Day: October 1, 2025

Masbate city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has allocated PHP3 million to the provincial government of Masbate to facilitate repairs at the Masbate Provincial Hospital, severely damaged by Tropical Storm Opong. According to Philippines News Agency, the President handed over the PHP3-million check from the Department of Health (DOH) during his visit to the hospital. During the visit, Marcos evaluated the hospital’s critical facilities, including the Emergency Room Complex and the Internal Medicine ward. To address connectivity issues, he also donated two Starlink units and supplied emergency generator sets to ensure a reliable power supply for patient safety. The Masbate

Samar: The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Wednesday confirmed the presence of toxic red tide in the coastal water of Zumarraga, Samar, based on examination by the agency’s national laboratory. This prompted BFAR to raise a shellfish ban for the seawaters of Zumarraga where collecting, selling, or eating any type of shellfish, including small shrimps, are not advised. According to Philippines News Agency, the coastal water, along with three other bays in the country, is now included in the national shellfish bulletin or areas with confirmed presence of red tide found through laboratory examination of shellfish meat

Cebu: Amid ongoing relief and rescue efforts, local officials on Wednesday have been urged to also ensure the protection of national heritage sites damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu province. According to Philippines News Agency, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) expressed its deepest sympathies and solidarity to the communities affected by the temblor as it joined the nation in mourning the loss of lives. NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr. voiced full support for the government’s ongoing priority of saving lives, delivering aid, and ensuring the safety of residents in quake-hit areas. He noted

Cebu: The Archdiocese of Cebu has announced a halt on the use of churches in regions impacted by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday night. In an official advisory, the archdiocese instructed priests to avoid entering churches in the affected areas to ensure safety. According to Philippines News Agency, the advisory specifically addressed parishes in the northern parts that experienced significant impact from the quake. It urged them to cease using church facilities for Holy Mass celebrations until further notice. This decision is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of congregants and church personnel.

Manila: The United States and Canadian Embassies in Manila have expressed their readiness to assist the Philippines in its response efforts following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that devastated northern Cebu on September 30. According to Philippines News Agency, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson conveyed her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster. Ambassador Carlson stated, “The US Embassy community offers our deepest condolences to those affected by the earthquake in Cebu. Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected.” She further emphasized the United States’ commitment to standing by the Philippines as