TYPHOON Marce weakened further on Friday morning but Signal No. 3 remains hoisted in some areas in Luzon, according to the latest weather bulletin of PAGASA.
In its 8 a.m. bulletin, PAGASA placed the following storm warnings in affected areas:
Signal No. 3
Ilocos Norte
the northwestern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Praxedes, Claveria, Sanchez-Mira)
the northwestern portion of Apayao (Calanasan)
the northern and western portions of Abra (San Juan, La Paz, Bangued, Langiden, San Quintin, Pidigan, Lagangilang, Dolores, Tayum, Lagayan, Tineg, Danglas)
the northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Santo Domingo, San Vicente, Santa Catalina, Bantay, San Ildefonso, City of Vigan, Caoayan, Santa, Magsingal, San Juan, Sinait, Cabugao)
Signal No. 2
the western portions of Babuyan Islands (Fuga Is., Dalupiri Is., Calayan Is.)
the northern and western portions of mainland Cagayan (Tuao, Solana, Alcala, Amulung, Piat, Rizal, Santo Niño, Lasam, Allacapan, Camalaniugan, Aparri, Ballesteros, Abulug, Pamplona)
the rest of Apayao
the rest of Abra
the northern and western portions of Kalinga (Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Lubuagan, Pasil)
the central portions of Ilocos Sur (Santa Maria, San Esteban, Santiago, Burgos, Banayoyo, Lidlidda, San Emilio, City of Candon, Salcedo, Galimuyod, Santa Lucia, Gregorio del Pilar, Quirino, Sigay, Suyo, Santa Cruz, Tagudin, Narvacan, Nagbukel)
Batanes
the rest of Babuyan Islands
the rest of mainland Cagayan
the northern and western portions of Isabela (Santo Tomas, Alicia, San Mateo, Aurora, Santa Maria, Quezon, Ramon, Naguilian, Roxas, Luna, Delfin Albano, City of Cauayan, San Pablo, Ilagan City, Angadanan, Benito Soliven, City of Santiago, Tumauini, Cabagan, Reina Mercedes, San Manuel, Cabatuan, Quirino, Gamu, San Isidro, Mallig, Cordon, Maconacon, Burgos)
the northern and western portions of Nueva Vizcaya (Diadi, Bagabag, Ambaguio, Villaverde, Bayombong, Solano, Quezon, Bambang, Kayapa, Santa Fe, Aritao)
the northwestern portion of Quirino (Diffun, Saguday)
the rest of Kalinga
Mountain Province
Ifugao
Benguet
the rest of Ilocos Sur
La Union
the northern and central portions of Pangasinan (Bani, Bolinao, Anda, City of Alaminos, Agno, Sual, Labrador, Burgos, Mabini, Lingayen, Binmaley, Dagupan City, Mangaldan, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Pozorrubio, Sison, San Manuel, San Nicolas, Tayug, Santa Maria, Binalonan, Asingan, Laoac, Manaoag, Mapandan, Santa Barbara, Calasiao, City of Urdaneta, Basista, Villasis, Malasiqui, Urbiztondo, Aguilar, Santo Tomas, San Carlos City, Bugallon, Infanta, Dasol)
Marce was last spotted 100 kilometers west northwest of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte moving west southwestward 15 at kilometers per hour (kph) with maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 205 kph.
“MARCE will continue moving generally westward and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) region this afternoon or evening,” PAGASA said.
Romualdez: New laws strengthen West Philippine Sea rights, resources
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez welcomed the signing into law today by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. of the Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law.
“The two laws enhance our efforts to protect our sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea and to preserve and exploit the resources in these waters for the benefit of our people,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said.
Speaker Romualdez said protecting the disputed waters that are inside the country’s 200-mile special economic zone “is not just a matter of national pride; it is also an economic and food security, and legacy imperative.”
He said based on surveys and studies, the West Philippine Sea “holds vast marine and oil and gas resources that we should preserve for the future generation of Filipinos.”
“It is thus not surprising that our frenemy and neighbor continues to intrude into our waters and even undertakes periodic maritime surveys in this area,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez pointed out that the enactment of the two laws “signals to our neighbors, our allies, and to the whole world our steadfast commitment to protect what is rightfully and legally ours.”
“These new laws mark a historic moment in our efforts to secure and defend our maritime domain. By establishing clear boundaries and designating specific sea lanes, we strengthen our position under international law, safeguard our natural resources, and enhance our security in the West Philippine Sea and beyond,” he stressed.
The House leader thanked President Marcos Jr. for his unwavering resolve to defend the country’s interests in the contested waters.
He said the two new laws are also consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grants the country an entitlement to a 200-mile exclusive economic zone and allows it to pass national legislation to protect its EEZ.
The Philippines and China are both UNCLOS signatories.
Speaker Romualdez said the Maritime Zones Law and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act likewise strengthen the July 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration recognizing the Philippines’ EEZ under UNCLOS and rejecting China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
“Unfortunately, at least two sea features the arbitral tribunal had declared as belonging to us are occupied or controlled by Beijing,” he said.
He urged China to end its occupation of these areas and to allow the Philippines unhindered assertion of its sovereign and legal rights over the West Philippine Sea and the preservation of marine gas and oil resources in these waters. (END)
PBBM aid gives new hope for Camarines Sur farmers, fishers
By: Keren Anne Bernadas
NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA) – Erlinda Nuñez Valencia, a 55-year-old farmer from Baao, Camarines Sur, experienced a devastating loss when heavy rainfall from Severe Tropical Storm Kristine inundated her community on the night of October 22.
She was unable to save her livestock, rice fields, or home.
After the storm, it took several days for her to reunite with her husband, who had constructed an improvised plastic boat to rescue some of their farm animals, including pigs and chickens.
Fortunately, he was alive when she found him, but his feet were swollen due to injuries.
The couple had borrowed money to improve their rice fields, yet they lost everything in just one night. Her husband expressed his despair, saying, “It would have been better if I had died in the flood.”
Erlinda felt a sense of relief when she learned that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would visit the province for the second time to distribute assistance to affected farmers like them.
She held onto hope and inspiration, believing that the government would not abandon them when they had nowhere to turn.
All of her children were also struggling to make ends meet in Manila. On Wednesday, Erlinda received P10,000 from the Office of the President to help with their situation.
Erlinda said the cash assistance she received from President Marcos will help her buy medicine for her husband and other necessities.
The aid somehow rekindled her hope that they would still recover from the impact of the typhoon, and start anew with their lives, especially in looking for ways to earn a living.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay President Bongbong Marcos sa ayuda na aming natanggap. Babangon po kaming muli sa trahedyang ito,” she said.
(I thank President Bongbong Marcos for the help we received. We will rise again from this tragedy.)
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PBBM aid brings hope to Camarines Sur farmers, fishers devastated by storm
By: Keren Anne Bernadas
NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur (PIA) – The devastation of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine left Erlinda Nuñez Valencia, a 55-year-old farmer from Baao, Camarines Sur, with nothing but the clothes on her back.
The night of October 22, torrential rains flooded her community, sweeping away her livestock, rice fields, and her home.
Erlinda’s husband, desperate to save their farm animals, built an improvised plastic boat and braved the floodwaters.
He managed to rescue some pigs and chickens, but not without a cost.
He sustained injuries that left his feet swollen.
When Erlinda finally found him, days after the storm, relief washed over her, but the weight of their loss was immense.
They had borrowed money to improve their rice fields, only to lose everything in a single night.
“It would have been better if I had died in the flood,” her husband lamented, reflecting the despair that gripped them.
With their children struggling to make ends meet in Manila, Erlinda and her husband felt a sense of hopelessness.
Then, news came that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would be visiting the province for the second time to distribute assistance to affected farmers like them.
A glimmer of hope ignited within Erlinda, a belief that the government would not abandon them in their darkest hour.
On Wednesday, that hope was solidified when Erlinda received P10,000 from the Office of the President.
The aid, a lifeline in their time of need, will help them buy medicine for her husband’s injuries and provide for their basic necessities.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay President Bongbong Marcos sa ayuda na aming natanggap,” Erlinda said, her voice filled with gratitude. “Babangon po kaming muli sa trahedyang ito.” (I thank President Bongbong Marcos for the help we received. We will rise again from this tragedy.)
The aid has rekindled Erlinda’s hope for a brighter future. It has given her and her husband the strength to rebuild their lives, to find new ways to earn a living, and to overcome the devastating impact of the storm.
According to a report from the Department of Agriculture, Kristine caused over P110 million in damage to the fisheries sector in the Bicol region.
In Calabanga, Camarines Sur, Glenn Toledo lost his fishing boats and gear, hindering his livelihood. The President provided cash aid to help him.
“Salamat po mga ahensya kan gobyerno, lalo kay President Bongbong Marcos! Dakula pong tabang ini samuyang paralaot arog po ngunyan mayo pong dadakupon sa dagat. Yaon man po ang BFAR na nagtatabang samo,” Toledo said.
(Thank you government agencies, especially to President Bongbong Marcos. It’s a big help to our fishermen, especially since we can’t go out to the sea now, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is also there to help us.)
Like Toledo, Ruben Abaro also expressed his hope and confidence that they can move forward from a catastrophic experience.
Abaro, a 67-year-old farmer from Minalabac, Camarines Sur, also suffered damage in agricultural fields, equipment, and his house submerged in floodwaters.
“Salamat pong maray President Bongbong Marcos sa tinao mo pong financial assistance para sa samuyang mga parauma na naigahan kang kalamidad. Dakulang tabang po ini samuya para magbangon mula sa kalamidad,” Abaro said.
(Thank you very much President Bongbong Marcos for providing financial assistance to us, farmers, who were hit by the calamity. This is a big help for us to recover.)
On Tuesday, President Marcos distributed P50 million in aid to Albay and Camarines Sur, marking his second visit in 11 days after the storm. Around 5,000 fishermen and farmers in Camarines Sur received financial support. (PIA5)
DTI: Produktong Likha ng Central Luzon inihahandang mai-export sa Amerika
Ni Shane F. Velasco
LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS (PIA) – Titiyakin ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) na maihahanda nang mai-export sa Amerika ang mga produktong likha ng Central Luzon.
Ito’y matapos kumita nang higit pa sa inaasahan ang mga micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) na lumahok sa katatapos na ika-26 Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair sa SM Megamall sa lungsod ng Mandaluyong.
Sa pagbisita sa Bulacan, iniulat ni DTI OIC-Regional Director Edna Dizon na umabot sa P47.597 milyon ang kinita ng nasa 150 MSMEs na lumahok sa trade fair na idinaos mula Oktubre 16 hanggang 20.
Bukod sa mas mataas ito sa target na P25 milyong halaga ng benta noong 2023, nalampasan din nito ang target na P31 milyon para sa 2024 edisyon ng Likha ng Central Luzon Trade Fair.
Asahan aniya na mas tataas pa ang kita nito ngayong may malalaking buyers mula sa Amerika ang nagpahayag na mag-aangkat ng mga produktong Likha ng Central Luzon.
Ito ay resulta ng isang trade mission na inorganisa ng Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston na bumisita at nakipag-ugnayan sa nasabing trade fair.
Aniya, makapagbubukas ito ng malaking oportunidad na makapag-export sa Texas at mga kalapit na estado.
Pangunahin nilang interes na mag-angkat ng mga produktong may kakulangan sa pamilihan ng Amerika tulad ng tropical fruits, processed at fresh fish, vegetables, meat at mga pampalasa o spices.
Sinabi pa ni Dizon na magandang panimula ito ngayong nakalatag ang isang negosasyon para makalahok ang Pilipinas sa Indo-Pacific Economic Framework na pinangungunahan ng Amerika.
Sinabi ni Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry convenor Noemi Frias na ang inisyatibong ito ay paghahanda na rin sa isinusulong na magkaroon ng bagong free trade agreement ang dalawang bansa sa malapit na hinaharap.
Kaugnay nito, positibo naman ang pananaw dito ng MSMEs na makapag-export sa Amerika.
Para sa may-ari ng Pulilan Handicraft na si Norma Castro, patunay aniya na hindi nauubos ang oportunidad sa mga produktong tropikal dahil tiyak na patok ang mga ito sa malalamig na kanluraning bansa.
Kabilang sa mga export-quality niyang mga produkto ang mga handicrafts na gawa sa rice straw, coco coir, abaca fiber at corn husk.
Tiniyak ni Dizon na patuloy na aagapay ang DTI sa MSMEs sa pagtalima sa mga rekisito upang makapasa sa pamantayan ng naturang bansa sa aspeto ng pagluluwas ng mga produkto.
Ang ikatatagumpay aniya nito ay malaking ambag upang mapalago ang export sector sang-ayon sa 2023-2028 Philippine Export Development Plan na binalangkas at inapruba ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (CLJD/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)
DOH reports decline in dengue-related deaths
By Alice V. Sicat
MANILA, (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a decrease in dengue-related deaths this year, signaling a positive trend in the ongoing fight against the disease.
Despite the decrease in fatalities, however, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa urges the public not to be complacent.
“While our data shows a continued decline in dengue-related deaths, we must remain vigilant due to ongoing rainfall. The collaboration between the DOH and local governments is crucial to ensuring communities implement measures to combat dengue,” Herbosa emphasized.
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DOH reports decline in dengue-related deaths, but urges continued vigilance
By Alice V. Sicat
MANILA, (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a positive trend in the fight against dengue, with a decrease in dengue-related deaths this year.
However, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has cautioned the public against complacency, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance, especially during the rainy season.
“While we are encouraged by the decline in fatalities, we must remain vigilant due to ongoing rainfall, which creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” Herbosa stated.
“The DOH, in collaboration with local governments, is committed to ensuring communities implement effective measures to combat dengue.
According to the latest data from the DOH, dengue cases nationwide have dropped by eight percent, from 23,032 reported cases in September to 21,097 cases in October. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) has also declined to 0.26% as of October 26, 2024, down from 0.34% during the same period in 2023.
The DOH attributes this reduction to early patient consultations when symptoms arise and improvements in healthcare delivery at clinics and hospitals.
In addition, the DOH continues to collaborate with local government units (LGUs) to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds in response to the rainy season. They are providing diagnostic kits and insecticides to identified hotspot areas. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
Phase 1 of LRT-1 Cavite Extension set to open this November
By Jimmyley E. Guzman
MAKATI CITY, (PIA) — The first phase of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension is set to open to the public this November 2024, according to the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) in Manila.
This extension is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project expected to benefit numerous commuters traveling from Southern Metro Manila to the neighboring province of Cavite.
Enrico R. Benipayo, President and CEO of LRMC, announced that the new extension will significantly enhance commuter travel times, stating that the journey from Quezon City to Parañaque will take less than an hour.
“We are excited to share that LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 is all set to open this month. This project is expected to bring significant benefits to commuters, including reduced travel time, improved air quality, and economic growth in the region,” Benipayo explained.
The new stations opening with Phase 1 include Redemptorist-Aseana Station, MIA Road Station, PITX Station, Ninoy Aquino Avenue Station, and Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat) Station.
All stations are designed to be accessible, particularly for passengers with disabilities.
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LRT-1 Cavite extension phase 1 to open this November, bringing relief to thousands of commuters
MAKATI CITY, (PIA) — Commuters traveling between Quezon City and Cavite will soon have a faster and more convenient option as the first phase of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension is set to open this November 2024.
The extension, part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, is expected to benefit thousands of commuters, significantly reducing travel times and boosting economic growth in the region.
Enrico Benipayo, president and CEO of LRMC, announced that the new extension will cut travel times in half, stating that the journey from Baclaran to Parañaque, which currently takes around 30 minutes, will be reduced to just 15 minutes.
“This project is a game-changer for commuters,” Benipayo explained. “It will not only save them valuable time but also improve air quality and stimulate economic activity in the area.”
The new stations opening with Phase 1 include Redemptorist-Aseana Station, MIA Road Station, PITX Station, Ninoy Aquino Avenue Station, and Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat) Station. All stations are designed to be accessible, particularly for passengers with disabilities.
Once operational, the LRT-1 extension is projected to increase daily ridership by nearly 80,000, adding to the current average of 323,000 passengers per day. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
Romualdez on Yolanda’s 11th anniversary: Let us be vigilant vs climate change
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez marked the 11th anniversary of Super Typhoon Yolanda’s devastation by calling for continued vigilance against climate change, which has led to increasingly severe weather events affecting the Philippines.
As Leyte was one of the areas hardest hit by Yolanda, Speaker Romualdez, who represents the province, highlighted the House of Representatives’ commitment to legislative actions that encourage climate resilience to protect Filipinos from future calamities.
“Hindi na dapat maulit pa ang trahedyang naganap noong panahon ng Yolanda. Gaano man kalakas ang bagyong darating, dapat nating siguruhin na nakahanda ang ating mga kababayan. We must be vigilant against climate change to protect our people from falling victim to such tragedies,” Speaker Romualdez said.
In Tacloban, he said, a significant development that has contributed to the safety of the community is the construction of a giant seawall.
This massive structure, designed to protect Taclobanons from storm surges similar to those experienced during Yolanda, stands as a physical shield for the city.
“Ang seawall na ito ay nagbibigay ng kapanatagan sa puso ng mga Taclobanon, dahil alam natin na may dagdag na proteksyon laban sa mga bagyong maaaring dumating,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He added that the giant seawall, started in 2016 and is officially named the Leyte tide embankment project..
The 38.12-km Leyte Tide Embankment Project, stretching from Tacloban City to nearby Tanauan town, stands 30 meters high and is aimed at protecting people, houses, and buildings from storm surges.
In the wake of Yolanda, which claimed thousands of lives and destroyed homes and infrastructure across the Visayas region, Speaker Romualdez reflected on the hardships endured by his constituents.
Yolanda, one of the strongest on record, left Leyte and other parts of Region 8 in ruins, with many residents still grappling with the aftermath years later.
“As public servants, tungkulin namin na siguraduhin ang kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino. Our commitment to address climate change should continue to inspire us to craft legislation that can shield our people from adverse effects of any calamity,” he stated.
One of the key legislative measures pushed by the House of Representatives under Speaker Romualdez’s leadership is House Bill (HB) No. 7354 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act.
This measure mandates the establishment of permanent, storm-resilient evacuation centers across the Philippines.
These centers are intended to provide safe refuge for communities during natural disasters.
“Ang Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act ay isa lamang sa mga panukalang ating tututukan hanggang maging batas, para lahat ng lalawigan, lungsod at bayan ay mayroong sapat na bilang ng evacuation centers,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He further explained that these centers would be equipped with essential facilities, including healthcare stations and areas for vulnerable groups, to ensure safety and dignity for all evacuees.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized that preventing another tragedy like Yolanda requires not only immediate relief and recovery efforts but also long-term strategies focused on resilience and adaptation.
“Hindi sapat na tayo ay maghanda lamang para sa susunod na sakuna; kailangan natin ng mga istrukturang pangmatagalan na tatagal laban sa anumang bagyo o kalamidad,” he added.
The Speaker assured the public that the House of Representatives would continue to prioritize climate resilience legislation, particularly measures that support the construction of disaster-ready infrastructure and enhance community preparedness.
“We are determined to equip our cities and municipalities with the resources they need to withstand the challenges posed by climate change,” he affirmed.
He reiterated the need for strengthened coordination among government agencies, local authorities, and communities in implementing these programs.
“It takes a whole-of-society approach to combat climate change effectively. We need everyone’s cooperation,” he said.
As the 11th anniversary of Yolanda serves as a reminder of the typhoon’s impact, Speaker Romualdez expressed solidarity with all those who lost loved ones and homes.
“Hindi namin kayo pababayaan. We are here to make sure that no one is left behind as we move forward,” Speaker Romualdez said.
