Biodiversity Watch: DENR-Cagayan documented the critically endangered JC’s vine (purple jade vine/dragon’s spine) during a Philippine eagle monitoring trip at Mt. Hamut in Peñablanca, highlighting how protected forests still hold rare species worth safeguarding. Wildlife Conservation: DENR-12 recorded rare nursing behavior of an endangered large flying fox mother and pup in Cotabato, alongside counts of about 25,000 flying foxes roosting in 39 trees—new data that can guide protection of key habitats. Storm Update: PAGASA says Tropical Storm Mekkhala (named Francisco once inside the PAR) is strengthening and may become a typhoon by Sunday, with possible Wind Signal No. 1 over parts of Northern Luzon as it nears land. Climate Risk: Pagasa’s seasonal outlook flags below-normal rainfall risk for Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and the Kalayaan Island Group by late 2026, warning of knock-on effects for water and farming. Protected Species & Enforcement: A Filipino man was arrested in Sabah after authorities seized 10 live pangolins, pangolin scales and a suspected elephant tusk in a wildlife raid—another reminder of the pressure illegal trade puts on biodiversity. Food & Heritage Protection: Bohol filed for Geographical Indication (GI) registration for Ubi Kinampay to protect its name and support traditional farming as synthetic fertilizer use and false origin claims threaten value.