Dangerous heat index

 

levels up in 28 areas

TWENTY-eight areas in the country will experience sweltering temperatures due to a danger-level heat index, the weather bureau said Saturday.

Heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity combines with air.

A peak heat index of 44°C is forecast in Laoag, Ilocos Norte; Camiling, Tarlac; Sangley Point, Cavite City, Cavite; Cuyo, Palawan; Roxas City, Capiz; and Dumangas, Iloilo, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The following areas will also see danger-level heat indices:

NAIA, Pasay City - 42°C�Science Garden, Quezon City - 42°C�Sinait, Ilocos, Sur - 42°C�Dagupan City, Pangasinan - 43°C�MMSU, Batac, Ilocos Norte - 43°C�Bacnotan, La Union - 43°C�Aparri, Cagayan - 43°C�Tuguegarao City, Cagayan - 43°C�ISU, Echague, Isabela - 43°C�Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga - 42°C

CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija - 43°C�Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo - 43°C�Infanta, Quezon - 42°C�Alabat, Quezon - 43°C�Mulanay, Quezon - 42°C�San Jose, Occidental Mindoro - 43°C�Iloilo City, Iloilo - 43°C�Guiuan, Eastern Samar - 42°C�Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte - 42°C�Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur - 42°C

Laguindingan Airporrt, Misamis Oriental - 42°C�Butuan City, Agusan del Norte - 43°C

Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely under a danger-level heat index of 42°C to 51°C.

Meanwhile, the heat index may reach 41°C in Casiguran, Aurora; Iba, Zambales; San Ildefonso, Bulacan; Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City; Tayabas City, Quezon; Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas; Daet, Camarines Norte; Legazpi City, Albay; Virac, Catanduanes; Masbate City, Masbate; CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur; La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental; Catarman, Northern Samar; Catbalogan, Western Samar; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Davao City, Davao del Sur; Cotabato City; Maguindanao del Norte; and Surigao City, Surigao del Norte.

A heat index of 40°C is forecast over Baler, Aurora; NAS-UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna; Calapan, Oriental Mindoro; Coron, Palawan; Romblon, Romblon; Aborlan, Palawan; Juban, Sorsogon; BIA-Daraga, Albay; Mambusao, Capiz; Siquijor, Siquijor; Maasin, Southern Leyte; General Santos City, South Cotabato; and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, the whole country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies.

Extreme Northern Luzon and the eastern section of the country will experience moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas.

The rest of the archipelago will experience light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas.

PAGASA said the tropical cyclone outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility was last spotted 1,165 km. east of northeastern Mindanao, packing sustained winds of 75 kph, gustiness of up to 90 kph, and moving westward at 20 kph. (PNA) 

𝐃𝐂𝐖𝐃: 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐥 𝐍𝐢ñ𝐨

The Davao City Water District (DCWD) on Wednesday stated that Davao City has a surplus of drinking water supply amid the looming El Niño phenomenon.

"Dako gihapon ang surplus sa atong water supply kumpara sa atong demand (Our water supply still has a large surplus compared to our demand)," Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod, DCWD spokesperson, said during the AFP-PNP Press Conference at the Apo View Hotel on Wednesday.

She noted that on a daily basis, the production capacity of DCWD is 728 million liters, while the daily demand is only 52 percent of that capacity.

"We still have 48 percent that we consider as surplus water to absorb service connections, considering that we are still in the stage of ramping up our expansion, especially in District 2 areas. At the same time, these surplus, gamiton pud as part of our contingency supply in case naa gyud epekto ang huwaw sa supply sa tubig sa atong siyudad (we will also use this as part of our contingency supply in case the drought really affects the city's water supply)," she said.

Earlier, the City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) said it was also ensuring adequate water supply for farmers with its existing solar-powered irrigation pumps. The office also intends to purchase additional portable solar powered irrigation pumps.

The CAgrO also mapping for additional sources even as it plans to request fire trucks to deliver water to areas that might need supply.

As hydration is necessary during a dry spell, Duhaylungsod said they are conducting strategic initiatives to optimize distribution. She added that they are also continuously developing new sources.

Currently, surface water provides the bulk of the supply, producing 300 million liters daily; this volume is complemented by water from deep wells.

"Gina-optimize nato ang atong surface water. Gina-optimize nato nga atong surface water ang atong gina-distribute meaning kadtong ground water source, production wells, it is only around 20 percent ang atong ginapaandar. Meaning nay 80 percent are on standby lang (We are optimizing our surface water. We are making sure that the water we distribute comes primarily from surface water sources. This means that our groundwater sources, or production wells, are operating at only about 20 percent. In other words, 80 percent of them are just on standby)," she said.

Duhaylungsod explained that they will only make the remaining 80 percent of the wells operational if the need arises—specifically if there is a shortage in the surface water supply or if the number of service connections increases significantly.

Additionally, she mentioned that DCWD continues to provide technical assistance to barangays not served by the district to ensure the effective management and maintenance of their local water systems.

"In preparing for the possible impact sa El Niño, two-way process gyud ni siya: DCWD will make sure that there will be sufficient supply for our customers but in the same way, we are also encouraging our customers, padayon gihapon sa pagpondo og tubig to have contingency supply all the time because there will be water interruptions—that's a reality considering naa gyud mga leaking. Naa ta'y mga expansion activities and we need to tap pipelines, that will result in water interruptions on the part of customers. It will be a big help kanunay mo naay tubig, padayon ang pondo sa supply in clean and covered containers (In preparing for the possible impact of El Niño, this is really a two-way process. DCWD will ensure that there is a sufficient water supply for our customers, but at the same time, we are also encouraging customers to continue storing water and to always have a contingency supply, since water interruptions are a reality—especially due to leaks. We also have ongoing expansion activities that require tapping pipelines, which will result in water interruptions for customers. It will be a big help if households always have stored water, kept in clean and covered containers)," Duhaylungsod said. CIO

Written by: K. Canedo

Edited by: A. Nawal

All reactions:

44

ASEAN as a force for regional stability

 

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 11, 2026 12:05 a

The 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu has proven to be more than a ceremonial gathering of Southeast Asian leaders. Convened at a time of rising geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, maritime disputes, and the disruptive advance of artificial intelligence, the summit demonstrated ASEAN’s continuing relevance as a stabilizing force in the region. More importantly, it reaffirmed the bloc’s enduring commitment to dialogue, consensus-building, and collective resilience.

Among the summit’s most significant outcomes was the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on the Middle East crisis. Faced with the serious repercussions of conflict in the Gulf region — particularly the disruption of energy supply routes and escalating fuel prices — ASEAN leaders adopted coordinated measures aimed at protecting regional economies and the welfare of ASEAN nationals working abroad. The statement underscored the urgent need for energy security, food security, and emergency coordination mechanisms.

This collective response reflects a growing realization that ASEAN can no longer remain a passive observer of external crises. What happens in the Middle East directly affects Southeast Asia through oil prices, inflation, supply-chain disruptions, and migrant worker vulnerabilities. The Cebu summit thus highlighted the strategic value of regional solidarity in cushioning external shocks.

Equally consequential was the endorsement of the ASEAN Maritime Center to be established in the Philippines. This initiative elevates maritime cooperation into a more institutionalized and coordinated framework. It also strengthens ASEAN’s capacity to address pressing concerns involving maritime security, environmental protection, disaster response, and the blue economy.

At a time when tensions persist in the South China Sea and global sea lanes remain vulnerable to disruption, the establishment of the Maritime Center sends a subtle but unmistakable signal. ASEAN recognizes that safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime stability is essential to regional prosperity and peace. The Philippines deserves credit for championing this initiative and positioning itself at the forefront of regional maritime cooperation.

Another landmark development was the Cebu Protocol amending the ASEAN Charter, the first such amendment since the Charter’s adoption in 2007. The amendment facilitates the fuller integration of Timor-Leste into ASEAN and symbolizes the organization’s institutional evolution.

Far from being a mere technical revision, the Charter amendment demonstrates ASEAN’s willingness to adapt to changing regional realities. Institutions that refuse to evolve eventually become irrelevant. By opening the door wider for Timor-Leste and adjusting ASEAN’s structures accordingly, the bloc affirms that inclusivity and reform are necessary for long-term cohesion.

The summit likewise highlighted ASEAN’s continuing role as a platform for preventive diplomacy. The quiet mediation efforts involving Thailand and Cambodia over their border dispute illustrated ASEAN’s preference for dialogue over confrontation. While the tensions between the two neighbors remain unresolved, the willingness of both parties to engage in confidence-building measures under ASEAN auspices represents a constructive step toward de-escalation.

This diplomatic approach may lack the dramatic flair of power politics, but it remains one of ASEAN’s greatest strengths. The ASEAN Way — patient consultation and consensus-building — continues to provide a valuable mechanism for preserving regional stability.

Finally, the Cebu summit recognized the growing intersection between security and artificial intelligence. As AI rapidly transforms economies, communications, governance, and even warfare, ASEAN leaders acknowledged the need for common principles and cooperative frameworks to ensure that emerging technologies serve humanity rather than undermine democratic institutions and social stability.

The Cebu Summit may not have produced sweeping headlines or instant solutions. Yet its outcomes reflect something equally important: ASEAN’s determination to remain united, adaptive, and strategically relevant amid a volatile global landscape. In an increasingly fragmented world, that alone is a meaningful achievement.

Why do Filipinos love wearing braces? I just notice that it's trending in the Philippines

 

Ghemma Marie

 ·

Working Nomad

For those who don’t know, dental services in the Philippines are expensive for locals primarily due to the high cost of imported materials, advanced technology, and clinic overhead, compounded by a lack of comprehensive PhilHealth coverage for dental care. Because of this, dental care was often neglected and dental visits are sought only when severe symptoms appear, for one reason, unaffordable. This is the reason why 7 out of 10 Filipinos suffered from tooth decay at the very young age.

The standard metal brace, for example, cost between Php30K - 50K depending on the quality of services. That amount in there isn’t cheap for a single orthodontic appliance and most of the time, this services can be availed by installment payment.

Photo source, FB

I am fully aware though, that yes, it is indeed trending the same as owning an Iphone, specially to younger generations. This is due to strong desire to experience a high-end lifestyles despite financial strain. Wearing a metal brace is more on aesthetic reason rather than a dental necessity.

It represents social status, yes, a subconscious sign of material wealth that you can afford to see a dentist, and more specifically that you can afford to have braces installed. Also, braces are perceived as stylish, fashionable, and attractive.

KATSEYE's Manon confirmed as guest judge on 'Germany's Next Top Model'

By Neil Ramos

Published May 10, 2026 02:26 pm

At A Glance

• KATSEYE member Manon will appear as a guest judge on Germany's Next Top Model on May 14, amid her ongoing hiatus from the global girl group since February.

KATSEYE member Manon is set to make a special appearance on the hit reality competition series "Germany’s Next Top Model" amid her ongoing hiatus from the group.

According to Billboard, Manon will appear as a celebrity guest judge in an upcoming episode hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum. A preview clip released on May 8 showed the singer meeting Klum on set, sparking excitement among fans online.

Manon’s guest appearance is expected to air during the next episode of the show, scheduled to premiere on May 14. The long running fashion competition series frequently invites international celebrities and entertainment figures to participate as guest judges.   

Fans are especially eager to see Manon return to the spotlight following her absence from KATSEYE activities earlier this year.

Manon has been on an indefinite hiatus from KATSEYE since February, leading to ongoing speculation regarding her future with the group. Neither the singer nor the agency has publicly confirmed additional details surrounding the hiatus or a potential return timeline.

Despite the uncertainty, her upcoming television appearance suggests that Manon remains active in the entertainment industry while away from group promotions.

News of Manon’s appearance quickly gained attention across social media, with fans expressing excitement over seeing the idol on screen again. Many supporters hope the appearance could signal more public activities in the near future.