Day: December 1, 2025

Manila: Measures to aid in faster power line repairs and ensure sturdier posts and lines are now being studied, including the possibility of designing a system for underground cabling in storm-prone areas by 2026. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, in a briefing Monday, said power has been back in most of the areas in Luzon and the Visayas that were affected by the recent strong typhoons, except for several areas in Catanduanes, which are expected to have full restoration by Dec. 22, and those in mountainous and far-flung areas. According to Philippines News Agency, Garin emphasized the importance of constructing stronger

Australia: Australia on Monday announced that it is actively tracking a Chinese navy flotilla currently operating in the Philippine Sea. This move comes amid growing concerns that the flotilla could potentially move toward Australian waters, as reported by local media. According to Philippines News Agency, Defense Minister Richard Marles emphasized that Canberra will maintain close surveillance of the Chinese naval group until officials are assured that it is not advancing toward Australian territory. Marles stated, “We monitor it closely and do it through all of the geographic areas of interest and that includes as far away as north-east Asia, which

Manila: Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries utilizing 50 kilowatt-hours (KW) per month will soon be automatically enrolled in the Lifeline Rate program, eliminating the need for them to apply individually once data sharing among select government agencies and policy improvements are finalized. According to Philippines News Agency, the Lifeline Rate Program currently requires qualified 4Ps beneficiaries to submit application forms to their distribution utility (DU), accompanied by an identification card with a signature and address covered by the DU. However, with the new data sharing agreement involving the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),

Warsaw: Poland has announced its plan to bid for hosting the 2040 Summer Olympics, with some USD24 billion investments expected, according to local media reports on Tuesday. Poland unveiled its “Warsaw 2040 Sports Development Strategy” in a bid to host the 2040 Summer Olympics, TVP World reported. According to Philippines News Agency, the program, which is set to launch next year, aims at “upgrading national sports infrastructure and boosting athletic performance.” The Warsaw 2040 Sports Development Strategy also includes 100 billion Polish zloty (USD24 billion) in investments, hiring 1,500 new coaches, and introducing a four-year funding model for sports associations.

Manila: Several areas will experience rains due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao, the weather bureau said Monday. This will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms across Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said. According to Philippines News Agency, moderate to heavy rains in those areas could result in flash floods or landslides. The rest of Mindanao will experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the ITCZ. Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon or “amihan” will bring light rains in Batanes. The rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers