PAGASA warns of extreme heat in 32 areas on May 6

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

May 6, 2025 | 9:15am 

People buy coconut water to cool themselves along a road in Manila on April 24, 2024, as extreme heat affected the country. 

MANILA, Philippines —  Thirty-two areas across the country are expected to experience extreme heat on Tuesday, May 6, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its latest heat index bulletin, PAGASA placed several areas under the “danger” classification, with forecast heat index values ranging from 42° Celsius to 45°C.

The following are the areas under the “danger” heat index:

• Aparri, Cagayan: 42ºC
• Catbalogan, Western Samar: 42ºC
• CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija: 42ºC
• Coron, Palawan: 42ºC
• Cuyo, Palawan: 42ºC
• Davao City: 42ºC
• Guiuan, Eastern Samar: 42ºC
• Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac: 42ºC
• Iba, Zambales: 42ºC
• Iloilo City, Iloilo: 42ºC
• Legazpi City, Albay: 42ºC
• Maasin, Southern Leyte: 42ºC
• Masbate City, Masbate: 42ºC
• Roxas City, Capiz: 42ºC
• San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: 42ºC
• Virac, Catanduanes: 42ºC
• VSU-Baybay, Leyte: 42ºC
• Alabat, Quezon: 43ºC
• Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas: 43ºC
• Catarman, Northern Samar: 43ºC
• CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur: 43ºC
• Cubi Pt., Subic Bay Olongapo City: 43ºC
• Dagupan, Pangasinan: 43ºC
• NAIA, Pasay City: 43ºC
• San Ildefonso, Bulacan: 43ºC
• Science Garden, Quezon City, Metro Manila: 43ºC
• TAU Camiling, Tarlac: 43ºC
• Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur: 43ºC
• Daet, Camarines Norte: 44ºC
• Sangley Point, Cavite: 44ºC
• Tuguegarao, Cagayan: 44ºC
• ISU Echague, Isabela: 45ºC

Other parts of the country fall under the "extreme caution" category, with heat indices ranging from 33°C to 41°C, while some areas will experience "caution" levels, ranging from 27°C to 32°C. 

PAGASA urged residents in areas experiencing extreme heat to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest hours of the afternoon. It also advised against engaging in strenuous outdoor activities to prevent heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.  

LPA spotted near Palawan; easterlies to bring rains

Some areas may experience cloudy skies and scattered rains due to the easterlies on Tuesday.

As of 3 a.m., a low-pressure area was located 660 kilometers west-northwest of Coron, Palawan, or 455 km north of Kalayaan, Palawan.

Eastern Visayas, Caraga and Davao Region may also experience cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the easterlies. 

PAGASA warned residents of these areas about possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to, at times, heavy rains. The easterlies may also bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms to Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

PAGASA: 19 areas under ‘danger’ heat index on Palm Sunday

 

Catholic devotees wave their palm fronds or "palaspas" for blessings during a Palm Sunday Mass at the Antipolo Cathedral in Antipolo City on Sunday, March 24, 2024, marking the start of Holy Week.

The STAR / Ryan Baldemor

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

April 13, 2025 | 9:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Nineteen areas in the Philippines are expected to experience scorching temperatures on Sunday, April 13, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its latest heat index bulletin, PAGASA reported that these areas fall under the “danger” classification, with forecast heat index values ranging from 42°C to 44°C.

The following areas are under the “danger” heat index classification:

NAIA, Pasay City, Metro Manila: 42°C

Bacnotan, La Union: 42°C

ISU Echage, Isabela: 42°C

Baler (radar), Aurora: 42°C

TAU Camiling, Tarlac: 42°C

Cubi Pt., Subic Bay, Olongapo City: 42°C

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 42°C

Dumangas, Iloilo: 42°C

Catarman, Northern Samar: 42°C

Dagupan City, Pangasinan: 43°C

Ambulong, Tanauan Batangas: 43°C

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: 43°C

Aborlan, Palawan: 43°C

Masbate City, Masbate: 43°C

Roxas City, Capiz: 43°C

Iloilo City, Iloilo: 43°C

San Idelfonso, Bulacan: 44°C

Virac (Synop), Catanduanes: 44°C

Sangley Point, Cavite: 44°C

Other parts of the country are also under an "extreme caution" heat index, with temperatures ranging from 33°C to 41°C.

Meanwhile, some areas are forecast to experience temperatures within the "caution" heat index range of 27°C to 32°C.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, PAGASA advised residents in affected areas to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight—especially during the hottest part of the day—and limit strenuous outdoor activities.

Cloudy skies, scattered rains

Some areas in the country may experience cloudy skies with scattered rain, according to PAGASA.

Cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected over the Zamboanga Peninsula, Palawan, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi due to the easterlies.

PAGASA warned residents in these areas of possible flash floods or landslides caused by moderate to occasionally heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, also due to the easterlies.

March 25: ITCZ to bring cloudy skies, rains to Mindanao; Heat index to reach 43°C in 2 areas

 

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

March 25, 2025 | 9:42am

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The STAR / Miguel de Guzman

MANILA, Philippines — Some portions of Mindanao on Tuesday, March 25, may experience cloudy skies with rain due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

In its weather forecast, PAGASA stated that the Davao Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, SOCCSKSARGEN and BARMM may expect cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the ITCZ.

PAGASA has warned residents in these areas about the possible risk of flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rains at times.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country may expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies.

The state weather bureau warned residents of these areas to be affected by the easterlies of flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 

Heat index

According to the March 24, 5 p.m. heat index bulletin from PAGASA, two areas in the country may experience scorching temperatures of up to 43°Celsius (°C) on Tuesday.

Dagupan City, Pangasinan may experience a heat index as high as 43°C, while CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur may experience temperatures up to 42°C.

PAGASA classified other areas under "extreme caution," with expected temperatures ranging from 33°C to 41°C, and 'caution,' with temperatures between 27°C and 32°C.

Signal No. 2 raised over 2 areas as ‘Julian’ intensifies into severe tropical storm

 

Satellite image shows Severe Tropical Storm Julian taken as of 5 a.m. on Sept. 29, 2024.

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

September 29, 2024 | 10:15am

MANILA, Philippines — Signal No. 2 was hoisted in some areas as tropical cyclone Julian (international name: Krathon) intensified into a severe tropical storm, the state weather bureau PAGASA said on Sunday, September 29.

In its 5 a.m. forecast, the severe tropical storm was spotted 305 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan.

Julian was moving west-northwest at 10 kilometers per hour (kph), with peak winds of 95 kph near its center and gusts of up to 115 kph.

The state weather bureau raised tropical cyclone wind signals over the following areas:

Signal No. 2

northeastern portion of Mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana)

eastern portion of Babuyan Islands (Camiguin Island, Babuyan Islands).

According to PAGASA, high-risk structures may experience light to moderate damage, while medium-risk structures could experience very light to light damage in the areas under Signal No. 2.

PAGASA warned that sea and coastal waters are hazardous for small seacrafts. Travelers by sea and air are also cautioned to avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Signal No. 1

Batanes

rest of Cagayan

rest of Babuyan Islands

Isabela

Apayao

Abra

Kalinga

eastern and central portions of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis, Sadanga, Barlig, Bontoc)

eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista, Mayoyao),

Ilocos Norte

northern portion of Ilocos Sur (Sinait, Cabugao, San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, Bantay, San Ildefonso, San Vicente)

northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran)

According to the state weather bureau, low-risk structures are expected to experience very light or no damage, while medium to high-risk structures may sustain light damage in these areas.

Slight damage could occur to houses of light materials or makeshift structures in exposed areas.

Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon may anticipate partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the trough of Julian.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country is expected to have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms.

Julian is expected to keep strengthening and may become a typhoon by Sunday night or Monday early morning.

The storm will likely move northwest toward the Batanes-Babuyan Islands, with a possible landfall or close approach on Monday.

Julian could become a super typhoon, according to PAGASA.

'Fake Filipinos' prompt call for stricter birth certificate validation

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

July 17, 2024 | 12:42pm

Sen. Win Gatchalian presides over the Senate ways and means panel hearing tackling proposed measures seeking to permanently ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs, and prohibit online gambling in the country on July 16, 2024. On Wednesday, July 17, Gatchalian urged government to reform the processing of birth certificates—a system that has been abused by foreigners who want to pass as Filipinos.

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday called for the reform of the validation and processing of birth certificates following the discovery of illegally obtained birth documents in Davao del Sur.

The senator stressed the need for more “accountability” among issuing agencies.

“We will definitely reform the entire birth certificate process in our country. The process was designed to make it easier for our constituents, our own people, to access…to get birth certificates,” Gatchalian said in an interview with ANC Headstart. 

He added that the birth certificate procurement process, designed for the convenience of Filipino citizens, has been exploited by foreigners who can falsely claim Filipino identity.

The senator pointed out that local civil registrars hold significant power in issuing birth, death and marriage certificates, without needing verification from the mayor. 

This decentralization, while convenient, has led to vulnerabilities with reports of foreigners buying land and allowing them to run for public office, according to Gatchalian. 

“There are now news reports that a lot of foreigners are buying lands in some parts of our country. So this raises the question of whether this purchase is legitimate or is being done by fake Filipinos,” he said. 

When asked about the timeline for these reforms, Gatchalian said that the Senate urged the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to come up with administrative reforms. 

“They (PSA) don’t have to wait for a law to reform their process,” he said. 

On July 12, Gatchalian first bared that Chinese nationals illegally obtained Philippine birth certificates, passports and driver’s licenses for the price of P300,000. 

Citing a report from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), he said that 200 questionable birth certificates were issued to Chinese nationals from 2018 to 2019 in Davao del Sur. 

However, it was noted that the actual number of dubious birth certificates is around 1,200, according to NBI Director Jaime Santiago. 

The senators said that this incident might just be the “tip of the iceberg.”

Following the discovery of the questionable documents, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingo said the Bureau of Immigration would conduct an investigation into the alleged illegally obtained documents.

Easterlies to bring rains over parts of Luzon, Mindanao — PAGASA

 

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

June 30, 2024 | 10:08am

MANILA, Philippines — Portions of Luzon and Mindanao will anticipate rain showers due to easterlies affecting the country, state weather bureau PAGASA said Sunday.

In its daily weather bulletin, PAGASA said Caraga, Eastern Visayas, Bicol Region, Aurora and Quezon may expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the Easterlies. 

Residents of these areas are warned of possible flash floods or landslides during the rainy conditions.

Davao Region is also expected to experience cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the same weather system.

Meanwhile, localized thunderstorms are expected to bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rain showers or thunderstorms over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.

PAGASA advised that this weather conditions may also lead to possible flash floods or landslides in affected areas.

The state weather bureau reported that no tropical cyclones or low pressure areas are currently being monitored within or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

The entire archipelago will experience light to moderate winds and seas.

Palace declares June 17 regular holiday to mark Eid'l Adha

In this July 2020 photo, Muslims practice social distancing at Salam Mosque in Salam Compound during their noon time prayer, a day ahead of Eid al-Adha. The STAR / Michael Varcas, file

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

June 5, 2024 | 5:15pm

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared June 17, Wednesday as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Islamic Feast of Sacrifice or Edi'l Adha.

Proclamation No. 579, declaring the Eid'l Adha holiday, was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos recommended the declaration of the national holiday following the 1445 Hijrah Islamic Lunar Calendar.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR., President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby declare Monday, 17 June 2024, a regular holiday throughout the country, in observance of Eid'l Adha," the proclamation read.

Edi'l Adha is one of the two important feasts in Islam which lands on the tenth day of the final month of the Islamic calendar.

DOT launches Philippine Experience Program in Northern Mindanao

 This photo shows Tourism secretary Christina Frasco with local officials during the launch of he Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage and Arts Caravans at the tourism office of Cagayan de Oro City in Bukidnon.

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

May 24, 2024 | 11:15am

BUKIDNON, Philippines — The Philippine Experience Program (PEP): Culture, Heritage and Arts Caravans has been officially launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT) in Northern Mindanao.

The program, which was first launched in the Davao Region last year, will now conduct a three-day tour within Cagayan de Oro City and the province of Bukidnon.

The tour started on May 23 and will end on May 25. 

The launch was led by Tourism secretary Christina Frasco together with other officials of the DOT.

“It’s high time that Mindanao fully opens up for tourism,” she said in an interview with reporters.

“Dito po sa Northern Mindanao ang daming mga emerging destinations na we feel that has massive potential that offers immersive, purposeful, and experiential travel,” she added. 

(Here in Northern Mindanao, there are many emerging destinations that we feel have massive potential, offering immersive, purposeful and experiential travel.)

This has been the eighth leg of the program after its last event in Palawan in April.

PEP was launched in the Davao Region last year and has since expanded its reach to various areas, including Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Zamboanga, Ilocos and now parts of Northern Mindanao.

The DOT said PEP aims to highlight the Filipino “brand and identity” in “all aspects of the travel and tourism experience.”

Through the program, the agency said that it will facilitate “cultural tourism circuit development” which will focus on heritage, culture and the arts.

The “experience” will include “thematic experience on food and gastronomy, pilgrimage and wellness, festivals, living Cultures and heritage and the arts.

PAGASA: 30 areas under ‘dangerous’ heat index classification

 

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

April 24, 2024 | 12:23pm

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty areas in the Philippines are expected to experience scorching temperatures of up to 46 °Celsius (°C) on Wednesday, state weather bureau PAGASA reported.

According to the latest heat index bulletin of the weather agency, 30 areas are forecast to fall under the "danger" heat index classification due to temperatures ranging from 42°C to 46°C.

CBSUA-Pili in Camarines Sur may experience a heat index as high as 46°C.

The following areas are expected to experience a "dangerous" heat index classification on Wednesday:

NAIA, Pasay City, Metro Manila: 44°C

Science Garden, Quezon City: 43°C

Dagupan City, Pangasinan: 45°C

Aparri, Cagayan: 45°C

Tugegarao City, Cagayan: 44°C

ISU Echague, Isabela: 42°C

Iba, Zambales: 42°C

CLSU Munoz, Nueva Ecija: 43°C

Baler (Radar), Aurora: 42°C

Casiguran, Aurora: 42°C

Sangley Point, Cavite: 43°C

Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas: 42°C

Alabat, Quezon: 42°C

Coron, Palawan: 43°C

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro: 45°C

Puerto Princesa City, Palawan: 45°C

Aborlan, Palawan: 45°C

Daet, Camarines Norte: 42°C

Legazpi City, Albay: 43°C

Virac (Synop), Catanduanes: 43°C

Masbate City, Masbate: 43°C

CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur: 46°C

Roxas City, Capiz: 43°C

Iloilo City, Iloilo: 43°C

Dumangas, Iloilo: 42°C

La Granja, La Carlota, Negros Occidental: 42°C

Catarman, Northern Samar: 42°C

Catbalogan, Samar: 42°C

Tacloban City, Leyte: 42°C

Guiuan, Eastern Samar: 44°C

Meanwhile, most parts of the country are under the “extreme caution” classification, with temperatures ranging from 33°C to 41°C.

On Tuesday, PAGASA recorded the highest heat index recorded at 48 °C in Aparri, Cagayan.

Eid'l Fitr on April 10 declared a regular holiday

Members of the Muslim community near the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila prepare for morning prayers in celebration of Eid’l Fitr, or the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Miguel De Guzman

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday declared April 10, 2024, Wednesday a regular holiday throughout the Philippines for the observance of the Islamic holiday of Eid'l Fitr. 

This has been declared through Proclamation No. 514 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the recommendation from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

“WHEREAS, in order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the EidT Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, and to allow the entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid Fitr, it is necessary to declare Wednesday, 10 April 2024, a regular holiday throughout the country,” the proclamation read. 

Eid'l Fitr is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.

The date of the said holiday is calculated following the sighting of the new moon by a moon sighting committee by the NCMF.

Heat index could hit 'danger' level in 14 areas on Good Friday, PAGASA warns

 

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

March 29, 2024 | 11:23am

MANILA, Philippines — State weather bureau PAGASA reported on Good Friday that the heat index in 14 areas across the Philippines might reach "danger" levels.

In its 5 a.m. forecast on Thursday, the agency noted that certain areas could see a heat index soaring up to 44 degrees Celsius (°C).

The heat index, also referred to as the apparent temperature, factors in both relative humidity and the actual air temperature, providing a measure of how hot it feels.

Under the "danger" classification, temperatures range from 42°C to 51°C, posing risks of heat-related ailments such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion, as warned by PAGASA.

A heat stroke, on the other hand, might be also be probable with continued sun exposure.

The following are the areas under the “danger” level:

Roxas City, Capiz - 44 °C

Iloilo City, Iloilo - 44 °C

Dumangas, Iloilo - 43 °C

San Jose, Occidental Mindoro - 43 °C

Puerto Princesa, Palawan - 43 °C

Aborlan, Palawan - 43 °C

NAIA in Pasay City, Manila - 42 °C

Sangley Point, Cavite - 42 °C

Calapan, Oriental Mindoro - 42 °C

Coron, Palawan - 42 °C

Masbate City, Masbate - 42 °C

CBSUA Pili, Camarines Sur - 42 °C

Mambusao, Capiz - 42 °C

Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur - 42 °C

PAGASA advised the public to reduce outdoor activities, stay hydrated and avoid certain beverages to prevent heat-related illnesses.

The agency also advised the public to use umbrellas, hats, and wear sleeved clothing when outdoors, and to schedule strenuous activities for cooler times of the day.

The state weather bureau formally declared the beginning of the dry season on March 23, indicating the conclusion of the amihan, or prevailing northeast monsoon, which had led to decreased temperatures nationwide.

Phivolcs: Surigao del Sur aftershocks now over 1,500

This photo shows an aftermath of the Magnitude 7.4 quake in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

Hinatuan Local Government Unit / Released

MANILA, Philippines — Following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake which rocked Surigao del Sur on Saturday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Monday said that it has recorded 1,583 aftershocks so far.

Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said that the figures were logged as of 5 a.m. on Monday.

Meanwhile, Bacolcol said that the tsunami warning which was issued after the magnitude 7.4 earthquake has already been lifted according to Bacolcol.

He also said that the magnitude 6.8 Sarangani earthquake which occurred in November has no connection to the Surigao del Sur tremor.

“We have six active trenches and we have 175 active faults, so there is always a probability na puwedeng magkasabay," Bacolcol said in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo.

(We have six active trenches and we have 175 active faults, so there is always a probability that they can occur simultaneously).

“We’re part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, ineexpect na talaga natin yang marami tayong earthquakes, marami tayong active faults, marami tayong active volcanoes, and pwede magkasabay-sabay ‘yan,” he noted, highlighting that experiencing nearly 20 minor tremors a day is considered normal.

(We're part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, so we really expect to have many earthquakes, numerous active faults, plenty of active volcanoes, and those can happen simultaneously.)

He also cautioned the public that if a comparable magnitude 7.4 earthquake will occur along the West Valley Fault, it could result in 33,000 casualties in Metro Manila.

In a seperate interview with the STAR, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said that the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that shook Surigao del Sur was undoubtedly a significant event that can be likened to the "Big One" that Metro Manila should adequately prepare for. 

“Magnitude 7.4 is a major earthquake," Solidum said.

As of writing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said that the Surigao del Sur quake left one dead. It added that its field officers are validating the damage and number of people affected by the earthquake. — with reports from Bella Cariaso.