A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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August 16, 2026
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HEADLINES
Japan moving fast to tighten regulations on foreigners
Geopolitical Turmoil Drives Improved Results and Higher Costs for Boxships
Egypt Disavows Association with Cargo Ship Attacked by Houthis
More jobs seen for Filipino seafarers as PH, Chile eye deal
P107 billion flood control budget for 2027 lowest since 2019
Stronger school-industry ties to prepare Filipinos for future jobs
Cebu Pacific to resume int’l flights via Davao by October
Tight race in 2028 seen in Leni, Sara tandems – poll
'Pinoy Big Brother' announces third season of Collab Edition, this time for regular housemates
SunKissed Lola chooses love over ego in new single
Kendra Kramer open to pageantry, eyes PH swimming team first
LeBron's Sixers in spotlight as full 2026-27 NBA schedule revealed
Jaja secures GAB license for PVL return with Creamline
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Incheon overtakes London’s Heathrow as world’s busiest int’l airport
SEOUL, August 16 ------ Incheon Airport overtook London Heathrow and Singapore Changi to become the world’s busiest international passenger hub in the first half of 2026, reaching No. 1 just 25 years after its opening, latest data showed.
Incheon handled 38.39 million international passengers over the six months, according to preliminary data covering 1,234 airports compiled by Airports Council International. The airport has risen steadily from 10th place in 2002 to fifth in 2018 and third in 2024.
Heathrow ranked second with 37.79 million international passengers, followed by Changi with 34.53 million. Dubai Airport, which had long vied with Heathrow for the top spot, is expected to fall outside the top five.
According to the Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), Incheon’s new title, coming on top of its 12th consecutive year as the top airport for service quality, solidifies its standing as a genuine top-tier global hub airport. The airport also surpassed one billion cumulative passengers in just over 25 years after opening, faster than any other major international airport. The reordering owes as much to shifting geopolitics as to Incheon’s own momentum.
The conflict between the US and Iran choked off transfer traffic through Middle Eastern hubs, diverting travelers to Incheon instead. Transfer passengers climbed 18.1 percent from a year earlier to 4.24 million, while European transfer traffic soared 63.2 percent.
Inbound visitors have also poured into South Korea, led largely by tourists from China and Japan. Foreigners made up 44.4 percent of Incheon’s overall passenger traffic in the second quarter, a record high, and up from 39.5 percent a year earlier. The broader traffic base rests on the airport’s four phases of expansion, completed in November 2024.
The build-out gave Incheon capacity for 106 million annual international passengers – the world’s third-largest, trailing only Hong Kong and Dubai. Incheon now connects 183 cities across 53 countries through 101 carriers, outpacing the 139 cities served from Hong Kong, the 92 from Shanghai Pudong, and the 86 from Narita.
As South Korea’s gateway airport, IIAC said it has long supported major national events and government policy, and is now investing in artificial intelligence and urban air mobility infrastructure, in step with the government’s goal of 30 million inbound tourists.
Source: inquirer.net
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TOKYO, August 16 ------ The administration of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is moving fast to tighten regulations on foreign residents in the country, as it seeks to ease concerns among some Japanese people about a sharp increase in foreigners.
The government last month announced a plan to significantly increase fees for residence status applications. Earlier this month, it unveiled a plan to tighten conditions for obtaining permanent residence. Under the immigration control and refugee recognition law, obtaining permanent residence requires good behavior, having sufficient assets and skills to support independent living and it being in the national interest.
The Immigration Services Agency earlier this month announced a plan to revise guidelines for permanent residence, adding a requirement that applicants have annual income levels exceeding the average in Japan and projected pension benefits equivalent to those after 30 years of participation in the "kosei nenkin" public pension program for employees.
The revised guidelines also require applicants to make active and tangible contributions to Japan. The agency plans to begin applying these changes in stages starting in October. The revision comes amid concerns about the failure by some foreign residents to pay taxes and social insurance premiums. "We will ensure that granting permanent residence will not place a burden on the public," Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said of the revised guidelines at a press conference on Aug. 4.
Some experts expressed worries about the revised guidelines. "Imposing strict requirements equivalent to laws (under guidelines) infringes on the authority of parliament," said Shoichi Ibusuki, a lawyer familiar with foreign resident issues.
The Takaichi administration also tightened conditions for obtaining Japanese nationality, extending necessary residence terms from five years or more to 10 years or more in principle. The country will raise permanent residence fees by 20-fold to 200,000 yen in October. An advisory panel to the government has started discussing the possibility of controlling the ratio of foreign residents to the country's total population.
The number of foreign residents in Japan hit a record high of 4,125,395 as of the end of 2025. "A rapid increase in foreign residents could cause social anxiety and stir up xenophobic sentiment," a former cabinet minister in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party said. "Strict conditions are necessary to accept foreigners." But an increase in foreigners in Japan is partly because of a decline in the working-age population in the country. Japan faces competition with countries such as South Korea in obtaining foreign talent.
"Japan will become less attractive if no measures are taken," a lawmaker in the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan said. "Economic activity would shrink and communities could not be sustained if foreigners do not come to live in Japan."
Source: mb.com.ph
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MARITIME NEWS
Geopolitical Turmoil Drives Improved Results and Higher Costs for Boxships
August 16 ------ Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd both reported quarterly earnings on Thursday, August 13, and while they highlighted the turmoil in global markets, they also reported improved results driven in part by those same issues. While the two carriers are partnered in the Gemini Cooperation, they, however, experienced different impacts from the problems in the Middle East.
Both carriers cited significantly higher spot rates and robust demand in the second quarter, as Hapag-Lloyd termed it. Maersk said the markets had “remained resilient,” pointing to a better than four percent increase in volumes and a 22 percent increase in rates.
Hapag-Lloyd said its results were, however, impacted by a headwind of around $600 million in the second quarter “arising from the conflict in the Middle East.” The carrier had previously said it had six ships caught in the Persian Gulf, but today described additional costs for bunker, insurance, storage, service rerouting, and inland transport, all linked to the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. The increased costs saw Hapag-Lloyd report slightly higher group EBITDA, but declines for EBIT and group profit. “The second quarter was yet another proof point of the new era of heightened volatility we have entered,” said Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer at Maersk. “Our global team's ability to capture opportunities in these difficult markets has enabled us to deliver significant volume and earnings growth across our businesses, leading to the substantial upgrade to our full-year guidance.”
Maersk cited growth that was “particularly strong for imports from Africa, North America, and Latin America, supported by continued momentum in exports from the Far East, especially China.” It said it had been able to reroute cargo bound for the Persian Gulf region to alternate ports and through inland transport routes.
Similarly, Hapag-Lloyd pointed to improvements in the second quarter versus the first. It cited strong exports out of Asia and improved U.S. demand. Both companies also pointed to positive results in their non-shipping segments, including terminals and logistics.
Maersk, as a result of the strong second quarter and “improved visibility for the remainder of the year,” raised its full-year financial guidance. After having started the year with a negative outlook for growth and even possibly a financial loss in operations, it is now expecting four percent market volume growth for the full year 2026. It increased its guidance by adding approximately $2 billion to both EBIDTA and EBIT forecasts, pointing to a strong profit for the year.
While sounding more cautious on the market, Hapag-Lloyd did raise its full-year 2026 earnings outlook in July. While saying the outlook remains subject to “considerable uncertainty due to the highly volatile development of freight rates and the conflict in the Middle East.”
Maersk, however, voiced potential longer-term concerns emerging in the markets: “Strong, broad-based demand from the Far East since 2024 has resulted in significantly more unbalanced trade flows, with volume levels that are challenging landside infrastructure capacity,” said Clerc. “From ports to inland transportation, we are seeing increased congestion and disruption across multiple geographies.”
In the past, both carriers have spoken about the potential for overcapacity. Maersk confirmed that it expects more volumes will return to the Red Sea but predicted it would have little impact on the market.
Speaking with the Financial Times, Vincent Clerc called for increases in investments in infrastructure. He pointed to the need to expand ports and add to trucking and rail capabilities. He predicted it will take time to make up for 15 years of under-investment. He pointed to emerging congestion in markets around the world, saying that it would result in more volatility.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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ABS PSC Report Q2 2026: 69 vessel detentions from April to June
August 16 ------ ABS has released its Port State Control (PSC) report for the second quarter of 2026, highlighting detention trends, recurring deficiency areas and the vessel types most frequently involved.
As explained, across the Paris MoU, Tokyo MoU and U.S. Coast Guard regimes covered by the report, 69 detention cases were recorded involving vessels for which ABS acted as the recognized organization (RO). These cases involved 68 unique vessels.
Detention overview
The second quarter was heavily centered on the Tokyo MoU, with relatively steady month-to-month detention levels and a mix of isolated findings on multiple detainable deficiencies. This combination suggests that detention exposure during the quarter was shaped by persistent regional concentration and a blend of isolated deficiencies and broader control weaknesses.
Detention exposure in Q2 was concentrated in a limited number of countries and ports, with China, specifically Shanghai, emerging as the clear center of activity. Detention activity in the second quarter was concentrated in a limited number of jurisdictions rather than broadly distributed across the reviewed PSC regimes.
China accounted for 45 of the 69 detention cases recorded during the quarter, far exceeding any other country in the dataset. At the port level, Shanghai was the most represented location, followed by Zhoushan, Qingdao, Ningbo and Guangzhou.
Outside China, Vancouver and select Australian ports also recorded multiple detention cases, reinforcing the quarter’s strong Asia-Pacific focus.
Takeaway: The country and port distributions show that the second quarter detention exposure was shaped by repeat inspection pressure in a relatively small number of locations.
For owners and operators, the practical implication is clear: vessels trading regularly in these jurisdictions may benefit from heightened pre-arrival readiness, particularly in areas linked to recurring detention themes. "The Q2 detention profile shows that many cases were shaped by broader control weaknesses rather than isolated defects. Fire safety remained the leading concern, while maintenance-related deficiencies, machinery findings and environmental compliance issues also featured prominently."
For owners and operators, the takeaway is practical: Detention exposure is most often driven by the combined condition of equipment, procedures, records and crew readiness. Addressing individual findings matters, but reducing repeat detention risk depends on strengthening day-to-day controls through the safety management system to support safe and consistent compliance.
Vessel risk profile
The Q2 vessel profile shows that detention cases were concentrated in a limited number of vessels rather than evenly distributed across vessel types.
Bulk carriers accounted for the largest share of cases, followed by containerships and oil and chemical tankers, with additional representation from gas carriers and general cargo or multipurpose vessels.
Furthermore, the age profile reinforces a related point: detention exposure was not limited to older vessels. A significant share of cases involved vessels in the 11- to 20-year range, while newer vessels and vessels over 20 years of age also appeared in the detention record.
Across all segments, PSC outcomes continue to be shaped more directly by maintenance effectiveness, equipment readiness and crew familiarity with onboard procedures than by vessel age alone. "For owners and operators, sustained readiness depends less on vessel category or age alone than on the consistent management of safety-critical systems, maintenance standards and operational discipline throughout the vessel’s operating life."
Recommended actions:
• Prioritize safety-critical systems, with particular attention to fire extinguishing systems, detection and alarm arrangements, fire pumps, remote means of control and fire boundaries.
• Review and strengthen the safety management system’s preventative maintenance discipline, including timely follow-up of known defects before they develop into broader inspection findings.
• Align safety management procedures with onboard training and drills; confirm that onboard routines, maintenance execution and operational controls match documented requirements.
• Prepare early for higher-exposure jurisdictions, especially when recurring detention patterns indicate sustained inspection pressure.
• Prepare for the upcoming CIC by conducting a readiness check; review cargo securing documentation, equipment condition, crew familiarity, supporting records and the Tokyo MoU check sheet in advance.
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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Egypt Disavows Association with Cargo Ship Attacked by Houthis
August 16 ------ Egyptian authorities issued statements disavowing any association with the small cargo ship Tihama that the Houthis attacked, killing six people. They called the reports of Egyptian ownership of the Tihama inaccurate and asserted that the ship is, in fact, owned by a Yemeni national.
While the cargo ship is registered in Tanzania, databases listed the managers and owner’s representative as Blue Sea For Management Marine, with an apartment address in Alexandria, Egypt. Egypt’s Ministry of Transport issued a statement denying Egyptian ownership and confirming that the company is not registered with the Egyptian Chamber of Shipping nor was it licensed to operate as a maritime agency by Egypt’s Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector.
They asserted that the ship is managed from Dubai and that the owner is a Yemeni national. They reported that the ship has never entered an Egyptian port, was not sailing to Egypt, and was not carrying cargo belonging to Egyptians.
Officials in Yemen had called the ship a “civilian ferry affiliated with a private company, officially licensed to operate maritime transport, and is used to ferry passengers and civilians between Aden, Djibouti, Somalia, and Socotra on round-trip routes.” They asserted it had in the past been used to provision Socotra Island with gas and to transport food and other supplies.
The Houthis took credit for the attack, asserting the ship was in fact used to carry Saudi military supplies. They said it was attacked as part of the ongoing campaign against Saudi military aggression. Reports indicate that the Houthis have attacked the government-controlled port of Al-Mocha for the last four days. A total of six people were killed, four crewmembers and two Coast Guard members, as well as 10 others injured in the attack on the vessel Tihama.
Egypt’s Transport Minister also issued a statement condemning the attack and the targeting of ships in the Red Sea. The ministry warned that such attacks “constitute a serious threat to the security and safety of navigation in the Red Sea.”
The ship’s actual role in the conflict remains unclear, with the spokesperson for the Joint Forces in the Western region saying they too could attack ferries the Houthis were using to move military equipment but that they were protecting the civilians also aboard those vessels. Observers looking at the pictures of the ships noted that no military equipment was ever visible, and pictures showed the ship docked, with the Yemeni government saying it was out of service for engine repairs.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Airfares going down end-August
MANILA, Philippines, August 16 ------ Filipinos planning to book holiday flights may find cheaper airfares in the second half of August, as the government is lowering the fuel surcharge by a notch.
In an advisory, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) brought down the fuel surcharge to Level 12 for the period of Aug. 16 to 30, from the current Level 13. At Level 12, airlines may slap a fuel surcharge of P389 to P1,137 on local flights and P1,284.4 to P9,550.13 for international trips, depending on distance.
CAB said carriers wishing to collect the fuel surcharge must submit an application to the office. The agency set the exchange rate at P61.30 to $1 for airlines operating in foreign currencies. Jet fuel prices jumped to $160.06 per barrel in the closing week of July after dipping to $127.06 two weeks prior. Since then, rates have gone down, settling at $146.93 per barrel as of Aug. 7.
The reduction in fuel surcharge comes at a time when air travel is approaching the holiday season, giving Filipinos the opportunity to book cheaper fares for their Undas and Christmas flights. Still on aviation development, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific yesterday announced the resumption of direct flights from Davao to international destinations. These flights were suspended by the airline to cut fuel consumption, with the decision announced in March after prices picked up due to the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East.
Cebu Pacific will reinstate Davao flights to Hong Kong starting Oct. 25, and to Bangkok via Don Mueang beginning Oct. 26, to widen overseas options for travelers from Mindanao. Further, Cebu Pacific will increase the frequency of domestic flights from Davao: to Siargao 10 times weekly and to Iloilo 14 times weekly.
Source: philstar.com
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More jobs seen for Filipino seafarers as PH, Chile eye deal
MANILA, August 16 ------ More employment opportunities are on the horizon for Filipino seafarers as the Philippines and Chile move to strengthen maritime partnership through the mutual recognition of seafarers' certificates.
Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Sonia Malaluan announced the development as she welcomed Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines Felipe Alejandro Díaz Ibáñez during a courtesy meeting at the MARINA Central Office in Manila. The two sides discussed a proposed agreement to establish reciprocal recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates issued by both countries.
The agreement, in line with Regulation I/10 of the STCW Convention, aims to ensure that seafarers certified by either country meet internationally accepted standards in maritime education, training, and certification. Once finalized, the agreement is expected to facilitate the recognition of Filipino seafarers' qualifications in Chile, creating more employment opportunities while strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation. The meeting also highlighted the shared commitment of both countries to developing a highly skilled maritime workforce and addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Ibáñez, meanwhile, encouraged the Philippines to support initiatives under the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement, which promotes the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. MARINA said the proposed agreement forms part of its continuing efforts to expand international partnerships and strengthen global recognition of Filipino seafarers' competence and qualifications.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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US extends $600 million grant for Philippines health care program
MANILA, Philippines, August 16 ------ The Philippines has secured a $600-million grant from the United States to improve the country’s health care sector and its capacity to respond to public health threats, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.
In a statement, the DOF said it facilitated up to P36.95 billion grant under the Strategic Objective Agreement (SOA) for Integrated and Sustainable Health Systems in the Philippines, proposed to be implemented by the Department of Health. “Investing in health care is investing in our people, our productivity and our future. Through this grant, we are strengthening the country’s ability to respond to health emergencies while building a more resilient and sustainable health care system that benefits our people,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said. It will build an integrated, sustainable, resilient and self-reliant health system by boosting health security, improving health care delivery and enhancing the Philippines’ capacity to respond to infectious disease threats, the agency said.
The assistance will also advance bilateral cooperation on global health security and other priority health programs. Under the SOAG, the two countries will work on three key results, such as strengthening disease surveillance, detection and outbreak response, integrating health service delivery across disease programs and improving the government’s strengthened domestic capacity to finance and manage the health sector.
The initiative will also support programs addressing HIV, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases and maternal, newborn and child health. “SOAG reflects the shared commitment of both governments to strengthen public health systems, improve preparedness against emerging and existing infectious diseases and promote sustainable economic growth through healthier communities,” the agency said.
The DOF said grants are non repayable assistance from development partners, allowing the government to invest in priority programs such as its health care system.
Source: philstar.com
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P107 billion flood control budget for 2027 lowest since 2019
MANILA, Philippines, August 16 ------ Amid ongoing corruption investigations, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is poised to get P107.4 billion in flood control funding under the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027. This is the lowest allocation for flood control since 2019.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) submitted yesterday the proposed 2027 budget to the House of Representatives, which also seeks P3.41 billion for the flood control program of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. In a message to lawmakers, President Marcos said the outlay strengthens the government’s capacity to invest in strategic infrastructure, human capital, food and energy security and social protection, while reinforcing transparency, accountability and the efficient use of public resources. “Amid continuing global uncertainties – including geopolitical tensions, persistent inflationary pressures and volatile energy prices – we remain steadfast in pursuing growth that is both resilient and fiscally responsible,” the President said.
Meanwhile, the DBM also lowered unprogrammed appropriations (UA) to its lowest level at the National Expenditure Program (NEP) since 2019, at P111.98 billion. The six percent increase from the P6.793-trillion national budget in 2026 to the NEP is largely driven by funding requirements the government is obligated to provide, acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said in the budget submission ceremony. “It takes into account anticipated mandatory allocations, including higher national tax allotments for our local government units, the fourth tranche of the salary adjustments for civilian government employees, salary adjustments for military and uniformed personnel and other existing fiscal obligations of the government,” he said. About P316 billion, or nearly four-fifths of the total increase, comes from these mandatory obligations alone, he added.
Education gets less
The education sector continues to receive the largest share of the budget at P1.314 trillion, consistent with the Constitution’s mandate, though slightly lower than the P1.345 trillion this year. “Our total education spending here in NEP accounts to about 3.96 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product),” De Leon said. The proposed 2027 education budget includes P975.96 billion for the Department of Education and P176.5 billion for higher education, including state universities, colleges and the Commission on Higher Education.
DPWH gets more
Meanwhile, DPWH will receive P644 billion, rising from the P530 billion allocated for 2026. Aside from the P107.4-billion flood control budget to finance the maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing infrastructure facilities, there is also P19.6 billion in capital outlay for ongoing foreign-assisted projects.
De Leon defended the decision to allocate around P110 billion in funds for flood mitigation projects despite irregularities revealed last year, saying it was to maintain existing flood control works and construct unfinished projects. “We cannot simply neglect the flood control projects that have already been started, as leaving them unfinished would undermine their intended impact,” the DBM chief said.
De Leon said the proposed flood control projects would undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure that projects are properly identified and tagged and to prevent the inclusion of so-called “ghost flood control” projects in the budget approved by Congress. “Also included in what we will scrutinize and examine is the implementation of these flood control projects, from appropriations to release,” he added.
Infrastructure investment under the Build Better More program is proposed at P1.467 trillion, equivalent to 4.4 percent of GDP and P178 billion higher than this year. Cumulative health sector funding, including the Department of Health, specialty hospitals and PhilHealth, stood at P353.8 billion. Other major allocations include the P332.5-billion budget for the Interior and Local Government, P328.8 billion for national defense and P302.2 billion for transportation.
Social welfare is proposed to receive P241.6 billion, primarily for social protection and assistance programs.
P111.98 billion for UA
The DBM said the proposed spending program sharply reduces UA, which it described as part of its effort to promote more predictable and transparent government spending. The proposed P111.98-billion UA represents just 1.6 percent of the total expenditure program, the lowest UA-to-total expenditure program ratio since 1991. “More importantly, the proposed UA is limited to clearly defined and necessary purposes: primarily to restore the fund balance remitted by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) in 2024 and to provide funding cover for foreign-assisted projects, subject to the stringent conditions prescribed by law,” De Leon said.
P10.77 billion for CIF
He noted that confidential and intelligence funds (CIFs) remain subject to government budgeting and auditing rules, with P10.77 billion allocated for such purposes in the proposed budget. Of this amount, P6.4 billion is earmarked for law enforcement agencies, while P4.37 billion is allocated as confidential funds for civilian offices. De Leon stressed that only agencies with law enforcement and/or military mandate will get CIFs.
To prevent questionable insertions, Speaker Faustino Dy III vowed House officials will go over the proposed 2027 budget with a fine-tooth comb. During plenary session yesterday, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian also confirmed receipt of the 2027 NEP. With impeachment proceedings ongoing, Gatchalian said the budget hearings will start after the Aug. 27 briefing by the Development Budget Coordination Committee. The budget hearings on Thursday and Fridays will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center.
Double standard
Meanwhile, Malacañang yesterday accused Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong of having double standards after he claimed that some House prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have budget insertions. Magalong claimed in a recent interview with News 5 that the budget insertions have returned and that the legislators tied to the flood control scam had regained their pork barrel. Asked to react to Magalong’s claim, Palace press officer Claire Castro said the city mayor merely invoked his right to remain silent when he was asked about Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Source: philstar.com
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48% of waste generated daily ends up in bodies of water, streets
MANILA, August 16 ------ The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said at least 48 percent of the 65,000 tons of waste generated daily nationwide ends up in waterways, bodies of water and streets.
In a television interview, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones said the Philippines generates an estimated 61,000 to 65,000 tons of waste every day, but only about 52 percent is collected. “Medyo seryoso yung ating problema sa basura. Base sa aming data, at least 52 percent of our generation, yun lang yung nakokolekta natin. But the rest, about 48 percent of our garbage generation, either napupunta sa waterways, napupunta sa water body, at yung mga iba naman nakakalat sa daan,” he said.
In Manila Bay alone, Leones said there are 333 creeks connected to it, including 17 major tributaries, noting the seriousness of the problem. He explained that every person in the country generates approximately 0.7kg of waste every day, based on conservative data, resulting in very high waste generation.
During the summer season, he said garbage doesn't flow with the water and mostly remains in the drainage or in bodies of water. “But pagdating ng malakas na ulan at yung tubig talagang umaagos na, dala-dala na yung mga basura. So ganoon kaseryoso. Kung di talaga magkaroon ng magandang programa para dito, talagang magtutuloy-tuloy at magiging seryoso ito,” he said.
Long-term solutions
He said the DENR is pushing a mix of recycling, waste reduction, private sector participation, and possible waste-to-energy technologies as long-term solutions to the country's worsening garbage problem. Leones said the shift from what he described as a "linear economy," where waste is discarded after use, to a circular economy that focuses on recycling and recovering materials is one of the long-term solutions.
He said many sanitary landfills are reaching their maximum capacity, with some already becoming large mounds of garbage. To address this, he said the DENR is promoting the conversion of landfills into integrated facilities that can recover value from waste, instead of serving solely as disposal sites. “Meaning, hindi na lang siya disposal, we are reintegrating it with facility that can recycle and repurpose or upcycle this solid waste, event plastics,” he said. The goal, Leones said, is to extend the life of landfills while reducing the volume of garbage that ultimately requires disposal.
Cutting at the source
Through the implementation of the Republic Act 11898 or Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, the DENR is also working with the private sector, specifically the manufacturing companies, to reduce waste before it enters the waste stream. The EPR law requires companies to take a greater role in managing the waste generated by their products, particularly plastic packaging, including sachets. The agency is also encouraging manufacturers to reduce the amount of plastic used in packaging to prevent additional waste from accumulating.
Exploring waste-to-energy technology
During an inspection of the garbage-clearing operation at the Baclaran River in Parañaque City on Wednesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. thumbed down calls for stiffer penalties for improper waste disposal, saying that the government must first ensure that there are adequate garbage facilities.
Marcos said the administration is pursuing a waste-to-energy program that would process collected garbage and convert it into electricity, reducing the country’s dependence on landfills. Leones said countries like Singapore and the United States generate more waste than the Philippines, but noted that they have adopted technologies to address their solid waste. “They adopt waste-to-energy technology and may facilities sila for effective recycling and recovery facilities. Dito sa atin kulang yon. So bagamat maliit ang ating generation per capita, pero yung atin medyo nalilimit,” he said.
Leones also noted the need to revisit RA 9003, or the Solid Waste Management Act, to strengthen the country’s approach to waste management. With some groups raising concerns about compliance with the Clean Air Act (RA 8749 and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, he said there are Supreme Court rulings that have clarified that waste-to-energy facilities may be allowed if they meet environmental standards. “Ang sabi ng SC sa interpretation sa mga batas natin,” he said. He added that the DENR, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are discussing possible policy measures and legislation that could help advance technologies that comply with environmental regulations.
Proper waste disposal
Leones emphasized that addressing the garbage problem in the country will also require changing public behavior. He stressed that proper waste disposal habits should be developed at an early age and reinforced through education. Leones said environmental awareness and proper waste management should be taught to children until it becomes their habit. “Dapat ito talaga behavioral change. Even sabi nga ni Mayor (Francis) Zamora, talagang disiplina, magsisimula yan dapat sa kabataan pa lang,” he said. “So kailangan dito pa lang sa level ng kabataan sa ating curriculum, dapat na-instill na natin itong mga disiplina particularly sa mga environmental laws, itong pagdidispose ng mga waste. Dapat alam nila na may mga lugar na dapat pagtapunan at hindi basta-basta kung saan-saan lang tinatapon,” he added.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Stronger school-industry ties to prepare Filipinos for future jobs
MANILA, August 16 ------ The Philippines needs closer coordination among schools, businesses, and the government to equip Filipinos with skills that match industry needs and prepare them for future jobs.
In a Bagong Pilipinas interview on Thursday, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow Michael Ralph Abrigo cited reforms such as kindergarten, the MATATAG Curriculum, and Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE), which have helped improve student learning. He, however, said many students are still not learning enough to reach proficiency, while teachers continue to deal with heavy workloads and limited resources.
He warned that failing to address these gaps will have long-term effects on workers and the economy. “Siyempre pag hindi natin tutugunan iyong mga problema na ito, anong mangyayari? Hindi natututo nang maayos iyong mga bata, kulang iyong pagkatuto nila,” he said. “So may spillover ito pagdating nang nagtatrabaho na sila. Kung sana mas natuto sila, mas mataas sana iyong suweldo nila, mas mataas iyong kita nila, mas maayos ang kabuhayan natin."
Abrigo said the private sector can help improve education not only by supporting school infrastructure, but also by providing teacher training, scholarships, internships, technology support, and helping schools align their curricula with the skills employers need. He added closer collaboration between schools and industry can help reduce the long-standing mismatch between graduates' skills and available jobs, stressing that learning should continue beyond formal schooling, especially as technology rapidly changes the workplace. "Maraming programa iyong gobyerno diyan, mga reskilling, upskilling. Iyong ating framework kasi ngayon is not just about learning sa kolehiyo, sa basic education pati sa life-long na learning. So, hindi tayo natatapos mag-aral kasi iyong industry din natin pabagu-bago, paiba-iba iyong needs,” he said. “So, for example ngayon iyong demand for AI (artificial intelligence), for digital skills na hindi naman siya available 30, 40 years ago pero mayroon tayong mga programa that helps people, ito ay patuloy na natututo iyong mga tao, nakakasabay sila doon sa pagbabago ng industriya,” Abrigo said.
Meanwhile, on the impact of AI on jobs, he said workers should continue building technical skills while strengthening transferable skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability to keep up with changing industry demands. Abrigo said investing in education benefits not only individual learners but also their families and the country.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Cebu Pacific to resume int’l flights via Davao by October
MANILA, August 16 ------ Low-cost airline Cebu Pacific (CEB) announced the resumption of international services via the Davao International Airports by October.
Direct flights to Hong Kong will resume on Oct. 25, while flights to Thailand will resume starting Oct. 26. Hong Kong flights will operate four times a week — every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Flights to Don Mueang, Bangkok are set thrice weekly — every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The carrier is also ramping up its domestic reach via Davao. Without citing when, CEB said it is increasing its flights to Siargao from six times weekly to 10 times weekly. Services to and from Iloilo will also be increased from 10 times a week to 14 times a week.
The increase in frequencies will provide passengers with more flexibility and options, CEB said. Meanwhile, the airline said passengers could book their tickets for as low as PHP88 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges, until Aug. 15. The applicable travel period is from Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026, CEB said.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Tight race in 2028 seen in Leni, Sara tandems – poll
MANILA, Philippines, August 16 ------ A tight race is expected if a hypothetical tandem of Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Sen. Raffy Tulfo faces the tandem of Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Imee Marcos in the 2028 elections, according to a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group.
Results of the July 4 to 11 survey showed that 45 percent of the respondents would support Robredo and Tulfo if they ran together for president and vice president, respectively. It was slightly up but statistically tied with the 42 percent who said they would support a Duterte-Marcos tandem.
The remaining 13 percent either said none, don’t know or refused to answer the survey question. Support for Robredo and Tulfo increased from 44 percent compared to a similar survey in March, while support for Duterte and Marcos increased from 40 percent. OCTA said the results showed that a tandem landscape remains highly competitive and unsettled. “The central implication of the results is that Robredo-Tulfo and Duterte-Marcos are now statistically in a dead heat,” it said. “With 13 percent of the electorate still undecided, rejecting both tandems or declining to answer, a meaningful share of voters have yet to commit to either side, leaving real room for the national picture to move further in either direction before 2028,” it added.
Among the four, only Duterte had declared her intention to run for higher office in 2028. Robredo has ruled out another presidential bid and said she prefers to run for a second term as Naga City mayor.
Source: philstar.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
'Pinoy Big Brother' announces third season of Collab Edition, this time for regular housemates
August 16 ------ “Pinoy Big Brother” is set to welcome a new batch of housemates as “Pinoy Big Brother Collab 3.0” opens auditions to regular Filipinos around the world.
Hosts Gabbi Garcia and Bianca Gonzalez, along with Kim Chiu, announced: “It’s Showtime.” Unlike the first two Collab seasons, which featured celebrity housemates, the upcoming season will give ordinary Filipinos a chance to enter Kuya’s iconic house.
Auditions are open to all Filipinos worldwide who are 18 to 35 years old. Interested applicants must upload a one-minute video introducing their name, age, and location, and explaining why they deserve to become a “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate. The audition period is open until August 31.
Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca, who were both present on "It's Showtime," were hailed the first-ever Big Winner duo of the inaugural “PBB Celebrity Collab Edition.”
In February, Caprice Cayetano and Lella Ford emerged as the Big Winners of “PBB Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0.” Former celebrity housemates including Joaquin Arce and Klarisse de Guzman accompanied Gabbi and Bianca to make the much-awaited announcement.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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SunKissed Lola chooses love over ego in new single
August 16 ------ “Edi Magalit Ka” may sound like something said in the middle of a fight, but in SunKissed Lola’s hands, the familiar phrase becomes something softer, warmer and unexpectedly tender.
Following fan favorites such as “Pasilyo,” “Paki Sabi,” and “Makalimutan Ka,” the Filipino band returns with a new single that captures the small arguments, quiet patience, and everyday affection that come with loving someone. Instead of turning the phrase into a dismissive punchline, SunKissed Lola reframes it as a reminder that love does not disappear just because two people disagree. “It’s a song about relationships,” lead vocalist Laura Lacbain shares. “Arguments are inevitable in a relationship, but the love doesn’t go away. In the end, you still try to win each other back.”
Vocalist and guitarist Alvin “Bino” Serito describes it as a “loving anthem” rooted in the feeling of still choosing the same person after a disagreement. “Even if you’re mad with your special someone, at the end of the day, they’re still your favorite person to come home to,” he says.
First written in 2021, the song went through several changes before becoming the version listeners hear today. According to vocalist and guitarist Dan Ombao, its earliest form had a more prideful tone. As the band worked on it, the lyrics became softer and more open, with Bino helping shape the confession-like parts of the song and adding “’Di ba?” to make the message feel gentler.
Love matters more
For Bino, the core of the song is simple: love matters more than winning. “No one has to win,” he says. “I will always choose the relationship over the argument.” That emotional shift gives the title its charm. “Edi Magalit Ka” is a phrase many people already know, but the song asks listeners to hear it differently. What could sound sarcastic or stubborn becomes affectionate in context. “The title itself is already intriguing,” Laura says. “It makes you curious. You can even send it to your partner. You really need to listen to the song to understand the context.”
Musically, the track shows a more relaxed and intentional side of SunKissed Lola. Dan shares that the song started as an acoustic piece before he brought it to the rest of the band. From there, the arrangement came together naturally, with each member adding their own part.
For bassist Danj Quimson, keeping the song simple was important. “We all united to make it sound laid-back, simple, and we wanted to highlight the lyrics of the song,” he shares.
Compared to some of their earlier releases, which leaned into more unpredictable arrangements, “Edi Magalit Ka” takes a lighter and warmer approach. The band wanted the song to feel easy to listen to while still carrying emotional honesty. “For this one, we made it simple for the audience,” Bino says. “We made it magaan sa tenga.” Dan adds, “That’s also what the song asks for. A very simple, refreshing, and warm song.”
Instantly Familiar
For drummer Genson Viloria, the song’s strength is in how instantly familiar it feels. He shares that when he first heard it, he thought it sounded like a cover because of how catchy it was.
While SunKissed Lola is known for heartfelt songs about love, longing, and the emotions people carry through relationships, this new single explores a different side of love: staying, understanding, and working through conflict. For the band, that makes the song feel more vulnerable and straightforward while still staying true to the familiar sound listeners have come to love. “It’s the comeback of SunKissed Lola,” Laura says.
As the band approaches its fifth year, “Edi Magalit Ka” also marks a more mature chapter for the group. Danj shares that he felt the band’s growth during the recording process, especially in how each member focused on serving the song. Bino says the band has returned to its roots with stronger intention and clearer direction. “We know our strengths and now we can maximize it,” he shares. “We are more intentional in releasing this song.”
More than anything, SunKissed Lola hopes the song makes listeners smile, feel “kilig,” and remember that love also means learning how to work things out. “We want them to feel what we felt the first time we played the song,” Bino says. “We hope it makes them smile, the same way we embraced it from the very beginning.”
With “Edi Magalit Ka,” SunKissed Lola opens a new chapter filled with more music, more stories, more content, more gigs, more tours, and more chances for listeners to get to know the members beyond their roles in the band. “We want to be part of more people’s stories,” Bino says.
Source: manilatimes.net
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Kendra Kramer open to pageantry, eyes PH swimming team first
August 16 ------ Kendra Kramer may have what it takes to become a beauty queen, but for now, her sights are set on a different goal: making it to the Philippine swimming team.
During an interview on “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” Kendra’s parents, Chesca and Doug Kramer, shared that their daughter has been open to entering pageantry someday. "We don’t really talk about those things, but there was one time when she was asked if she wanted to become Miss Universe, and I was so surprised. She said, ‘You know, I’m thinking about it. Maybe one day I’ll consider that,'" Chesca recalled.
Doug, meanwhile, said Kendra currently has another priority: swimming. "And she said, ‘I want to try to make the Philippine swimming team first.’ Then she will graduate college, and then we’ll see how the Miss Universe thing goes," he shared.
Kendra started participating in swimming competitions in 2023 and won several medals.
In 2024, she made a comeback in swimming and bagged several medals at the Asia Christian Schools Conference (ACSC) Swimming competition in Hong Kong.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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SPORTS NEWS
LeBron's Sixers in spotlight as full 2026-27 NBA schedule revealed
August 16 ------ US basketball fans will have plenty of chances to check out LeBron James's first season in Philadelphia with the 76ers featured in 34 nationally televised games according to the full NBA season schedule released.
The NBA had already announced that James and the Sixers would be in action on the first day of the league's 81st season on October 20 -- trying to spoil the New York Knicks' celebration of last season's crown. That game is part of a three-game slate featuring James launching his record-extending 24th season with his new club at Madison Square Garden.
Other opening-day games will see the Boston Celtics taking on Eastern Conference rivals Detroit and a Western Conference finals rematch between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. Oklahoma City, powered by two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, beat the Spurs for the Western Conference regular-season title last season but lost in seven games in the West playoff finals to Victor Wembanyama's Spurs.
The 76ers will be in the spotlight all season as they seek their first championship since 1983, bolstered not only by the addition of NBA all-time leading scorer James but also by the arrival of 2024 NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Jaylen Brown from Boston. The 76ers will play their first home game with James on the roster on October 22 when Cleveland, James's hometown team, visits. There are no games on November 3, election day in the United States, but all 30 teams will play on November 2.
Other key dates include the NBA Cup final taking place at historic Hinckle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on December 11 and the trade deadline on February 11. The All-Star Game will be held on February 21 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. And the regular season will conclude with all 30 teams in action on April 11. The previously announced five-game Christmas Day slate will see James returning with the Sixers to Los Angeles to face the Lakers, the team he departed as a free agent in June. Boston will entertain Miami with the Celtics having won 10 of the past 11 meetings with the Heat over three seasons.
INTRIGUING REUNIONS
Christmas will also feature Oklahoma City at Minnesota, while Denver, powered by Nikola Jokic, will visit Stephen Curry-led Golden State and Wembanyama will lead the Spurs into New York to face the Knicks in an NBA Finals rematch. The Spurs will have a busy holiday season. They have a New Year's Eve date in Charlotte and a New Year's Day game at Washington.
The Spurs are set to return to Paris for a January 14 meeting with New Orleans and will take on the Pelicans again in Manchester on January 17. The first international games of the season will come on November 7, when the Denver Nuggets play the Indiana Pacers in Mexico City. Some intriguing reunions are sprinkled through the season -- a marathon undertaking that will see each team play 82 games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP who led the Bucks to the 2021 title, returns to Milwaukee for the first time on January 28 after being traded to the Miami Heat in June. Brown, a five-time All-Star for the Celtics, returns to Boston with the 76ers on January 21.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Jaja secures GAB license for PVL return with Creamline
August 16 ------ JAJA Santiago, now Sachi Minowa, has been cleared to make her return to the Philippine volleyball scene.
The former PVL MVP secured her professional license from the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), completing one of the final requirements for her much-anticipated league comeback with Creamline for the 2026 Invitational Conference. GAB chairman Atty. Francisco J. Rivera, alongside ProSports Division officer-in-charge Dr. Oliver O. Evangelista, welcomed Santiago at the GAB Central Office in Makati City, as she completed the licensing process. She told GAB officials that she missed playing in the Philippines and expressed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to compete once again in front of Filipino fans.
After several years of playing in Japan, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker is now set to bring her international experience back home before taking her act to League One Volleyball (LOVB) in the U.S. with expansion club San Francisco Signal. Her GAB clearance also comes after another former National U teammate and Creamline-turned-Akari middle blocker Risa Sato recently underwent the same process following her brief hiatus during pregnancy.
Jaja's history with Creamline
Returning to the PVL now presents Santiago with a chance to win her second league title with the very team she beat for her first. She won her first championship with Chery Tiggo in the 2021 Open Conference, when the now-defunct Crossovers defeated the Cool Smashers in the best-of-three finals. Now, she'll look to add another title to her collection, while helping Creamline pursue a record-extending 12th championship.
Source: spin.ph
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Mark Magsayo books clash with Andres Cortes on Garcia-Benn card
August 16 ------ Former world champion Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo will face unbeaten American Andres Cortes in a 10-round lightweight bout on September 12 (US time) at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The matchup will take place on the undercard of the highly anticipated Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn showdown. The former WBC featherweight world champion enters the contest with a 29-2 record, while Cortes boasts a perfect 25-0 resume. Both fighters last saw action at Zuffa Boxing 5 in April.
Magsayo made a statement in his Zuffa Boxing debut, stopping former title challenger Feargal McCrory via fifth-round technical knockout. Meanwhile, Cortes, who fought in the main event, earned a unanimous decision victory over Eridson Garcia. The 31-year-old Bohol native is coming off a strong run since moving up to the lightweight division and has repeatedly expressed his belief that 135 pounds is his natural weight class.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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