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Sen. Loren Legarda was conferred an honorary degree of Doctor of Education, Major in Educational Management, Honoris Causa, by Nueva Vizcaya State University on October 3, 2025, in recognition of her decades-long commitment to education reform and national transformation.

This marks the third honorary doctorate conferred upon Legarda by leading state universities. In 2018, the University of the Philippines awarded her the Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, in recognition of her service as a lawmaker, journalist, and advocate for social justice, human rights, peace, cultural diversity, environmental protection, education, and inclusive development. In 2025, the University of Antique also conferred its first-ever Doctor of Humanities, Honoris Causa, upon Legarda, honoring her legacy as a proud daughter of Antique, her transformative support for the university, and in recognition of her invaluable contributions to the nation and inclusive public service to the Filipino people.

‘To be conferred this degree is to be entrusted with a responsibility larger than oneself,’ Legarda said in her acceptance speech. ‘It affirms the truth that education is the most powerful tool we possess to dismantle inequality, empower communities, and shape a nation that is truly free and just.’

Legarda, a four-term senator and chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, emphasized that education has always been central to her legislative work. ‘Every measure I have authored or sponsored forms part of a larger design to secure the continuum of the Filipino learner’s journey, from early childhood to higher education, and to the unending pursuit of knowledge.’

She cited landmark laws such as RA 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act which she both authored and co-sponsored, RA 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education which she co-authored and co-sponsored, and RA 9512 or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act which she authored. She also highlighted RA 10908 or the Integrated History Act, which affirms the plural identity of the Filipino nation.

Recent reforms under the Second Congressional Commission on Education or EDCOM 2, which Legarda now sits as co-chairperson, include RA 12199 or the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, RA 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act and RA 12028 or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Act, which address the country’s learning crisis and promote safe, nurturing school environments.

Legarda also emphasized the importance of bridging education and employment through, RA 12063 or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act which she co-sponsored, and supporting adult learners through RA 12124 or the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act which she also co-sponsored. ‘This law provides flexible pathways for our hardworking kababayans to earn their college degrees,’ she said.

In honor of Filipino teachers, Legarda co-authored and co-sponsored, RA 11997 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which raises the teaching allowance to ?10,000 beginning 2025, and authored and co-sponsored, RA 12288 or the Career Progression System for Public School Teachers and School Leaders Act, which removes outdated promotion barriers. ‘Para sa inyo ito, Ma’am at Sir, at sa lahat ng dakilang guro sa bansa,’ she said.

Legarda also reaffirmed her commitment to funding and accountability. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance in 2017, she allocated ?8 billion to begin funding free higher education even before it was signed into law.

Today, she continues to push for the correction of ?12.3 billion in deficiencies owed to state universities and colleges. ‘Beginning with the 2026 General Appropriations Act, this shortfall will no longer be allowed to stand.’ ‘This degree is not mine alone,’ Legarda concluded. ‘It honors the teachers who give more than they have, the parents who sacrifice, and the students who persevere despite hardship. When we invest in learning, we invest in the power of our nation to transform itself.’

Paolo (international name: Matmo) intensified into a typhoon as it neared landfall, prompting the state weather bureau to raise Signal No. 4 over parts of northern Luzon and Aurora on Friday, Oct. 3.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) also reported that Typhoon Paolo’s center was located over the coastal waters of Dilasag, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 180 kph and moving west-northwest at 25 kph.

Landfall is expected in either Dilasag, Aurora, or Dinapigue, Isabela, within the day. Pagasa has yet to release the specific list of areas under Signal No. 4 as of this posting time.

Areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals as of 8 a.m. are listed below:

Signal No. 3

The northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)

The 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)

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

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

Mountain Province

Ifugao

The southeastern portion of Abra (Tubo)

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

The 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)

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

Signal No. 2

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

The rest of Isabela

The rest of Quirino

The rest of Nueva Vizcaya

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

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

The central and southern portions of Apayao (Conner, Kabugao)

Kalinga

The rest of Abra

The rest of Benguet

The 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)

The rest of Ilocos Sur

The rest of La Union

The 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)

Signal No. 1

The rest of mainland Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

The rest of Aurora

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

Camarines Norte

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

Catanduanes

The rest of Apayao

The rest of Ilocos Norte

The rest of Pangasinan

The rest of Nueva Ecija

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

Tarlac

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

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

Wider effects

Pagasa warned Paolo’s periphery may bring gale-force gusts on Friday to Metro Manila and other provinces, including Batanes, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, the Bicol Region, Panay Island, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

It is also likely to affect Batanes, Cagayan-including the Babuyan Islands-Ilocos Region, Zambales, and Bataan on Saturday, Oct. 4.

After crossing Northern Luzon, Paolo is forecast to emerge over the West Philippine Sea by Friday evening./mcm/abc

Typhoon Paolo battered the Cagayan Valley region on Friday, toppling trees and signages, triggering power outages, and leaving widespread damage in its wake after making landfall in Dinapigue, Isabela.

Along major roads in Isabela and Cagayan, fallen Gmelina trees and signs littered the highways. Thousands of sacks of palay and corn left out to dry along road shoulders were drenched by downpours, adding to the woes of already struggling farmers.

In Echague town, at least 500 families were preemptively evacuated to higher ground due to swelling rivers. A similar number of families, mostly from northern Cagayan, were also moved to safety.

As rains and winds pummeled the region, brownouts hit parts of Isabela and Ifugao after the Santiago-Alicia 69kv line tripped at 10:26 a.m., affecting the Isabela Electric Cooperative I and the Ifugao Electric Cooperative, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported.

The NGCP said line patrols are ongoing, but did not specify when power would be restored. It appealed to consumers for patience and understanding.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has raised an orange rainfall alert over Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, and Nueva Vizcaya as Paolo continues to dump heavy rain across northern Luzon

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has terminated a P101.32-million rehabilitation project for a creek in Lapuz district after repeated delays caused by obstructions and the presence of settlers.

In a letter to Mayor Raisa Treñas on Sept. 18, former DPWH Western Visayas regional director Joel Limpengco said the project involving Mansaya Creek had become ‘inaccessible’ and ‘beyond the agency’s control’ due to the failure to clear the site.

‘The primary challenges include the persistent presence of obstructions, notably the nonremoval of informal settlers, and the consequent inaccessibility of the project site,’ Limpengco wrote.

The termination took effect on Sept. 16, nearly two years after the contract was awarded to YPR General Contractor and Construction Supply Inc., a firm owned by couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya.

Records showed the project started on Feb. 10, 2023, with a target completion of March 27, 2024. But as of its termination, work progress was pegged at only 0.02 percent. The DPWH, however, has yet to say whether any of the project funds were released prior to its termination.

The rehabilitation plan covered 2,396 lineal meters of the creek spanning the villages of Lapuz Norte, Don Esteban and Sinikway. The structure was designed at 14.5 meters wide and 3 meters high.

Relocation plan

A 2024 report from the City Local Housing Office identified at least 63 families as informal settlers along the creek, with plans to relocate them to Barangay San Isidro in Jaro district.

The project was also among eight flagged by the Environmental Management Bureau for review, resulting in a temporary suspension of permit processing by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Treñas lamented the cancellation, stressing that stronger coordination could have prevented the setback.

‘Stronger collaboration between national agencies and the local government, including barangay officials, is necessary and vital to ensure that projects intended for our people will not go to waste and are completed,’ she said.

A group of semiconductor and electronics companies is optimistic about delivering a ‘modest’ growth in earnings this year, banking on the strong momentum in recent months and the emergence of new technologies.

Danilo Lachica, president of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (Seipi), said the industry was seeing ‘some movements’ that could translate to ‘modest growth’ for 2025.

‘We’re optimistic that we would exceed the flat [output] . that [was] projected at the start of the year,’ Lachica said in a press briefing on Thursday.

Seipi was expecting semiconductor export receipts to reach $42.6 billion this year, flat from last year.

‘Hopefully, we’ve had enough momentum through August that we will sustain that modest growth for the year,’ Lachica said.

But the group expects the figure to reach $70 billion in five years.

Lachica explained that the $70-billion revenue projection for 2030 had taken into account the short-term impact of America’s sweeping tariffs.

President Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on semiconductor exports to the United States.

Driving optimism

The group’s optimism comes from the advent of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as smart manufacturing. These are seen to drive the demand for semiconductors.

Lachica also said various products, including cellphones and vehicles, would fuel demand for such products.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industry Advisory Council has unveiled a five-year action plan aimed at nurturing the skills of the Filipino workforce and boosting the country’s semiconductor and electronics sector.

The council tackled initiatives to enhance the country’s investment climate, such as developing Strategic Economic Zones, backed by an ongoing infrastructure audit to identify gaps in power, water and logistics.

‘The Council proposed flexible learning pathways-including ladderized programs and micro-credentials-aimed at equipping Filipinos with high-value technical skills that meet global industry standards,’ the Department of Trade and Industry said in a statement on Wednesday.

Electronic products accounted for $39.09 billion or 53.4 percent of the country’s total exports in 2024, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.

The United States was the top destination of Philippine exports last year, equivalent to 16.6 percent or $12.14 billion of the total.

If you’re wondering whether Ayala will give up more car dealerships after Volkswagen and Honda, don’t brace for any more tearful goodbyes-at least for now.

Reliable industry sources told Biz Buzz that Honda is the last vehicle brand that the mobility unit of the country’s oldest conglomerate wants to let go of.

Earlier, Globe-led 917Ventures likewise pulled the plug on scooter maker Gogoro while Integrated Micro-Electronics gave up KTM bikes.

BYD is undoubtedly the hottest brand of AC Mobility at this time, and its best bet in the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. We see more and more BYD cars on the road, which means that this bet is paying off.

But for some people who don’t want to drive cars from China (including those who silently protest the Middle Kingdom’s actions in the West Philippine Sea by avoiding their brands), AC Mobility still has Isuzu and Kia to offer.

Meanwhile, Ayala’s Isuzu dealership, from what we hear, is doing well, while Kia is expected to benefit from an earlier management shakeup. Thus, these two brands are likely to stay in their basket for now.

‘Never say never, but for now, that’s it,’ our source said.

And now that it has shed its excess fat, AC Mobility is in a much better shape to race. -Doris Dumlao-Abadilla

No long lines for our teachers at Naia 2

A dedicated lane for dedicated mentors? Yes!

Teachers flying with AirAsia Philippines can enjoy smoother boarding with a special check-in lane at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 2.

The low-cost carrier said this would be in place from Oct. 1 to Oct. 10, in honor of National Teachers’ Month.

Teachers traveling on Oct. 5, World Teachers’ Day, will also get exclusive AirAsia Santan merchandise.

‘At AirAsia Philippines, we deeply value our educators. Behind their hard work and perseverance, we recognize their need for well-deserved breaks-whether for a visit to loved ones, relaxation at leisure destinations, or simply a mental health break,’ AirAsia Philippines president and CEO Suresh Bangah said.

For the first six months, AirAsia flew more than 3 million passengers. Its strongest domestic routes during the period were Caticlan, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. It also logged strong demand for Japan, South Korea and Taipei. -Lisbet K. Esmael

High-level agri meeting

The government is anticipating a bountiful harvest from the 47th Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (Amaf) Meeting in Pasay this week.

Ahead of the meeting, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. laid out what the government wants from high-level discussions or bilateral talks.

For one, the government will do everything possible to promote Philippine agricultural products in global markets.

In recent days, Tiu Laurel has been very busy meeting representatives from neighboring countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the US-Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Business Council.

On a wider scale, the Asean meeting hopes to boost agri production and trade across the region. The bloc aspires to become one of the world’s largest food producers by 2045.

Led by Tiu Laurel, the Philippines will chair the Amaf meeting for a year, succeeding Myanmar. One of the highlights this year is the mechanization forum scheduled in November.

The agriculture chief may be dealing with a lot of challenges-from declining palay (unmilled rice) prices and ‘ghost’ farm-to-market road projects to severe weather conditions that ravaged some of the country’s farm lands.

Still, let’s hope the Philippines will reap the benefits of its efforts in this Asean meeting. -Jordeene B. Lagare

RCBC has stood as a pillar in Philippine banking for 65 years, serving as the financial partner of Filipinos in achieving their dreams. From its beginnings as a small development bank, it has grown into a universal bank, fueling individual milestones and national progress.

Its journey started in 1960 when its founder, Alfonso T. Yuchengco, established the Rizal Development Bank. Operating with just 15 employees from a one-room office in Ayala Avenue, which was then part of Rizal, the bank set out to deliver financial solutions to the fastest-growing province at the time.

In just three years, it became Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, one of the first commercial banks outside of Manila. By 1963, its assets had reached ?41.3 million, deposits totaled to ?18.2 million, and already turned a profit-a rare feat for such a young player.

Even during turbulent times, like the liquidity crisis among commercial banks in the 1970s, the political turmoil in the 1980s, and the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s, the bank remained resilient and steadfast in its commitment to provide uninterrupted service to every Filipino.

Today, its RCBC Plaza headquarters remains an icon in the Makati skyline and a hub for culture, business, and community.

Empowering Generations

RCBC has been a constant presence in the lives of every Filipino family. It has financed cars, homes, education, businesses, and created opportunities for Filipinos working locally or abroad – reflection of its commitment to create deeper value, impact, and trust with its customers that spans generations.

Today, these banking relationships continue to live on as parents give the reins of their businesses to their children and grandchildren, as the previous generation transfers its wealth to the next, and as next-gen leaders create and pass on their legacies.

‘This speaks volumes about the deep trust and loyalty we’ve built across generations,’ said RCBC President and CEO Reggie B. Cariaso said.

For decades, RCBC has stayed true to its mission of empowering Filipinos. In its early years, banking only meant giving people access to savings and checking accounts. This has since evolved into a partnership that empowers businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities with a more comprehensive suite of financial solutions and purposeful innovations.

Credit cards, for instance, have become a powerful financial tool in enhancing everyday life in practical and meaningful ways. More than just spending, the use of credit cards has become about enabling smarter choices and achieving their life goals.

Innovation without Boundaries

RCBC believes that addressing the changing needs of the clients means anticipating their challenges and opportunities.

When technology significantly changed the financial landscape, RCBC was quick to innovate. It was one of the first to introduce automated teller machines (ATM) in the 80s, phone banking in the 90s, and later mobile and online platforms that provided Filipinos easier access to managing their finances.

Today, RCBC is a leader in digital banking solutions. It continues to invest in sustainability and global banking standards to ensure its products and services are at par with international best practices while being relevant to ordinary Filipinos. Millions of Filipinos, especially the unbanked and underbanked now use these platforms to open savings accounts, pay bills, and get loans, all from their mobile devices.

‘Innovation and a customer-centric mindset must go hand-in-hand,’ Cariaso said. ‘That is the only way we will be able to provide relevant solutions at every lifestage,’ he added.

A look at the next 65 years

RCBC’s legacy is about leadership, resilience, and innovation. More than just adapting to change, RCBC is shaping the future of banking with its innovative financial solutions that enable Filipinos to dream bigger and pursue their passions.

It sees a future where banking and financial growth are integral to enhancing the lives of the communities it serves. As customer needs evolve, RCBC will continue to develop solutions to make their financial journey smoother, more meaningful, and memorable.

‘The trust and partnership we’ve forged over the decades have brought us to this moment. For the next 65 years, we remain committed as ever to delivering relevant and impactful solutions for every Filipino,’ Cariaso said.

From a one-room office in 1960 to being a partner of millions today, RCBC has come a long way. As it turns 65, one thing remains true: the bank is fueling Filipinos to live out their passion, and build legacies for generations to come.

Cebu Pacific (CEB) celebrates the Filipino spirit of giving back to those who shaped our lives through a new two-minute brand film, showing how affordable fares help more Filipinos make their loved ones’ travel dreams come true – especially for first-time flyers. Coinciding with the film’s release, CEB is holding a seat sale from October 1-15, with flights to select destinations for as low as PHP 99 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period runs from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.

‘Seat sales have become hallmarks of Cebu Pacific. Every time we roll these out, we hear stories of families booking their first trips together or travelers looking forward to ticking off a new destination on their bucket list. It’s heartwarming to hear these stories, and through this film, we want to honor those who give back to their loved ones and celebrate the excitement of discovering a new destination,’ said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer.

The film mirrors real-life stories of Filipinos who booked flights during CEB’s seat sales to surprise their loved ones with memorable trips. Whether it’s a domestic getaway or an international adventure, CEB has become the first step toward flying for millions of travelers.

From the airport to arrival, CEB works to make travel convenient and welcoming. Its cabin crew’s trademark warmth and attentiveness help first-time flyers feel at ease and enjoy their first moments in the sky.

CEB’s extensive domestic and international network continues to open doors for first-time flyers and seasoned travelers alike. With direct flights from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao, CEB makes air travel easily accessible for more passengers across the Philippines.

Watch the full short film on here and be inspired to give the gift of travel this holiday season with CEB’s low fares and signature seat sales.

The alert level in Central Luzon has been raised from blue to red amid the impact of Typhoon Paolo, requiring the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMC) to ‘closely monitor, consolidate, and ensure prompt coordination with the concerned agencies and offices.’

Retired police general Amado Corpuz, chair of the Regional DRRMC in Central Luzon, raised the alert through Memorandum No. 91.

The red alert also required 24/7 operations by RDRRMC members and local DRRMCs.

Various Central Luzon towns were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals 1-3 as Paolo’s center was estimated in Aurora province’s northern town of Dilasag.

As of 2 p.m., Pampanga has 60 flooded villages in the City of San Fernando (2), Sea. Ana (1), Apalit (2), Candaba (2), Macabebe (19), Macabebe (19), Minalin (13), and San Simon (2), according to the Pampanga DRRMC

Ethan Hawke is set to terrify audiences anew as he officially reprises his role as the menacing Grabber in ‘The Black Phone 2,’ the sequel to the 2022 horror hit.

The original ‘Black Phone,’ directed by Scott Derrickson, introduced Hawke as the child abductor known as the Grabber and followed Mason Thames as Finn, the abducted boy fighting to survive with the help of mysterious calls from the dead.

The sequel picks up four years later, with Finn and his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) still haunted by their past. Gwen begins to receive calls from a black phone in her dreams, along with visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp.

Derrickson said the first film’s impact was deeply personal, which opened the possibility for the sequel.

‘It was extremely rewarding to see audiences embrace the film the way they did, specifically because so much of it came directly from my own childhood,’ he said in a statement sent to Inquirer Entertainment.

‘Seeing those personal feelings and memories connect with so many people, especially young people, added a sense of purpose to the darker memories of my childhood. It made me feel like it was all somehow meant to be,’ the director added.

The first film grossed more than $161 million worldwide on a budget of under $20 million. Its box-office success and viral popularity on TikTok helped cement its place as one of Blumhouse Productions’ strongest original releases.

‘The script for Black Phone 2 reminded me what an incredible foundation Joe Hill’s story gave us and how brilliantly Scott and Cargill have built on it. They’ve deepened the mythology while keeping the intimacy of the first film, balancing horror, emotion , and character in a way that feels real,’ said producer Jason Blum.

Co-writer C. Robert Cargill explained that they want to maintain the first film’s core themes, which are to continue exploring trauma and recuperation among families.

‘One of the core themes of The Black Phone was the idea of children carrying the sins of their fathers, and that continues here,’ he said. ‘In this film, Finn is coping in the same ways his father once did. We wanted to explore how trauma echoes through families and whether that cycle can be broken.’

Newcomers Demián Bichir and Arianna Rivas are joining Hawke, Thames, and McGraw in the cast.

‘The Black Phone 2’ opens in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 15.