El Niño water readiness: Laguna Water says it’s monitoring sources and tightening operations to keep supply steady as El Niño risks loom, including source assessments, preventive maintenance, and non-revenue water cuts. Illegal mining crackdown: In Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, authorities seized nearly ₱9.57M worth of heavy equipment and tools in an anti-illegal mining operation with DENR and MGB, leaving the site without machinery. Flood control trees in Cebu: DPWH asked Cebu City to allow cutting 67 trees and relocating 46 more for Butuanon River flood mitigation; the matter is up for council action before DENR permits. Plastic pollution reality check: A multi-part report highlights the “plastic paradox” in the Philippines—lower consumption but high leakage, with more than half of plastic waste unmanaged and ending up dumped, burned, or carried to the sea. Climate reporting training: MindaNews’ workshop used the Samal–Davao Bridge and Davao landfill as field labs, focusing on impacts on marine ecosystems and waste management. Weather outlook: PAGASA expects generally fair conditions with localized thunderstorms in parts of Luzon through the weekend, with habagat effects mainly in Extreme Northern Luzon. Biodiversity protection: Conservationists are urging investigation after an adult Philippine eagle was shot and later recovered in Bukidnon. Food security move: NFA will raise palay buying price to P21/kg and temporarily ban rice imports in Iloilo to protect farm-gate earnings.