Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Over P15 billion has been proposed to be invested in this city under public-private partnership (PPP), amid sectoral outrage for some of these big-ticket proposals, according to the proposed Baguio annual investment plan for 2026, scrutinized by the City Council on Monday.

Six PPP projects are among the key priorities listed for next year in the summer capital, which has been classified as the richest city outside Metro Manila by the Philippine Statistics Office due to its impressive economic growth in 2023 and 2024.

The City Council has scheduled deliberations this month for Baguio’s proposed P3.65 billion budget for 2026, or a 22 percent increase from this year’s budget of P3 billion.

PPP projects will be underwritten by their winning bidders and will not use city funds, officials stressed.

One of the controversial PPP projects, now being reviewed by the Baguio City Council before its mandated Swiss Challenge (a competitive bidding that invites other investors to outbid a proponent), is the P4.5-billion modernization of the city’s century-old market. The modern market building was an unsolicited proposal of mall giants SM and Robinsons in 2000 until SM Prime Holdings was granted an original proponent status by Mayor Benjamin Magalong following an extensive vetting and negotiation process. But a group of residents has opposed the market’s ‘mallification’ and has encouraged the city to foot the bill for the new market construction instead.

The council also recently approved the PPP proposal for a P1.8-billion intermodal public terminal similar to the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, which proponent Megawide Construction Corp. will put up after an Oct. 14 Swiss Challenge drew no challengers. It would be the first Baguio PPP project to begin construction and could start servicing all buses using Marcos Highway within two years.

Smart mobility

On Nov. 12, the Council will start its review of the PPP proposal for a P2.5-billion Smart Urban Mobility Project to regulate Baguio traffic and improve public transport, which was pitched by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. It drew flak during public consultations when the project suggested collecting congestion fees for using traffic-heavy roads.

Also listed were PPP projects for the P1.2-billion rehabilitation and operation of Baguio’s Asin hydroelectric plants, the P4.3 billion pitch for housing projects, and the P1.5-billion Baguio Central Terminal and Cultural Center at the former City Auditorium

The House of Representatives has suspended work and its session for Monday, November 10, due to Super Typhoon Uwan’s expected impact over Luzon, including Metro Manila.

In an advisory, House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil said that only offices performing essential and critical functions are required to go on duty.

‘In view of the anticipated inclement weather conditions due to Typhoon Uwan, work in the House of Representatives, including the plenary session, is hereby suspended on Monday, November 10. 2025,’ Garafil said.

‘Offices performing essential functions are expected to ensure the continued delivery of critical services,’ she added. ‘The House leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of all employees.’

Latest weather updates from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) showed that Uwan was able to maintain its strength even as it moved closer to the Luzon landmass.

As of Pagasa’s 11 a.m. update, Uwan was last seen over the coastal waters of Pandan, Catanduanes, moving west northwest at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour (km/h).

Uwan is packing maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h near the center, and gustiness of up to 230 km/h.

Several areas in Luzon are under wind signals, including Metro Manila, which is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3. The Batasang Pambansa complex, where the House holds office, is located in Quezon City.

Garafil urged all House personnel to stay safe and take precautionary measures in anticipation of Uwan’s impact.

Previously, the House allowed employees who may be affected by Typhoon Uwan to park their vehicles at designated areas, as the Batasang Pambansa is located on higher ground.

‘All personnel are advised to take necessary precautions, stay safe, and prepare essential supplies during this period,’ she said. /cb

Spikers’ Turf has postponed Sunday’s triple-header in the 2025 Invitational Conference due to the effects of Super Typhoon Uwan.

‘Please be informed that today’s scheduled games have been postponed due to Super Typhoon Uwan and the adverse weather conditions it has caused,’ the league said in an official statement on Sunday morning.

‘A new schedule will be announced shortly. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please stay safe and take all necessary precautions during the typhoon.’

The matches were originally set at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, featuring Savouge Aesthetics vs PGJC-Navy at 1 p.m., VNS vs FEU-DN Steel at 3 p.m., and Criss Cross vs UST-Gameville at 5 p.m.

League officials said the postponement was made in the interest of player, staff, and fan safety amid the strong winds and heavy rains brought by Uwan.

A new schedule for the postponed fixtures will be announced once conditions improve.

The Philippine Coast Guard’s Zamboanga City station issued a Sea Travel Advisory at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday (Nov 8), temporarily suspending trips of all vessels, regardless of type and tonnage, that ply from Zamboanga City to Tawi-Tawi province.

Lieutenant Commander Tristan Jener Erediano said the suspension was in reference to the 3 p.m. update from the state weather bureau about the oncoming typhoon.

Erediano also noted strong winds and rough sea conditions brought by Typhoon Uwan, hence ‘long-distance sea travel is not advisable.’

In preparation for Uwan, the local governments in Basilan province and Zamboanga City have heightened the alert level among disaster response offices and personnel.

‘Preparedness saves lives. Our priority is to make sure every member of the Provincial Response Cluster is ready and that communication lines remain open before, during, and after the typhoon,’ Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman said.

Hataman called on all local officials and barangay leaders to stay alert and disseminate accurate information to their constituents to minimize risks and damages.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways in Zamboanga Peninsula said they were ‘on full alert, ready, and strategically prepositioned across the region for the possible effects of Typhoon Uwan. /mr

As the Philippines continues to face another typhoon, Piolo Pascual hoped that the grim circumstances in the country would remind government officials to not treat politics as a business.

In an interview with Inquirer Entertainment on Saturday, Nov. 8, Pascual said the recent string of typhoons battering the country is a reminder to the public to be mindful of the politicians they vote for.

At the same time, he also pointed out that the government should ‘do the right thing’ to avoid losing more lives.

‘It’s a good time for us to assess who we vote for. There are certain parts of the country that’s able to withstand storms and typhoons because they have better infrastructure. I guess it’s a wake-up call,’ he said.

‘As much as it’s nature telling us that we can do nothing about it, there are ways that we can prevent losing more lives by doing the right thing. It breaks my heart to see people losing their homes, their livelihood, so I hope ma-konsensya ang mga tao, the ones who have the power, for them to finally realize that politics is not a business. It’s a public serving type of job,’ he continued. Pascual stressed that corruption is a ‘work of the enemy,’ while urging the public to ‘get really mad’ with what’s happening around the country.

‘You’re elected because you want to give your constituents a better life. I hope they realize that because it makes people mad. I hope [the people] get really mad because it makes them realize that corruption is a work of the enemy. So, if you are eaten by selfish motives, then the enemy has overtaken you,’ he said.

This is not the first time Pascual became vocal against corruption. During the premiere of his film ‘The Ride’ last September, the actor thanked the public for showing up to see the film – despite its stormy weather at the time – amid the rampant reports of corruption.

The actor also shared that reports of corruption gives him pain, as he always does his best to pay his taxes on time.

The actor is one of the lead stars of the family film ‘Meet, Greet and Bye’ with Maricel Soriano, Joshua Garcia, JK Labajo, and Belle Mariano. /edv

Southeast Asia sits at a hinge moment. Home to immense diversity and a fast-growing economy, the region has managed to sustain a fragile peace while the world’s strategic weather continues to shift around it.

By all logic, it should already command global attention; yet too often it lingers at the margins of the story others tell about us.

From Manila’s vantage point, this moment offers an opportunity to reflect on the inheritances that shape the region, confront the frictions that stall delivery and explore practical ways the Philippines can contribute to, and benefit from, a more confident and cohesive Southeast Asia.

In the next leg of his journey across Southeast Asia, Indonesian statesman, businessman and thought leader Gita Wirjawan will be in Manila to launch his latest book, ‘What It Takes: Southeast Asia.’

A former minister of trade of Indonesia, chair of Ancora Group and host of Indonesia’s definitive leadership podcast Endgame, Wirjawan brings decades of experience in governance, investment and education to his writing.

‘What It Takes: Southeast Asia’ draws from dialogues with scholars, practitioners and leaders worldwide to explore Southeast Asia’s modernization and global role.

Blending realism and aspiration, Wirjawan challenges future leaders to reimagine Southeast Asia’s trajectory and unlock the region’s potential on the global stage.

Quality leadership

‘Southeast Asians deserve quality leadership that directly reflects the interests and priorities of the people these policies are intended to serve,’ Wirjawan writes.

In the book, he highlights that true progress in the region depends on strengthening the link between education and leadership.

He posits that through excellence in education, Southeast Asia can cultivate the kind of leadership that reflects its people’s aspirations and delivers progress that endures.

He also underscores the importance of regional cooperation, emphasizing that ‘Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) must set the example for the types of leaders and best practices that nations should emulate and cultivate to strengthen the region’s positive trajectory.’

On Nov. 11, Wirjawan will be in town for a fireside chat and book launch of ‘What It Takes: Southeast Asia,’ followed by a book signing session.

The event is organized by Asia Society Philippines as part of Asia Society’s mission to foster meaningful dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities for Asia and the world.

The event will take place at Manila House, BGC, from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. For inquiries and registration, please email [email protected]. INQ

Binibining Pilipinas Myrna Esguerra had a rousing send-off at the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City on Sunday morning, Nov. 9.

The gloomy weather aside, a festive atmosphere greeted pasengers and their loved ones not only because of the beauty queen’s hot pink ensemble, but also because of the marching band that came along.

Band members banging and blowing at their musical instruments lifted the spirits of the crowd, many of whom still sleepy, with the parade-like vibe that emanated at the departure entrance.

Esguerra is set to compete in the 63rd Miss International pageant in Japan, on a quest to record the Philippines’ seventh victory and sustain the country’s reputation as the best-performing Asian country in the global tilt.

The beauty queen is arriving in Japan three days earlier than the official arrival of delegates because she intends to meet the Filipino community there ahead of the competition.

Esguerra waved to the onlookers at the airport in a bustier-top using indigenous fabric with a hot pink sash draped on one side, matched with a pair of wide-legged hot pink trousers. A flowy scarf also graced her long neck to complete the look.

Before her departure, the beauty queen earned her Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pin after weeks of training and learning under sustainability consultant Dr. Maria Romina Gemini Brion Zabala and Dr. JC Chiong.

For the most recent editions, including this year’s, the Miss International pageant has been promoting the 17 SDGs, and the delegates are enccouraged to spearhead projects that align with the goals.

‘Receiving the SDG pin gave me a true sense of pride because in that moment, I felt like an official partner in helping shape our society for the better,’ Esguerra said.

‘It also comes with a little pressure, because I believe that wearing this pin carries a real responsibility. And from today forward, I am ready to bear that responsibility aligned with my purpose,’ she continued.

The Miss International 2025 final competition show will be held at the Yoyogi National Stadium’s Second Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 27. /edv

Amid the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan, 6,607 individuals, including passengers, crew and cargo staff, were stranded across 86 ports nationwide on Monday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported.

With wind signals as high as Signal no. 5 up, authorities have suspended sea travel in all areas affected by Uwan.

From 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Monday, the PCG also recorded a total of 3,161 rolling cargoes, 83 vessels, and 22 motorbancas stranded, while 408 vessels, and 304 motorbancas are taking shelter.

The PCG recorded the highest number of stranded people in Bicol Region with 2,575 individuals, 1,143 rolling cargoes, and six vessels stranded, while 34 vessels and 27 motorbancas taking shelter in the ports listed below:

Aroroy Port

Masbate Port

Mobo Port

Cataingan Port

Mintac Port

Cawayan Port

San Jacinto Port

San Fernando Port

Lagundi Port

San Pascual Port

Bacacay Port

Legazpi Port

Pioduran Port

Pasacao Port

Matnog port

Pilar port

Castilla Port

In Eastern Visayas, stranded in the following ports are 937 individuals, 749 rolling cargoes and one vessel, while 24 other vessels and 29 motorbancas are taking shelter:

Sta. Clara Port

Dapdap Port

Looc Port

Maripipi Port, Maripipi Biliran

Kawayan Port, Kawayan Biliran

Ormoc Port

Isabel Roro Port

Port Of Tacloban

Calubian Port

Port of San Juan

Port of Benit

Port of Liloan

Magallanes/Triana Port

Port of Padre Burgos

Catbalogan Port

Amandayehan Port

San Antonio port

The following Southern Tagalog ports are accommodating the stranded 843 people, 218 rolling cargoes, two vessels and 11 motorbancas, together with 151 vessels and 47 motorbancas taking shelter:

Port of Lucena

Port of Mauban

Port of Atimonan

Port of San Andres

Real Port

Ambulong Port

Romblon Port

San Agustin Port

Looc Port

Batangas Port

Anilao Port

Tingloy port

Balanacan port

Buyabod Port

San Jose Port

Mariil Port

Vicinity waters off Brgy Palangan

Vicinity waters off Brgy Poblacion, Concepcion, Romblon

Vicinity waters off Pola

PCG also said that the following ports in Western Visayas have 739 people, 340 rolling cargoes and five vessels stranded, alongside 18 vessels taking shelter:

Arastre Port

Dumangas Port

Bayang Port

Alegria Port

Caticlan Port

Culasi Port

In Central Visayas, 662 people, 300 rolling cargoes, 51 vessels, and 11 motorbancas are stranded, while 62 vessels and 189 motorbancas are taking shelter in the following ports:

Sitio Quasi, Brgy Poblacion, Tabuelan, Cebu

Medellin Pier, Brgy Kawit, Medellin, Cebu

Polambato Pier, Brgy Polambato, Bogo City, Cebu

Daanbantayan Pier, Brgy Maya, Daanbantayan Cebu

Malapascua Pier, Brgy Logon, Daanbantayan, Cebu

Hagnaya Port, San Remigio, Cebu

Carmen Port, R.M. Durano Street,Pier Poblacion,Carmen Cebu

WTG Port

Toledo City Port

Pier 1 Cebu City

Pier 3 Cebu City

Labogon, Mandaue

Dunggoan Port

Tagbilaran Port, Tagbilaran City

Getafe Port, Getafe Bohol

Catagbacan Port, Catagbacan Loon, Bohol

Ubay Port

Popo Port, PCPG, Bohol

The following Northern Mindanao ports are also housing a total of 549 people, 18 rolling cargoes and three vessels stranded, while 47 vessels are taking shelter:

Cagayan de Oro Port

Port of Tagoloan

Ozamiz Port

Holcim Port

Meanwhile, stranded in the Southern Visayas ports listed below are 210 individuals, 143 rolling cargoes, and seven vessels, while taking shelter are 13 vessels and two motorbancas:

Barcelona Port

Cadiz City Commercial Port

Port of San Carlos

Bredco Port

In Central Luzon, 76 individuals and six vessels are stranded, while 31 vessels are taking shelter in two ports: Northport Passenger Terminal, and AFAB Port/PBR Limay.

At 8 a.m. on Sunday, the state weather bureau reported that the super typhoon was last spotted 125 kilometers east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph), with gusts of up to 230 kph.

Uwan is set to make landfall on Sunday evening or Monday morning, affecting most of the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration. /das

Continuous rains brought by Super Typhoon Uwan have submerged several areas in Butuan City, displacing hundreds of families and prompting preemptive evacuations and class suspensions.

Mayor Lawrence Fortun visited Barangays Los Angeles and Sto. Niño on Sunday to assess the situation of families now staying in evacuation centers. He met with leaders of the two villages to discuss persistent flooding problems and pledged immediate government action.

Local government data showed 455 families, or 1,337 individuals, were affected in Barangay Los Angeles, while 208 families, or 3,116 individuals, were displaced in Barangay Sto. Niño. Twenty schools have been converted into temporary shelters, forcing the suspension of face-to-face classes on Monday, November 10.

The City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD) reported that 2,435 families have received relief goods as of Friday evening. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga and the Philippine Army joined the city’s response teams in the distribution of food packs.

Fortun said the flooding issue will be brought to a coordination meeting with the City Engineering Office, DPWH-Butuan City District Engineering Office, and the City Environment and Natural Resources Department to craft long-term flood control solutions.

Despite heavy rains, the city’s volunteer network has sustained round-the-clock operations, packing and delivering relief goods. ‘The strong sense of volunteerism among Butuanons continues to inspire our ongoing disaster response,’ the mayor said.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) maintained full alert status and activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for real-time monitoring and coordination with barangay officials. Rescue vehicles and equipment have been pre-positioned for immediate response.

The CDRRMD advised residents to stay alert, avoid flooded roads, and report emergencies through its hotline numbers.

Floodwaters have receded in parts of Barangay Los Angeles, Ampayon Weigh Bridge, and Mahay, where roads are now passable to all types of vehicles. Continuous monitoring remains in low-lying areas as intermittent rains persist.

Residents were urged to stay updated through advisories from PAGASA Butuan and the Butuan City Public Information Office

Over 19,500 families were preemptively evacuated in the Calabarzon region as Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) threatens residents living in disaster-prone areas.

In a report on Sunday morning, the Calabarzon Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) said the evacuees composed of more than 63,700 individuals from at least 81 cities and municipalities were temporarily sheltered in evacuation centers – mostly school buildings, covered basketball courts, barangay offices, churches and chapels – in different parts of the region.

The evacuees were from ‘high-risk areas’ in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

The RDRRMC said they continue to coordinate with the local government disaster management councils and other agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of the affected residents.

With Uwan approaching, the RDRRMC has placed the entire region under red alert status beginning Saturday.

A red alert status is the highest level of activation, signaling a full-scale readiness for disaster response. All personnel – from rescuers to local government officials – are mobilized for monitoring, coordination, and immediate action.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel of all vessels/watercraft in Southern Tagalog due to Uwan.

Uwan intensified into a super typhoon on Sunday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced.

Uwan is packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph), with gusts of up to 230 kph, the state weather bureau said.

Pagasa added that the super typhoon was last located 125 kilometers east-northeast of Virac Catanduanes, moving west-northwestward at 25 kph.

Pagasa hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) no. 5 in some areas in Luzon, including Quezon’s Polillo group of islands in the Pacific Ocean that host the municipalities of Polillo, Burdeos, Panukulan, Jomalig, and Patnanungan.

TCWS No. 4 is hoisted in some areas including the eastern portion of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Calauag, Guinayangan, Perez, Alabat, Quezon).

The provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal remain under TCWS No. 3. /das