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The Province of Cebu has been officially declared under a state of calamity, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck offshore northeast of Cebu Island on the evening of September 30.

The declaration was made during an emergency online session of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which was presided over by Vice Governor Glenn Soco yesterday (October 1).

‘This declaration is necessary to give our provincial government the ability to respond quickly and effectively,’ Soco said. ‘It allows us to mobilize resources, extend immediate assistance to affected families, and implement rehabilitation measures as we begin our recovery.’

The session was held virtually, as board members remained in their respective districts to assist constituents and monitor the situation.

The Cebu Provincial Legislative building is currently undergoing a structural safety inspection to ensure the welfare of employees and officials.

Placing the Province of Cebu under a state of calamity was meant to expedite resource mobilization and rehabilitation. As the situation continues to evolve, national and local agencies remain committed to ensuring the safety, recovery, and resilience of affected communities.

According to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred at 9:59 PM Philippine Standard Time, was tectonic in origin, with the epicenter approximately 19 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers.

The earthquake was generated by movement along a previously unmapped offshore fault segment, not the inland Bogo Fault. Ground shaking was felt across Cebu and neighboring provinces.

PHIVOLCS recorded Intensity VII (destructive) in Bogo City, and the towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, Tabuelan, and San Remigio. The agency continues to monitor seismic activity and urges the public to remain alert for possible aftershocks.

PHIVOLCS initially issued a tsunami advisory, which was later lifted after no significant sea level changes were observed. But it confirmed that this is the strongest earthquake ever recorded in Cebu Province.

Cebu lies within a seismically active region influenced by multiple fault systems, including the Bogo Fault, Daanbantayan Lineament, and the broader Cebu Fault System.

Vice Governor Soco joined Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro later in the day in some of the affected areas in northern Cebu to oversee relief operations, and they called on residents to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and consult municipal engineers before re-entering damaged structures.

Soco said: ‘Declaring a State of Calamity is not just a legal measure. It is a commitment that your provincial government is working tirelessly to safeguard the welfare of every Cebuano during this difficult time. Together, we will rise from this challenge stronger and more united.’

Baricuatro conducted an aerial inspection and described the damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure as ‘devastating.’

Collapsed bridges, cracked highways, and ruined homes were reported across towns. Even government facilities in Bogo City, including the City Hall, bus terminal, and port, sustained severe damage.

Power supply was also disrupted. Transformer explosions in Asturias triggered widespread blackouts, while the Visayas Grid Authority raised a yellow alert on Wednesday morning.

In total, 27 power plants tripped, causing the loss of 1,444.1 megawatts, while 16 plants were offline and one was operating at reduced capacity. This left at least 1,654.7 megawatts unavailable in the Visayas grid, though Luzon and Mindanao grids remained stable.

Telecommunications were cut off in Bogo City, Daanbantayan, and San Remigio towns, making rescue coordination more difficult. Transportation was also affected, with at least 52 passengers stranded in the towns of Carmen and Consolacion after roadblocks and port closures.

Religious and cultural landmarks were not spared. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan collapsed, the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish and the Capelinha de Fatima Replica all in San Remigio, were destroyed or suffered structural damage.

The Hagnaya Port in San Remigion temporarily suspended operations due to quake-related damage, halting passenger and cargo movement in northern Cebu.

In addition to public structures, numerous private homes also collapsed or sustained heavy cracks, forcing residents to seek shelter in evacuation centers.

Relief efforts began immediately, with the provincial government deploying rescue teams, medical staff, and food supplies to hardest-hit areas.

Government help

As Cebu Province continues to reel from the mag-6.9 earthquake, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte extended their respective messages of sympathy and support, while national agencies mobilize a coordinated response across Central Visayas.

President Marcos expressed deep condolences to families who lost their loved ones and offered prayers for the safety and recovery of the injured. He assured the public that Cabinet officials are already on the ground to assess damage and deliver aid.

The President urged all residents to remain alert and follow advisories from their local governments, emphasizing that the nation will rebuild together.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is inspecting roads and bridges, the Department of Energy is working to restore power, the Department of Health has deployed additional medical personnel to hospitals, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development is distributing food and essential relief.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is assisting in search and rescue operations, while the Philippine National Police is maintaining order, and supporting rescue efforts.

The Department of National Defense, led by Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, also called for the unified and coordinated response efforts among national government agencies, uniformed personnel, and local disaster risk reduction and management offices to extend rapid disaster response in areas heavily affected by the earthquake.

Teodoro has instructed the Office of Civil Defense-Region 7 to lead the regional coordination efforts and provide situational updates for the immediate deployment of the necessary assistance to affected localities in northern Cebu.

On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte, through the Office of the Vice President, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the people of Cebu and Leyte.

She offered prayers for the peace of those who perished, healing for the injured, and strength for communities facing the aftermath of the disaster. She expressed hope that affected families will find courage, faith, and resilience in this time of hardship.

The OVP also delivered assistance through its satellite offices in Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Eastern Visayas, Panay, and Negros Islands.

On the ground, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa ordered the continuous deployment of emergency medical teams from Cebu City to Bogo City.

The first batch from Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center included general surgeons, emergency medicine doctors, and orthopedic specialists, while a second batch was sent to Cebu Provincial Hospital early yesterday morning.

As of press time, Central Visayas is under Code White Alert, activating the DOH Operations Center and Health Emergency Response Teams with medicines and equipment ready for deployment.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government-Region 7 (DILG-7) activated its Emergency Operations Center and mobilized regional and provincial focal officers.

Local government units have been urged to convene their disaster councils, conduct rapid damage assessments, and evacuate high-risk communities. Structural safety inspections are underway, and contingency plans are being activated to ensure continuity of public service.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced it will shoulder burial expenses and provide P10,000 cash aid to families of those who perished while conducting damage and needs assessments in Bogo City. DSWD maintains P379 million in standby funds and P2.4 million family food packs nationwide.

In coordination with the Office of Civil Defense, national agencies have deployed assets to northern Cebu. The Philippine Coast Guard, led by RADM Agapito B. Bibat, dispatched BRP Sindangan carrying Disaster Response Group teams, medical personnel, SAR dogs, and food packs. BRP Teresa Magbanua also transported 36 medical personnel from Manila to Bogo City.

The Philippine Air Force, through Tactical Operations Wing Central, mobilized a C-130 aircraft and Black Hawk helicopters for rapid damage assessments and airlift operations.

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Engineer Brigade deployed 158 troops, ambulances, and mission-essential equipment.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco also requested urgent assistance for Cebu while coordinating with DOT regional directors and gateway authorities to ensure the welfare of affected communities, tourists, and tourism frontliners.

Inspection teams of TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) have been deployed to assess damage to heritage churches in Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Tabogon, and San Remigio, as well as key tourism establishments in Cebu City and northern Cebu.

The DOT issued a public advisory urging travelers to confirm the status of destinations before traveling, as several sites may be closed for safety inspections. Tourists are reminded to remain alert for aftershocks and follow official bulletins from PHIVOLCS and NDRRMC.

Two minor eruptions were detected at Taal Volcano in Batangas shortly after midnight yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the eruptions had nothing to do with the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu approximately three hours earlier.

The eruptions generated ash plumes, but did not affect surrounding communities.

State volcanologists said the first eruption, described as phreatic or steam-driven, occurred between 12:57 a.m. and 1:02 a.m. The second, a stronger phreatomagmatic eruption, occurred from 2:02 a.m. to 2:15 a.m.

Phivolcs said the second eruption was recorded by a thermal camera installed at the Taal Volcano Observatory and by an IP camera at the Main Crater Observation Station.

‘A steam-driven eruption occurs when water came into contact with hot rocks, generating an explosion,’ Paolo Reniva, resident volcanologist at the Taal Volcano Observatory in Barangay Buco, Talisay town, said.

Meanwhile, a phreatomagmatic eruption occurs when magma comes into contact with water, causing explosions that eject steam, ash and volcanic debris. Such activity may produce plumes higher than the ones generated by a phreatic or steam-driven event.

Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest remained hoisted over Taal Volcano.

Entry into the Taal Volcano Island is strictly prohibited and residents in nearby areas have been advised to prepare and heed authorities during emergencies.

Three members of family died while another was injured in a fire that gutted the victims’ property in Tarlac City on Tuesday.

Lloyd Paglingayen, his wife April Marie, 39, and their daughter Naarah Olivia, 7, died at the scene of the incident that occurred at past 3 a.m. in Barangay San Sebastian.

Another member of the family, James Olive, 14, was rushed to the Tarlac Provincial Hospital for treatment of burns and other injuries.

Probers said James managed to escape from the blaze while his relatives were trapped in the house.

Arson probers have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

The agriculture industry in Negros Occidental has incurred up to P6.3 million in damage due to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

Data from the office of the provincial agriculturist showed that as of Tuesday, up to 259 hectares of rice fields in 39 barangays were damaged and 351 farmers were displaced by floodwaters.

Authorities estimated the amounts of damage to crops at P6.12 million, fishery at P182,250 and livestock at P21,261.

Opong affected 12 households in Valladolid town as well as in the cities of Bago and La Carlota.

The office of the provincial veterinarian said that livestock raisers evacuated 36 heads of animals to a rescue center in Moises Padilla before Opong struck.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) and other preparations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body has ordered all election officials nationwide to terminate preparations for the barangay and SK elections as the law resetting the electoral exercises to Nov. 2 next year has become effective.

‘Up to now, no temporary restraining order has been issued by the Supreme Court regarding the resetting of the barangay and SK elections,’ Garcia said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay yesterday. ‘In the meantime, the law stopping the conduct of the elections on Dec. 1 has become effective and there is no point to proceed with the filing of COCs.’

The filing of COCs for the barangay and SK elections was supposed to start yesterday.

The Comelec, Garcia said, would come up with a new calendar of activities for the holding of the electoral exercises next year. He said the poll body waited until yesterday for the high tribunal’s action on a petition questioning the law that reset the elections.

He said procurement of necessary election materials for the barangay and SK elections would proceed. Only the filing of COCs, observance of election and campaign periods have been terminated.

The Comelec has spent P2 billion of the P11.5-billion budget allocated for the barangay and SK elections, Garcia said, noting that Congress has allotted an additional P7.46 million to the remaining P9.5-billion budget to be used for the election next year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downgraded its growth forecasts for the Philippines, citing weaker-than-expected performance in the first half and external headwinds that could weigh on exports and investment.

In its latest Article IV Consultation, the IMF now expects the Philippine economy to expand by 5.4 percent in 2025, slightly lower than the 5.5 percent projection in its July World Economic Outlook.

Growth is projected to improve to 5.7 percent in 2026, but still weaker than the earlier estimate of 5.9 percent.

Both forecasts are below the government’s 5.5 percent target this year and six percent target next year.

‘The revision reflects factors related to the first half performance, which was weaker than expected,’ IMF mission chief Elif Arbatli Saxegaard, who led the consultation mission in Manila, told reporters yesterday.

Saxegaard said external pressures, including higher tariffs slapped by the United States on Philippine exports, could dampen trade and investment prospects.

‘Some of the important factors will be the higher tariffs, which are imposed on the Philippine exports to the US and will weigh on exports and investment,’ she said.

The expected decline in government expenditure to meet the government’s fiscal deficit target is also ‘expected to more than offset an increase in private consumption.’

Still, the multilateral lender noted that the Philippine economy has remained resilient despite global uncertainties, with growth supported by monetary easing and recent legislative reforms to boost private investment.

Meanwhile, the IMF pointed out that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has room to further ease monetary policy given the favorable inflation outlook and downside risks to growth.

‘The inflation outlook is quite favorable. We also see downside risks to growth and the output gap. In line with this, there is more room for a more accommodative policy stance,’ Saxegaard said.

Inflation is expected to average 1.6 percent in 2025 before inching up to 2.6 percent in 2026, staying close to the BSP’s two to four percent target. Core inflation is projected to remain subdued at 2.5 percent in 2026.

On fiscal policy, the IMF said the government should pursue a gradual medium-term fiscal consolidation strategy anchored on durable revenue measures.

‘The authorities should consider implementing concrete and durable tax measures to limit the need for restraint in priority spending,’ the IMF noted, stressing that heavy cutbacks often hurt growth and disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.

Saxegaard highlighted several tax options under discussion, including excise levies on unhealthy food and sugary drinks, closer monitoring of tax incentives and improved efficiency of the value-added tax.

She also underscored the role of technology in strengthening tax administration.

‘Better or enhanced use of data analytics and compliance risk management would help support revenue mobilization,’ she said.

The IMF also flagged vulnerabilities in the financial sector, such as exposure to the real estate market, strong interconnections among banks and conglomerates, and the rapid expansion of consumer credit. Nonetheless, it said systemic financial risks remain moderate, with the banking sector backed by solid capital and liquidity buffers.

On governance, the IMF urged authorities to strengthen fiscal management and transparency, improve public investment planning and procurement, as well as deepen reforms to attract foreign direct investment.

‘Enhancing fiscal governance and the rule of law and reducing corruption vulnerabilities are critical for inclusive and sustainable growth,’ Saxegaard said.

The IMF team held meetings with government officials, the BSP and representatives of the private sector during its mission in Manila from Sept. 18 to Oct. 1.

Like a virtual ‘sprint race’, the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference is set for a high-intensity, action-packed run, crammed into just eight weeks to accommodate Alas Pilipinas’ participation in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

Despite its short run, the import-laden tournament promises thrilling showdowns, unpredictable outcomes and fierce rivalries when it kicks off on Tuesday, October 7. A fresh wave of international reinforcements is set to electrify the local scene, as fans eagerly welcome a new chapter of top-notch volleyball action.

As with last year, the PVL will use its streamlined Reinforced Conference format: the 12 participating teams are divided into two pools, playing a single round-robin within their groups. The top three teams from each pool will advance to the second round and face off only against the bottom three squads from the opposite group.

Rankings will follow the FIVB classification system: total wins, match points, set ratio, and point ratio.

At the end of the second round, all 12 teams will be re-ranked from 1 to 12. The bottom four will be eliminated, and the top eight will advance to the quarterfinals, which will follow a 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, and 4 vs 5 knockout format. The semifinals, championship, and bronze medal matches will also be one-game, do-or-die encounters.

Fresh off a dominant preseason, PLDT is aiming to complete a rare triple crown after sweeping both the PVL on Tour and the Invitational Conference. Spearheaded by Russian ace Anastasiia Bavykina, the High Speed Hitters boast a stacked roster and are gunning to finish the year with a perfect record.

But with 11 hungry teams looking to knock them off their perch, the race to the crown is anything but certain.

PVL president Ricky Palou expressed optimism for another unforgettable conference during Thursday’s press conference of the import-laced conference, backed by Milcu, Fabriano Appliances, Mikasa and ICTSI, at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas.

‘We’re looking forward to a very exciting conference,’ said Palou. ‘It’s going to be more competitive than usual because it’s Reinforced – we still have to see the caliber and skills of the imports. Whoever wins the championship, it’s anybody’s game.’

Star-studded reinforcements from across the globe are set to bolster each squad.

Creamline will look to bounce back with American spiker Courtney Schwan, seeking to defend its title, while Petro Gazz returns with a proven weapon in Lindsey Vander Weide, a key figure in their 2022 championship run.

Galeries Tower has signed former Chery Tiggo import Jelena Cvijovic of Montenegro, Nxled will lean on Spanish standout Paola Martinez Vela, Akari welcomes American Annie Mitchem, while Capital1 brings in Ukrainian Oleksandra Bytsenko.

Chery Tiggo tapped Cuban veteran Yunieska Robles Batista, Choco Mucho will be reinforced by American Anyse Smith, Cignal will rely on Greek hitter Eva Chantava, Farm Fresh looks to make waves with Belgian Helene Rousseaux, and ZUS Coffee is banking on American spiker Anna DeBeer.

Sherwin Malonzo, chairman of the PVL Control Committee, underscored the league’s commitment to delivering an elite competition despite the time crunch.

‘We’re hoping this conference will be more competitive and exciting,’ said Malonzo. ‘All the preparations we’ve made are geared toward giving players and fans the best experience possible.’

With an explosive mix of international talent, fast-paced scheduling, and no room for error, the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference is shaping up to be a thrilling end to the volleyball season.

The PBA’s Golden Anniversary season will usher in a ton of changes from coaches to players to rules to schedules to a new team owner, making the 50th year celebration a treat full of surprises. The Philippine Cup starts Sunday with no less than a Manila Clasico the only game on the bill at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone will match wits with Magnolia counterpart and long-time protege LA Tenorio in a battle that pits teacher against student. It’ll be LA’s PBA coaching kickoff and his baptism couldn’t be more challenging.

Tenorio is one of five new head coaches this season. The others are Phoenix’ Willy Wilson, Terrafirma’s Ronald Tubid, Pureblends’ Johnedel Cardel and Converge’s Vice Gov. Dennis (Delta) Pineda. As for player movements, the list is long. The league’s senior statesman Rafi Reavis, 48, got a new lease on life when he was signed by Converge after his release from Magnolia. Larry Muyang is back with Vice Gov. Pineda at Converge. Tyrus Hill and Kevin Ferrer jumped to TNT. Jed Mendoza, Paul Zamar and David Murrell went to Blackwater. Aljun Melecio, Von Pessumal and Jeo Ambohot joined Pureblends while Prince Caperal, Yousef Taha, Francis Escandor, Bryan Santos and Evan Nelle transferred to Phoenix. Norbert Torres switched to Ginebra. Paul Garcia, Jerrick Ahanmisi and Prince Rivero hooked up with Terrafirma. Magnolia reeled in Paolo Taha and Javi Gomez de Liaño. Stanley Pringle left Terrafirma for Rain or Shine.

From the draft comes a slew of newcomers. Juan Gomez de Liaño and Kobe Monje are with Converge. Dalph Panopio and Jack Cruz-Dumont hopped to the Bossing. JM Bravo and Ira Bataller were enlisted by Terrafirma. Magnolia tapped Gab Gomez. Pureblends collared Mario Barasi while Phoenix took in Dave Ando. San Miguel Beer inked Chris Miller to a two-year deal and Sonny Estil was taken by Ginebra.

The rule changes were initially discussed with coaches Leo Austria, Luigi Trillo, Olsen Racela, Adonis Tierra, Yuri Escueta, Yeng Guiao, Monch Gavierez, Rensy Bajar, Jun Villarin, Christian de la Cruz, Jeff Cariaso and Franco Atienza. Then, the changes were brought to the Competition Committee made up of Guiao, Austria, Atienza, Trillo and Cariaso for consultation before Commissioner Willie Marcial gave his final approval.

The changes are on a coach’s challenge, a call may be corrected provided it was on the same play phase; no travel will be whistled on a player who makes a legitimate shot attempt and catches it even without touching the board, ring or another player; excessive swinging of the elbow from left to right and back will result in a technical foul without losing possession; no team will be allowed an excessive timeout; an offensive foul is counted as a team foul; in the last two minutes, the referee may review a made basket if two, three, four or a foul shot on a dead ball and if no review, the shot will no longer be reviewable; the same process will be applied regarding basket interference in the last two minutes; a flagrant foul penalty 1 will be assessed on a player who, in trying to save possession, throws the ball with a clear view to the head of an opposing player and in the last two minutes of every quarter, a second team foul will mean entering penalty situation.

The schedules will be staggered over 15 months with the PBA taking a break for five FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying windows up to next year and the Asian Games. Games will be played in Dubai, Bahrain, Ilocos Sur and Cagayan de Oro aside from Metro Manila venues.

Team North flexed its muscles and seized control with eight wins out of 12 matches in the opening Four-ball format of the ICTSI North vs South Elite Junior Championship at The Country Club yesterday.

Team North established a commanding 8-4 lead – an emphatic opening statement in the season-ending showdown of a year-long junior golf tour that featured seven tournaments in each region.

Team North captain Francis Talion attributed their strong Day 1 performance to careful planning.

‘Basically, we started by making critical projections on how the other team might compose their roster for Day 1 – that’s what we based our own lineup on,’ said Talion

Sen. Mark Villar has broken his silence amid the flood control funds scandal involving the government agency he once led, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Villar has been summoned by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to explain the alleged kickback schemes that occurred during his stint as DPWH secretary.

‘I welcome and fully support any investigation into these issues, as I have nothing to hide and believe firmly in accountability and due process,’ Villar said Thursday, October 2, in a statement to the media.

The commission also invited House Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned congressman Zaldy Co to account for their roles in the scandal.

Villar stressed he had no stake in any DPWH projects, either directly or through family connections. Villar is son to former senators Cynthia Villar and Manny Villar, a property tycoon and in the top three of the Philippines’ wealthiest individuals.

‘Let me be unequivocal: I have no direct or indirect ownership or controlling interest in any company participating in DPWH projects. The official record will confirm that none of my relatives acquired any contracts from 2016 to 2021, during my tenure as Secretary,’ he added.

Villar said he was focused on implementing key reforms in the DPWH. The secretary-turned-senator was former president Rodrigo Duterte’s Public Works chief for nearly the entirety of his term, only resigning to run for senator in 2022.

The senator vowed cooperation with the ICI, saying that his track record would speak for itself.

‘I have full faith that my service record in those years bears witness to this focus and commitment. To build upon that work, I fully support the investigation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure,’ Villar said.

The anomalies in the DPWH have triggered widespread rage. Billions of pesos are suspected to have been lost to graft and corruption.

Several senators have already been implicated in the mess. incumbent senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva and Chiz Escudero have all been accused of inserting money into the national budget for later kickbacks.