Day: October 2, 2025

Masbate: The National Irrigation Administration in Bicol (NIA-5) has reported nearly PHP76 million in damage to various irrigation facilities and crops in Masbate caused by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) in the last week of September. According to Philippines News Agency, engineer Gaudencio de Vera, NIA regional manager, stated in an interview on Thursday that Opong destroyed PHP70 million worth of communal irrigation systems and PHP5.9 million worth of crops. Reports from NIA-5’s Masbate office indicate that 17 areas across 10 municipalities were affected, with six irrigation systems destroyed, impacting 173 farmers across 304 hectares of land. “I

Cebu: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday released its initial assessment of damage sustained by tourist sites and establishments across Visayas following the massive quake that struck Cebu on Sept. 30. In Central Visayas, the DOT reported that several heritage sites and tourist destinations experienced varying degrees of damage, ranging from minor cracks to partial collapses, leading to temporary closures for public safety. According to Philippines News Agency, in Cebu Province, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan suffered significant structural loss, while the San Isidro Labrador Church in Tabogon saw its facade and roof collapse.

Manila: Bank lending continued to grow but at a slightly slower pace in August while domestic liquidity growth accelerated, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. Preliminary data released on Thursday showed that outstanding loans from universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) to businesses and individual consumers expanded at a slower rate of 11.2 percent in August from 11.8 percent in July. Outstanding loans issued by U/KBs during the month amounted to PHP13.61 trillion. According to Philippines News Agency, outstanding loans to residents grew by 11.6 percent in August from 12.4 percent in July, while loans to non-residents recorded a slower

Manila: Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Thursday emphasized that trade reforms should prioritize Filipino consumers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship held its organizational hearing. Marcoleta highlighted the need for economic growth and poverty reduction, stating that the focus is on development rather than business losses for local entrepreneurs. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcoleta stressed the importance of policies that stabilize prices, ensure quality and affordable products, and protect consumers, including those in online marketplaces. He emphasized the committee’s commitment to measures that ensure fair and safe treatment of consumers

Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the filing of criminal charges against former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and her family for falsification and violation of anti-dummy laws. These charges are linked to the acquisition of property and the establishment of businesses in Marilao, Bulacan. According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI-Bulacan South District Office (BUSDO) has filed 30 counts of Simulation of Minimum Capital Stock under Section 2 of Commonwealth Act No. 108, also known as the Anti-Dummy Law. Additionally, there are four counts of falsification of public documents concerning applications for business, occupancy, and building