Magnitude 4.8 Earthquake Strikes Zambales, Philippines

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that a magnitude 4.8 earthquake occurred in Zambales at 2:09 p.m. on Thursday, September 11. The epicenter was pinpointed 18 kilometers southwest of Iba, Zambales, at a depth of 17 kilometers.\n\nThe tremor was experienced with varying intensities across the region. It registered Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Iba and Cabangan, while Intensity III (weak) was noted in Masinloc, all within Zambales. Nearby towns such as San Marcelino and Botolan felt the quake at Intensity II (slightly felt).\n\nLower intensities were reported further away: Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) was recorded in Dinalupihan, Bataan; Marikina City and Navotas City in Metro Manila; San Fernando and Guagua in Pampanga; Dagupan City in Pangasinan; Santa Ignacia, Tarlac; and Subic, Zambales.\n\nPhivolcs classified the earthquake as tectonic, resulting from the movement of an active fault in the area. Officials confirmed that no damage was caused and no aftershocks are expected following the event.

Sugbo City Calls for Halt on Unnecessary Road Repairs to Preserve Resources and Public Safety

The local government of Sugbo City has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to cease the repair of roads that remain in good condition, particularly those where only small potholes exist. This move aims to prevent unnecessary deterioration and avoid adding inconvenience to motorists. For many residents, it has become common to witness well-maintained roads being unnecessarily damaged during repair works, causing repeated disruptions to daily commutes. This cycle of destruction and reconstruction not only risks the safety of drivers—especially motorcycle riders vulnerable to accidents—but also represents a misuse of public funds. Councilor Harold Kendrick Go has filed a resolution encouraging the DPWH to reconsider such practices. He emphasizes that government resources derived from taxpayers should be allocated judiciously, prioritizing critical sectors like education, health, and disaster preparedness instead of redundant road projects. "Spending on roads that do not require repair is a clear example of imprudent fiscal management. It wastes not only money but also exacerbates traffic congestion," Councilor Go stated. "This leads to longer travel times for commuters and hampers local economic activities, affecting businesses and transport operators alike." The resolution calls for enhanced collaboration between the DPWH and Sugbo City officials. Prior to initiating any project, DPWH must secure engineering justifications and clearances from the city government to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public works. Additionally, the submission of comprehensive project reports will facilitate monitoring and oversight, ensuring that all road construction or maintenance efforts align with actual needs. Councilor Go underscored the importance of prioritizing sound fiscal spending to benefit the community effectively. Halting unnecessary repairs on already functional roads is a straightforward measure with significant positive effects on the city’s economy and the quality of life for its residents.

12-Hour Power Interruption Scheduled in Albay for Maintenance Work

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has scheduled a 12-hour power outage on Friday affecting multiple municipalities in Albay. The blackout will occur from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will impact areas serviced by the Ligao and Polangui substations. NGCP reported that the outage is necessary to carry out preventive and corrective maintenance on the Daraga-Ligao 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line. In coordination, the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) will utilize this period to relocate distribution lines, retrieve poles near the Polangui substation, replace defective pin insulators, and perform its annual preventive maintenance at the substation. ALECO assured the public that power supply will be reinstated immediately upon completion of the maintenance work, even if it happens ahead of the anticipated schedule. The affected areas include the municipalities of Guinobatan, Oas, Ligao City, Libon, Polangui, Jovellar, and Pio Duran, where residents and businesses are advised to prepare accordingly.

San Fernando Reinstates Strict Smoking and Vaping Ban in Public Areas

The City Government of San Fernando has officially reinstated Ordinance No. 2014-007, reinforcing the prohibition of smoking and vaping in all public buildings, offices, and modes of public transportation, including jeepneys, buses, and tricycles. This policy aims to protect the community from the adverse health effects of tobacco and e-cigarette use. According to the ordinance, the sale and advertisement of cigarettes, other tobacco products, and e-cigarettes are forbidden within 100 meters of schools, public playgrounds, health facilities, churches, public parks, boardwalks, and any sites frequently visited by minors. Violations of the no-smoking law will result in a fine of P2,500 alongside mandatory community service. Furthermore, establishments found selling tobacco or e-vape products to minors face stricter consequences: a fine of up to P5,000 and imprisonment of up to one year. The city’s anti-smoking initiatives began with the "Bantay-Usok Sigarilyo" campaign launched on September 5, 2017, in conjunction with Women’s Week celebrations. Ordinance No. 2014-007 is designed to safeguard public health by reducing exposure to tobacco marketing, limiting access and use of these products, and encouraging smokers and vapers to quit in a supportive environment. San Fernando’s local government remains committed to fostering a healthier community by enforcing these comprehensive measures against smoking and vaping in public spaces.

PBA Season 49 Records Significant Viewership Growth Ahead of Golden Anniversary

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) continues to dominate as the premier sports league in the nation, showing strong growth in viewership throughout its 49th season. As the league approaches its 50th anniversary, recent reports during the board of governors’ annual planning session in Las Vegas revealed substantial increases in audience engagement. Television broadcasters TV5 and Cignal TV highlighted the resurgence of the league's traditional three-conference format, which significantly boosted viewer numbers. The mid-season Commissioner’s Cup attracted the largest audience, amassing a total viewership of 23.7 million across RPTV, TV5, and PBA Rush. This surpassed the 22.7 million cumulative viewers recorded during the season-opening Governors’ Cup, where TNT’s Tropang 5G edged out Ginebra in six games. TNT’s thrilling Game 7 overtime win over Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup final further heightened interest, putting the team on the brink of a grand slam. Meanwhile, the season-culminating Philippine Cup—considered the league’s marquee event—drew 21.2 million viewers as San Miguel Beer reclaimed the All-Filipino crown, preventing TNT from achieving a triple championship. Comparing the figures to the previous 48th season, which saw lower numbers with the Commissioner’s Cup garnering 16.9 million and the Philippine Cup 13.7 million viewers, this season’s upward trend is notable. Meralco’s landmark import-free title win and their upset over San Miguel Beer in the prior season had a respective clubbing of audience measurement. The league’s digital platforms also experienced remarkable growth. The Pilipinas Live app recorded total watch times of 26 million for the Governors’ Cup, and 36 million each for the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup—significantly higher than last season’s figures of approximately 7.9 million and 7.4 million for the latter two conferences. On social media, the PBA amassed a combined 1.8 billion views on YouTube and Facebook from November through July, underscoring the league’s expanding digital reach. PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas emphasized the league’s sustained leadership, stating, "The PBA remains to be the No. 1 brand compared to other sports." TV5 President Guido Zaballero attributed part of this success to the establishment of RPTV as the league’s primary broadcast partner, noting, "We saw a huge increase in viewership in Season 49 and this has a lot to do with us establishing the PBA’s new home, which is RPTV."

Nueva Era Distributes Livestock and Agricultural Supplies to Support Student-Families

In a move to bolster educational support and family income, the municipal government of Nueva Era recently distributed young female cows, known as heifers, to 72 college students. The event took place at the Municipal Agriculture Office grounds over the weekend. "This means so much to us. The cow is not just a livestock, it is a lifeline that can support our education and families," expressed Angelo Campañano, a nursing student at Northwestern University and one of the recipients. Mayor Aldrin Garvida highlighted the broader significance of the initiative, stating, "This is more than just assistance \- it is an investment in people, in livelihood and in the future of our community." Beyond the heifers and livestock vitamins supplied to the students, parents—many engaged in rice farming—received hybrid and inbred rice seeds. Complementing these were distributions from the Department of Agriculture, which provided corn seeds, fertilizers, gardening tools, and vegetable seeds. These resources aim to strengthen the "Gulayan sa Barangay" program, designed to enhance local food security. This comprehensive support forms part of Nueva Era's "One Professional, One Family" initiative, which aspires to ensure that each household cultivates at least one employed professional. The program is particularly focused on uplifting the Tingguians, the town's indigenous population, by fostering sustainable livelihoods and educational advancement.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins Commits to More Transparent and Predictable Enforcement

In an interview published recently, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins announced plans to adopt a more transparent and measured approach to regulatory enforcement. Atkins emphasized that businesses would receive prior notification of technical violations before the SEC initiates aggressive actions, a departure from previous practices. "I think a lot of people rightly criticised the SEC," Atkins explained. "Especially in more recent years it was not grounded in precedent or predictability. It would shoot first and then ask questions later." He added, "What I am trying to address is a market perception that there was a lack of due process, a lack of notice, a lack of rule of law." This new stance coincides with the SEC’s recent publication of its rule-making agenda, which includes potential broad reforms to cryptocurrency regulations and a reduction of what Wall Street considers overly restrictive rules. Atkins’s focus on the crypto sector aligns with President Donald Trump’s commitment to fostering digital asset adoption. Further elaborating on crypto regulation, Atkins stated his belief that most tokens do not qualify as securities. He also expressed interest in creating guidelines that facilitate the trading of tokenized shares and bonds—synthetic securities that confer equivalent legal rights but allow for continuous trading via blockchain technology. This approach contrasts sharply with former President Joe Biden’s administration, which imposed stringent crypto regulations aimed at combating fraud and money laundering. Atkins’s tenure signals a significant policy shift toward greater flexibility and innovation within the SEC.

PAGCOR Introduces Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Illegal Online Gambling Amid Technological Challenges

During the inaugural Asia-Pacific Regulators’ Forum held on September 11 at Newport World Resorts, a senior official from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) underscored the threats that rapid technological progression poses to the legal gaming sector. Dr. Angelito Domingo, PAGCOR Vice President for Human Resource and Development Group, emphasized how these advances have cultivated an environment where illegal operators flourish, placing legitimate businesses at a disadvantage. Dr. Domingo articulated the issue as a convergence of three critical factors: "technology as the tool, the criminal divide as the motive, and social impact as the public outcry," which together generate a "perfect storm" undermining the integrity of lawful gambling activities. To address these concerns, PAGCOR is rolling out a comprehensive gaming education framework aimed at bolstering player awareness, enhancing operator training, and expanding public outreach. This initiative seeks to mitigate the social repercussions associated with the surge in illegal online gambling. "Our framework promotes stronger cooperation among gaming and financial regulators, licensed operators, law enforcement agencies, non-government organizations, communities, and the players themselves," Dr. Domingo explained. He attributed the unprecedented growth of online gaming in the Philippines to the widespread availability of technology and the population's heavy reliance on mobile devices. Highlighting a gap in awareness, Dr. Domingo noted, "Many individuals are unaware of the financial risks involved in gambling. Often, they recognize the consequences only after significant losses, underscoring the importance of early education." The framework focuses on three core components: educating players on responsible gambling and associated risks; instituting mandatory certification programs for operators’ personnel to identify and assist problem gamblers; and coordinating public outreach campaigns in partnership with NGOs, financial oversight bodies, and law enforcement to foster a unified front against illegal gaming practices.

Negros Power Announces September Rate Increase Due to Rising Supply Costs

Negros Power has declared a rate adjustment starting this September, attributing the increase to external market pressures and escalated power supply costs. The average residential rate will rise to P12.2775 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up by P0.7715 from August’s P11.5060/kWh, while commercial consumers will face a rate of P12.38 per kWh. The utility explained that the rate hike primarily results from increased generation costs, following a series of Yellow Alerts triggered by reduced reserve margins in the Visayas grid last month. These alerts pushed prices higher in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), a key source of power for distributors. Beyond generation expenses, additional costs such as power delivery charges and ancillary service fees, which are necessary to maintain grid stability and reliability, have also risen. However, Negros Power assured customers that its Distribution, Supply, and Metering (DSM) charge remains unchanged at P0.89 per kWh, emphasizing that the rate increase is driven by factors outside its control. In a statement, Negros Power said, \"We understand the importance of affordable electricity for every household and business, and we recognize that any increase in your monthly bill can pose a challenge.\" The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and operational efficiency amid rising costs. Negros Power also highlighted ongoing efforts to stabilize and lower energy costs in the region by optimizing operations and collaborating with suppliers and regulators to mitigate future price volatility. The adjustment poses financial challenges for many households and small businesses already managing tight budgets. The company expressed empathy toward its consumers and pledged to \"do its best to cushion the impact\" of these market-driven changes. As central Negros faces higher electricity expenses this month, Negros Power urged patience and understanding from customers, noting that the increase reflects overall difficulties in the energy sector. Similar rate hikes are anticipated among other electric distribution utilities across the Visayas due to comparable market conditions.

Alzheimer’s Association Urges Greater Awareness to Distinguish Dementia from Normal Aging

The Alzheimer’s Disease Association of the Philippines (ADAP) has emphasized that dementia should not be mistaken as an inevitable condition of aging among elderly individuals. "Despite its increasing prevalence, dementia is often incorrectly viewed as a normal aspect of getting older," explained ADAP, an organization comprising individuals with dementia, their families, specialized healthcare professionals, and dementia advocates. The group clarified that while cognitive processing may slow down with age, persistent forgetfulness and confusion are not typical for older adults. They underscored that dementia prevention is achievable through effective management of risk factors. Referencing findings from the Lancet Commission, ADAP noted that nearly 45 percent of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented by addressing modifiable risks. These include controlling hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol; avoiding smoking, alcohol consumption, and head trauma; managing sensory impairments; reducing exposure to air pollution; and promoting social engagement, lifelong learning, and physical activity. To improve outcomes locally, ADAP advocates for the integration of these public health measures into a comprehensive Philippine National Dementia Plan. Dementia encompasses a group of symptoms affecting memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions. According to ADAP, approximately 1.03 million Filipinos currently live with dementia, with many cases unrecognized or inadequately diagnosed. Without appropriate interventions, this figure could double by 2050. "Raising public awareness, dismantling stigma, and fostering a deeper understanding of dementia are vital steps moving forward," ADAP stated. By promoting education and early detection, the organization hopes to enhance care and support for those affected across the country.