Severe Weather Watch: Pagasa says Severe Tropical Storm Francisco (Mekkhala) is set to exit the Philippine area of responsibility within hours as it weakens, while Tropical Storm Gardo (Higos) entered PAR but is expected to stay far from land; meanwhile, Western Visayas remains on flood and landslide alert with 516 barangays flagged as rain-prone after Francisco and Habagat. Arbor Day Reforestation: DENR is pushing climate-resilient tree planting, including 1.6M seedlings across Central Luzon and Arbor Day activities in Zamboanga Peninsula. E-waste Alarm: Environmental groups and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co allege suspected US e-waste shipments have reached Subic Bay Freeport, calling for a congressional inquiry and tighter enforcement of hazardous waste rules. Taal Lake Ecotourism: The Taal Volcano Protected Landscape board approved longer operating hours for cruising/boating/sightseeing on Taal Lake, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with safety and alert-status limits. Biodiversity & Health: UP researchers identified a new antibiotic-producing bacterial species, Streptomyces mayonensis, from Mayon Volcano soils—highlighting the value of Philippine biodiversity in fighting drug-resistant infections. Policy Push on Land Use: Senator Raffy Tulfo vowed to fast-track the long-pending National Land Use Act to protect farmers, Indigenous peoples, and environmentally critical areas.