AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection Push: DENR is moving to declare Marine Protected Areas in the West Philippine Sea, citing nearly a decade of Filipino-led marine research and calling MPAs “science-to-stewardship-to-sovereignty.” Transport + Mangroves: DoTr and DENR signed a deal to protect mangroves during airport and seaport projects, including mangrove earth-balling procedures for Tacloban’s Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport and a study for New Cebu International Container Port. Waste + Health: Manila Water urged East Zone customers to join August septic tank desludging to prevent untreated wastewater from polluting waterways and harming public health. Flood/Storm Watch: PAGASA reported an LPA bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms over parts of Luzon, with a yellow rainfall warning over Metro Manila and nearby areas due to possible flooding in flood-prone spots. Power Costs + Policy: The House will prioritize removing system loss charges from electricity bills and advancing income tax relief measures, while groups warn against shifting costs to consumers. Solid Waste Debate: Environmental groups BAN Toxics and EcoWaste Coalition rejected waste-to-energy plans, saying burning waste increases toxic pollution and won’t fix the root waste problem. Local Recycling Incentives: Koronadal City launched a “Basura Barter Program” trading segregated flexible plastics and bottles for rice to boost recycling. Disaster Resilience: Sen. Loren Legarda urged Filipinos to treat disaster resilience as daily practice—linking preparedness, stewardship of nature, and safer communities.

Weather Disruptions: A low-pressure area and easterlies are expected to bring cloudy skies, scattered rains, and thunderstorms across Metro Manila, Bicol, CALABARZON, and parts of Mimaropa, with flash-flood and landslide risk in heavier-rain areas; some face-to-face classes were suspended in parts of Rizal and Quezon. Water Security: ADB President Masato Kanda urged faster action to secure water across Asia and the Pacific, linking water, disaster preparedness, and energy reliability. Renewables vs “False Solutions”: Greenpeace Philippines urged Marcos to prioritize renewable energy and warned against nuclear, fossil gas, and waste-to-energy. Marine Protection in WPS: DENR pushed for marine protected areas in the Kalayaan Island Group, citing years of local research and biodiversity value. Illegal Logging Crackdown: Mimaropa police seized ₱2.49M in illegal forest products and arrested 86. Hazardous Materials Probe: NBI shut down a steel plant in Magalang, Pampanga, over substandard and radioactive materials, warning such steel may have been used in infrastructure. E-waste Policy Shift: SBMA said it will again block another suspected US e-waste shipment, citing Basel Convention compliance. EV Push: EV groups welcomed Marcos’ support for transport electrification, including incentives and a goal to make half of cars electric by 2040. Space Ambition: PhilSA said the first liquid-fueled sounding rocket launch is set for 2027, with a possible future spaceport.

Tax Reform Meets Health & Waste: House Ways and Means chair Miro Quimbo says Marcos’ proposed tax relief for workers could lose about ₱50B in revenue, but the government plans to offset it by raising taxes on vape, tobacco, sugar-sweetened drinks, and single-use plastics—framing the move as both fiscal and public-health/environment protection. Radioactive Steel Probe: The NBI is checking whether substandard, radioactive steel from a Pampanga plant may have been used in flood-control and other government projects, warning contractors could face liability for “hidden defects.” Energy Policy Pushback: Consumer groups and Greenpeace both question SONA-linked energy directions—criticizing moves that could keep Filipinos paying high power costs, and warning against “false solutions” like nuclear, fossil gas, and waste-to-energy. Offshore Wind Auction Reset: The Department of Energy plans to restart the delayed offshore wind tender (GEA-5) with awards possibly by Dec. 2, running through June 30, 2027, after adjusting rules on ports, grid tie-ins, and environmental fees. Weather Watch: Pagasa says an LPA will bring rains across much of the country through Friday, with habagat-driven thunderstorms possible in parts of Luzon. Forest & Wildlife Enforcement: Police in Mimaropa seized ₱2.49M in illegally sourced forest products, while the Philippine Eagle Foundation highlights ongoing habitat and shooting threats to the critically endangered national bird. EV Charging Rollout: Cebu City Council urges gasoline stations to install at least two EV chargers to expand cleaner transport infrastructure.

Disaster Response: Flash floods in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat forced about 100 families (500 people) to evacuate after heavy rain rapidly submerged low-lying areas, prompting rescue operations by MDRRMO and partners. Weather Watch: Pagasa expects habagat-driven cloudy skies with scattered rain and possible thunderstorms across Luzon and parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, with flash-flood or landslide risk in heavier-rain areas. Waste & Pollution Policy: Marcos urged lawmakers to update the 25-year-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), pushing for modern practices like waste-to-energy and better recovery, processing, and upcycling. Renewables & Energy Transition: SunAsia proposed two floating solar plants on Laguna Lake (P12.04B total) to cut fossil dependence and support climate goals. Renewables vs. Water/Energy Concerns: Acting DENR chief Juan Miguel Cuna said the agency will ensure Pax Silica complies with environmental rules, as protesters and schools demand transparency and a pause over potential energy, water use, and displacement. Local Environmental Access: DENR opened a satellite office in Torrijos, Marinduque to speed up permits and environmental transactions, reducing travel time for residents. People’s SONA & Environment: Protesters across the country linked corruption and resource exploitation to environmental harm, while fisherfolk and advocates demanded stronger protection for marginalized communities.

SONA 2026, waste and disaster resilience: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his fifth State of the Nation Address to push updates to the 25-year-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, including allowing waste-to-energy and other waste treatment options, while also promising disaster-resilient “Ligtas Pinoy Centers” built to withstand stronger typhoons and earthquakes. Pax Silica backlash: Marcos touted the US-led Pax Silica AI-linked industrial hub as a jobs and competitiveness boost, but DENR said it will strictly enforce environmental compliance as groups and a Pampanga Catholic school called for a temporary halt over unanswered environmental and social concerns. Flooding and storm impacts: Tropical Storm Kiyapo left at least 3 dead and 1 missing, with over P10M in aid reaching affected families across multiple regions, as PAGASA forecast lighter habagat rains over Metro Manila during SONA. Ocean and fisheries protection: Fisherfolk and environmental groups urged Congress to prioritize the Verde Island Passage Protected Seascape bill and compensation for communities hit by the 2023 oil spill, framing it as key to marine biodiversity and food security. Health and pollution policy: Local officials renewed calls for a Smoke-Free and Vape-Free Environment Act to protect children from secondhand smoke and vape emissions. Security amid protests: Metro Manila saw police lines, protests, and bomb scares ahead of SONA, with improvised explosive devices reported near the DOJ and Senate.

Habagat & Kiyapo Weather Watch: Pagasa says southwest monsoon rains will continue over parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, with scattered thunderstorms and possible flash floods or landslides, though heavy impacts are easing as habagat weakens. Reef Damage From Tourism: A new study highlights that scuba divers in the Philippines and Indonesia often make reef contact more than they think, with many incidents causing visible harm—raising pressure on coral conservation. Pax Silica Push Meets Backlash: An agricultural workers’ group opposes the US-led Pax Silica initiative, warning it could drive land conversion, worsen displacement, and threaten food security and local ecosystems. Local Disaster Resilience Awards: La Union’s LGUs earned RED SEAL recognition for disaster preparedness and ecologically adaptive response, spotlighting practical resilience work at the community level. Food Security on the Ground: Marcos inspected Pampanga’s Food Security Complex, aimed at cutting post-harvest losses and stabilizing rice supply for farmers. Climate-Linked Accountability in SONA: Multiple reports ahead of Marcos’ penultimate SONA stress that corruption and weak execution—especially in flood control and food affordability—must translate into real, measurable reforms.

Storm & Flood Response: Tropical Storm Noul (Kiyapo) has moved away from the Philippines, but the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) is still bringing rains and possible flash floods/landslides, with Pagasa issuing a yellow rainfall alert for parts of Zambales and Bataan. Disaster Impact: The NDRRMC reported three deaths linked to Kiyapo’s effects and one person still missing in Sarangani, with over 59,000 families affected and thousands in evacuation centers. Regional Weather Disruption: In China, Noul made landfall in Guangdong, triggering mass evacuations and major transport cancellations; Hong Kong saw hundreds of flight cancellations and about 2,000 stranded passengers at NAIA-bound travel routes. Air Quality Tech: UP researchers unveiled ROAM, a Filipino-made air quality monitoring device designed for harsher, polluted areas—aimed at better tracking of airborne particles. Education Access: Marcos signed the Last Mile and Gida Schools Act (RA 12321), institutionalizing support for remote, underserved public basic education schools. Coconut Replanting Gap: The Philippine Coconut Authority is seeking an extra P1.26B to keep its coconut replanting target on track amid funding shortfalls. ASEAN Police Cooperation: ASEANAPOL members backed stronger regional coordination, including an enhanced digital database system, to tackle transnational crime and cyber-enabled threats. Wildlife & Conservation Angle: Manila Zoo marked its 67th anniversary with new animal arrivals, highlighting efforts to bring children closer to wildlife.

Habagat & Noul/Kiyapo Weather: PAGASA kept rain warnings up as the enhanced southwest monsoon continues to drench Luzon and parts of the Visayas, with Typhoon Noul (Kiyapo) moving away but its trough still triggering showers in Northern Luzon; Flooding Update: Iloilo City reported flooding easing in some areas, but 35 barangays and over 500 residents remained affected as response operations continue under Blue Alert; Coastal & Marine Pollution: The Coast Guard traced a foul-smelling floating substance in Subic Bay to leachate and linked it to a drainage system tied to the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., while authorities await lab results; Wildlife Rescue: DENR rescued two Philippine long-tailed macaques and 15 native birds from illegal captivity in Sorsogon, with the birds released at Bulusan Volcano Natural Park; E-waste Crackdown: Customs in Subic prevented three container vans of alleged US e-waste from being unloaded, placing them on “Retain on Board” status; Seafood Conservation & Trade: The Philippines is set to reapply for US market access for blue crab exports after steps to strengthen dolphin protection and bycatch monitoring; Sustainable Livelihoods: BFAR gave seaweed processors in Pangasinan livelihood aid to expand food processing; Local Tourism & Heritage: Cebu ramped up cultural mapping to support sustainable tourism planning; Climate Education: SEARCA’s “climate detectives” youth show is training students to investigate climate impacts and solutions.

E-waste Crackdown in Subic Bay: Authorities stopped three vans carrying alleged US e-waste from being unloaded at the Port of Subic, placing containers under “Retain on Board” after the Bureau of Customs flagged the shipment’s origin and invoked a precautionary approach tied to hazardous-waste rules. Coastal Pollution Probe: The Philippine Coast Guard identified a foul-smelling floating substance in Subic Bay as leachate and traced a suspected source to a drainage system linked to the Subic Bay International Terminal Corp., while lab results are pending. Storm and Monsoon Impacts: PAGASA said the trough of Typhoon Noul (formerly Kiyapo) and habagat will keep rains over parts of Northern Luzon, with warnings in areas like Zambales and Bataan; flooding and class suspensions were reported as Kiyapo battered multiple regions before exiting PAR. Wildlife Rescue in Sorsogon: DENR rescued two long-tailed macaques and 15 native birds from captivity, releasing the birds at Bulusan Volcano Natural Park and sending the macaques for assessment. Mining Push Faces Church Backlash: Samar bishops urged LGUs in Giporlos and Balangiga to reject mining, warning even exploration can pave the way for large-scale extraction. Marine Trade Update: The Philippines is set to reapply to resume blue swimming crab exports to the US after a market-access decision, with dolphin protection and monitoring cited as key.

Tropical Storm Kiyapo (Noul) & Habagat: Severe Tropical Storm Kiyapo intensified into a typhoon after landfall near Camiguin Islands, while TCWS signals stayed up over parts of Northern Luzon; the southwest monsoon kept soaking Luzon and the Visayas, triggering floods, landslides, class suspensions, and sea travel suspensions, including rough-sea advisories in Zambales. Weather Warnings: Pagasa expanded red rainfall warnings in Western Visayas as habagat intensified, with additional orange areas flagged for flooding and landslide risk. Marine Pollution Probe: The Philippine Coast Guard investigated a foul-smelling floating substance resurfacing off a Subic beach resort, coordinating with SBMA sampling and disposal steps. Mining & Biodiversity Pushback: Catholic bishops in Samar opposed mining even at the exploration stage, warning it can pave the way for large-scale extraction; meanwhile, mountaineers protested reported mining plans inside Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park. Livelihoods & Resilience: BFAR provided P600,000 livelihood packages to seaweed processors in Pangasinan, while DTI and partners signed an MSME disaster resilience pact. Regional Diplomacy: The ASEAN Regional Forum adopted the Manila Plan of Action for 2026–36, shifting toward proactive risk management as climate and security threats grow.

Tropical Storm Kiyapo Watch: Pagasa raised TCWS No. 3 over the western Babuyan Islands as Kiyapo intensified into a severe tropical storm, with damaging winds and gusts threatening Cagayan’s islands and nearby northern Luzon. Coastal Safety: The Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel for small vessels in parts of Northern Luzon and Zambales, urging fisherfolk to stay ashore amid rough seas. Habagat Flooding: Southwest monsoon rains worsened flooding in Western Visayas, with Pagasa issuing red and orange heavy-rain warnings across Iloilo and Antique and prompting class suspensions and evacuations. Public Health Prep: DOH advised families to pack emergency go-bags and follow safety steps as Kiyapo and habagat bring hazards. Water & Climate Resilience: Manila Water said diversified supply systems are helping maintain 24/7 service despite El Niño and low Angat levels. Marine Pollution Probe: PCG launched an investigation after a foul-smelling floating substance resurfaced at a Subic beach resort. Biodiversity Under Pressure: Mountaineering groups opposed reported mining plans inside Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park, warning of risks to a key biodiversity hotspot. Urban Tree Protection: Students asked the Supreme Court for a temporary environmental protection order to stop mass tree cutting for the SALEx project.

Tropical Cyclone Kiyapo: Pagasa raised wind signals as the former depression intensified into Tropical Storm Kiyapo, with TCWS No. 2 over parts of Northern Luzon and possible further strengthening before it exits the Philippine area; Disaster Preparedness: OCD warned nearly 7,000 barangays face landslide and flood risk, while Iloilo activated a Blue Alert and readied response clusters; Local Evacuations: Glan, Sarangani ordered forced evacuation of riverbank residents as the Soccsksargen river swelled; Urban Trees Under Threat: Students asked the Supreme Court to stop mass tree-cutting along Quirino Avenue for the SALEx project after a lower court rejected their TEPO bid; Wildlife Protection: Sorsogon rescued 17 protected animals from illegal captivity, including macaques and native birds; Water for Farms: President Marcos inaugurated Palawan’s Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project to support year-round irrigation for over 1,000 hectares; Indigenous Rights in Energy: SAVE Kalinga questioned NCIP clearance for the Karayan hydropower project, saying consent requirements were not met.

Climate & Disaster Risk: Tropical Depression Kiyapo is set to intensify and may make landfall near the Babuyan Islands, with TCWS No. 1 raised over parts of Northern Luzon as thousands of barangays face flooding and rain-induced landslides; Cebu also saw renewed habagat flooding as drainage woes resurface. Water Security: Angat Dam continues to dip below critical levels, while President Marcos inaugurated Palawan’s Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project to boost year-round farm water supply amid El Niño. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Authorities rescued illegally kept protected wildlife in Sorsogon, while Laguna de Bay probes a fish kill linked to possible low oxygen conditions. Ecosystems & Conservation: WWF-Philippines highlights mangrove losses and rehabilitation efforts as stronger storms threaten remaining forests. Governance & Rights: Human Rights Watch urged prosecutors to dismiss cyber-libel complaints used to silence rights advocates raising mining concerns, and students filed a Supreme Court petition seeking a TEPO over mass tree-cutting for SALEx. Energy & Indigenous Consent: Concerns were raised over NCIP clearances for the Karayan hydropower project, with calls for free, prior, and informed consent.

Tropical Cyclone Readiness: PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over parts of Northern Luzon as Tropical Depression “Kiyapo” nears the country, with strong to gale-force gusts and rains expected and the highest signal possibly reaching No. 2. Flood Risk in Cebu: Habagat-linked rains prompted a Cebu flood warning for rivers and tributaries, urging residents to avoid swollen waterways and prepare for flash floods and landslides. Laguna de Bay Fish Kill Probe: The Coast Guard and BFAR are assessing a reported fish kill off Pililla, with initial observations pointing to algal growth, decomposition, higher water temperature, and low water circulation reducing dissolved oxygen. Anti-Destructive Fishing Enforcement: Authorities in Occidental Mindoro seized over a metric ton of fish tied to illegal blast fishing and arrested seven suspects, including confiscated gear and vessels. Mangrove Protection Push: A report highlights how mangroves—natural storm buffers—have been cut by over 60% since 1918, with stronger typhoons threatening remaining forests. ESG and Biodiversity Wins: The Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards recognized environment initiatives, including native tree restoration and campus sustainability efforts.

Weather Watch: PAGASA issued a thunderstorm advisory for Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, warning of moderate to heavy rainshowers with lightning and strong winds within hours. Cyclone Risk: Another low-pressure area inside the PAR is forecast to develop into Tropical Depression “Kiyapo,” with possible impacts on Northern Luzon and parts of Central Luzon even if it doesn’t make landfall. Water Crisis: Angat Dam’s water level dropped to a record-low 152.12 meters, with rainfall far below what’s needed to restore supply for power, domestic use, and irrigation. Pollution & Safety: Residents in Pampanga raised alarms after reports of radioactive materials at a steel plant; the mayor says authorities have not yet received official lab findings. Indigenous Rights & Land: NCIP Cordillera warned about a group allegedly issuing fake native titles and misusing IPRA and related rules. Waste & Community Impact: NCIP found no basis to say Aeta Ambala families were displaced by a temporary Subic open dump during the pandemic, while rehabilitation is underway. Wildlife & Culture: A Bukidnon “lumad” community held a sacred ritual for the Philippine eagle “Sawaga-Dalwangan” after it died during rehab. Maritime Tech: Australia will provide the PCG underwater drones and counter-drone systems to boost maritime surveillance and environmental protection.

Tropical Weather Watch: Pagasa says a low-pressure area is approaching Northern Luzon, bringing heavy rains and strong gusts, with possible landfall in Cagayan between Friday and Saturday and a chance to develop into a tropical cyclone named Kiyapo. Maritime & Coastal Safety: Australia will provide the Philippine Coast Guard underwater drones and counter-drone systems under a P413-million, four-year package, with earlier drone support already used for maritime security, search-and-rescue, and environmental protection. Solid Waste Moves: Cebu City will stop dumping garbage at the South Road Properties by July 25 and shift to daily barangay collection with nighttime hauling to a landfill in Aloguinsan. River Rehab via Microbes: Batangas City is using “bokashi ball” mud balls at Calumpang Bridge to help break down organic waste and improve water quality. Wildlife Conservation: A sacred ritual was held in Bukidnon for the critically endangered Philippine eagle “Sawaga-Dalwangan,” which died after rehabilitation. Indigenous Land & Dumpsite: NCIP says an Aeta ancestral-domain dump in Subic was a temporary COVID-era disposal site with no basis for forced relocation, and is now being rehabilitated. Consumer & Power Costs: A coalition of consumer groups warns of rising electricity rates and studies possible legal action vs DOE and ERC. Waste, Enforcement, and Air: NBI shut down a steel plant in Pampanga and arrested executives over alleged violations of environmental and consumer protection laws, affecting about 300 workers.