DPWH files multiple bid-rigging cases vs Discayas, 4 other contractors

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has filed multiple bid-rigging and bid manipulation cases against top government contractors and former officials of the Bulacan First District Engineering Office before the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).

Before signing a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) on Friday, October 3, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) turned over case files and documentary evidence for the PCC’s review.

Twelve cases of bid manipulation and rigging were filed against five contractors. The firms include Wawao Builders, IM Construction Corp., Syms Construction Trading, Discaya-owned St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Sunwest Inc. – all of which have been flagged for substandard projects.

DPWH Undersecretary Ricardo P. Bernabe III said that despite being flagged for irregularities by the agency’s internal audit service, some contractors were still awarded projects, which he said was a clear indication of bid-rigging.

Here is the breakdown of the per-contract violation the DPWH filed:

3 – Wawao Builderes

2 – IM Construction Corp.

2 – Syms Construction Trading

2 – St. Timothy Construction Corp.

3 – Sunwest Inc.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said penalties for a first violation could reach P110 million per contract, while subsequent violations may climb to P250 million per contract. If the PCC confirms collusion and bid manipulation, total penalties could amount to P2.3 billion, which would have to be paid and returned to the government.

As an example, Dizon showed the number of flood control projects that Discaya-owned companies secured from 2016 to 2025, finding 1,214 projects worth a total of P77.934 billion, based on contract IDs. With the cases now recommended to the PCC, the Discayas could face estimated penalties of P300 billion to be returned to the government.

“Wala pa diyan ‘yung iba’t ibang kasong ifa-file,” he said, reiterating the president’s call for the misused public funds to be returned to the government. (That does not even include the other cases to be filed.)

Dizon also said that all contracts of the nine Discaya companies have been terminated after their licenses have been revoked. This, he explained, allows the government to seize their surety bonds and warranties to ensure the projects are properly completed.

The DPWH cases also named Bulacan district and project engineers, along with other officials from its engineering office, together with officials and employees of the DPWH Regional Office in Mimaropa over the anomalous Oriental Mindoro flood control project linked to Sunwest Inc.

DPWH previously filed a case before the Ombudsman against around 20 of its former engineers and officers for alleged corruption, falsification, malversation and violations of the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Dizon said the 20 engineers will be covered in the cases they referred to the PRC, which will be responsible for reviewing the licenses of professional engineers and contractors and determining if they should be revoked.

“So it’s not just about accountability, but it’s also about safeguarding the institutions and the projects that the DPWH is doing from now moving forward. So 20 kaagad dito sa unang binigay namin sa PRC ngayon macocover ng MOA natin,” he said, noting this is just the first case.

Dizon said the evidence submitted by the DPWH to the PCC included fraud audit reports from the Commission on Audit and the agency’s internal audit service.

While careful not to preempt the PCC’s ruling, the DPWH chief said he expects a faster resolution since the department has already submitted substantial evidence, including the Discayas’ own admission during congressional probes that they took part in bid rigging.

Since the agency just filed the cases, Undersecretary Ricardo P. Bernabe III said there will be a period for preliminary inquiry and case build-up, which may take as long as three months before proceeding to deal with the actual case.

Asiabest buys stake in sister company Concrete Stone at ‘discounted’ price

Asiabest [ABG 26.00 unch; 10% avgVol] [link] said it has executed a subscription agreement with Concrete Stone Corp. (CSC), owned by builder Francis Lloyd Chua, at a ‘discounted’ price of P15 a share, valuing the deal at P150 million. In a disclosure, ABG said it made the initial investment on 29 September 2025 through the subscription of 10 million primary common shares in CSC. The company said the transaction will provide working capital for CSC and is ‘in line with the corporation’s plan to fold CSC as its subsidiary.’ The investment is part of a broader transaction with Chua’s two firms: Industry Holdings and Development Corp. (IHDC), which manufactures construction solution materials through CSC, and Premium Lands Corp. (PLC), a developer behind the Kabalayan mass housing brand. IHDC and PLC offered to subscribe to up to 6 million new common shares in ABG at P25 apiece, valuing the deal at P15 billion, in exchange for shares in CSC, Industry Movers Corp. and/or Kabalayan, as well as ‘specified real properties.’ ABG said it will raise its authorized capital stock to accommodate the share-for-share and share-for-real-estate swap.

MB bottom-line: ABG is now owned and controlled by Francis Lloyd Chua, who also owns and controls CSC and a somewhat diversified group of other companies. This subscription by ABG basically transfers capital from ABG to CSC, that I presume CSC will use to finance the build-out of the manufacturing facility construction that it announced in August. While this stake doesn’t make CSC a subsidiary of ABG, it is in the company’s plan to acquire CSC by Q1/26, so any stake buy now will make the eventual push to acquire control that much easier. Still, since this activity all springs from a backdoor listing, we’re basically flying blind with respect to value. Is this a good move for ABG shareholders, or are they now holding Mr. Chua’s bags? We just have to wait.

Safeguarding maternal and child health in rural Africa

On September 20, 2025 the world observed International Clean-Up Day, during which millions of participants removed waste from homes, streets, rivers and forests. For Africa, this occasion represents more than a single celebration; it is a deliberate public-health intervention of particular significance to mothers, children and remote villages where formal refuse-collection services are absent.

Many health ministries concentrate predominantly on clinics, vaccinations and pharmaceuticals. Yet research consistently affirms that health begins in the environments where people live, work and play.

In rural areas, environmental hygiene can determine whether a child survives diarrhoeal disease, whether a pregnant woman reaches a clinic safely and whether a household breathes air free of smoke and dust. Improper waste management, stagnant water and indiscriminate burning of rubbish attract disease-bearing organisms, thereby increasing infections that overstretched rural clinics struggle to treat.

Regular sanitation and careful environmental stewardship remain among the most cost-effective and reliable means of disease prevention. Links between child health and environmental cleanliness Contaminated water and the absence of safe sanitation facilities are principal drivers of diarrhoeal illness, which continues to claim thousands of young lives across Africa each year.

Villages that protect springs, maintain latrines and remove refuse reduce drinking-water contamination and interrupt the cycle of infection that leads to malnutrition and stunting. Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue proliferate in discarded containers, clogged drains and standing water.

Clean-up campaigns that remove tyres, plastics and stagnant pools diminish mosquito breeding grounds and reduce reliance on costly insecticide spraying. The cessation of open burning limits smoke and harmful airborne particles, thereby lowering respiratory infections among children–one of the leading causes of death after malaria.

Clean air translates to improved school attendance, enhanced cognitive development and reduced medical expenditure. Likewise, the removal of broken glass, rusted metal and hazardous debris from play areas prevents injuries and the risk of tetanus.

Protecting maternal health Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to unhygienic conditions that may cause infections during pregnancy and childbirth. Unsafe water, filth and accumulated waste contribute to sepsis a major cause of maternal mortality in resource-limited settings.

Chronic diseases arising from contaminated water or soil impair nutrient absorption, exacerbate anaemia and endanger both mother and child. Sound sanitation and responsible waste management improve maternal nutrition and foster safer pregnancies.

Even the journey to a clinic can be affected: roads obstructed by refuse or floodwater may delay or prevent timely arrival during labour. Communities that clear drains and maintain water channels enhance maternal safety in transit.

Regular community sanitation reduces disease burdens, lowers the demand for medicines and strengthens mental wellbeing and social cohesion. Residents take pride in a clean environment, which in turn increases community participation and family productivity, as mothers and children avoid illness-related absences from work or school.

Prioritising rural communities Villages, situated near rivers, forests and fertile soils, are particularly susceptible to environmental degradation. In the absence of formal refuse-collection services, households are often compelled to dump or burn waste.

Yet these same villages possess strong social networks that can mobilise collective clean-up efforts. Although such communities contribute minimally to global pollution, they suffer disproportionately from its effects; supporting rural sanitation is therefore a matter of environmental justice.

International and national clean-up days as a catalyst Now formally recognised by the United Nations, national clean-up days provide an opportunity to embed lasting measures: 1. Targeting high-risk areas drains, springs, latrines and domestic dumps.

2. Institutionalising regularity establishing weekly or monthly cleaning schedules to deter pests.

3. Integrating public services coupling clean-up events with immunisation, antenatal care and hygiene education.

4. Empowering women and youth ensuring maternal and child health remains a central priority.

5. Monitoring outcomes tracking cleared breeding sites and reductions in diarrhoeal cases.

Environmental sanitation is not a luxury but a fundamental public-health service. Every village and remote community can use International Clean-Up Day as a springboard for enduring environmental protection, yielding clean water, unblocked drainage, smoke-free air and safe passage for expectant mothers.

When the world bent to sweep away waste on September 20, Africa recognised an opportunity to reduce maternal and child mortality. The most powerful remedy may not be an injection or a tablet, but a broom, a hoe and a shared commitment to maintain environmental cleanliness–every week, not solely on the designated day.

Bryan Toshi Bwana is a Founding Trustee, Umoja Conservation Trust. www.

umojaconservation.org .

ACT Wazalendo pledges to make Tanga Port a regional trade hub

Tanga. ACT Wazalendo has promised to transform Tanga Port into a regional hub for trade and services, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth and job creation in northern Tanzania.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Tanga on Friday, former ACT Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe urged voters to elect parliamentary candidate Seif Abalhassan and party-backed councilors, saying they would fight to restore Tanga’s historic status as an industrial and commercial city. “Tanga Port is a major gateway, but local residents, especially youth and drivers, still complain of being excluded from opportunities,” Kabwe said.

“We want to push for Tanga Port to compete with Mombasa by attracting regional cargo and re-export trade. This will restore Tanga’s dignity.

” Kabwe argued that Tanga’s strategic position — as a port city and the endpoint of the Uganda-Tanzania crude oil pipeline — offered immense potential for jobs and investment if managed well. He pledged that ACT Wazalendo would advocate for the headquarters of the oil pipeline company to be located in Tanga and for incentives to attract investments in refining, fertilizer manufacturing, and other oil-related industries.

“Through these projects, Tanga can become Tanzania’s Oil City,” he said. The opposition party also vowed to revive sisal farming and related industries, describing it as part of Tanga’s economic rebirth.

In addition, Kabwe proposed the establishment of the University of Tanga, named after scholar Shaaban Robert, by upgrading existing education facilities such as Galanos School, Tanga School, and Bombo College. On social services, Kabwe promised that ACT Wazalendo would expand social security coverage to ensure every Tanga resident has health insurance.

He criticized the current health system as a heavy burden for citizens and vowed to outlaw the detention of bodies in hospitals over unpaid bills. Kabwe emphasized that youth unemployment remained the biggest challenge in Tanga, but argued that solutions lay in unlocking economic opportunities linked to the port, agriculture, trade, and industry.

“Jobs are not created by empty words; they are created through economic activities. Tanga’s port and its strategic projects must benefit the people of Tanga first,” he said.

Kabwe, who studied at Galanos School in Tanga, said his ties to the city were personal, adding that Abalhassan was a “hardworking and development-minded” candidate who would champion Tanga’s interests in Dodoma. .

BINI Aiah to help fellow Cebuano victims of earthquake

Aiah Arceta of the Nation’s Girl Group BINI expressed her devastation after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck her home province of Cebu.

In an Instagram story, Aiah shared a news report from ABS-CBN News about the earthquake.

“To my family, friends, and everyone who are in Cebu, I hope you are all safe!!!” Aiah wrote. “I may not be in Cebu right now but my heart goes out for the people who are affected.”

Aiah, together with the other members of BINI, is currently in Cagayan de Oro for their BINIverse and MINIverse shows.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the recent earthquake in Bogo and nearby cities. Many families have lost their homes, livelihoods have been affected, and urgent help is needed.”

“To extend our support, part of the sales from our September 30 release will go to those who are in need,” It’s Arc, Aiah’s cap business, wrote on social media.

“If you’d like to help, please directly message Bryan King Arceta for donation details and coordination. Let’s come together as one community to support our brothers and sisters in this difficult time.”

World Tourism Conference in Melaka plots industry’s sustainable transformation

Global tourism leaders and policymakers convened in Melaka, Malaysia, from September 27 to 29 for the 7th World Tourism Conference, establishing a new agenda on ‘Sustainable Transformation’ to address growing environmental and social pressures in the tourism industry.

The conference, held in tandem with the official World Tourism Day celebrations, brought together more than 700 delegates to tackle the challenges of overtourism, climate change and economic inequality facing the sector.

The event took place as the industry marked a strong post-pandemic recovery, with 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals recorded in 2024.

In his opening address, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, H.E. Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, set a tone of urgency, urging delegates to ensure the conference was not “merely ceremonial” and to “avoid producing statements that remain unresolved.”

Focus on ‘sustainable,’ ‘people-centered’ tourism

The theme of ‘Sustainable Transformation’ was defined by speakers as a call for deep, structural changes to the industry, underscoring the vital importance of the sector as leaders, policymakers, industry experts and local communities to come together to shape a sustainable future for tourism.

In his official message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that while tourism is a ‘powerful driver of transformation,’ it ‘must be sustainable to protect the very places and communities it celebrates,’ highlighting the core issue discussed at the summit.

During the conference, host nation Malaysia announced several concrete policy actions. The government revealed its plan to join the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories, with a pilot project in Mersing, Johor, to better monitor and manage tourism’s impacts.

Officials also highlighted national initiatives to develop digital nomad hubs and invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Event speakers underscored the pillars of sustainable transformation: empowering women, youth and marginalized groups through education; driving innovation by bridging the digital gap and supporting start-ups; uplifting micro and small enterprises to fuel local economies; and safeguarding cultural heritage as the heart of authentic travel.

Heritage-rich Melaka: a living example

Melaka’s selection as host of the World Tourism Conference positioned the Unesco World Heritage city as a ‘living laboratory’ for sustainable tourism.

Inscribed in 2008 for its entire historic urban landscape, Melaka was presented as a case study in balancing heritage conservation with modern economic pressures and rising visitor flows.

Conference sessions and curated tours highlighted the city’s inclusive approach, from women’s empowerment and community-based initiatives to eco-friendly practices.

Delegates joined experiences such as the Sungai Linggi Eco Cruise and the Dutch and Heritage Trail, illustrating how cultural assets can fuel the visitor economy without compromising integrity.

Organizers noted that Melaka’s layered history-shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences-mirrors the global tourism industry’s dynamics of cultural exchange and power imbalances.

By convening in Melaka, UN Tourism and the Malaysian government underscored Melaka’s role as both model and metaphor for a more inclusive, resilient and culturally grounded tourism future.

Visit Malaysia 2026 launched

Another major highlight of the week was the official launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the nation’s tourism push, officiated by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister stressed that the campaign’s success would be measured not just by visitor numbers but by its contribution to “cultural vitality and shared prosperity.”

The principles discussed were also demonstrated through a series of public events. The Melaka Entrepreneurs’ Carnival 2025 provided a platform for over 60 local business owners, with business matching sessions projected to generate RM10 million in transactions

Other festivities included an International Kite Festival, a 3,000-strong traditional zapin dance and a special exhibition honoring Enrique de Malacca, the 16th-century Melakan sailor who was part of Ferdinand Magellan’s fleet.

The conference concluded with Malaysia officially handing over hosting duties for World Tourism Day 2026 to El Salvador.

The theme for the 2026 event was announced as the ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,’ signaling the future of the industry.

Deogratious Massawe takes helm at TPSF as acting CEO amid Maganga suspension

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) has appointed Mr Deogratious Aloyce Massawe as acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Friday, October 3, 2025, following the temporary suspension of Mr Raphael Maganga.

The appointment was announced by the TPSF Governing Council and formally communicated by Interim President of the federation, Ms Angelina Ngalula, in a statement signed on behalf of the Council. According to the notice, Mr Massawe assumes the role immediately while the circumstances of Mr Maganga’s suspension are addressed.

Who is Deogratious Massawe? Mr Massawe is a seasoned financial economist and policy specialist with a strong academic and professional profile. He holds an MBA in Accountancy, a Bachelor’s degree in Customs and Tax Management, and a Professional Diploma in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Financial Educator (CFE). In his previous role at TPSF, Mr Massawe served as Director of Finance and Operations, where he oversaw financial management, budgeting, internal controls, and institutional development.

His LinkedIn profile states he has experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and implementing reforms in both private and public-sector settings. He has also represented TPSF externally; for example, as Finance Manager, he promoted Tanzanian private sector participation at international expos.

In 2024, Mr Massawe was linked with Rwanda’s Bank of Kigali for a tech division leadership role (BK Techouse), where he held interim senior responsibilities, reflecting his broader regional experience. His appointment as acting CEO is seen as a stabilising move given his familiarity with TPSF’s internal workings and mandate.

What led to this change? The TPSF announcement cites the suspension of Mr Raphael Maganga, the outgoing CEO, as the reason for the shift. Details of the suspension have not been publicly disclosed, and the statement suggests it is temporary.

Ms Ngalula, in her capacity as Interim President, emphasised, Mr Massawe’s appointment is to ensure continuity. Mr Maganga had served as CEO since February 1, 2024, succeeding Mr John Ulanga, who left for a diplomatic and trade post in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in late 2023. It remains unclear whether Mr Maganga will be reinstated, permanently replaced, or face further internal inquiry.

What does this mean for TPSF and private-sector leadership? The Federation of Private Sector in Tanzania plays a pivotal role as an interlocutor between business and government, advocating reforms, supporting SMEs, and promoting conducive policy frameworks. A smooth leadership transition is critical for its credibility and ability to execute projects and dialogues.

Key stakeholders will watch how Mr Massawe handles issues such as taxation, regulatory burdens, foreign investment promotion, and policy advocacy. His finance background and familiarity with TPSF may help ensure less disruption in ongoing programmes.

Observers note that stability and transparency in the transition will bolster confidence among businesses and international partners, especially as economic reforms face scrutiny. Meanwhile, Mr Massawe, in his acting capacity, will assume full executive responsibilities, including oversight of operations, advocacy, and government engagement.

For the private sector, leadership continuity is expected to ensure the federation remains effective and assertive at a critical juncture for Tanzania’s economic trajectory. .

10 areas in northern Luzon under Signal No. 3 as ‘Paolo’ gains strength

Several areas in northern Luzon have been placed under Signal No. 3 on Friday morning, October 3, as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo further intensified while moving closer to northern Aurora and southern Isabela.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the storm was spotted 150 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 125 kph.

Paolo is moving west-northwestward at 20 kph.

Storm-force winds extend outward up to 350 kilometers from the center. PAGASA warned that Paolo may reach typhoon category before making landfall later today.

Wind signals

Tropical cyclone warning signals have been raised in the following areas:

Signal No. 3

northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)

central and southern portions of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, San Guillermo, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, Cordon, City of Santiago, Ramon, San Isidro, Alicia, Angadanan, City of Cauayan, Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Aurora, San Manuel, Burgos, Gamu, Roxas, Palanan)

northern portion of Quirino (Maddela, Cabarroguis, Aglipay, Saguday, Diffun)

northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Diadi, Bagabag, Villaverde, Ambaguio, Quezon, Solano, Bayombong)

Mountain Province

Ifugao

southeastern portion of Abra (Tubo)

northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Atok, Kapangan)

central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur (Sugpon, Alilem, Cervantes, Suyo, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Sigay, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar, Salcedo, Santa Lucia, City of Candon, San Emilio, Galimuyod, Lidlidda, Banayoyo, Santiago, San Esteban, Burgos)

northern portion of La Union (Sudipen, Santol, Balaoan, Luna, Bangar, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, San Juan)

Winds of 89 to 117 kph are expected within 18 hours in these areas, posing moderate to significant threats to life and property.

Signal No. 2

central and southern portions of mainland Cagayan (Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Solana, Iguig, Tuao, Piat, Rizal, Santo Niño, Alcala, Amulung)

rest of Isabela

rest of Quirino

rest of Nueva Vizcaya

central portion of Aurora (Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis)

northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Bongabon, San Jose City, Pantabangan, Rizal, Lupao)

central and southern portions of Apayao (Conner, Kabugao)

Kalinga

rest of Abra

rest of Benguet

central and southern portions of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Currimao, Banna, Laoag City, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Dingras, Solsona, Marcos, Bacarra, Piddig)

rest of Ilocos Sur

rest of La Union

northern portion of Pangasinan (San Fabian, Sison, Pozorrubio, Umingan, San Jacinto, Laoac, Binalonan, San Nicolas, Natividad, Tayug, San Manuel, Asingan, Santa Maria, San Quintin, Dagupan City, Mangaldan, Manaoag, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Binmaley, Calasiao, Mapandan, Santa Barbara, City of Urdaneta)

Residents under Signal No. 2 may experience minor to moderate impacts from winds of 62 to 88 kph within 24 hours.

Signal No. 1

rest of mainland Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

rest of Aurora

northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta) including Polillo Islands

Camarines Norte

northern portion of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Tinambac, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Goa, San Jose, Presentacion)

Catanduanes

rest of Apayao

rest of Ilocos Norte

rest of Pangasinan

rest of Nueva Ecija

northern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, San Rafael)

Tarlac

northeastern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba, Mabalacat City)

northern portion of Zambales (Palauig, Masinloc, Candelaria, Santa Cruz)

Areas under Signal No. 1 could experience minimal to minor impacts from winds of 39 to 61 kph within 36 hours.

Severe winds

PAGASA warned Friday that the periphery of Severe Tropical Storm Paolo will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas not currently under wind signals:

Friday, October 3: Batanes, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Panay Island, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar

Saturday, October 4: Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Zambales and Bataan

The bureau said the worst-case scenario could reach Wind Signal No. 4 as Paolo may intensify into a typhoon before landfall.

Sea conditions

Gale warnings remain in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo continues to intensify.

PAGASA said sea travel is risky for all types and tonnage of vessels, and mariners should remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside.

Very rough to very high seas: Up to 11 meters are expected over the seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora. These waters may produce extremely hazardous conditions for large vessels and ships navigating near exposed areas.

High seas: Coastal waters may reach up to 6 meters along the eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan, western seaboard of Ilocos Norte and seaboards of Ilocos Sur and La Union.

Moderately high seas: Up to 5 meters are expected over the remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Babuyan Islands.

Rough seas: Up to 4 meters are forecast over Batanes, remaining seaboards of Aurora and northern and eastern coasts of the Polillo Islands. Small boats and fishing vessels are strongly discouraged from venturing out.

Moderate seas: Up to 3.5 meters in northern Quezon and Camarines Norte, as well as the seaboards of Pangasinan. Up to 3 meters are expected along the northern seaboards of Catanduanes and Camarines Sur.

Moderate to slightly rough seas: Up to 2.5 meters in the eastern seaboards of mainland Quezon, Catanduanes, Rapu-Rapu Islands, Sorsogon, northern and eastern Northern Samar, and the western seaboards of Zambales and Bataan.

PAGASA warned that strong winds may enhance waves and swell heights in coastal and exposed areas, and sea conditions may worsen as Paolo approaches northern Luzon.

Track and intensity

Severe Tropical Storm Paolo is forecast to move west-northwestward and may make landfall over northern Aurora or southern Isabela Friday morning or around noon, PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau warned that heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surge may still affect areas outside the projected landfall point and forecast cone.

After crossing Northern Luzon, Paolo is expected to emerge over the West Philippine Sea later Friday afternoon or evening and will continue west-northwestward until it exits the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday morning, October 4.

DDMPR declares largest dividend since Q3/23

DDMP REIT [DDMPR 1.05 unch; 98% avgVol] [link] declared a Q2/25 dividend of P0.023702/share, payable on Nov. 26, 2025 to shareholders of record as of Sept. 30, 2025. This dividend is 2.8% bigger q/q and 0.6% higher on a y/y basis. The total amount of the dividend is P422.5 million, which is 90% of the P467.82 million in distributable income that DDMPR declared for the quarter in its dividend declaration filing.

MB bottom-line: The discrepancy between the distributable income claimed by DDMPR in its dividend declaration and as revealed through its Quarterly Reports is still an open question for me. Does anybody have an explanation for this? For example, so far, DDMPR has declared a P411 million Q1 dividend and a P422 million Q2 dividend, for a total of approximately P833 million in H1/25 dividends. Its Q2 Quarterly Report says that it has earned P830 million in H1/25 distributable income. Its dividend declarations say that it has earned P901 million in distributable income (P467M + P434M). Relative to its Quarterly Report, DDMPR has distributed marginally more than 100% of its distributable income for the period. Relative to the statements from its dividend declarations, which don’t appear to tie to the Quarterly Reports, DDMPR has distributed 92.5% of its distributable income for the period. What am I missing?

Sh2.1bn dispute sparks worker protest at Rungwe Tea Factory

Mbeya. Tension has gripped the Katumba-based Rungwe Tea Growers’ Factory in Mbeya Region after 216 workers staged a placard protest to oppose their dismissal.

They are demanding dues worth Sh2.1 billion and have appealed for government intervention. The factory has remained closed since May 9, 2025, disrupting the livelihoods of more than 15,000 tea farmers.

Some growers have abandoned their plantations, while others have shifted to alternative crops, dealing a blow to the district’s economy. Addressing the protest on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the workers vowed to remain at their jobs until their employers, Tatepa and Maris Africa, the factory’s investors, settle claims totalling more than Sh2.17 billion.

Workers’ claims committee chairman, Mr Robert Shayo, said the dismissal letters issued by the employers came as a shock. He explained that 216 workers had been instructed to vacate their jobs by September 30, 2025, in violation of contractual terms.

“Our stand is to remain at work. We are demanding national social security funds (NSSF) contributions, leave allowances, and other statutory benefits outlined in our contracts.

The decision caught us completely off guard,” said Mr Shayo. Explaining their defiance, Mr Shayo stressed that costs would rise legally as the proper termination procedures had not been observed.

Factory manager, Mr Stanslaus Benela, said the workers’ defiance highlighted the economic burden caused by the closure. He noted that the shutdown had hit tea farmers, reduced household incomes in Rungwe District, and slashed national revenue.

“Some farmers have abandoned their tea fields, while others are uprooting the crop for alternatives. We urge the government to intervene and secure a new investor,” said Mr Benela.

He added that more than 15,000 farmers had been affected, while the wider economy had suffered as unpaid water and electricity bills mounted, leaving surrounding communities in difficulty. “Financial institutions that once processed salaries and farmers’ payments are no longer operating.

Even social security funds are missing contributions,” he said. Tanzania Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (TPAWU) secretary in Mbeya Region, Ms Jacline Novat, said the union had proposed that the employer pay workers their basic salaries, leave allowances, service certificates, and long-service awards.

She added that the employer was urged to provide Sh500,000 to each worker in recognition of their service, three months’ housing allowance, and transport costs for employees from outside Tukuyu. “We are awaiting the employer’s response by Monday to determine our fate.

In the meantime, we urge patience as their representative has assured us of feedback,” said Ms Novat. The factory’s board of directors’ representative, Mr Essau Sengo, acknowledged the protest and pledged to forward the workers’ concerns to the employer before giving a response on Monday.

He urged the workers to remain calm, stressing that the priority was to adhere to laws and procedures to ensure they receive their entitlements. “On behalf of the board, I assure all workers that your message has been received.

I will act on it and provide feedback by Monday. Rest assured, we are committed to protecting your rights through lawful means,” said Mr Sengo.

.