Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has mobilized its regional offices, line bureaus and field units to strengthen nationwide preparedness and mitigation measures against the ongoing El Niño.

The state weather bureau warns that this climate pattern may intensify into a very strong event before year-end and persist through the first half of 2027.

The DENR’s heightened preparations include building additional water sources, promoting water conservation, protecting watersheds and forests, preventing forest fires, safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems, and protecting personnel from extreme heat.

El Niño is expected to bring increased risks of prolonged dry conditions, reduced water availability and extreme heat in parts of the country.

‘With the critical action window now upon us, every DENR unit must proactively execute climate adaptation and risk reduction protocols,’ DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said.

‘By closely coordinating with local government units, monitoring our vital water systems, and promoting strict conservation practices, we are taking decisive steps to protect our communities, ecosystems, and natural resources from the severe impacts of this climate phenomenon,’ the secretary said.

Among its measures, the DENR has constructed small water impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems to provide additional water supply during periods of limited rainfall.

Its regional offices and attached agencies are also strengthening water conservation, watershed monitoring, forest-fire prevention, ecosystem protection and heat-safety measures in coordination with local governments and other stakeholders.

In Central Luzon, the Pampanga Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and regional field units are conducting information campaigns in barangays and community colleges in Guagua and Lubao, to promote simple water-saving practices such as using buckets instead of hoses, reusing greywater, repairing leaks and harvesting rainwater.

DENR Region 3 is also monitoring possible coral bleaching linked to elevated sea surface temperatures in coastal areas, including Aurora.

In Caraga, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has advised mining companies and processing plants to manage water demand, check for leaks, harvest rainwater, and establish cooling stations and early warning systems for extreme heat.

Advisories have also been sent to provincial governors in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands to strengthen local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils and monitor critical watersheds.

Meanwhile, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Region 11 has strengthened health and safety measures for field personnel, including limiting high-exposure outdoor work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing personal protective equipment and ensuring continuous hydration.

These measures help secure water for communities during dry periods, protect forests and watersheds, and safeguard people and livelihoods that depend on healthy ecosystems.

Water impounding structures and rainwater harvesting systems provide additional sources of water when rainfall is limited, while conservation efforts help make available supplies last longer.

Protecting forests and watersheds also helps maintain the natural systems that collect, store and regulate water.

The DENR’s proactive measures support the government’s broader preparations for El Niño and the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for government agencies to prepare early for the expected dry spell. Through early action, continuous monitoring and coordination with local governments and other stakeholders, the DENR is working to strengthen the country’s climate resilience and help communities better manage the effects of El Niño.

The segment of the Philippine-Singapore cable that went down was restored on Saturday, Oct. 3, bringing the internet service back to normal, a Philippine-based telecommunications company said.

InfiniVAN Inc., a Japanese-Filipino telecommunications and information and communications technology solutions provider, said in an advisory that the C2C Submarine Cable (Philippine-Singapore) segment has been fully restored.

Several internet service providers (ISPs) in the country experienced network connection and internet speed issues on Friday.

The company explained that its Philippine-Singapore link went down, which caused the intermittent or slower-than-usual internet connectivity.

It added that its Hong Kong link was undergoing maintenance, which also resulted in limited network service.

‘Our Network Operations team continues to closely monitor the connection to ensure service stability,’ it assured in an advisory issued at 3:11 p.m. on Saturday.

Some ISPs, including Converge, Eastern Communications, PLDT, announced that they successfully rerouted and restored their internet services.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Saturday, Oct. 3, called for a multi-agency investigation into what he described as continuing illegal reclamation activities on the Taguig side of Laguna Lake.

Lacson said concerned government agencies should work together to determine who was behind the alleged dumping of garbage and filling of materials in the lakeshore area.

He earlier posted a 25-second video of a joint government inspection in the area, which he described as a ‘total display of impunity and disrespect for the law.’

‘Ako ang nag-suggest noon nang nagkaroon ng conference sa office ko. Masama ba yan? Ako ang nag-consolidate, mag tulong-tulong tayo to get to the bottom of this issue. Pagka laki-laki ng area na natabunan ng basura at filling materials ang Laguna Lake sa Taguig side, ito ang Lakeshore, 170 hectares,’ he said during an interview with DWIZ 882.

(‘I suggested the composite approach during a conference at my Senate office. Is there a problem with it? We should consolidate our efforts because a huge area of Laguna Lake has been filled with garbage from the Taguig side, or Lakeshore, and it involves 170 hectares.’)

Lacson said that agencies, including the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), Land Registration Authority (LRA), Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Office of the Ombudsman, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), should coordinate to investigate the matter.

‘Pag reclamation, PRA. Pag Laguna Lake, LLDA and DENR kasi kung basura tinatambak mo concern ng DENR yan. Pag infrastructure projects, DPWH. Pag kaso, Ombudsman. Kaya composite ‘yan,’ he explained.

(The reclamation aspect is addressed by the PRA. Concerns on Laguna Lake are addressed by the LLDA. The DENR is involved because the reclamation involves the dumping of garbage. The Ombudsman is concerned with pursuing the appropriate cases, so it must be a composite team.)

Lacson said he would continue gathering evidence on the issue despite what he described as insinuations from Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

‘Hindi ko papatulan pero ang paghanap ng ebidensya, tuloy-tuloy ang pagkalap ng ebidensya,’ he said.

(I will not dignify him, but I will continue to gather evidence),’ he said, referring to Cayetano.

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) is letting go of nearly 1,000 employees amid the massive seawater inflows at one of its mine sites, with limits on investments due to uncertainties in the bidding of coal contracts adding to the pressure on future production.

On Friday, the Consunji-led group reported that the flow rate at its Acacia coal mine had already climbed to about 30,000 cubic meters per hour, significant inflows that could fill 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools every hour.

The worsening situation has forced SMPC to cut down on operations, particularly stripping activities in the area.

With reduced operations, SMPC would implement another round of layoffs, this time involving 996 employees.

‘Managing these seawater inflows over the longer term requires substantial investment in pumping equipment, power systems and other infrastructure. Uncertainty surrounding the coal bid round complicates planning for these investments,’ it said.

‘Without adequate capital spending, the risk of flooding and losing access to Acacia’s remaining coal reserves increases,’ SMPC added.

Last August, the company initially removed a total of 462 employees from its operations following the decision to slash its coal production target for the year due to the planned coal mine bidding, which has been facing delays.

SMPC, accounting for more than 90 percent of domestic coal production, has a coal contract with the government that is set to lapse in July 2027.

The group said it was working closely with the Department of Energy (DOE) on the operating challenges and longer-term options amid the issues at the Acacia mine site.

While this year’s target remains intact at 12 million metric tons, the current woes at the Acacia mine site will affect 2027 coal production as the latter ‘was expected to supply most of next year’s coal output.’

DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the auction process may resume in a few weeks.

Earlier this week, SMPC warned the government that prioritizing the highest bid could backfire if the winning company has no technical expertise to operate Semirara Island.

Passengers escaped unhurt after a truck carrying commuters and cargo was swept by a flash flood and overturned while attempting to cross a river in Sergio Osmeña town, Zamboanga del Norte on Friday, Oct. 2.

Initial reports gathered on Saturday showed that the vehicle was traversing the Yabo River in Barangay San Isidro when it was caught by raging waters.

Eyewitnesses said the truck was midway through the crossing when the water level rapidly swelled. The driver tried to maneuver through the surge, but the engine stalled, leaving the vehicle stranded in the middle of the river.

Moments later, the strong current tipped the heavy vehicle onto its side.

Members of the Barangay Marapong quick response team immediately conducted search and rescue operations, safely extracting all commuters and crew from the vehicle.

Local authorities reported no serious injuries among the passengers.

However, several pieces of personal belongings and cargo were swept downstream by the torrent.

Authorities noted that most of the passengers aboard the truck were residents heading to western villages of the municipality, including Barangays Nebo, Marapong and Nazareth.

Local disaster response agencies have reiterated warnings to commuters and drivers against attempting to cross riverways during heavy rainfall or sudden surges in water level, particularly in inland and mountainous barangays.

Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape, taekwondo gold medalist, will bear the flag for a proud Team Philippines during the parade of athletes in Sunday’s closing ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026.

‘He’s deserving [of] that honor,’ said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino on the eve of the closing ceremony set for 5 p.m. (Manila time) also at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium, where the hosts opened the games two weeks ago.

‘It will be a recognition not only for Jeus but also for taekwondo, which finally won its first Asian Games gold medal since 1994, when the sport became a medal event in the games,’ Tolentino added.

Yape topped the mixed virtual taekwondo-an open-gender event that combines the combat sport with virtual reality and motion-tracking technology-last Friday to highlight a best-ever 1-3-1 gold-silver-bronze haul by the Filipino jins.

He also clinched bronze in men’s individual poomsae.

Also joining the closing ceremony are silver medalist Juliana Mykhail Candelaria, ?Tachiana Keizha Mangin and Kurt Barbosa of taekwondo and ?Carlo Paalam of boxing.

Paris Olympics boxing bronze medalist Aira Villegas and weightlifting world junior champion Albert Ian de los Santos carried the country’s flag during the opening ceremony on Sept. 19.

The city government of Laoag in Ilocos Norte has designated Fridays as an exclusive slaughter day for hogs raised by local farmers, giving them priority at the Laoag City Slaughterhouse.

Mayor James Bryan Alcid issued Executive Order No. 017, series of 2026, limiting Friday slaughter operations to locally raised hogs, the city’s Information, Communications and Media Office said Friday.

Hogs from other municipalities will not be accepted on Fridays unless the supply from local raisers is insufficient.

The Office of the City Veterinarian, in coordination with barangay officials and the city slaughterhouse, will verify the origin of hogs and enforce sanitation and meat inspection requirements.

The order also sets recommended price guidelines for hogs and pork. The suggested liveweight price ranges from P165 to P180 per kilogram, depending on the hog’s weight, while the recommended retail price for pork is P310 per kilogram, down from P330.

The city government said the measures aim to support local hog raisers, strengthen local production and keep pork prices reasonable. /jaccording to the city government, it also recommended a retail price of P310 per kilogram for pork, down from the current P330 per kilogram.

The city government said the measures are intended to strengthen local hog production, protect the livelihood of local hog raisers and help maintain safe and reasonably priced pork in the market.

World No.1 Elena Rybakina could not regroup and fell to 118th-ranked Alina Charaeva in the second round of the China Open on Saturday in Beijing.

The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan was playing her first match since seizing the top ranking on her US Open win in New York, but Armenia’s Charaeva triumphed 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a clinical comeback.

‘I don’t have words,’ said Charaeva, who is making her Beijing debut.

‘This is incredible,’ the 24-year-old said.

‘She’s (an) amazing player, and for me it’s kind of just dream come true,’ she said of Rybakina.

‘I will be really happy to stay some more days in Beijing,’ she added. ‘Never stop believing, I guess.’

Rybakina got off to a solid start, but seven double-faults ushered the momentum into the hands of her opponent.

Wind rattled the closed-roof stadium, with both players serving as thunderous claps echoed over the court.

A supportive crowd tried to rally Rybakina back into contention, but Charaeva held serve to win the match in two hours and 11 minutes.

Charaeva faces Briton Sonay Kartal in the third round.

It was 8 p.m. on a Monday after class. I was in a jeepney heading home from the job I had applied for when the song playing in the background got my attention.

‘Mahal na ang bigas, pati lata ng sardinas; ngunit kung mamahalin kita ngayon, sabay tayong magugutom.’

For others, these words may simply be about love. But for me, they carry a deeper meaning.

Reaching the dream of graduating from college is already difficult, but fighting for it becomes even harder when every step comes with a cost. It is not only the lessons that I have to think about, but also my boarding house rent, transportation, food, and other daily necessities. I have slowly realized that in this world, hard work alone is sometimes not enough, and when life becomes difficult, every dream comes with sacrifices.

I never experienced studying inside an expensive coffee shop as some students do. Not because I did not want to, but because I knew I could not afford it. Aside from the high prices of coffee, I also did not want to compare myself with other students who had more opportunities than I did.

My friends once invited me to do research in a coffee shop. That was when I truly felt the difference between our situations. I was surrounded by students using expensive laptops and tablets for studying and reviewing. The coffee they were drinking was almost equivalent to the amount I needed for food for three days. I was not jealous of what they had; instead, I was hurt by the reality that some things I needed to work extremely hard for were ordinary things for others.

That moment taught me that poverty is not only measured by the amount of money in your pocket. Sometimes, the hardest part is realizing that you have to work twice as hard just to reach a place that others can easily access.

I still cannot believe how I managed to finish two years of college without owning a laptop. There were moments when I wondered how I survived all the requirements that needed technology I did not have. While others had their own devices for projects and reviews, I relied on an old cellphone given to me by my parents.

That simple cellphone became my companion during countless nights when I needed to search for information, read lessons, and prepare for classes. Through its small screen, I tried to reach dreams that sometimes felt too far away. It may not have been as fast or convenient as the devices others used, but it reminded me that a lack of resources should never become a reason to stop pursuing my goals.

I realized that sometimes you do not notice how heavy your burdens are because your desire to survive becomes stronger than your exhaustion. When you focus on your dream, you learn to endure tiredness, hunger, and uncertainty. Some battles are not fought because they are easy, but because they are worth fighting for.

I have applied for almost every possible job I could find just to have extra money for expenses. It was never easy to balance studying and searching for work, but I continued because I knew my dream depended on my willingness to sacrifice.

I will never forget that time when I chose to walk home instead of riding a jeepney. I only had P15 left and decided to save it for a job opportunity I was hoping to get. Unfortunately, I was not accepted for that job.

It was painful to realize that even after giving everything you could, there are still times when it is not enough to achieve what you hoped for. It is difficult to fight for your dreams when your opponent is not only exhaustion and fear, but also the lack of financial support. There are days when you no longer ask yourself if you still want to dream; you only ask how you will survive that day.

It feels good to dream, but fulfilling a dream is never easy. It is easy to tell someone to dream big, but it becomes difficult when not everyone starts from the same place. Some people are given more resources, support, and opportunities, while others have to build their own path just to reach the same destination.

Education is indeed a privilege. It is an opportunity that not everyone receives. That is why even during the moments when I want to let go, I choose to hold on. Because no matter how expensive rice and other necessities become, my dream is still worth more.

I am one of the students who has seen the realities of the world. I learned that it is not enough to love the dream itself; you must also learn to love the process of reaching it.

Even though education has become expensive, it still cannot overcome my love for my dream. If I was able to survive two years of college without a laptop and with limited financial support, then I know I can continue this fight.

Because the darkness of the challenges I face today will never be stronger than the light of the dream I continue to pursue. Someday, I will look back on the nights I walked home, the moments I endured, and the times I almost gave up. And I will tell myself:

Falsifying an affidavit of cohabitation may render a marriage without a license void from the beginning, the Supreme Court said.

In a ruling dated Feb. 24 and made public Friday, the high court said the marriage was invalid because the couple falsely claimed in their affidavit that they had lived together for at least five years, a requirement for contracting a marriage without a license.

The decision upheld rulings by the Court of Appeals in 2021 and 2022 and the Regional Trial Court in San Jose, Antique, in 2016.

The case stemmed from a petition for declaration of nullity filed by the husband in 2013. He argued that the affidavit of cohabitation he had signed with the woman was false because he had worked overseas for three of the six years they claimed to have lived together.

The couple had attempted to marry without a license in May 2009, claiming they had been living together since 2003.

Under the law, a couple who have lived together as husband and wife for at least five years and meet other requirements may marry without securing a marriage license.