Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Malacañang on Monday highlighted that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites are beneficial during disaster response.

At a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed those seeking concrete examples of the value of these sites, particularly during calamities.

While Castro said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is still gathering updated information on how the Edca sites are helping response efforts, she said that these serve as hubs for disaster response and relief operations.

‘But the Edca sites are a big help whenever disasters occur in our country, as they serve as hubs for faster delivery of aid to our fellow citizens,’ Castro also said.

She cited Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija as an example, saying it serves as a repacking site for relief goods and a shelter for fishermen.

Edca is an agreement designed to boost the United States and the Philippines’ security cooperation by allowing the rotational presence of US troops in ‘agreed locations’ in the country.

This agreement was also seen as furthering the Philippines’ disaster response, as the locations may be utilized for humanitarian and relief operations during emergencies and natural disasters.

There are currently nine Edca sites in the country: Basa Air Base in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City; Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan; Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu; Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana in Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport, also in Cagayan; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu in Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Uwan (international name Fung-wong) has weakened into a typhoon as it hits the mountainous terrains of Luzon, including the Sierra Madre range, the state weather bureau said on Monday.

As of 1:00 a.m., Uwan was last spotted in the area of Bagulin, La Union, packing maximum sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, gustiness of up to 275 kph, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

‘If you notice, the gustiness is a bit strong as it hits the terrain or the mountains of Northern Luzon,’ said Pagasa weather specialist Obet Badrina in Pagasa’s 2:00 a.m. update.

Pagasa has said that tropical cyclones reach their greatest intensity while over warm tropical water, but they begin to weaken as soon as they move inland.

Badrina said Uwan’s west-northwestward movement is ‘fast’ at 30 kph, adding that its eye could already be outside Luzon’s landmass this Monday morning.

‘Possibly, in our next 5:00 a.m. update, Uwan will be in the West Philippine Sea already,’ he said.

The weather specialist also said that Uwan’s only directly affecting most parts of Luzon.

‘This typhoon only covers most parts of Luzon, and we expect a significant reduction of rains in parts of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,’ he also said.

Due to the weakening of the former super typhoon, Pagasa lifted the highest Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5 in four areas.

At least 155 cities and municipalities across the country are still waiting for the restoration of electricity following the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong), according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Monday.

Uwan whipped many parts of Luzon over the weekend, leaving at least two individuals dead, the latest National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) situational report said.

‘On the status of life lines, 155 cities and municipalities are still experiencing power interruptions while 15 have resumed; 13 areas with water supply interruption, with 2 restored; and 14 areas have reported communication interruption,’ OCD Assistant Secretary Rafael Alejandro IV said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo.

‘In terms of mobility, 71 roads are still not passable, with 16 passable; and 26 bridges have reported limited access, while three are not passable,’ he added.

The OCD assistant secretary did not immediately specify the locations of the utility interruptions, non-passable roads, and bridges.

However, Alejandro further noted that 13 areas were affected by storm surges during Uwan’s onslaught, and 132 areas remained flooded as of Monday morning.

At least 1,085 houses have been reported damaged so far, with 89 being totally damaged and 996 partially damaged, according to the OCD assistant secretary.

He added that they monitored around 6,200 passengers; 2,900 rolling cargoes; 80 vessels; and 34 motor bancas stranded as the typhoon crossed the country’s landmass.

Preemptive evacuation

Alejandro also said around 1.4 million individuals were preemptively evacuated from the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas ahead of Uwan’s landfall.

Uwan made landfall as a super typhoon over Dinalungan, Aurora, on Sunday night.

Two people were reported dead as the tropical cyclone crossed the country’s landmass, according to the latest National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) situational report.

Further, at the press briefing, Philippine National Police (PNP) community affairs chief Col. Esmeraldo Osia Jr. confirmed that a landslide occurred in Nueva Vizcaya but said they were still validating whether two five-year-olds died during the incident.

Nonetheless, OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo, quoting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., said the preemptive evacuation ‘minimized casualties despite the strength of the storm.’

Alejandro said they briefed the president on the situation again on Monday morning.

Uwan weakened to a typhoon early on Monday shortly after making landfall in Aurora and was last spotted 135 kilometers (km) west-northwest of Bacnotan, La Union, at 10 a.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its latest update.

The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 130 km per hour (km/h) and gusts of up to 160 km/h while moving west-northwest at 20 km/h.

Over 1,800 classrooms in at least 312 schools were damaged during Typhoon Uwan’s (international name: Fung Wong) onslaught in Luzon, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported on Monday.

According to DepEd, most of the affected classrooms-1,182 in total-sustained minor damage, while 366 were heavily damaged and 261 were completely destroyed. Bicol, Calabarzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region recorded the highest numbers of damaged classrooms, DepEd said.

The agency clarified, however, that the figures are still being verified as additional reports continue to come in from regional and division offices.

DepEd also reported that 5,572 classrooms in 1,072 schools across 11 regions are currently being used as evacuation centers. Education Secretary Sonny Angara assured affected communities that the department remains committed to the ‘immediate protection of students, teachers, and school personnel, as well as the long-term continuity of learning.’

‘The challenges faced by our teachers, parents, and students during Typhoons Uwan and Tino have been immense. We extend our sympathies to our fellow citizens and assure them that DepEd stands with you every step of the way as we recover and rebuild hope in every classroom,’ Angara said. He also said DepEd has identified funding requirements of P20.2 million for clean-up and clearing operations and P57.9 million for minor repairs.

Furthermore, the department has prioritized the implementation of Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM) in schools that remain closed due to recent typhoons and other calamities. Funds have already been released to the affected regions to produce learning packets and lesson guides under the Dynamic Learning Program and other ADM modalities.

I was 21 years old when Super Typhoon ‘Odette’ wreaked havoc on our city on the afternoon of Dec. 16, 2021. Despite living in a typhoon-prone area in the northeastern part of Mindanao, I had never fully grown accustomed to the devastation that extreme weather could bring, especially the kind Odette delivered.

That afternoon, I prayed fervently as the wind mercilessly tore off roofs, shattered windows, uprooted trees, and the torrential rain destroyed appliances as if they were made of paper. Later, the streets were filled with debris. It felt as though the calamity had gone on a rampage, and we were nothing but vulnerable, helpless witnesses.

Just recently, Typhoon ‘Tino’ (international name: Kalmaegi), with its gusty winds and relentless rain, transported me back to that terrifying day. I am now 25 years old, yet I could not fathom the fear that gripped me from yesterday afternoon well into the night. I prayed so hard. I could hear the menacing howl of the wind and feel the cold creeping into my skin. It reminded me so vividly of that one unfortunate event a few years ago.

In moments like these, I tend to gravitate toward panicking, overwhelmed by the storm outside and the storm within, both stirred by memories I wish I didn’t have to relive. The emotional toll was tantamount to reliving the trauma all over again. It’s a stark reminder of how truly vulnerable we are in the face of nature’s wrath.

While our city did not feel the extraordinary brunt of Typhoon Tino, I prayed for those in its path. I hoped it would not cause severe damage or suffering in any way.

Fast forward to this morning: I woke up to the warmth of the sun piercing through the clouds-a sign of God’s grace and mercy. Power lines and internet connections have been restored, and water is now available in our area after hours of being cut off. As of this writing, I find comfort in the light, even as the shadows of yesterday remain silently in my headspace. But what is more certain now is that we are safe.

Thank God there isn’t much aftermath. Marajaw Karajaw!

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Iloilo Station has resumed operation on several sea routes in Western Visayas while maintaining travel suspension in the northern ports of Iloilo amid continued precautionary measures against Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong).

In its Sea Travel Advisory No. 5 issued at 8 a.m., PCG-Iloilo said it has allowed the resumption of voyages from Fort San Pedro (Iloilo City) to Pier 1, Aduana Port (Cebu City); Dumangas Port (Iloilo) to Bredco Port (Bacolod City); Iloilo Fastcraft Terminal to Bacolod City; Bay-ang Port (Ajuy) to Manta-angan Port (E.B. Magalona); and Iloilo to Guimaras.

However, all sea trips remain suspended in the northern coastal areas of Batad, Balasan, Carles, San Dionisio, and Estancia, which are still under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, according to state weather bureau Pagasa in its Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 17.

The advisory emphasized that fisherfolk and coastal residents in affected areas are strongly advised not to venture out to sea or engage in any water-related activities while strong winds and rough sea conditions persist

A total of 132 areas across three regions remain flooded as of Monday morning following heavy rains triggered by Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong), according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

In its 6 a.m. update, the NDRRMC said there are 125 flooded areas in the Bicol Region, five in Western Visayas, and two in Northern Mindanao.

The NDRRMC also said the floods in four areas in Zamboanga Peninsula and one in Caraga, Mindanao, are currently receding, while the floods in nine areas in Western Visayas and two in Caraga have already subsided.

According to the NDRRMC, the effects of Uwan, including the floods, have affected 836,572 individuals, or 230,955 families.

Of those affected, 652,768 individuals, or 181,855 families, are in the Bicol region; 99,109, or 22,018 families, are in the Caraga region; 31,451, or 10,114 families, are in Eastern Visayas; and 26,988, or 8,970 families, are in Western Visayas.

NDRRMC also reported the number of affected persons in the following regions:

Calabarzon: 14,703 persons / 4,685 families

Northern Mindanao: 4,882 persons / 1,112 families

Zamboanga Peninsula: 4,018 persons / 1,235 families

Cagayan Valley: 2,652 persons / 966 families

Among all those affected, 317,691 individuals, or 91,675 families, are spread across 6,069 evacuation centers, while 164,923 persons, or 49,593 families, are served outside of evacuation centers.

Two fatalities were also reported, one in the Bicol region and one in Eastern Visayas, alongside two injured, one in the Bicol region and the other in Western Visayas, the NDRRMC said.

The NDRRMC also reported a total of 1,085 damaged houses (966 partially damaged, 89 totally damaged).

As of 8 a.m. Monday, Typhoon Uwan was tracked moving away from the Philippine landmass, but its effects are still widely felt in many parts of Luzon and some parts of northwestern Visayas due to its large area, the state weather bureau said.

Uwan is also anticipated to re-intensify on Tuesday as it traverses the West Philippine Sea before weakening once again outside the Philippine area of responsibility on Wednesday.

International pageant organizations such as the Miss Earth, Miss Cosmo, and Miss Grand International, which are all based in Southeast Asia, have expressed their solidarity with those affected by typhoons in the Philippines and Vietnam.

‘Miss Earth is one with the Philippines in spirit, heart and prayer in its most devastating hours amidst the continuing, relentless destructive strength of Typhoon Uwan which is causing destruction that is massively affecting families and the environment,’ the Manila-based pageant said in a statement on Nov. 9.

Newly-crowned Miss Earth Natalie Puskinova from the Czech Republic also issued a statement in a video posted on the pageant’s social media pages, and said, ‘we’re all in this together, we are facing this together. So please, protektathan natin ang kalikasan (let us protect the environment). My prayer is with you guys.’

Miss Earth-Air Soldis Vala Ivarsdottir from Iceland also shared her video. ‘I know the typhoon here in the Philippines has been bringing a lot of people fear and uncertainty right now. But I wanted to remind everyone to please stay safe. Take care of yourselves, your family, your neighbors,’ she said.

Both European pageant titleholders are currently based in Manila to fulfill their responsibilities with the organization, and have personally witnessed the rage of Typhoon ‘Uwan.’

Miss Earth-Water Trinh My Anh from Vietnam expressed her solidarity with the people of her own country and the Philippines, both battered by back-to-back typhoons.

‘When a family has lost a home, their livelihood, and are struggling to recover, as someone who has witnessed it and truly understand the pain caused by natural disaster, I deeply empathize with everyone affected,’ she said.

‘I wish to send my love, sharing and hope to all, both in the Philippines and Vietnam. Let us stay strong, united, and continue spreading love for Mother Earth because we all share the same home,’ Trinh continued.

The Miss Cosmo pageant that is based in Vietnam also released a statement of solidarity with its home base and neighboring Philippines.

‘We mourn the tragic loss of lives and the immense suffering caused by this devastating storm. In this time of hardship and uncertainty, we stand united with both nations-sending our compassion, strength, and unwavering hope for swift recovery and healing,’ the budding organization said.

‘We are working closely with our partners and local authorities to deliver humanitarian support to affected communities. We stand hand in hand with the people of Vietnam and the Philippines, believing that every act of kindness can help rebuild hope after the storm,’ continued the statement.

The Thailand-based Miss Grand International pageant, whose reigning queen is Emma Tiglao of the Philippines, also sympathized with the Vietnamese and Filipino peoples.

‘During this period of sorrow and uncertainty, the organization sincerely hopes that all relevant authorities will provide timely assistance, support, and relief efforts to alleviate suffering and help those impacted return to stability as soon as possible,’ the organization said, which is currently hosting another pageant, the Miss Universe, in Thailand.

Typhoon ‘Kalmegi’ (named ‘Tino’ in the Philippines) wrecked havoc in the Philippines and Vietnam last week. Over the weekend, Super Typhoon ‘Fung-Wong’ (‘Uwan’) unleashed its might in parts of the Visayas and Luzon, and is projected to hit Taiwan up north

The country’s anemic growth rate is a signal for the government to intensify its efforts to combat corruption and restore public and business confidence, according to top business leaders.

‘It is a wake-up call to the government,’ Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Enunina Mangio said in a text message. ‘It reflects the challenges confronting key sectors of our economy.’

This, as the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth slid to 4 percent in the third quarter, its weakest output since the 3.8-percent contraction during the pandemic-hit first quarter of 2021.

‘MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) continue to struggle with high costs and limited access to financing; manufacturers face rising production expenses and logistical constraints; and our agriculture sector still needs stronger support to improve productivity and food security,’ she added.

Loss of confidence

On top of the flood control corruption scandal, Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) chair Elizabeth Lee noted that the Philippines had been grappling with investors’ risk aversion alongside a string of typhoons that disrupted classes, work and travel.

‘People are spending less as prices bite and confidence dips. Government spending slowed down, too, with flood control projects stuck in controversy and procurement delays,’ she said. ‘Put together, it’s no surprise growth came in at its weakest pace in years.

‘This is definitely very concerning,’ said Alfred Panlilio, president of the Management Association of the Philippines. ‘In my view, it is all about confidence in the country, especially with all these corruption issues coming out.’

‘As a consumption-driven economy, the Chamber sees the recent crackdown on corruption as a contributor to the slower-than-normal growth, due to the cancellation of government projects,’ said the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. ‘Nonetheless, we view this as the government’s commitment to improve investor confidence.’

For his part, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said the economy was still on ‘solid footing’ and ‘poised for a strong comeback in 2026.’

Gov’t taking action

In a statement, Recto said the Marcos administration had measures in place for a ‘major government cleanup’ geared toward reversing the GDP slump.

He also assured that those involved with the flood control corruption ‘will be held fully accountable and brought to jail in the coming months.’

‘Although there has been a slowdown in government spending as we continue to address the flood-control corruption controversy, this reflects the administration’s strong resolve for good governance and to spend only on legitimate, high-impact programs and project,’ he said.

‘As said before, the flood control controversy has also revealed that not all capital expenditures translate into growth. And now that we’re plugging those leaks and reallocating funds to high-impact investments-such as education, health care, agriculture and digitalization-we will only grow faster,’ Recto said.

He added that the interest rate cut of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas last month was already in anticipation of the temporary slowdown.

FPI’s Lee agreed that for local industries, the GDP slump would be an ‘opportunity to regain momentum, with the government prioritizing locally sourced materials that meet product standards, priced correctly to benefit both manufacturers and public projects.’

‘This is the path to rebuilding confidence and putting growth back on track,’ she added.

Foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines posted their steepest decline in six months in August-the first month that higher US tariffs took effect-according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

FDI inflows beat outflows by $494 million, still a net gain, according to the BSP.

Even so, it marked a 40.5-percent slump from a year ago, when net inflow was at $830 million. Figures showed it was the worst year-on-year contraction since February 2025’s 56.2-percent decline.

This brought the eight-month tally to a $5.18 billion net inflow, 22.5 percent lower than during the same period last year.

The BSP forecasts a net gain of $7.5 billion for 2025.