AGP Executive Report

Disaster-Ready Infrastructure: President Marcos Jr ordered tighter enforcement of construction and building standards to boost resilience to earthquakes, floods and extreme weather, including stricter material rules and a proposed Building Resilience Seal. Climate Resilience Membership: The Philippines officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), gaining access to global expertise and partnerships to harden roads, bridges, public buildings and communications. El Niño Preparedness: Lapu-Lapu City activated its El Niño task force after Pagasa flagged a moderate-to-strong El Niño that could intensify into very strong conditions by late 2026 through early 2027, with drought risks by early 2027. Marine Life Protection: DENR secured two marine turtle nesting sites in Aurora’s Casiguran and Dinalungan using protective mesh screens, plus information drives to prevent disturbance until hatching. Drought Response in Sugar Areas: Cloud seeding began in Negros Island Region and Panay after dry conditions worsened, with sorties reported successful in bringing rain to affected towns. Weather Disruptions: Some areas suspended face-to-face classes on Sept. 14 due to habagat-related conditions, while Pagasa expected generally fair weather in Luzon as the monsoon weakens. Trade & Energy Reality Check: The IEA said coal use in the Philippines is likely to stay broadly stable this year, keeping baseload dependence high despite weather-driven hydro swings. Local Learning Policy: Senate President Gatchalian pushed for more localized class suspension and learning interventions to reduce learning loss during repeated monsoon disruptions.

Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure: President Marcos says the Philippines has officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, aiming to strengthen roads, bridges, public buildings, and flood and climate risk readiness with access to global expertise. Weather Watch: PAGASA reports generally fair conditions over most of Luzon as habagat weakens, but scattered rains and thunderstorms remain possible in parts of the country, with localized impacts expected into Tuesday. Flood & School Safety: Senate President Gatchalian pushes for more localized class-suspension decisions to reduce learning loss during repeated monsoon disruptions, while San Juan City’s Local School Board approved funding for walk-through and handheld metal detectors for public schools. Marine & Biodiversity: BFAR shifts toward technology-driven fisheries management to better govern marine seascapes, and DENR rangers in Leyte recorded a rare leucistic Philippine duck in a natural park, adding to biodiversity monitoring. Coastal Cleanup: Pilar, Bataan invites residents to join International Coastal Clean-up Day on Sept. 19 at Manila Bay and the Talisay River. Maritime Tragedy: The ferry fire off Palawan has killed 76 people, with 13 still missing, as recovery and identification continue.

Disaster Resilience Push: The Philippines has officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), aiming to bake climate and disaster resilience into roads, bridges, communications, and public buildings as it gains access to global expertise. Biodiversity Watch: Leyte’s Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park recorded a rare leucistic Philippine duck (Anas luzonica), adding to biodiversity data and highlighting the park as a safe habitat for an endemic species. Fisheries Tech Shift: BFAR is moving from commodity-by-commodity programs to technology-driven, sector-wide fisheries management to better govern marine seascapes and strengthen monitoring. Air Quality Alert: Metro Cebu’s air quality slid to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” with EMB-7 urging children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with respiratory conditions to limit outdoor exertion. Severe Weather Outlook: PAGASA warns of scattered rains and thunderstorms over parts of Luzon as the southwest monsoon and an LPA influence conditions, with the LPA still having a chance to develop into a tropical depression. Maritime Tragedy: The ferry fire off Coron, Palawan has killed 76 people, with 13 still missing, as rescue and identification efforts continue. School Safety & Rights: San Juan City approved funding for walk-through and handheld metal detectors for public schools, while Batangas State University is responding to allegations of harassment of a transgender student tied to dress-code enforcement. Green Mobility Moves: Cagayan State University showcased electric tricycle prototypes for commercial investors, and BFAR’s tech push is mirrored by growing EV momentum across the region.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: Protected area rangers in Leyte documented a leucistic Philippine duck at Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, adding a rare record to biodiversity monitoring and highlighting the duck’s status as the country’s only endemic duck. Weather & Disaster Risk: PAGASA warned that a low-pressure area and habagat may bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over parts of Luzon, with Metro Manila and nearby regions likely to see cloudy skies in the next 24 hours. Climate-Resilient Communities: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian pushed for more localized learning measures as repeated habagat-related suspensions disrupt in-person classes, urging school boards to set timely interventions during emergencies. Maritime Safety: Search and rescue in Coron, Palawan continues after a ferry fire, with fatalities expected to rise as charred remains were found inside the vessel’s economy section. Water Security: San Miguel Corp. agreed to grant Dinagat Islands access to the Sabang Dam reservoir to help address persistent water shortages. Urban Sustainability: MMDA inaugurated the MMDA Nature Park and training facility on a former landfill in Carmona, Cavite, aiming to boost disaster preparedness and resilient urban development. Public Health & Learning: DepEd said it is intensifying enforcement against online harassment and cyberbullying, linking learner well-being to sustained academic gains. Protest & Environment Governance: Authorities moved against protesters opposing Pax Silica and the Luzon Economic Corridor, urging objections through proper channels rather than disruptive acts. Transport & Emissions: LRTA cleared right-of-way for the Las Piñas LRT-1 station, part of the Cavite extension meant to cut travel time and support lower-carbon mobility.

Weather Watch: Pagasa says habagat may weaken, but Metro Manila and much of Luzon can still see cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms; a low-pressure area outside PAR is also being monitored, with possible flash floods and landslides in parts of Luzon. Heavy Rain Alerts: An orange heavy rainfall warning is up for parts of Bataan and Zambales, while yellow warnings cover Metro Manila and more areas—signals to prepare for sudden flooding. Water Safety: Manila Water reports it kept safe, potable supply to 7.9M customers despite habagat-driven turbidity risks, using intensified treatment and monitoring. Farm Insurance Payouts: PCIC set aside P187M in insurance payments for flooding and storm damage affecting nearly 25,000 farmers across Luzon, with rice farmers getting the biggest share. Maritime Disaster: The Coast Guard says the Palawan ferry fire death toll has risen to 35, with 54 still missing, after dozens survived the blaze near Coron. Public Health & Haze: In Davao, officials report no haze-linked respiratory outbreaks yet, but surveillance is tightened as PM2.5 hits “very unhealthy” levels. Policy Push: Health Justice Philippines urges Congress to pass a national 100% smoke-free and vape-free law, citing ASEAN smoke-free award wins by Baguio and Pasig. AI Infrastructure Plan: A new PH blueprint targets major scale-up of AI data centers, with energy and water treated as key inputs for climate-resilient growth.

Weather Watch: Pagasa placed parts of Bataan and Zambales under an orange heavy-rain warning (15–30 mm per hour) while Metro Manila and more areas sit under yellow alerts, as habagat weakens but still brings scattered rains and thunderstorms. Disaster Response: A passenger ferry fire off Coron, Palawan left at least 5 dead and dozens missing, with rescue efforts ongoing amid rough seas and thick smoke; authorities say the blaze started in the cargo hold and precautions are in place to prevent an oil spill. Plastic Waste Pressure: Siquijor LGUs say plastic waste is piling up faster than recovery facilities can handle, as tourism grows and single-use bottles from major brands flood local collection systems. Wildlife Enforcement: DENR reported seizing hundreds of illegally traded wildlife in 2026 operations, underscoring ongoing pressure on biodiversity. Climate Extremes: The EU’s Copernicus monitor says August was the hottest month ever recorded globally, with record ocean heat—raising the stakes for extreme weather risk in the Philippines. Clean Energy & Transport: NLEX is doing interim repairs on rain-damaged sections while planning permanent fixes once conditions clear; DP World and ATI commissioned hybrid RTG cranes at Manila South Harbour to cut fuel use and emissions. Food Waste Action: Baguio is reviving its Half-Cup Rice policy to reduce food waste, pairing it with a “Be RICEponsible” campaign.

Ferry Tragedy in Palawan: The MV June Aster fire off Coron left at least five dead and 86 missing as thick smoke and strong currents hampered rescue; the PCG is probing whether crew negligence played a role and preliminary reports point to a cargo-hold start. Wildlife Crackdown: DENR reported 339 illegally traded wildlife seized from January to August, and a separate tally of 394 seizures, including parrots, snakes, and other exotic species—highlighting how online trafficking is now a major challenge. Water Governance: DENR issued DAO 2026-35 assigning its Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) to lead and monitor water supply projects, while NWRB will flag priority areas for development. Climate and Heat Pressure: Copernicus said August was the hottest month on record globally, underscoring rising extreme-weather risks that also hit the Philippines. Plastic Waste Strain in Tourism: Siquijor LGUs say tourism growth is overwhelming plastic recovery facilities, with single-use bottles piling up faster than storage and collection can handle. Forest Restoration in Leyte: A 60-hectare reforestation project in Capoocan, Leyte, starts in December with indigenous seedlings and multi-year protection to revive the Palaypay watershed and Kahamtikan River system. Energy Transition Tech: NTT Docomo and PLDT/Smart tested weather-forecast-driven solar-plus-battery management for telecom base stations, boosting solar use efficiency by 23 points to 61%. Disaster Preparedness Push: PSAC urged faster, coordinated action on safer buildings, flood management, and water security ahead of earthquakes, floods, and drought. Monsoon Rain Alerts: Pagasa warned of heavy rains and possible flooding/landslides in parts of Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas as habagat continues.

Maritime Safety & Pollution Risk: A passenger ferry (MV June Aster) caught fire off Coron, Palawan, killing at least 5 people and leaving dozens missing as rescuers battled rough seas; the Philippine Coast Guard also readied oil-spill response gear in case hazardous materials leaked. Extreme Weather & Flood Preparedness: PAGASA warned habagat-linked heavy rains may hit Central and Southern Luzon and parts of Visayas, with flooding and landslides possible in low-lying and susceptible areas; Malacañang ordered alternative work and learning arrangements in Metro Manila and 13 provinces. Climate Pressure on Food Systems: The Palace said the government is stepping up preparations for a “very strong” El Niño, with agriculture a key focus as impacts could extend into 2027. Biodiversity & Wildlife Protection: DENR reported 339 illegally traded animals seized nationwide from January to August, including birds, reptiles, and endangered species; separate efforts also expanded marine protected areas in Zambales to strengthen reef and fish recovery. Watershed Restoration: In Leyte, a 3-year reforestation push will restore 60 hectares in a watershed area using indigenous seedlings, with community livelihood support. Land & Mining Concerns: Makabayan lawmakers filed a House inquiry into alleged nickel mining operations on Sibuyan Island, citing possible environmental damage and lack of proper community consent.

El Niño Watch: The Palace said the government is ramping up preparations for a “very strong” El Niño, with the UN’s weather agency warning impacts could last into 2027—especially for agriculture and water management. Habagat Flood Risk: PAGASA issued yellow rainfall warnings for parts of Metro Manila and Luzon, with heavy downpours possible and local governments suspending classes; DOTr also rolled out free rides on key routes to keep commuters moving. Air Quality in Cebu: Metro Cebu’s air stayed “unhealthy for sensitive groups” as EMB-7 logged an AQI of 116 (PM2.5), after earlier worse haze from Indonesia. Solid Waste Push: The Philippines is seeking a $100M ADB loan for Manila and Pasig to improve segregation, collection, recycling, and value recovery under a circular-economy waste project. Reforestation in Batangas: DENR reported South Korean youth joined a regreening activity planting 100 narra seedlings at Mount Malarayat’s foot in Lipa City. Biodiversity Rescue: A juvenile serpent eagle was rescued in Sarangani and released after assessment.

Habagat Flood Watch: PAGASA issued orange and yellow rainfall warnings for Sept. 9 as the southwest monsoon persists, with Metro Manila (including Quezon City, Manila, Marikina, Navotas) and parts of Bulacan and Zambales under higher-risk alerts, warning of heavy downpours over already saturated areas. Agriculture Damage: The Department of Agriculture reported P4.38B in agri-produce losses from multiple weather disturbances, affecting nearly 100,000 farmers and fisherfolk and damaging over 81,000 hectares, with rice hit hardest. Air Quality Crisis (Haze): DENR-Davao said PM2.5 levels in Calinan and Digos turned “very unhealthy,” linked to transboundary haze from Indonesia, urging vulnerable groups to wear N95 masks and limit outdoor exposure. Wildlife Rescue: A green sea turtle was rescued from a fishing net and released off Dinapigue, Isabela, while responders also guided a stranded dolphin back to deeper waters in Leyte. Fisheries Enforcement: The Supreme Court upheld that electronically monitoring commercial fishing vessels was unconstitutional, keeping the broader Fisheries Code limits in place but shifting how enforcement works. Local Waste Accountability: Cebu City asked DENR to investigate EMB-7’s no-show in a landfill inquiry over Binaliw’s continued operation during rehabilitation.

Habagat Watch: PAGASA says Tropical Cyclone Krovanh’s trough and the southwest monsoon will keep bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms over parts of Luzon, with gloomy skies and possible flooding impacts in affected areas. Flood Safety & Accountability: Two DPWH engineers were sacked in Pampanga after a man died falling into an open drainage canal during monsoon rains, as the government pushes more climate risk tools for local resilience. Marine Life Rescue: A green sea turtle was rescued after getting entangled in a fishing net off Dinapigue, Isabela, and responders also safely returned a stranded dolphin to deeper waters in Leyte. Wildlife Conservation: An endangered South Philippine Hawk-Eagle chick was rescued in Zamboanga del Norte and turned over to DENR for health monitoring ahead of release. Coastal Disaster Impacts: In Zambales, heavy rains led to the evacuation of hundreds of families, with PAGASA warning of continued downpours. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: The PCG apprehended fishermen in Romblon for compressor-based illegal fishing, confiscating gear and fish for administrative action. Climate & Health Risk: A study finds nearly half of farmers worldwide are poisoned by pesticides each year, underscoring ongoing environmental and public health risks. Energy Transition Debate: A Visayas bishop warned that recurring brownouts are a “systemic warning,” urging grid modernization and more renewables instead of locking in more fossil fuel plants. Policy & Governance: The Senate moves to tackle the Pax Silica project through a committee of the whole amid public concerns, while Caritas Philippines calls for dioceses to institutionalize integral ecology ministries.

Southwest Monsoon Watch: PAGASA says habagat will keep dumping heavy rain over Zambales and Bataan (100–200mm) and bring flooding and landslide risk, with other provinces also facing downpours through Thursday. Local Flood Response: Zambales reported 604 families (1,854 people) evacuated as rains intensified, while Olongapo bridge river levels hit critical/warning marks and parts of the Zambales highway became impassable for light vehicles. Wildlife Rescue: In Zamboanga del Norte, rescuers turned over a juvenile South Philippine hawk-eagle to DENR for health checks and eventual release. Marine Life Update: Antique saw a juvenile dugong rescued and returned to sea, but the next day an adult dugong washed ashore dead; officials say a necropsy is needed to determine the cause. Air Quality & Health: Metro Cebu’s haze eased to “unhealthy for sensitive groups” (AQI 135), but Cebu City still suspended face-to-face classes. Policy & Accountability: The Supreme Court upheld a ruling that struck down a DA/BFAR rule requiring electronic monitoring for commercial fishing vessels, saying it went beyond what’s needed to curb illegal fishing. Water Security: Manila Water is pushing ahead with a new San Juan Reservoir to improve earthquake resilience and reliability.

Habagat & Flood Risk: PAGASA warns southwest monsoon rains will persist through Wednesday, with heavy to intense rainfall (100–200 mm) most likely in Zambales and moderate-to-heavy totals (50–100 mm) across parts of Luzon and Visayas, raising risks of flooding in low-lying and riverside areas and landslides in susceptible slopes. Local Flood Monitoring: In Zambales, Olongapo officials report critical river levels under Del Rosario and Sta. Rita bridges as rains continue, while Castillejos roads in Zambales remain impassable to light vehicles due to flooding. Relief for Isolated Communities: In Botolan, Zambales, swollen rivers cut off 11 Aeta communities; food aid was airlifted by the Philippine Air Force and delivered via carabao carts, after earlier incidents showed deadly river-crossing dangers. Air Pollution & Haze: Metro Cebu’s air quality keeps fluctuating as smoke from Indonesia’s wildfires drifts in; EMB 7 logged “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” with PM2.5 readings, tied to changing wind patterns. Mercury-Laced Skincare Online: EcoWaste Coalition calls out the online sale of banned mercury-laced skin lighteners, urging platforms to block listings and pushing for deeper FDA enforcement. Water & Climate Resilience: Manila Water is building a more earthquake-resilient San Juan Reservoir (56 million liters) to strengthen Metro Manila’s water supply amid growing climate and seismic risks. Circular Economy in Action: President Marcos cites Marikina’s river and waste management system—clearing no-build zones, relocating residents, and using trash catchers—as a model for other LGUs. Wildlife Rescue: Residents in Antique rescued a juvenile dugong stranded during low tide and returned it to the sea, highlighting ongoing threats to seagrass habitats. El Niño Watch: Cebu City will assess water sources and demand amid possible prolonged El Niño, as PAGASA flags drought risk later in the season. Policy & Environment: A new Senate-approved bill would impose heavier penalties on hospitals that detain patients over unpaid medical bills, while a separate national push continues on flood control and disaster spending as calamity releases accelerate.

Habagat Watch: PAGASA says southwest monsoon rains will persist over parts of Luzon and the Visayas until Wednesday, with Tropical Storm Pilandok (Krovanh) enhancing the monsoon; expect 50–100mm rainfall in areas like Zambales, Bataan, Batangas and Occidental Mindoro, with localized flooding and landslides possible. Disaster Toll & Damage: The NDRRMC reports 43 deaths from the combined effects of habagat and cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng and Pilandok, with most fatalities from landslides in Benguet; 62,300 people are in evacuation centers and damage to infrastructure and agriculture is estimated in the billions of pesos. Flood Relief in Zambales: In Botolan, Zambales, swollen rivers cut off 11 Aeta communities; food was airlifted by the Philippine Air Force to nine areas, while two were reached via carabao-drawn carts after earlier deaths in a river crossing incident. Water Levels Rise: Water levels increased slightly in 6 of 9 monitored dams, including Angat, Binga, Pantabangan, Magat, Caliraya and Ambuklao, as habagat continued. Farmers Get Compensation: PCIC sets aside P187M to compensate nearly 25,000 insured farmers for losses from tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon, with rice farmers getting the biggest share. Biodiversity Insight: A new UP Diliman study using social media reports suggests Philippine tarsiers’ habitat range is wider than previously mapped, with sightings reported across 29 provinces. Critical Minerals Policy: An executive order expands critical-minerals exploration across millions of hectares and streamlines permits via a virtual one-stop shop, raising Indigenous and environmental consent concerns. Clean Transport Push: LTFRB opens 8,750 TNVS slots, prioritizing electric vehicles in Metro Manila and parts of Ilocos, aiming for more environment-friendly public transport.

Air Quality Watch: Metro Cebu’s haze eased but stayed risky, with EMB-7 reporting an AQI of 136 (“Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”) after earlier “Very Unhealthy” peaks. School Disruptions: Cebu City suspended face-to-face classes on Sept. 7 due to unhealthy air, shifting to modular learning. Monsoon & Storm Updates: PAGASA warned southwest monsoon rains will continue across Luzon and parts of the Visayas, with flash-flood and landslide risk in western Luzon; Tropical Storm Pilandok (Krovanh) may briefly reenter the PAR while strengthening the monsoon. Flood Response: Zambales launched large-scale relief for 2,282 families affected by habagat rains. Mining & Indigenous Rights: Human Rights Watch urged dropping charges against 11 Indigenous protesters arrested during an anti-mining operation in Nueva Vizcaya, spotlighting permit and consultation disputes. Wildlife Crime: CIDG in Bacolod busted illegal wildlife trading, rescuing birds including Philippine Serpent Eagles. Transboundary Haze Region: Indonesia continued wildfire response with water bombing near Nusantara, as haze impacts spread across Southeast Asia. Energy/Transport Shift: LTFRB opened 8,750 TNVS slots, with Metro Manila allocations reserved for electric vehicles to support greener public transport.

Weather Watch: PAGASA says Tropical Storm Pilandok (Krovanh) may reenter the PAR, then weaken into a tropical depression by Monday, while habagat rains may ease briefly on Sunday before intensifying again in Northern and Central Luzon. Rain Alerts: Orange rainfall warnings were raised in parts of Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga, with flooding “threatening” under intense downpours. Flood Response: Sen. Bong Go extended aid to 1,000 Bulacan families and DOLE allocated P220M for cleanup work via 11,000 TUPAD beneficiaries to clear debris and unclog waterways. Air Quality & Haze: DENR-EMB reported elevated PM2.5 from Indonesia’s fires, with Cebu and other areas hitting “acutely unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” levels; health advisories urged limiting outdoor exposure. Infrastructure & Safety: DPWH said the government will carry out a P351B Flood Management Master Plan, while LTFRB ordered expressway coordination after monsoon flooding caused major NLEx bottlenecks. Wildlife Crime: CIDG arrested a man in Negros Occidental and rescued birds including Philippine Serpent Eagles in an illegal wildlife trade buy-bust. Renewables: MGEN/Meralco PowerGen started selling power from MTerra Solar Phase 1 (600 MWac), boosting solar-plus-storage capacity for energy security.