan, the CPPO investigated 19 school threat incidents from July to September, involving schools in 15 local government units.

The incidents were recorded in Argao, Bantayan, Barili, Bogo, Carcar, Carmen, Consolacion, Cordova, Danao, Liloan, Pinamungajan, San Fernando, San Remigio, and Talisay City.

Carcar, Liloan, and San Fernando each recorded two incidents, while Talisay City recorded three. The other areas recorded one incident each.

Of the 19 incidents, police identified 13 suspects and brought them to police stations for investigation. Nine of those identified suspects were minors, Mangelan said.

He said this was the reason police were unable to file charges against the nine children.

Three arrests made

Mangelan said police arrested three persons in connection with the incidents in Bantayan, Pinamungajan, and Toledo.

In Pinamungajan, police confiscated a .357 revolver during the investigation, while the Toledo incident involved a bomb joke.

For the four incidents where suspects have yet to be identified, Mangelan said the investigation remains ongoing with the assistance of the Regional Anti-Cybercrime Unit (RACU). He added that police were working to identify those who posted the threats on social media.

Mangelan said police also identified a pattern in several of the incidents they investigated.

‘Most of these incidents or threats that have been directed towards our schools were some of the students or the schools are about to take their exams, or paperworks submission,’ he said.

These circumstances, he said, were among the motives uncovered by police during their investigations.

Mangelan described the practice as a possible ‘modus operandi’ among some students who wanted their schools to suspend classes.

‘This is some sort which become a modus operandi for some of our students wherein the particular school not to suspend their schools – they will have the threats,’ he said.

Interventions for minors

Mangelan said minors who were identified and investigated were subjected to interventions, depending on the availability of facilities in their respective areas.

In areas with Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) facilities, the students underwent interventions. Those in areas without such facilities were referred to the community intervention program.

In the Pinamungajan case involving the confiscated revolver, the student was subjected to a discernment test by the municipal social worker.

Mangelan said police were still waiting for the disposition of the case to determine whether a case could be filed against the child or the guardian who admitted that the firearm belonged to him.

Mangelan said the CPPO had already manifested its proposal for the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to become part of school boards.

He also called for school authorities to be included in decision-making processes so police could validate information concerning possible threats.

Mangelan also said the CPPO, which has a total force of more than 3,000, could commit 50% of its troops to secure schools under threat. Through Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, the CPPO also proposed a one-police-officer-per-school security deployment.

He further proposed that schools conduct an inventory during enrollment, giving students an opportunity to declare whether their parents are members of law enforcement or privately licensed gun owners, which police could use for monitoring purposes.

The recommendations were raised as the provincial government implements Baricuatro’s executive order, namely, the Cebu Safe Schools Program and the Cebu Safe School Committee.

Board Member Sanchez said the discussion was intended to identify gaps and strengthen preparations for threats against students and teachers.

‘We hope it never happens in Cebu but hope alone is not enough, we must be prepared,’ said Sanchez.

Investigators have completed gathering evidence from a ferry that caught fire while sailing in the waters off Coron, Palawan, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The PCG said the evidence-gathering activity on M/V June Aster was meant to support the ongoing maritime safety and crime investigation.

A joint team from the PCG, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Coron police yesterday conducted a final sweep of the vessel, according to PCG spokesperson Cmdre. Noemie Cayabyab.

A PCG response team has completed draining water from the engine room of the June Aster.

Cayabyab said the team collected 7, 865 gallons of oily water from the ferry.

Samples of lube and contaminated oil as well as seawater collected from the ferry will be subjected to laboratory tests.

Cayabyab said monitoring of the June Aster and the surrounding water will continue for possible oil spill.

Records showed 77 people died, 43 survived and eight are still missing from the maritime mishap.

Kenyan runners stamped their class in the Singlife One Clark International Marathon on Sunday at Clark Parade Grounds in Pampanga.

Victor Kipkemei Chepkwony ruled the men’s 42K race in 2:24:28, putting together a strong performance to claim the top spot. He was followed by fellow Kenyan Glady Kiptoo in 2:26:21 and Eric Chepsiror in 2:31:52 for the podium.

Ziporah Wanjiru Kingori also crossed the finish line first in the women’s division, timing in at 2:49:20 to secure the championship in front of second placer Purity Serem (3:04:50) in this race which had Singlife Philippines Inc. as title sponsor, organized by RUNRIO, and had SM Supermalls and SM Clark as official race day partner.

Local runners also shone in the marathon, with Allan Arbois Jr. and Christine Hallasgo being the first Filipinos ro run through the tape.

Arbois led the locals in 2:32:16, followed by Dickyias Mendioro (2:32:32) and Bernard Caluza (2:37:05), while Hallasgo paced the women in 3:08:47, narrowly edging Jessa Mae Roda (3:09:08) and Maricar Camacho (3:19:20).

The Singlife One Clark International Marathon also featured 21K, 10K and 5K categories, giving runners of different levels an opportunity to compete on the Clark course.

In the international 21K, Daniel Boiwo topped the men’s division in 1:12:46, while Pamela Chepkoech Bundotich won the women’s race in 1:27:02.

The local 21K men’s title went to Ricky Organiza in 1:12:59, followed by Fritz Angelo Operio (1:16:17) and Jevie Rebutazo (1:16:53), as Edna Magtubo led the local women in 1:28:37, ahead of Arlyn Joyce Akangan (1:32:57) and Nicole Diloy (1:33:00).

A BYD Seagull was also raffled from the thousands of participants in the race adding to the excitement of race day which also had Gatorade as official sports drink, Cristalino as official hydration partner, BYD as official vehicle partner, Nyxsys as official media partner and is supported by the Department of Tourism: Love The Philippines.

The Singlife One Clark International Marathon also had San Mig Light, Ponds, Clear Shampoo, Gardenia, Mega Tuna, Jimm’s Coffee, Chooey, Great Taste, Salonpas, Birch Tree and Quaker as sponsors

Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes across all levels in both public and private schools in the capital on Monday, September 21.

In a statement on Sunday, September 20, Domagoso cited recommendations from the Manila Police District (MPD), which anticipates heavy traffic, road closures, and security risks stemming from various public gatherings, marches, and freedom rallies marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

‘This suspension is issued to ensure the safety and welfare of students by minimizing their exposure to potential risks associated with heavy traffic, road closures, and large public gatherings,’ Domagoso said.

With the suspension, schools are advised to shift to alternative modes of learning delivery.

Protests are expected as the country commemorates the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) previously said that law enforcement personnel would be placed on full alert status in anticipation of the protests.

The PNP said more than 15,700 personnel would be deployed on Monday to ensure security during the demonstrations.