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:

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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.

Mothers: The hands that hold the world

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published May 10, 2026 12:05 am

Today, as families around the world celebrate Mother's Day, we should be reminded that behind every well-knitted family, every strong society, every faithful generation, and every hopeful future stands the quiet strength of a mother. Long before the world created ceremonies and greetings for mothers, the Bible had already established the sacredness of motherhood. In Genesis 3:20, Eve was called “the mother of all living,” a title that reveals motherhood not merely as a biological function, but as a divine calling tied to the continuation of life itself.

The Scriptures portray mothers as builders of character, guardians of faith, and teachers of wisdom. They are not only caretakers of homes but caretakers of souls. In 1 Samuel 1:23, Hannah’s devotion to her child reflects the sacrificial commitment of a mother who nurtures with patience and purpose. Proverbs 31 paints the portrait of a woman whose strength, diligence, wisdom, and compassion shape the destiny of her family. The biblical mother rises early, provides for her household, teaches with kindness, and leads by example. Her influence often reaches far beyond what the world can measure.

Yet motherhood is not an easy calling. Behind every smile may be a hidden exhaustion, a silent sacrifice, and countless prayers whispered in the darkness of night. Mothers carry burdens that are rarely seen. They endure worry, pain, and uncertainty while continuing to give love without condition. This is why the Bible repeatedly calls families and communities to honor them. Respect for mothers is a spiritual and moral responsibility. The commandment to “honor your father and your mother” remains one of the clearest instructions God gives to humanity.

Children, therefore, have a sacred duty that extends far beyond offering flowers or greetings once a year. True honor is shown through gratitude, obedience, kindness, and lifelong care. Children must learn to speak gently to their mothers, listen to their counsel, and support them in times of weakness just as they were once supported in childhood. A mother who spent years sacrificing for her children should never feel abandoned when age, sickness, or hardship comes. The measure of a society’s moral health can often be seen in how its children treat their mothers.

Husbands also carry a profound responsibility. A godly husband does not take a mother’s labor for granted. He protects, values, encourages, and stands beside her as a partner in raising a family. The biblical vision of marriage is one of mutual love, respect, and shared responsibility. Mothers flourish where husbands offer emotional support, spiritual leadership, and faithful companionship. Appreciation should not be seasonal; it should be woven into daily life.

Government and society likewise have roles that cannot be ignored. A nation that claims to value family must create conditions where mothers are protected, respected, and supported. Policies that promote maternal health, education, decent work opportunities, and family welfare are not merely acts of charity. These are investments in the future of humanity. Communities, churches, schools, and workplaces should become places where mothers are encouraged rather than neglected.

Therefore, this Mother's Day may we look beyond celebrations and remember the deeper truth Scripture teaches: mothers are among God’s greatest gifts to humanity. Their hands rock the cradles, and they also shape nations. Their prayers strengthen generations. Their love reflects the enduring compassion of God Himself. Therefore, to honor mothers is righteousness, gratitude, and justice.

'Caloy' may weaken into a remnant low in the coming hours — PAGASA

 Fair weather to persist; LPA outside PAR unlikely to become cyclone

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 10, 2026 07:33 am

The weakening trend may begin Sunday afternoon or evening, May 10, with Tropical Storm Caloy likely to weaken into a tropical depression before deteriorating into a remnant low by Monday, May 11.

Tropical Storm “Caloy” (international name: Hagupit) is expected to gradually weaken as it continues moving over the Philippine Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Sunday, May 10.

PAGASA said the center of Caloy was estimated at 910 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao as of 4 a.m., moving west-northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph).

The storm was packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and gusts of up to 80 kph.

PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres said no tropical cyclone wind signal has been raised, as Caloy is unlikely to directly affect the country throughout the forecast period.

She said the weakening trend may begin Sunday afternoon or evening, with Caloy likely to weaken into a tropical depression before deteriorating into a remnant low by Monday, May 11.

Despite remaining far from the Philippine landmass, the trough or extension of the weather disturbance may bring rains over Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes by Tuesday, May 12, Torres said.

By Wednesday and Thursday, May 13 and 14, weather conditions in these areas may improve.

Meanwhile, Torres said generally fair weather with isolated afternoon or evening rain showers and thunderstorms is expected across the rest of the country in the next three to five days due to the prevailing easterlies.

PAGASA is also monitoring a new low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), which was located 2,705 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao as of Sunday morning.

Torres said the LPA has a very low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone and is not expected to enter PAR.

In its 24-hour sea condition outlook, PAGASA warned of moderate seas over several coastal waters.

Waves of up to 2.5 meters may affect the eastern seaboards of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Siargao-Bucas Grande Islands; the seaboards of Batanes; the western seaboard of Babuyan Islands; and the northwestern seaboard of Ilocos Norte.

Meanwhile, waves of up to 2 meters may prevail over the remaining seaboards of Ilocos Norte and Babuyan Islands; the eastern seaboards of Cagayan, Isabela, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental; and the northern seaboards of Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, and Northern Samar.

Mariners of motor bancas and similarly sized vessels were advised to take precautionary measures and, if possible, avoid venturing out to sea.

A flock of sleuths: A review of 'The Sheep Detectives'

By Philip Cu Unjieng

Published May 9, 2026 06:36 pm   "The Sheep Detectives" is directed by Kyle Balda, who co-directed "Despicable Me 3" and two of the "Minions" movies. It’s that unexpected guilty pleasure, that’s best served with minimal of expectations. Really, enter the cinema without any pre-conceived notions of whether this film is good or bad, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s buoyed by smart anthropomorphizing of the sheep, the humor and light banter, and all mixed in with touchy-feely moments and feel-good sequences.

There’s a charm to the film that’s hard to resist, just don’t expect award-winning potential, or ‘take your breath’ away cinematic splendor - it has none of those; but it chugs along on it’s own bucolic and pastoral pace, and is blessed with some committed acting.

I say committed because it would be Hugh Jackman and Emma Thompson whose names one spies on the movie poster, and you’ll think they’ll carry the film - but Emma is more of a cameo, and Hugh is there more to set the tone, and convince us that we have not stumbled into the wrong movie house.

Jackman plays George Hardy, a shepherd in modern England; and he raises sheep only for their wool, not their meat. He’s super-attached to the sheep, and he lives in a trailer right there on the field.

George reads detective novels to his dearly loved flock, and what he doesn’t know is that they understand him, and have their own language - and they love him back. What the film does well is imbue each member of the flock with its own personality. Lily is voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Mopple by Chris O’Dowd, and Sebastian by Bryan Cranston.

Set in the village of Denbrook, you’ll like Nicholas Braun as the local policeman, who is on the daft and simple, but well-meaning, side. Her appearance as Hardy’s lawyer is what Emma Thompson carries into the film, stamping it with a scene-stealing pedigree that only an Emma Thompson can create.

At its heart, this a crime-solving film that owes a lot to the Agatha Christie mysteries of yesteryear, and the more recent popularity of films such as "Knives Out." Here, the working concept is to blend such a film as "Death on the Orient Express," with "Babe." And if you’re one of those who rues the fact that "Babe" happened over thirty years ago, you’ll be engaged, and find yourself breaking into little smiles, throughout the film.

If I were to compare this film to a baseball game, this is one that doesn’t possess any home runs; but consistently comes up with effective base-running, and piles on the score so there’s more to like than dislike, when the end credits start rolling down.

"The Sheep Detectives" is showing now in cinemas.

Is it correct in German if you say "Kannst du spreche Englisch" or is “spreche” incorrect? What's the correct form?

Larsen

 · 

Follow

Knows German

German-speakers would understand it, but there are a couple of problems with the grammar.

The first is word order. You’ve translated word-for-word from English (“Can you speak English?”).

In German, it’d be more natural to ask: “Kannst du Englisch sprechen?”. Note how “spreche(n)” is moved to the end of the sentence, and the added -n from spreche => sprechen.

You could also ask: “Sprichst du Englisch?”
Note: “Sprechen” is irregular, and becomes “sprichst” in 2nd person singular. It’s not a typo.

You would only see “spreche” on first-person singular form, e.g., “Ich spreche Englisch”.

“Kannst” is correctly coupled with “du”. But in real life, be careful about using the “du”-form when you speak to strangers. In Millennium and Gen Z this is rarely an issue, but older generations might find it rude. To be safe, you should use “Sie”, so “können Sie Englisch sprechen?” or “Sprechen Sie Englisch?”

HOW MUCH LONGER … ?

 

By

 Mindanao Daily News

 -

May 9, 2026

0

176

The phrase “How much longer, Lord?” echoes the plea in Psalm 13, where David cries out in distress, asking how long he will feel forgotten, overwhelmed by sorrow, and persecuted by enemies. It is a raw expression of anguish and a cry for God’s intervention in difficult times.

“How much longer” would only be used in a situation where the event was in progress and already considered to be taking a long time – i.e. ‘longer’ meaning an addition to the already long time period.

Have you been praying to God about the same challenge for the longest time? Are you asking, “How much longer, Lord?” or even, “Will it ever happen, Lord?” Perhaps you’re just so DONE with waiting and want to make things happen with your own hands. But my friend, as @hillsongworship’s song, “Seasons”, goes: “Though my waiting is even greater… I believe that my season will come.”

How much longer will You forget me, Lord?

During many times of darkness when I thought again, that the whole world is against me, I opened my Bible. Suddenly I found Psalm 13, also entitled a Prayer for Help: “How much longer will You forget me, Lord?”

I was born on a Sunday in 1953 – a so-called “Sunday-Child”. There are sayings that those kinds of people will have a life of great success without  problems, worries and trials. This is -excuse me! – nonsense!

I also experience difficult, problematic and questionable times, where I am really losing all my strength to get down to work on those problems. Life’s path becomes narrow. Fears grow: it’s enough, it’s enough!

I still feel how I started becoming awkward and jerky. I struggled against everybody around me. I was reluctant against the good ideas of others. I felt driven into a corner. I started to hurt and insult people in my surroundings with arrogance and unqualified comments. Everything became a problem and my voice bellows and my groans grow louder.

But admittedly groans lighten our burden. For even a short moment only, I do feel how my inner life and inside pressure ease off. But sometimes, more trials and problems overwhelm our families and ourselves: illness, death-threats, bankruptcy, war at the working-place, efforts to give us a bad name, intrigues … .

“How much longer will You forget me, Lord?” We stop groaning. We shout already to God, especially if nobody in our surroundings likes to listen to us anymore. If we are deep in fix, God must have forgotten us already, right? A terrible situation! We see faces of those people, who show us hostility.

But I also experienced how God put me into life’s “re-conversion plant” and freshened me up: Little but meaningful and important cares suddenly happened. After a hot day and a refreshing thunderstorm, let’s enjoy the following night; the person, who insulted us, suddenly apologized; the illness wiped out.

“You prepare a banquet for me, where all my enemies can see me!” (Psalm 23:5). I am glaad, because I really don’t know about more and new spitefulness through my next “enemy on duty” in future. I actually really don’t want to know it. I learned that negativism blocks life and its plans.

But I know Psalm 23. I read it every time I have a problem. Psalm 23 should be printed in everyone’s heart, mind and soul!

###

Jurado joins Carballo for UST 'Swan Song'

 

Reg Jurado joins Cassie Carballo to a UST 'Swan Song'. (UAAP Media)

By Mark Rey Montejo

Published May 8, 2026 05:58 am

‎Reg Jurado plays one more time in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament as she committed to stay for her fifth and final year, joining Cassie Carballo for a "Swan Song" with University of Santo Tomas in Season 89.

‎The development was confirmed by the school's Institute of Physical Education and Athletics director and current season chairman Fr. Rodel Cansancio to Manila Bulletin / Tempo Thursday, May 7.

‎‎"I can confirm that Reg will be staying for one more year," Cansancio said via Messenger. "We're grateful for her decision, her leadership is a big win for UST and the team."‎

‎Jurado, one of UST's top scorers, will banner the Golden Tigresses next edition alongside setter Carballo and fellow spiker Angge Poyos with Avril Bron leading the young guns.

‎‎Carballo, on the other hand, had disclosed her plans to exhaust her last playing year moments after their stepladder semifinal loss to reigning champion National University last week.

‎Meanwhile, Xyza Gula and Jonna Perdido, both key weapons in the Tigresses' recent run, opted to follow UST mainstay Detdet Pepito as they jump to the professional ranks.

"Xyza, Jonna, and Detdet are moving pro," added Cansancio. 

‎‎All of them, aside from Bron, were part of the UST team that reached the finale in Season 86, where it ultimately bowed to the Bella Belen-skippered Lady Bulldogs.‎

‎Before wrapping up their campaign, the Tigresses, with Shaq Delos Santos returning as their head coach, went on a roller-coaster stint during the elimination.

‎UST found ways to rediscover its fine form to enter the next stage where it bested Far Eastern University in a playoff for the No. 4 spot.

‎‎The España-based squad then pulled off a stunning three-set triumph over the Shai Nitura-led Adamson Lady Falcons -- the very same squad that dealt them two straight-set defeats this year -- in the stepladder opener.‎

‎From there, UST lost its steam and slipped to NU.