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After an overwhelming turnout for blood donation drives, medical authorities and volunteers are now urgently appealing for human milk donors to support infants most vulnerable in the ongoing crisis following the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Northern Cebu.Over the course of two days, October 2 and 3, more than 1,100 individuals responded to the call for blood, resulting in 860 units collected at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) alone.

These donations are being distributed free of charge to patients in need, in line with the Department of Health’s Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) policy.

Additional mobile blood drives organized by the DOH Subnational Blood Center for Visayas yielded another 475 units across multiple sites, including the DOH CVCHD, Zuellig Pharma Corp., WCE Balamban, and community centers in Basak-Pardo and Talisay.

A separate campaign gathered 173 more units, bringing the total to more than 1,500 units of blood collected in just three days.

The response was so strong that VSMMC announced adjustments to its blood collection schedule to manage resources and ensure optimal use.

Walk-in donors on October 3 were accepted only until 4:00 p.m., with later slots reserved for pre-registered donors.

The next blood donation activities are scheduled for October 11 and 18, with donor processing from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

With the blood supply stabilized, attention has now turned to the nutritional needs of infants-particularly those under six months old-who face heightened risks due to disrupted access to clean water and safe feeding alternatives.

Health officials said that breastfeeding remains the safest and most reliable source of nourishment in emergencies and are urging lactating mothers to consider donating breastmilk.

In an advisory issued by VSMMC, the hospital emphasized that formula milk donations are discouraged because of the increased risk of infection from diarrhea, pneumonia, and other illnesses when clean water is unavailable.

Instead, the public is encouraged to provide cooked meals and ready-to-eat food to support families and sustain lactating mothers.

For mothers who are able, the appeal is clear: donate breastmilk and help save lives.

The VSMMC Human Milk Bank Unit is accepting donations daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Interested donors may contact the following numbers for coordination: 0929-560-1087 (Human Milk Bank Unit), 0927-872-4132 (Nurse Erin), 0933-865-0904 (Nurse Anna), and 0947-643-8520 (VSMMC Breastfeeding Support Group).

The shift from blood to breastmilk underscores the evolving nature of Cebu’s disaster response-one rooted not only in emergency care but also in long-term recovery and community solidarity.

From students and senior citizens to health workers and volunteers, the outpouring of support has revealed a deep reservoir of compassion and resilience.

As VSMMC puts it, ‘Rebuilding begins not only with bricks and plans, but with the fierce, human kindness that binds us.’

As the pilot run for Package 1 of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) nears, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival inspected the Fuente Station and ordered immediate rectifications on several structural and electrical works.

According to the Cebu City Public Information Office, Archival led an inspection on Saturday (October 4), which was intended to ensure the safety, functionality, and readiness of the station.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) representative Jude Campomanes joined Archival in the inspection. Campomanes assured the mayor that his directives would be properly conveyed to their contractor for immediate action.

However, the same report stated that Archival was ‘dismayed’ over the current condition of the station after assessing that it did not meet ‘his expectations in terms of quality and workmanship.’

The mayor, who is a professional engineer, then called for urgent resolution of the issues to avoid delays and ensure that the facility meets the standards expected of a major public transport infrastructure.

Among the issues identified for rectification were the bolt foundation cut-off or covering, retightening of junction boxes, sealing of electrical pipe holes and junction boxes, replacement of missing bolt glass and cleanout cover, and water flow testing.

Archival also ordered the completion of manhole cover, and grouting, replacement of soil in plant boxes and installation of cleanout totems, adjustments in the gen-set area, including fencing and pipe elbow corrections, and design changes in electrical housing.

Archival further ordered the rectification of gutters and transition roof cleaning, replacement of rusted bench bolts, nuts, and washers, relocation of electrical pipes and uni-strut foundations, and finishing of flooring and drainage works at the station.

It was reported that the Cebu City Government, alongside the CBRT management, is now in the process of finalizing, refining, and adjusting the routes for Package 1, as the initial commencement of the dry run has been moved to a later date instead of being held on September 29, 2025.

In a previous interview, Archival remained firm on testing the CBRT stretch from South Road Properties (SRP) to Ayala. He currently recommends this route and has also requested the rectification of issues around the stations that the buses will be traversing.

‘Ako ng gi request nila nga limpyohan,’ said Archival.

This came after he personally observed electrical wires protruding along the route. He is also seeking to fast-track the installation of bollards to separate the dedicated lanes from mixed traffic.

As for the markers and directional lanes, Archival said he has also requested their installation from the DOTr and the CBRT management, adding that it is supposed to be part of their responsibility.

According to Archival, the absence of concrete markers and directional lanes can cause traffic congestion. He added that this could also be attributed to the lack of traffic analysis, which has not yet been submitted.

‘Ang importante sad naa gyuy enough nga personnel nga maka guide gyud sa rota, kay kini man gung mga sakyanan usahay mag inday-inday,’ said Archival.

With this, Archival also plans to propose designated loading and no-unloading zones to further regulate traffic outside the CBRT lanes.

‘Mao ni akong i bring up nila kay lisod kaayo nga ako kang mag sigeg analyze,’ said Archival, adding that traffic congestion during CBRT operations must be addressed.

In line with this, he also directed that the number of traffic personnel from the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) be determined to fully assess deployment of personnel along the CBRT stretch.

Moving forward, Archival said they will intensify information dissemination regarding traffic schemes but emphasized that the dry run is still not comparable to the actual commencement of Package 1.

Two foreign student-athletes rose above everyone else in exciting Week 2 of the UAAP Season 88 basketball tournaments.

After starting its campaign winless in three games, Far Eastern University finally cracked the win column, sending a timely message to the rest of the league that it is still here to contend, thanks to the heroics of the towering Mo Konateh, who dominated inside the shaded area.

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas remained unharmed in its two-game run for the week, as Oma Onianwa made wonders on both ends for coach Haydee Ong and company, improving their record to 3-0.

Owing to their stellar performances for their respective schools, Konateh and Onianwa were named the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Players of the Week presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the period of October 1-5.

Konateh helped the Tamaraws avoid a 0-4 hole with 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting inside the arc, a sizeable 21-rebound output, three assists, and two blocks in their 64-58 triumph over Adamson University on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

While he grabbed the much-needed boards all game long, Konateh found a crucial block on Emmanuel Anabo while the Soaring Falcons were trying to claw their way back late in the game, 1:26 left in regulation, to keep the gritty Adamson side at bay.

“That’s what we expect from him [Mo Konateh] and I was glad that he really stepped up today,” FEU coach Sean Chambers said, praising the 6-foot-10 Gambian.

He averaged 16.0 points, 15.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 block to win a highly contested vote among the scribes covering the collegiate beat.

Konateh, last season’s Mythical Team member, bested Ateneo de Manila University’s Dom Escobar and Shawn Tuano, La Salle’s Mike Phillips, UST’s Nic Cabañero, and UP’s Harold Alarcon for the citation that has Discovery Suites and Buffalo’s Wild Wings N’ Things as sponsors.

As Chambers coined it, the Tamaraws “had their moments” against their past opponents, including De La Salle University, to which they lost by a slim margin, 72-74, on Wednesday at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

By then, Konateh still put up big numbers of 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Onianwa, on the other hand, was unstoppable as she fueled the Growling Tigresses with an 18-point, 15-rebound showing en route to a 76-62 victory over defending women’s hoops champion National University – a much-anticipated Finals rematch that ultimately became a lopsided encounter in their favor on Wednesday right inside their España campus.

During that game, the Onianwa-led UST overpowered the boards with a whopping 78 rebounds – a staggering 43 from the offensive glass, compared to NU’s 37 boards in total and six offensive.

The Nigerian center then again had a fine performance of 17 points and six rebounds in just 19 minutes of play as the Tigresses overwhelmed University of the East with a 57-point shellacking, 99-42, on Saturday to defend home turf anew.

As they currently ride on an unbeaten run, Ong is already looking forward to Onianwa matching up against Ateneo’s back-to-back MVP and Gilas Pilipinas Women standout Kacey Dela Rosa, as well as FSA Sarah Makanjoula.

“Of course, very important si Oma. At least ngayon, we’re not undersized na against kina Kacey [dela Rosa] tsaka [Sarah] Makanjoula,” said Ong.

“With the help of Oma, at least we can do one-on-one defense against Kacey or meron pa rin kaming itu-tweak sa depensa, but Oma will be a big help against Kacey sa Saturday.” the UST tactician added.

Onianwa, who had averages of 17.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in just over 22 minutes per game, garnered a unanimous nod over Cheska Apag of Adamson, Dela Rosa of Ateneo, Amyah Español of FEU and Tin Cayabyab of NU.

As if there were still doubts on Ateneo’s re-emergence as power, the wards of coach Tab Baldwin flushed all those with an emphatic performance versus their archrivals.

The Blue Eagles snapped a two-year losing spell against the La Salle Green Archers, 81-74, and stayed perfect in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament before more than 17,000 fans last night at the MOA Arena.

Ateneo erected a lead as big as 33 points that proved more than enough separation to hold off La Salle’s furious fourth-quarter avalanche that included a 22-0 run.

And the Eagles scored a fourth straight win ahead of another gigantic clash against title holder UP (2-2) on Wednesday.

Earlier, Far Eastern U doused cold water on Adamson’s last-ditch rally to escape with a breakthrough 64-58 win.

Janrey Pasaol drilled in the dagger trey in the final minute as the Tamaraws averted a meltdown from an 11-point lead in the payoff period to enter the winner’s circle at 1-3.

Vietnam rice export prices continued to drop as the Philippines, its largest market for the grain, extended an import ban by another month, with the possibility of lasting until the end of the year.

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) observed that bearishness gripped global Indica rice markets in September as supplies remained ample amid tight demand.

‘Prices fell the most in Vietnam, as sentiment was also weighed by the Philippines’ import suspension (originally slated to last 60 days, but successively extended by at least 30 days),’ FAO said in its monthly rice market brief.

Benchmark five percent broken Vietnam rice averaged $372.1 per metric ton in September, about four percent lower than its average quotation in August of $389 per MT, based on FAO data. On an annual basis, Vietnam rice price fell by 32 percent from last year’s $546.5 per MT.

FAO data showed that the price of five percent broken Vietnam rice from January to September averaged $389.3 per MT, dropping by 32 percent year-on-year.

The easing of rice prices was a result of India’s return to the global market as the world’s top rice exporter, following the lifting of its export restrictions that led to an abundance of supplies.

The situation, however, has been exacerbated by the Philippines’ imposition of a temporary rice import ban, which began on Sept. 1 and was initially scheduled to last until the end of October.

The government decided to impose a temporary rice import ban in the hopes of stabilizing domestic palay prices, which have plummeted below production costs due to the unabated entry of imported stocks into the market.

The country has imported almost 3.4 million metric tons as of Sept. 24, with 427,196 MT arriving in September alone, based on Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) data.

The Philippines’ rice import ban took effect on Sept. 15 and has been extended until the end of November, with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. signaling that it may even be prolonged until the end of the year to protect local farmers.

BPI data showed a drastic drop in the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for rice in September. SPSIC is a required import document that certifies inbound rice shipments are safe for human consumption.

The BPI issued only 79 SPSICs in September, amounting to an applied rice import volume of 36,185.2 metric tons.

The International Rice Research Institute earlier pointed out that rice importers will have the leverage to delay purchases and even buy at a bargain once the country’s rice import ban is lifted, as global prices remain soft due to a supply glut.

The global market situation has led to exporters such as Vietnam and Thailand facing thinner profit margins and a storage glut, according to an IRRI market brief authored by its senior scientist, Alisher Mirzabaev, and The Rice Trader president and CEO, Jeremy Zwinger.

The authors claimed that Vietnamese rice exporters have become ‘anxious’ about the import ban since the Philippines is their top market.

The situation appears favorable for rice importers in the country, as the two-month import ban ordered by President Marcos is expected to ‘accelerate’ a ‘buyers’ market dynamic’ in the global rice trade, according to the market brief.

‘(Philippine) importers can delay purchases or bargain for lower prices given abundant options, while exporters confront rising unsold stocks and carrying costs that change the trade equation,’ the market brief read.

Economists are divided on whether the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will deliver another rate cut this week or hold fire, as the Monetary Board convenes on Oct. 9 against a backdrop of subdued inflation and still-soft growth momentum.

Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion expects the Philippine central bank to trim policy rates by 25 basis points (bps).

‘We expect the Monetary Board to cut policy rates by 25 bps on Oct. 9 to preempt downside risks to growth amid benign inflation,’ Asuncion said.

‘Looking ahead, we see a cumulative 50 to 75 bps easing through early 2026, with the policy rate likely bottoming out around 4.50 to 4.75 percent, assuming no major supply shocks,’ Asuncion added.

Reyes Tacandong and Co. senior adviser Jonathan Ravelas shared a similar view, saying the BSP has room to ease further to support economic activity.

Ravelas also projected a 25-basis-point reduction this week.

With the policy rate currently at five percent after a series of cuts totaling 150 bps since August 2024, the Oct. 9 decision is shaping up as a key test of how much room the central bank still has to ease without unsettling market expectations or external stability.

In contrast, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. chief economist Nicholas Mapa believes that the Monetary Board will stand pat for now, preferring to wait for more clarity.

‘The BSP is tipped to keep rates untouched, awaiting moves by the Federal Reserve and the release of third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) data,’ Mapa said.

‘We expect growth to remain challenged in the third quarter, which could keep the door open for a potential rate cut by the end of the year,’ Mapa explained.

Jun Neri, lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands, said the BSP could still cut rates this week, but sees a higher chance of easing by December once third-quarter GDP figures, due in November, confirm demand softness.

‘While BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has signaled the possibility of a cut next week if economic weakness persists, he also earlier described the current policy level as a ‘Goldilocks’ rate, suggesting the BSP may wait for clearer evidence before acting,’ Neri said.

Remolona earlier said that the BSP’s easing cycle may soon be winding down as borrowing costs are now at a level that is ‘just right’ for a stable and growing economy, meaning the rates are neither too high to choke growth nor too low to fuel inflation.

While rates are already near neutral and inflation is projected to converge to three percent by 2026 to 2027, Neri noted that the scope for further easing is limited. But the BSP could still deliver two more rate cuts if the economy continues to operate below potential.

The central bank could also move in tandem with the US Federal Reserves, especially if markets expect aggressive cuts after Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term ends in May 2026, he said.

‘However, this raises the risk of policy overshooting, which could force a reversal if inflation pressures re-emerge when base effects turn unfavorable again in 2026, while also reducing the likelihood of the promised reserve requirement cuts next year to align with the region,’ Neri said.

‘External dynamics will also weigh heavily, with stagflation risks in the US adding further uncertainty around the timing and scale of Fed moves,’ Neri added.

The debate underscores the delicate balancing act for the BSP as it weighs the need to bolster growth against risks of moving too quickly while inflation remains subdued.

The central bank started its easing cycle in August last year, trimming rates by 25 basis points, followed by two more reductions in November and December 2024. It resumed cutting in April, June and August this year as inflation stabilized and economic growth showed resilience.

After the Oct. 9 policy meeting, the Monetary Board will have its final review this year on Dec. 11.

There has been no discussion within the Philippine National Police (PNP) about withdrawing support from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., acting PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

At a press briefing, Nartatez said no one has approached him, his staff, or any police commanders and regional directors regarding rumored ouster calls against Marcos.

‘We have a sitting president who won by majority votes… more than 50%. So I don’t see any basis para patalsikin,’ Nartatez told reporters on Monday, October 6. (I don’t see the basis to remove him from office)

He added that the president himself had pushed to end corruption, particularly in public works.

‘It started during the July SONA, where he himself said to put a stop to corruption – especially the kind that caused the flooding here in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and even everywhere. So, what’s the basis?’ he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Nartatez also brushed off speculation of internal unrest within the PNP, saying morale remains “relatively high” across all its units nationwide.

‘Actually, with or without orders for loyalty check, ginagawa natin yan. Kaya nga sinasabi natin, the state of morale of the Philippine National Police is relatively high,’ he said. (Actually, with or without orders for a loyalty check, we are doing that. That is why we are saying the state of morale of the Philippine National Police is relatively high.)

Calls in military rebuffed. His remarks came after Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. revealed that certain groups and retired military officers had publicly called for Marcos’s ouster during the September 21 anti-corruption demonstrations.

Brawner stressed, however, that despite the pressure, the military remained firm in its loyalty to the president.

Popular food content producer Erwan Heussaff recently collaborated with two chefs, Don Baldosano and Angelo Comsti, in a media event to highlight the premium quality and versatility of California Raisins and how they fit perfectly into Filipino cooking.

Heussaff likes using California Raisins in food preparations because they are naturally sun-dried, free of additives, and rich in fiber, antioxidants and essential minerals. He accepted the challenge and created two recipes for the collaboration graced by United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson at Offbeat Bistro.

Ambassador Carlson joined him in preparing Steak Frites and Potato Pave with California Raisins and Roasted Eggplant Sauce, but he was on his own in presenting his White Fish and Coconut Crudo with California Raisin Tapenade.

The latter, an appetizer, featured Malasugui fish, which is swordfish, complemented by coconut cream and a tapenade made of California raisins.

The event was supported by the Raisin Administrative Committee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila, and the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

White Fish and Coconut Crudo with California Raisin Tapenade

Ingredients:

For the fish:

Malasugui fish, sliced thinly

For the sauce (Leche de Tigre):

1 cup coconut vinegar

1 1/2 cups fresh coconut cream

For the raisin ‘tapenade’:

1 cup California Raisins

1/2 cup sundried tomatoes

3 tbsps. mustard seeds, rehydrated with coconut vinegar

Zest from 1 pc. lime

For the garnish:

Shaved egg yolk

Annatto oil (achuete oil)

Kinchay/chive oil

White baby radish

Mustard seeds

Procedure:

1. Make the raisin tapenade first. Finely mince sundried tomatoes and California raisins, then mix with lime zest and mustard seeds. Shape the mixture into quenelles and set aside.

2. Slice baby radish into medallions and arrange them in a scale pattern of four rows with three medallions each. Set aside.

3. To plate: Lay five slices of fish flat in the center of a wide-bottomed bowl and pour the Leche de Tigre around it. Place the pre-made scale pattern on top, followed by the quenelle of the tapenade and shaved egg yolk. Drizzle annatto oil on the sides of the Leche de Tigre sauce before serving.

Comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto revealed that she joined “Your Face Sounds Familiar” to help her move on from the passing of her late husband, Trevor Magallanes.

Rufa said she needed the show because she and her daughter are mourning.

‘Dumaan na ko sa problema at drama. Kaya sabi ko, gusto ko naman may gawin na maganda [at para] malibang. Kailangan ko ‘yun kasi naglu-luksa kaming mag-ina. Para mabitbit ko din ‘yung kaligayahan sa anak ko,’ she told the press at the show’s recent press conference.

Rufa said that the invitation from “Your Face Sounds Familiar” came at just the right time.

‘I really wanted to audition for this,’ she said.

‘I haven’t been full blast in showbiz for a long time – almost 10 years – because I was focused on my family. But now that my daughter is eight and a little more independent, I told myself maybe it’s time I go full-time with my career again,’ she added.

The latest season of “Your Face Sounds Familiar” premiered last October 4, featuring the return of three of the country’s top musical icons, Sharon Cuneta, Gary Valenciano, and Ogie Alcasid, as the show’s jury.

Vhong Navarro and Jhong Hilario are tapped as its new hosts. Singers Nyoy Volante and “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition” housemate Klarisse de Guzman are this season’s mentors.

This season features eight performers: BGYO’s Akira Morishita, Alexa Ilacad, Dia Mate, Jarlo Base, Jason Dy, JM Dela Cerna, Marielle Montellano, Pepe Herrera, and Rufa Mae Quinto.

Bringing more fun and energy to the show are its online hosts AC Soriano, Krystal Brimner, and Vivoree Esclito.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has given Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) the green light to launch an auction for 200 megawatts (MW) of new power supply.

Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said the DOE cleared Meralco’s planned competitive selection process (CSP) for renewable energy baseload supply, with procurement set to start on Jan. 26, 2026.

The supply is intended to replace the power giant’s terminated baseload supply contract with the Zobel family’s ACEN Corp.

Meralco, however, must first address the recommendations from the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) before moving forward with the CSP, Marasigan noted.

‘If Meralco feels that they have already complied with the comments of the PCC and the ERC, then they can proceed,’ he said, while withholding details of the agencies’ suggestions.

As a competition safeguard, the PCC is reviewing Meralco’s CSPs following a big-ticket liquefied natural gas (LNG) venture sealed in January with Ang-led San Miguel Global Power (SMGP) and Aboitiz Power Corp.

Meralco, through Meralco PowerGen Corp., joined forces with AboitizPower to invest in SMGP’s gas-fired power plants. Together, they also acquired an LNG terminal in Batangas as part of the deal.

According to Marasigan, the DOE has also received feedback on Meralco’s two other proposed CSPs – a 600-MW baseload and a 450-MW mid-merit supply – which are currently undergoing careful review.

Based on the company’s power supply procurement plan, both CSPs are required to meet the forecasted increase in captive demand.

The contract term for the 600-MW CSP is scheduled from Feb. 26, 2028 to Feb. 25, 2043. The 450-MW CSP, meanwhile, involves two supply deals – 300 MW and 150 MW – with delivery dates starting in 2028 and 2029, respectively.

Apart from these applications, Meralco also plans to conduct a power procurement auction for a 900-MW baseload supply.

The CSP is a government-mandated bidding mechanism that requires distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to procure their power supply from generation companies offering the most cost-effective rates.