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After absorbing its first scar, league leader Ateneo enjoys homecourt advantage in a quick payback bid against the formidable Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball at the refurbished Blue Eagle Gym in Katipunan.

The Blue Eagles (4-1), on the heels of an 83-69 reality check handed by title holder UP Fighting Maroons, welcome the Growling Tigers (3-1) at 4:30 p.m. for the first UAAP games at their turf since 2019. Cellar dwellers UE (0-4) and Adamson (1-3) clash in the curtain raiser at 1:30 p.m.

Ateneo currently shares pole position with National U (4-1), slightly ahead of Santo Tomas with powerhouse UP (3-2) and La Salle (2-2) slowly catching up after a dismal start.

Built in 1949, the Blue Eagle Gym underwent renovation for more than a year before its completion last month in time for the UAAP games due to the scarcity of the big arenas this holiday season and the international events in the country.

The UAAP held the majority of its early matches at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Eagles play host to Tigers

Ulanday

MANILA: After absorbing its first scar, league leader Ateneo enjoys homecourt advantage in a quick payback bid against the formidable Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball at the refurbished Blue Eagle Gym in Katipunan.

The Blue Eagles (4-1), on the heels of an 83-69 reality check handed by title holder UP Fighting Maroons, welcome the Growling Tigers (3-1) at 4:30 p.m. for the first UAAP games at their turf since 2019. Cellar dwellers UE (0-4) and Adamson (1-3) clash in the curtain raiser at 1:30 p.m.

Ateneo currently shares pole position with National U (4-1), slightly ahead of Santo Tomas with powerhouse UP (3-2) and La Salle (2-2) slowly catching up after a dismal start.

Built in 1949, the Blue Eagle Gym underwent renovation for more than a year before its completion last month in time for the UAAP games due to the scarcity of the big arenas this holiday season and the international events in the country.

The UAAP held the majority of its early matches at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The Cebu City government, overcoming an inherited budget deficit from the previous administration, has racked up a revenue collection of P7.6 billion so far since the start of this fiscal year, while also observing prudent spending.

In an interview yesterday (October 10), City Treasurer Emma Villarete said that when the new administration came in, multiple expenses were cut to address the inherited budget deficit, but at the same time, they intensified revenue collection efforts, particularly on tax delinquencies.

For the third quarter alone, from July to September, Villarete said the city was able to collect at least P1.9 billion. Although this is still within the range of the city’s usual collection in the previous year, it is six to seven percent higher, she said.

Villarete explained that there has been no drastic increase in revenue collection since no new collection measures have been implemented, such as raising tax rates. This means the city continues to rely on its existing revenue collection efforts, she added.

Mayor Nestor Archival has tasked the Treasury to achieve its target revenue of P11.5 billion by the end of the year. Villarete expressed confidence in meeting the goal. ‘Makita ra gyud nato nga medyo kaya ra jud nga makaabot tag P11 billion,’ she said.

When Mayor Archival delivered his first State of the City Address (SOCA), he highlighted the situation that the city was facing a budget deficit of P6.8 billion out of a projected P19.7 billion in expenditures if the current operations were to continue.

To address the projected deficit, Villarete said they have maximized the use of other funds, such as those from PAGCOR, where they charge expenses for the City’s Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program (CHAMP). Aside from this, Villarete also credited the cost-saving efforts of the Office of the Vice Mayor, which opted not to utilize a portion of its budgetary allocation.

For the Cebu City Medical Center, Villarete said they are maximizing the hospital’s PhilHealth share to further save funds. She also said they have been diligent in following the directive to observe prudent spending.

‘Karon, dili kaayo ing-ana kadaghan atong purchase requests for procurement, ni-reduce na ‘ta sa kaon, ni-reduce na ‘ta sa t-shirt, t-shirt,’ said the city treasurer.

She also mentioned that while the city used to provide food at every event, this practice has been reduced to cut costs.

To effectively monitor purchase requests, Villarete stated that whenever a request comes to her desk, she frequently asks the corresponding department to justify the necessity of the request. She explained that this practice helps her carefully evaluate the limitations of the requested budget allocation.

Furthermore, when Mayor Archival ordered to intensify the city’s revenue collection efforts, Villarete said they immediately requested additional Job Order (JO)employees whose task is to issue notices of tax delinquencies.

Since she assumed the post as city treasurer two months ago, implementing this new effort, Villarete said that payments from delinquent taxpayers have already improved.

‘Daghan na gyud ang ni-respond sa atoa and, in addition nakapanghatag na sad ta og mga tax delinquencies sa mga barangay kay na-augment naman atong JOs,’ said Villarete.

To further strengthen collections next year, Villarete said they will explore more ways to review the current Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs) that the city is engaged in, and ensure that the city’s share is properly remitted.

During his inaugural speech, Archival also shared the city’s financial standing by presenting the current manpower of City Hall, which stood at around 8,569 employees as of June 2025.

He cited that the total salary expenses for the remaining months of the year will amount to P1.2 billion. For JO employees, if the current number is retained, the city will spend at least P497 million.

On Friday morning many individuals found themselves with almost the same feeling that happened on September 30, 2025 when the quake struck Bogo City. However, at this time, it was in the daytime and the epicenter was located in Davao Oriental. As of this time, we are seeing photos of destruction and individual reports of death. The big picture is yet to be determined as the responders and the local government unit continue to scour the area for assessment.

Many are saying that this may be a message from a higher being or a sign. Elders believe that the quake is a natural occurrence caused by some mythical creature from below. The experts tell us that it is about the tectonic plates moving and that it is affecting our country which is above the Pacific Ring of Fire. Whatever it is, it is high time that we look at our preparedness and resiliency.

For instance, many universities are finding themselves in limbo on what to do now that aftershocks are sure to occur from time to time. Other local government units are also grappling with speed when it comes to response, and the word war on social media continues. The most affected are the residents awaiting the decisions of those who are in position, while their feelings of anxiety and fear continue. I wonder if we will ever see the day when there’s an automatic response to whatever disaster, without having to experience downtime or ‘dead air.’ The silence becomes deafening while their stomachs continue to sound in hunger.

Disasters have always been our constant reminder that nature moves of its own accord. Each time it strikes it exposes how unready we remain. We talk about ‘building back better’, but often, it is the same cycle of promises, relief operations, and temporary shelters. People rebuild homes out of necessity, not safety. Then, the next disaster comes, and the story repeats.

It makes one wonder how far we have gone learning from the past. We have faced Yolanda, Odette, and countless others. Each with lessons written in broken walls and lost lives. Still, every new tragedy brings the same chaos, confusion, and lack of coordination. It’s not that we don’t know what to do; it’s that we keep forgetting to do it before it’s too late.

Maybe what we need isn’t only preparedness in drills and paperwork but also preparedness of the heart and mind. We need leaders who can decide without waiting for orders, and citizens who act not just out of fear but out of care for others. The ground may shake, but our humanity shouldn’t waver.

If another quake reminds us of anything, it’s that life can change in seconds. The challenge is what we do in the minutes, hours, and days after because those moments define whether we truly rise, or simply endure.

Cabangahan and Tolotolo completed a two-game sweep of their respective rivals to come out as champions in SK category of the 15th Mayor Teresa Alegado Cup Inter-Barangay Fiesta Basketball League in Consolacion, Cebu.

Jonel Colubio, a former varsity player of the Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) Mustangs who also had a stint with the Consolacion Sarok Weavers in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL), fired 26 points as Cabangahan knocked Casili out in decisive fashion, 85-69, to grab a breakthrough crown in SK Category A.

Colubio added nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals in an all-around performance that helped Cabangahan snatch its their first ever SK title in the history of Alegado Cup.

Adrian Panangin bagged 18 points, while Kervin Garcia chipped in 12 points for Cabangahan, which sustained its momentum after cruising to a 38-29 halftime lead en route to a 16-point trouncing of Casili.

Jatt Sabellana paced Casili with 19 points. Stephen Mondares had 17 points while Rezaan Gonzaga scored 10 in a losing effort.

On the other hand, Joshua Avila scattered 18 points, five rebounds and five assists as Tolotolo outclassed Polog, 77-67, to reign supreme in SK Category B.

Gabriel Yap and Christian Manto also played a key role for Tolotolo with 24 points in between them.

Tolotolo trailed by three, 21-24, at the end of the first period but never looked back after seizing the driver s seat, 43-40, at the break.

Kim Capangpangan, Mark Berse and Florence Alipan combined for 36 points but their efforts proved futile for Polog.

The Philippines is very familiar with the frequent occurences of natural disasters, being surrounded by waters on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Tropical storms and typhoons commonly drive through the country, and more recently strong earthquakes have rocked different parts of the nation.

All these hazards result in emergency evacuations with litle warning. Experts say preparation can make all the differences, with a “go bag” ready for use when disaster strikes.

Why you need a go bag. Disasters can cut off electricity, water, and communication lines, making self-sufficiency critical in the first few days after impact.

A 72-hour go bag – also known simply as a go bag – should hold enough supplies for one person to survive three days while waiting for rescue or relief. Having it packed in advance means only grabbing and going when evacuation orders come.

Authorities recommend checking go bags at least twice a year to replace expired items and update documents.

Families are also advised to keep one bag per household member and store them near exits for quick access.

Here are what your Go Bags should have:

Food

Water

Packaged snacks

Canned goods (and can opener)

Utensils

Toiletries

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Body soap

Shampoo

Sanitary napkins

Hand sanitizer

Insect repellant

Tissue

Face masks

Trash bag

First aid kit

Alcohol

Band-aids

Maintenance medicine

Povidone-iodine

Paracetamol

Mefenamic Acid

Clothing

Two sets of clothes

Sturdy shoes

Slippers

Lightweight jacket or raincoat

Blanket

Mats

Mosquito net

Documentation

Plastic envelope

IDs (preferably government ID)

Emergency contact/s list

Emergency cash

Legal paperwork

Survival kit

Flashlight

Whistle

Pocket knife

Candles and matches

Power and communication

Back-up phone

Power bank

Chargers

Battery-operated radio

Extension cord

A pack of cocaine valued at P56 million has been found floating in the waters off Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

The PDEA said the contraband was found by fishermen in the coastal waters off Barangay Bagong Bayan on Monday.

The illegal substance was wrapped in a plastic bag marked EB Bugatti, the PDEA said.

Five days earlier, another group of fishermen found dried marijuana leaves valued at P20 million in the West Philippine Sea.

The marijuana, stashed in 34 plastic packs, was placed inside a bag that the fishermen spotted floating near the coast of Barangay Bagong Sikat in Puerto Princesa City.

The PDEA has yet to determine the origin of the contraband and identify people behind the dumping of the marijuana and cocaine in the country’s maritime territory.

Air traffic in the Philippines is projected to hit 66 million by 2028, driven by government efforts to put up new airports and industry push to expand flight coverage, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

IATA country manager Samuel David said the Philippine aviation industry is on track for higher growth toward the close of the decade due to airport buildup and airline expansion.

Citing a forecast from IATA, David said the country’s air passenger volume is expected to grow by an average of 3.6 percent every year, until it climbs to 66 million by 2028.

David attributed the optimism to the bets made by low-cost carriers in the growth potential of the Philippines. Budget carrier Cebu Pacific, for instance, placed a $24-billion order for the addition of up to 152 jets from aerospace giant Airbus.

Similarly, David said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is busy building new airports and upgrading existing ones. This is driving confidence among carriers to widen their flight network locally and globally.

‘DOTr has been spearheading initiatives to upgrade airports and aviation infrastructure with the aim of creating world-class facilities that can accommodate the increasing demands of domestic and international air travel,’ David said.

Further, main gateway Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is seeing improvements in its facilities and services in line with its P170.6-billion upgrade led by the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp.

Soon, NAIA will be equipped with facial recognition, powered by Collins Aerospace, that would allow travelers to check in their bags, clear security and board flights using their face.

As of 2024, David said the aviation industry is contributing $20.3 billion yearly to the economy, measured as gross domestic product. This translates to 4.6 percent of the GDP, and IATA anticipates this to become bigger.

Likewise, the industry is providing direct and indirect livelihoods to at least 1.9 million Filipinos. To date, the Philippines is also one of the most connected countries in Asia and the Pacific, as it sends off 184 outbound international flights every day.

However, David warned that geopolitical factors and regulatory limits could hinder growth, as he also flagged issues on human capital and red tape.

Based on data from the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Philippines grew its air passenger traffic by 11 percent to 59.91 million in 2024, with Cebu Pacific making up the largest market share of 38 percent.

Four alleged members of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah surrendered to the military in Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao del Norte on Thursday.

The surrendereess turned over four rifles to the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade in Barangay Zapakan, according to Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.

The turnover was witnessed by 601st IB chief Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu and representatives from the municipal governments of Shariff Aguak and Radjah Buayan as well as the Ministry of Public Order and Safety of the Bangsamoro region.

The surrenderees said the relentless security campaign of the military and other law enforcement operations compelled them to return to the fold of the law.

Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. is setting aside at least P1 billion to acquire Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc.’s (Nordeco) electricity distribution assets.

In a media briefing, Davao Light president and COO Enriczar Tia said the company has extended an initial offer to Nordeco for its assets in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

‘But that’s subject to the negotiation with Nordeco. Right now, we still need to get all the data of their assets,’ he said.

This comes after Republic Act 12144 lapsed into law on April 6, effectively expanding Davao Light’s franchise to include Tagum City, Samal Island and several areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

As part of the transition period, the law allows Nordeco to operate in those areas for up to two years to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity to consumers.

Tia, however, said the power cooperative was ‘resistive’ and even pursued legal actions to challenge the constitutionality of the franchise expansion.

He said the takeover’s impact has yet to reach consumers, as Davao Light has not formally started operations in the newly covered areas.

‘One thing I can say is that several things will happen once we take over. First, since this is a Davao Light franchise expansion, they (consumers) will automatically benefit from lower (power) rates,’ Tia said.

In July, Davao Light charged consumers just P9.20 per kilowatt-hour, which, according to Tia, was way lower than Nordeco’s average rate of around P12 to P13 per kWh.

Beyond lower rates, Tia said Davao Light could also deliver a more reliable power supply and swift response to consumer needs.

‘In Davao Light, in one year, imagine you’ll just experience an average of three (power) interruptions, although I cannot guarantee that it will happen overnight because to do that, you need to have a reliable power system,’ Tia said.

Over the next five years, the company is expected to allocate resources to upgrade and recondition the assets to be acquired from Nordeco, he said.

Davao Light, the country’s third-largest power utility after Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Co. and another Aboitiz firm, Visayan Electric Co., currently serves over 500,000 customers.

Business tycoon and sports patron Manny V. Pangilinan will receive his own MVP plaque in the 31st PBA Press Corps Awards Night on Monday, October 13, at the Novotel Manila Araneta City.

The managing director and CEO of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Company is set to be honored with the Danny Floro Executive of the Year award following a season to remember for the TNT Tropang 5G – the flagship team under the MVP umbrella.

The Tropang 5G claimed the first two championships of Season 49 (Governors’ Cup and Commissioner’s Cup) and was aiming for a rare grand slam that just fell short after the team lost to San Miguel in the Finals of the Philippine Cup.

Nonetheless, it was a fitting campaign for the MVP Group of Companies, which came in the heels of Meralco winning its first-ever PBA championship just a season ago.

Pangilinan, who also chairs PLDT and the Metro Pacific Investments Corp., will be receiving his third Executive Award from the group of men and women who cover the PBA beat, led by its president Vladi Eduarte of the Abante Group of Publications.

He is just the third executive to win the honor thrice after the late RFM team manager Elmer Yanga (1993-95) and SMC Sports Director Alfrancis Chua (2017, 2021 and 2024).

Pangilinan, a cum laude alumnus of Ateneo De Manila with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, previously won in 2003 and 2011, the same season when TNT came close to completing a grand slam.

The Press Corps named the prestigious award in honor of Valeriano ‘Danny’ Floro, the amiable late team owner of the fabled Crispa Redmanizers, the only franchise in PBA history to win two grand slams (1976 and 1986).

Bones Floro, secretary general of the National Golf Association of the Philippines and grandson of the legendary Crispa team owner, will personally hand out the award to Pangilinan.

The 79-year-old Pangilinan shares the limelight with the winner of the Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year Award being contested by TNT’s Chot Reyes and San Miguel’s Leo Austria.