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SUPER typhoons developing in the western North Pacific, including those that pass through the Philippines, are now forming with heavier rains and stronger winds than those recorded in past decades, a new climate study has found.

In a September report, climate research group Climameter said storms similar to Super Typhoon Nando (international name: Ragasa) have become around 1°C warmer.

A typical storm now carries up to 10 millimeters more rainfall per day and blows about 4 kilometers per hour faster than comparable typhoons in the past, the study indicated.

‘They contribute to more extreme rainfall and flooding risks, particularly in the Philippines’ mountainous terrain and neighboring coastal regions,’ climate scientists Davide Faranda, Tommaso Alberti and Gianmarco Mengaldo said.

The researchers analyzed weather patterns linked to Nando’s rapid intensification, comparing how similar storms would behave under current conditions.

They are based on data from 1987 to 2023 versus how they might have developed in an earlier climate, from 1950 to 1986.

Results showed that recent super typhoons have shallower surface pressures by about 1 hectopascal, which marks stronger storm systems. Warmer sea and air temperatures also add more moisture to the atmosphere, meaning increased rainfall along the typhoon’s track.

Further, the report added that precipitation changes show up to 10 millimeters more rain each day, while winds are slightly faster near coastlines and offshore areas.

The study also compared conditions across several locations. Urban areas such as Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Calayan in northern Luzon now experience significantly wetter storms, while Hong Kong recorded minimal changes in temperature and a slight dip in wind intensity.

Some shifts in storm paths or rainfall distribution, they noted, could be influenced by natural climate cycles, such as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, or a decades-long natural warming and cooling cycle of the North Atlantic Ocean

‘However, the long-term changes in pressure, precipitation and temperature strongly suggest that the event’s severity is largely consistent with human-driven climate change,’ Faranda, Alberti and Mengaldo explained.

Projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) showed that tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific may become more intense even if they occur less frequently.

The panel also anticipates heavier rainfall and higher storm surges in the region, posing increasing threats to countries like the Philippines.

Between September 21 and 23, 2025, Super Typhoon Nando rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm before striking northern Luzon and eastern Taiwan with torrential rain, floods and landslides.

Philippine authorities reported at least 11 deaths as floodwaters and slope failures hit several provinces.

Krelz Gecosala and Kresthan Belacas stole the spotlight in the boys’ division of the Gov. Edwin Jubahib National Juniors Tennis Championships held over the weekend at the DavNor Sports Complex and Tagum City courts in Davao del Norte.

Gecosala, seeded fifth, stunned the field in the boys’ 18-and-under category, winning three straight matches before overpowering No. 4 seed Kurt Alcantara, 6-1, 6-3, in the final. The 16-year-old from Midsayap, North Cotabato also dominated the 16-and-under division, dropping just eight games in three matches, capped by a 6-4, 6-1 win over Wallaen Cabigas.

Belacas, from Mlang, Cotabato, excelled in the younger age groups. He edged Tyronne Caro, 7-5, 6-3, to win the 12-and-under title, then claimed the 14-and-under crown after Caro retired in the second set, trailing 3-6, 4-2.

Their twin victories earned them co-MVP honors, joined by Faith Lazaro of Tagum City, who impressed in the girls’ division.

Lazaro ended Ayl Gonzaga’s winning streak in the Palawan Pawnshop junior circuit with a gritty 0-6, 6-4, 6-2 semifinal comeback. She went on to win the 16-and-under title, 6-2, 6-2, over Telko Ello. Though she lost the 18-and-under finals to Sultan Kudarat’s Sanschena Francisco, 6-3, 6-3, her overall performance secured her a share of the MVP award.

Gonzaga bounced back by winning the girls’ 14-and-under title, 6-2, 6-2, over doubles partner Justine Gumbao, repeating her success in Sultan Kudarat.

Maureen Mamaba (Davao de Oro) upset Alexandrea Bendoy, 6-3, 6-3, to win the girls’ 12-and-under title.

Brandon Luchavez, unseeded, captured the 10-and-under unisex crown, beating top seed Storm Tozer, 5-4(3), 4-0.

Gonzaga also bagged two doubles titles. With Gumbao, she routed Sam Rodriguez and Shan Tuyor, 8-1, in the 14-and-under finals.

She then teamed up with Francisco to defeat Ello and Yana Reyes, 8-3, in the 18-and-under finals.

In boys’ doubles, Alcantara and Cabigas won the 18-and-under title, 8-5, over Harinne Antiola and Jaime Gultiano.

Caro and Gecosala took the 14-and-under crown, beating Belacas and Dimzon, 8-3.

The Group 2 tournament, presented by Dunlop and sanctioned by Philta, was supported by Universal Tennis and ICON Golf and Sports.

A steady pouring of rain flooded several towns in Zambales, rendering parts of the national highway impassable to light vehicles and causing some residents to evacuate, as Typhoon ‘Paolo’ (‘Matmo’) drenched Northern and Western Luzon on Friday, Oct. 3.

The Zambales Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said heavy floodings occurred in the central towns of San Felipe, Cabangan, Botolan, and Iba, as well as parts of Palauig and Masinloc towns up north.

PDRRMO head Rolex Estella said that as of 6:00 p.m. on Friday, a total of 128 families composed of 388 individuals have evacuated to safety because of the floods. Most of these are in Masinloc with 84 families, and Iba with 33 families having relocated to barangay halls, schools, and health centers.

Traffic build-up was also reported along the highway at Barangay Sindol in San Felipe, Barangay Binoclutan in Botolan, Barangay Mabanglit in Cabangan, and Barangays San Lorenzo and Bamban in Masinloc, where severe flooding made the roads impassable to light vehicles, Estella said.

Northern Zambales was placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 on Friday, according to the 2:00 p.m. bulletin from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The Zambales provincial government ordered the day before the suspension of classes in all levels in the province on Friday, as well as the pre-emptive evacuation of residents in low-lying areas in anticipation of heavy rainfall from Typhoon Paolo, Estella said.

The Philippine Coast Guard office in Zambales likewise cancelled all marine activities in the province and urged residents and visitors to stay away from beach areas after PAGASA warned of moderate to high risks of storm surge in coastal communities.

Motorcycle taxi platform MOVE IT is elevating industry standards with a Driver-Led, Tech-Reinforced Safety Commitment – a comprehensive program that pairs professionalized rider training with live safety technologies at scale.

The company reported a 99.999% incident-free completion rate across thousands of daily rides, and says its priorities are now squarely on the remaining ~0.001% trips.

‘Near-perfect isn’t the finish line,’ said MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto. ‘Leadership in safety means raising the bar every day – professional riders, real-time protection, and transparent accountability on every single trip.’

At the MOVE IT Moto-Taxi Road Safety Dialogue, 31 MOVE IT rider-partner communities signed the Katuwang sa Kaligtasan sa Kalsada, a pledge that anchors a community-led safety culture across the motorcycle taxi sector.

Driver-Led Safety: Professional Standards by Design

MOVE IT’s Pasado Bago Pasada framework subjects every rider to rigorous onboarding, continuous upskilling, and bi-annual retraining.

Highlights of the Pasado Bago Pasada Framework:

Every rider undergoes full government clearance verification. MOVE IT reports 100% compliance with document requirements.

Almost 60% of motorcycles pass inspection on the first attempt, underscoring the strict compliance standards for roadworthiness before deployment.

More than 80% of applicants clear the initial skills test, with the remainder retrained until they meet safety benchmarks.

All riders are mandated to retrain every six months, reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.

MOVE IT also collaborated with Ateneo’s Bulatao Center for Psychological Services to produce a first-of-its-kind Behavioral Assessment Tool for the motorcycle taxi industry, set to roll out this quarter. Unlike conventional tests that focus solely on technical skills, the tool is designed to measure how riders make decisions, manage stress, and respond to high-pressure or unexpected situations on the road. By grounding assessments in behavioral science, MOVE IT raises the bar on rider professionalism, ensuring that safety is defined not just by ability, but by judgment and conduct in real-world conditions.

Tech-Reinforced: Progressive Safety Innovations

While professional standards are central, MOVE IT said technology is equally critical in keeping roads safe. Through its strategic partnership with Grab, the platform has strengthened its safety infrastructure to support thousands of rides in real time.

In its relaunch in 2023, MOVE IT rolled out first-of-its-kind safety tools in the industry – from live location sharing and in-app SOS integration, to passenger and driver verification selfies and AI-driven trip monitoring.

The platform has since expanded its safety stack with additional tools designed to address some of the most common risks on Philippine roads:

Overspeeding Alerts provide real-time reminders when riders exceed safe limits, reinforcing responsible driving behavior and reducing accident risk.

Fatigue Nudges monitor trip patterns to detect signs of overwork, prompting riders to take breaks and ensuring they are alert before going on the road.

AudioProtect records trip audio in the background, giving both riders and passengers added security by providing clear context for investigations and ensuring fairness in resolving disputes or safety-related reports. Audio Protect will be live on MOVE IT in Q4 2025.

Together, these features aim to prevent accidents before they happen, protect riders and passengers during trips, and deliver greater transparency when incidents occur.

Fair Accountability: Shared Protection and Rapid Response

MOVE IT said professional riders and advanced technology must be backed by transparent accountability.

Reports filed through the app prompt swift investigation, with high-risk cases leading to preventive suspension pending due process. The same standards apply to complaints from riders against passengers.

An Emergency Response Unit of volunteer riders serves as first responders, reaching incidents within 30 minutes to provide aid and coordinate with hospitals and authorities.

All trips are insured, covering both passengers and riders, through partnerships with providers including AIG and Cocolife.

The Coalition for Filipino Commuters, an advocacy group for passenger rights and interests, commended MOVE IT’s progress, calling it ‘inspiring to see how MOVE IT, together with other platforms, is proactively transforming and growing our industry for the better through their respective pioneering efforts.’ At the same time, the group stressed that ‘platforms can only go so far on their own. It is time to standardize these safety measures through the official legalization of motorcycle taxis.’

Jacinto closed with a call for collective action: ‘Safety is not a milestone but a daily mission. We will continue to raise the standards – through professional riders, progressive technology, and fair accountability – until every commuter embraces motorcycle taxis as a truly reliable and viable transport option for our nation.’

BESIDES the national government agencies and the police force, the Philippine Postal Corp., the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) have pulled in weight to help Masbate’s storm victims and earthquake survivors in Cebu. The Makati city government also sent volunteers and material aid.

The PCSO earlier said that it has already handed out millions worth of evacuation kits and relief goods to families impacted by Typhoon ‘Opong’ in Masbate, and the earthquake in Cebu.

Covering daily deliveries through C130 flights, and the Philippine Coast Guard vessel ‘Gabriela Silang’, a larger wave of assistance is set to follow by land with a PCSO caravan scheduled to leave Manila Sunday morning on October 5, delivering more aid to both regions.

The caravan will transport substantial quantities of relief supplies to the affected provinces.

Among the resources being dispatched are 11 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) for Cebu, alongside five dump trucks from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) dedicated to carrying essential relief items.

To ensure a steady supply of aid, the convoy will also include at least five wing vans and one bus filled with crucial necessities for the families in need.

Masbate is under a state of calamity as it grapples with the aftermath of the typhoon that displaced thousands, destroyed homes, and severely impacted agricultural lands.

In Cebu, the magnitude 6.9 earthquake has left over 20,000 individuals displaced, with Bogo City, Medellin, and San Remigio among the most severely affected areas.

Thousands of residents remain in evacuation centers or have been forced to sleep outdoors due to ongoing aftershocks, highlighting the urgent need for immediate assistance.

‘We cannot turn away from the suffering of our fellow Filipinos in Masbate and Cebu,’ stated PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles.

PRC tents as shelter

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, had personally called Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard Gordon to seek the Red Cross’ assistance in deploying tents for displaced families in Northern Cebu.

Dizon, who closely worked with Gordon during the pandemic response, recalled the effectiveness of PRC tents as hospital extensions during the Covid-19 crisis.

Gordon swiftly mobilized PRC assets from warehouses in Manila, Cebu, and Subic, including prepositioned medical and family tents, food supplies, and emergency equipment ready for rapid dispatch to the hardest-hit communities.

Currently, PRC is on standby and awaiting the go-signal from the LGU, which is identifying an open area where the tent city can be set up. Once the site is confirmed, PRC will also assist in camp management to ensure safety, order, and proper living conditions for displaced families.

Dizon assured that DPWH, in coordination with DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, will provide full logistical support-including air transport via C-130s if necessary-to ensure the swift delivery of aid.

‘The President moved quickly and decisively. That kind of leadership is what our people need in times of crisis. His call to action allows the Red Cross and government agencies to work hand in hand in bringing immediate relief to the victims of this earthquake,’ Gordon said.

‘PRC is an auxiliary to the government. We stand ready to work with DOH, DSWD, DPWH, DND, and all agencies to ensure the welfare of our people,’ Gordon added.

PHLpost delivers hope

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has deployed its fleet of vehicles in Central and Eastern Visayas to support the DSWD in transporting relief supplies to families affected by the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu.

Postal trucks were used to deliver food packs, sleeping kits, and laminated sacks for temporary shelters to Bogo City and nearby municipalities. Postal Area 5 Director Marilyn Alcoy has been coordinating with DSWD Cebu to mobilize trucks and personnel, ensuring timely delivery of aid to evacuation centers and affected communities.

As the country’s universal service provider, PHLPost maintains a nationwide logistics and delivery network capable of reaching even the remotest barangays. The agency also keeps a standby fleet of trucks and has identified facilities nationwide that may serve as logistics hubs during disasters, enabling it to complement government relief operations.

Meanwhile, Makati Mayor Nancy Binay has ordered the deployment of a Search and Rescue Team to Cebu. The team of 12 highly trained search and rescue personnel, including four licensed nurses and EMTs, arrived in Cebu on Wednesday, October 2, to assist in relief and recovery operations in the affected areas.

The team brought critical equipment including specialized search and rescue tools, a generator set, power tools, and a drone to support operations on the ground.

SHFC freezes loan payments

Meanwhile, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), an attached agency under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), has declared a one-month moratorium on housing amortization payments for partner-homeowners in communities affected by recent natural calamities.

The declaration of moratorium is in response to President Marcos, Jr.’s directive and DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling’s instruction to extend urgent support to disaster-affected communities.

The moratorium covers member-beneficiaries affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu, as well as Typhoons Nando and Typhoon Opong in Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), Region V (Bicol), and Region VI (Western Visayas).

SHFC President and CEO Federico Laxa said the moratorium seeks to ease the financial burden of affected families so they can prioritize recovery and rebuilding.

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has filed four additional fraud audit reports before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), exposing cases of fully paid but non-existent or substandard flood control projects in Bulacan.

According to state auditors, the new filings involve projects in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO), ranging from P69 million to nearly P97 million.

The findings point to what the agency describes as another set of ‘ghost projects’ that were marked as completed and fully paid by the government.

COA flagged two projects awarded to SYMS Construction Trading: a P92.69-million flood control structure in Barangay San Roque, Baliuag, and another P92.71-million revetment project along Angat River in Barangay Taal, Pulilan.

Inspectors reported that the San Roque structure did not exist at the approved site, while an alternative location pointed out by DPWH officials contained a substandard facility that did not meet specifications.

For the Pulilan project, auditors found only an abandoned slope protection structure that predated the contract period.

Despite the irregularities and the absence of critical documents required under COA Circular No. 2009-001, the DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO had fully paid SYMS Construction.

‘This is another ghost project,’ state auditors said.

Among those initially held ‘liable’ are District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, Planning and Design Section Chief Ernesto Galang, Engineer John Michael E. Ramos, Project Engineer Lemuel Ephraim SD. Roque, Engineer Jolo Mari V. Tayao.

SYMS owner Sally Santos was also found to be liable.

Aside from SYMS, state auditors found a P69.48-million riverbank protection project awarded to Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc. as anomalous.

The approved site in Plaridel showed no signs of a flood control structure, while the alternate site identified by DPWH contained an incomplete facility that fell short of approved standards.

‘Based on these findings, COA takes this to mean that the fully paid flood control project does not exist,’ the agency said.

Aside from Alcantara, Hernandez, and Galang, Construction Section Chief Jaypee D. Mendoza, Ramos, Engineer Irene DC. Otingco, Engineer Joshua Blitz S. Roxas, Engineer Bernardo Villafuerte, and Eumir S. Villanueva of Topnotch Catalyst Builders, Inc. as well as the company’s officers and members of the board, ‘were tagged as liable.’

The audit also covered a P96.5-million riverwall construction project in Barangay Pagala, Baliuag, contracted to Triple 8 Construction and Supply Inc. Similar to the other cases, the approved site showed no structure, while the alternate site presented a facility ‘drastically’ below plan specifications.

The project had nonetheless been fully paid, with COA citing the absence of supporting validation documents as another red flag.

Triple 8’s officers and members of the board, led by Wilfredo M. Natividad, along with Alcantara, Hernandez, Ramos, Galang, and Mendoza were found liable.

COA said individuals found liable may face graft and corruption charges under Republic Act 3019, malversation and falsification of documents under the Revised Penal Code, as well as violations of procurement laws and COA regulations.

‘The initial list of liable persons is not final and may expand as the audit progresses, or new information becomes available,’ the COA said.

To date, COA has filed a total of 17 Fraud Audit Reports: nine with the Office of the Ombudsman and eight with the ICI, including the four new cases.

THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate and file criminal charges against those behind the circulation online of a ‘malicious’ and ‘misleading’ article that undermines the commission’s mandate.

The ICI was referring to online reports claiming that it has tapped the assistance of Task Force Kasanag International, a nongovernment organization led by a certain John Chong, in its ongoing probe into the multibillion anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects of the government.

‘The commission categorically denies this claim. The ICI has not authorized, deputized or engaged Task Force Kasanag International, or any group led by Mr. John Chong, in any capacity related to its investigation,’ the ICI said.

‘This report is entirely untrue and should not be given credence,’ it added.

The fact-finding body assured the public that it is pursuing its mandate with ‘independence, impartiality, and professionalism.’

It added that appointments to the ICI or partnerships with other groups will be made public through the commission’s authorized channels.

The ICI was created by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. following reports of ghost flood control projects and other anomalies in the government’s infrastructure projects.

It is chaired by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes, with former Public Works Secretary Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singson and SGV and Co. country managing partner Rosanna Fajardo as members.

Former Supreme Court Public Information Chief, lawyer Brian Keith Hosaka, was recently appointed as ICI’s Executive director and spokesman.

Prior to his appointment, Hosaka served as commissioner of the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC).

I oftentimes hear the expression ‘beyond measure’ in religious and poetic contexts. It means to an extreme or immeasurable degree; something that is so great, intense, or vast that it cannot be quantified or fully expressed.

In a world driven by metrics and key performance indicators, the phrase ‘beyond measure’ reminds us that not everything that counts can be counted. Associations, which are mission-driven, member-based organizations, are prime examples of entities whose true impact often defies simple quantification. While reports, surveys, and dashboards can capture the breadth of their activities, the depth of their influence is often intangible, yet deeply transformative.

As I wrote here in my earlier 3-part article series on ‘Why Associations Matter,’ associations play a pivotal role in shaping industries, advancing professions, and strengthening communities. They serve as platforms for collaboration, hubs of knowledge exchange, and catalysts for innovation. But their value extends well beyond the numbers and beyond membership tallies, event attendance, or revenue growth. Their work touches lives, uplifts standards, empowers individuals, and inspires collective action in ways that are difficult to fully measure.

Consider, for instance, a medical association that updates clinical guidelines to improve patient outcomes. The direct output may be a published document, but the real impact lies in lives saved, suffering eased, and futures secured. Or a teachers’ association that advocates for better education policies whose influence may ripple through generations of learners, shaping mindsets and unlocking potential. These outcomes, though profound, rarely show up neatly in quarterly reports.

Moreover, associations often serve as guardians of ethics and stewards of trust within their sectors. They uphold codes of conduct, champion sustainability, and promote inclusivity: principles that contribute to the moral fabric of a profession or industry. This cultural and ethical leadership cannot be easily quantified, but it is essential to long-term progress and integrity.

The phrase ‘beyond measure’ also reflects the passion and dedication of association leaders and volunteers. Their work, often behind the scenes, is fueled not just by duty, but by a deep sense of purpose. They give of their time, talent, and resources to build something bigger than themselves. The sense of belonging, mentorship, and shared mission they foster among members has lasting emotional and professional value.

In an age of data-driven decision-making, it is important to recognize and celebrate the qualitative impact of associations. While it is necessary to track metrics and outcomes, it is equally important to listen to stories, gather testimonials, and capture the spirit of what these organizations achieve. Their influence, while hard to plot on a graph, is real and resonant.

As associations continue to navigate a rapidly changing world, e.g., adapting to digital shifts, responding to global challenges, and meeting the evolving needs of their members, they must not lose sight of this deeper impact. Their ability to inspire, to connect, and to lead with heart is what sets them apart.

In the end, the most meaningful legacies of associations are often those that can be felt but not counted. Their contributions, like trust, hope, and progress, are truly beyond measure.