Philippines

Walang Pasok? Palace Orders Alternative Classes, Work in NCR, 17 Provinces on Aug. 20 — But Neneng Isn’t the Biggest Threat

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered government offices and schools in Metro Manila and 17 provinces to shift to alternative work and learning arrangements on Thursday, August 20, as the southwest monsoon or habagat continues to bring potentially dangerous rainfall across Luzon. The Palace directive comes even as Tropical Depression Neneng slightly weakened on Wednesday afternoon. PAGASA said the weather system is moving west-northwestward toward Taiwan, but warned that its circulation

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Edward Barber Is Engaged—But His Surprise Love Story Has Fans Asking One Big Question

Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate and actor-host Edward Barber has taken a major step in his personal life, revealing that he is officially engaged to his non-showbiz partner, Rikki. Barber made the surprise announcement during a church gathering, where he shared an emotional update about how his life had changed since his previous visit. According to videos circulating online, Barber told the audience that he was now in an “awesome relationship” before introducing Rikki as his fiancée. The

August 19, 2026

Philippines

FAKE MEMO SPARKS CONFUSION: Palace Vows to Hunt Down Those Behind Viral ‘Walang Pasok’ Order

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is moving to identify the source of a fake government memorandum that circulated online amid heavy rains and flooding brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, warning that misinformation capable of affecting public safety will not simply be ignored. Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities are studying the origin of the bogus document, which purported to announce the suspension of in-person go

August 19, 2026

Philippines

DSWD Deploys Quick Response Team in Occidental Mindoro as Habagat Flooding Worsens—What Happens Next?

SAN JOSE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has activated its Quick Response Team (QRT) in Occidental Mindoro as heavy rains and flooding linked to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continue to affect parts of the province. The move signals a stepped-up government response as authorities assess communities affected by persistent rains, particularly areas vulnerable to flooding and coastal hazards. The DSWD MIMAROPA QRT met with officials of the Occiden

August 19, 2026

Philippines

ILOILO ALIGNS WITH MARCOS’ SONA: These Local Programs Could Change the Province’s Future — But Will They Deliver?

ILOILO CITY — Iloilo is positioning its existing development programs to match the national priorities outlined by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), with education, skills training, healthcare, food security and human-capital development taking center stage. Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the province already has programs corresponding to virtually every major area highlighted in the President’s SONA, describing the alignment as an

August 19, 2026

Business

200 Davao Steel Workers Seek Help After Plant Raid—But the Bigger Problem May Just Be Starting

DAVAO CITY — The fallout from the controversial raid on Davao Mighty Steel Corporation is now hitting the workers hardest, with around 200 employees turning to the Davao City government for assistance after the plant was shut down. The workers went to Davao City Hall on August 17 to raise concerns over the closure of their workplace, unpaid wages and the loss of their source of income, according to the Philippine Information Agency. They were received by Davao City First District Councilor Pam

August 19, 2026

Business

ROMBLON GOES SMART: DOST Brings E-Trikes, Solar Charging, Clean Water and AI Technology to the Island Province — Here’s What’s Next

ROMBLON — Romblon is stepping up its push to become a smarter and more sustainable island province as local officials and communities work with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to bring science, technology and innovation closer to residents. The initiative forms part of DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP), a nationwide effort designed to help local governments use technology, innovation and data-driven solutions to improve public services, strengthen local eco

August 19, 2026

Philippines

DOH Assures Filipinos: Medicines Ready as Rainy-Season Diseases Loom—But There’s More Help Coming

MANILA, Philippines — As heavy rains and flooding raise the risk of dengue, leptospirosis and other rainy-season illnesses, the Department of Health (DOH) is assuring Filipinos that hospitals and health facilities are preparing essential medicines and medical supplies while the government strengthens financial protection for patients through expanded PhilHealth benefits and its Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program. The health department's latest preparations come as flooding and prolonged rains c

August 19, 2026

Philippines

FLOODWATER ALERT: DOH Warns of Deadly Leptospirosis — PhilHealth Coverage Now Reaches ₱411,000

MANILA, Philippines — As heavy monsoon rains continue to trigger flooding in parts of the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) is warning Filipinos not to underestimate the health risks hidden in floodwaters, particularly the potentially deadly bacterial infection leptospirosis. The warning comes as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) rolls out a significantly expanded leptospirosis benefit package that can provide up to ₱411,000 in coverage for qualified patients wh

August 19, 2026

Philippines

66,000 Relief Packs Ready as Habagat Keeps Pounding Cordillera — But the Bigger Threat May Be Beneath the Ground

BAGUIO CITY — With persistent rains continuing to threaten flood- and landslide-prone communities in the Cordillera, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) has positioned tens of thousands of relief supplies for possible deployment to local government units. As of 3 p.m. on August 18, DSWD-CAR reported 66,002 family food packs (FFPs), 8,120 ready-to-eat food items and 18,544 assorted non-food items, along with approximately P2.39 million in

August 19, 2026