AGP Executive Report

Habagat Flood Watch: Laguna de Bay kept rising under enhanced southwest monsoon rains, hitting 12.08 meters as of 7 a.m. Aug. 12—still in the safe transition range but expected to climb with continued moderate to heavy downpours. Metro Manila & Luzon Weather: Pagasa said light to moderate habagat rains with scattered thunderstorms may persist over parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila and nearby provinces, with flash-flood and landslide risks. Disaster Response: The PNP reported 26 deaths, 15 injuries, and two missing persons from habagat and storms Luis and Maymay, with over 3,000 officers deployed and thousands sheltering in evacuation centers. Baguio Landslides: In Baguio City, retrieval ended for a landslide in Barangay Guisad Surong, accounting for 13 victims (10 dead, 3 survivors). Water Infrastructure Risk: Pagasa said La Mesa Dam in Quezon City fell below overflow status (79.87 m vs 80.15 m), but excess floodwaters could still affect nearby low-lying areas. Maritime Disruptions: Coast Guard advisories led to no-sail conditions and canceled ferry trips, stranding passengers and rolling cargoes across multiple ports. Plastic & Pollution Push: DENR Davao banned wet wipes and single-use plastics in Mt. Hamiguitan. Energy & Affordability: An activist priest welcomed Meralco’s August rate cut but said it’s not enough, urging long-term reforms toward affordable, clean, and equitable power. Pax Silica Scrutiny: Sen. Raffy Tulfo called for a Senate inquiry into Pax Silica, warning it must not harm water, air, livelihoods, and indigenous communities.

Habagat Flood Fallout: The southwest monsoon kept flooding and landslide risks high across Luzon, with Pagasa warning of possible flash floods and landslides in areas including Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro, while Quezon City reported thousands still sheltering in evacuation sites and La Mesa Dam remained above overflow status. Class & Work Disruptions: Laguna extended face-to-face class suspensions to Tuesday as rains persisted, and other LGUs also suspended classes; DepEd said thousands of classrooms were damaged nationwide. Food & Farm Damage: The Department of Agriculture pegged combined storm and monsoon agricultural damage at ₱197.2M affecting nearly 8,000 farmers, with rice hit hardest. Accountability in Flood Control: Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and others pushed for a full accounting of flood-control spending, arguing projects must deliver real protection when it rains. Pax Silica Scrutiny: Environmental and policy lawmakers escalated calls for Senate inquiry into the proposed Pax Silica AI/semiconductor hub, warning it could strain water, air, livelihoods, and community rights; industry groups and firms backed the project but urged safeguards. Fisheries Monitoring Court Ruling: After the Supreme Court struck down mandatory vessel monitoring, an NGO urged BFAR to protect against illegal fishing by not weakening monitoring. Waste & Landfill Tensions: In Cebu, a landfill operator denied refusing the city’s garbage, saying limits stem from a partial DENR cease-and-desist order while capacity is expanded. Wildlife Rescue: A Brahminy kite was rescued in Northern Samar after being found injured in a remote village.

Habagat Flood Fallout in Metro Manila: Quezon City reported multiple flooded areas early Tuesday, while La Mesa Dam remained above overflow level, sending excess water toward the Tullahan River and low-lying parts of Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon and Navotas. River Watch: Marikina River eased to 14.8m by 7:20 a.m., below the first-alarm threshold, after earlier higher levels. Storm Toll and Safety Moves: The combined habagat and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay pushed deaths to 16, with widespread evacuations and class suspensions across Luzon. Schools Hit Hard: DepEd said about 4,000 classrooms were damaged, with thousands of learners and staff affected and some schools used as evacuation centers. Flood-Control Accountability: Sen. Kiko Pangilinan urged a comprehensive national flood plan and full accounting of flood-control spending after continued flooding. Cleanup and Waste in Waterways: Parañaque began clearing garbage from the Redemptorist Water Channel in Baclaran after storm debris clogged the waterway. Marine Life Incident: A rare Cuvier’s beaked whale was found dead in Abulug, Cagayan, with BFAR reporting wounds and internal findings. Fisheries Governance: Environmental advocates warned that a Supreme Court ruling striking down a fisheries order could weaken monitoring of commercial fishing without a constitutionally sound vessel monitoring system.

Southwest Monsoon/Habagat Impact: Heavy rains continue to batter Luzon, with PAGASA warning of up to 200mm in Benguet, Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro, while Metro Manila and nearby provinces face sudden downpours and flood risk. Disaster Response & Evacuations: Authorities report widespread disruptions—classes and work suspended in multiple areas, evacuation centers housing hundreds in Manila, and rivers like Marikina placed on second alarm as water levels rise. Education Damage: DepEd says nearly 4,000 classrooms were damaged and thousands of learners and staff were affected, with some schools used as evacuation centers. Flood Control Accountability: In Cebu, Ombudsman Remulla questioned the effectiveness of flood-control projects after flooding returned despite billions spent, signaling possible cases. Urban Cleanup: Parañaque began clearing debris from the Redemptorist Water Channel after storms carried trash from Manila Bay. Water Utility Resilience: Manila Water says it kept NRW below 15% and repaired 221 mainline failures within 24 hours in H1 to maintain 24/7 service during the rains. Marine Safety: Coast Guard advisories show hundreds stranded in ports and some local “no-sail” rules lifted, but gale warnings remain.

Habagat Flood Fallout: Heavy southwest monsoon rains kept flooding and landslide risks high across Luzon, with PAGASA warning of heavy to gale conditions and urging sea travel delays; NDRRMC reported at least eight deaths and one missing as Luis/Maymay impacts compounded the monsoon. Evacuations & Damage: In Batangas City, 143 families (505 people) were evacuated; in Baguio, mud and debris on Kennon Road and a landslide buried homes, while Zambales towns reported strong-wind damage and residents cleared debris. Government Work Disruptions: Malacañang ordered face-to-face class suspensions and work-from-home for government offices in Metro Manila and 15 provinces; the House and Senate also shifted to WFH and canceled/postponed sessions and hearings. Coastal Safety: MMDA suspended expanded number coding amid rain, while sea trips were canceled as the Coast Guard issued “no sail” advisories in multiple areas. ASEAN-PIF Climate Link: The Philippines proposed a ministerial-level ASEAN–Pacific Islands Forum dialogue, citing shared climate and maritime security challenges.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Habagat rains enhanced by Typhoon Dolphin kept parts of Luzon on high alert, with Pagasa maintaining red rainfall warnings for Benguet and severe-flood risk across Metro Manila and nearby provinces; flooding also persisted in Metro Manila waterways like the Marikina and Pasig rivers, while residents in Bacoor, Cavite reported rising floodwaters and evacuations. Disaster Impacts: The OCD/NDRRMC reported about 382,000 people affected across eight regions, with six deaths and damaged homes and infrastructure, as landslides and rockslides hit parts of Benguet, Rizal, and La Union. Evacuations & Local Response: In Zambales, 2,876 people were evacuated due to riverine and coastal flooding and lahar flows, while in Oriental Mindoro, thousands were affected and some houses were damaged. Maritime Disruptions: Rough seas from habagat stranded passengers, rolling cargo, and vessels across multiple ports, with PCG reporting hundreds of people stuck and many trips canceled or suspended. Storm Aftermath: Iloilo City reported 72 houses damaged and hundreds affected after strong winds uprooted trees and toppled utility posts, with the exact phenomenon still under review. Climate-Resilient Livelihoods: A Davao agriculture push aims to expand exports of durian and other fruits to new markets, including Europe, as local officials seek wider demand.

Habagat Flood Pulse: Southwest monsoon rains kept pounding Luzon, with Pagasa issuing red rainfall alerts for Ilocos Sur and Benguet and orange warnings for Metro Manila and nearby provinces, raising risks of severe flooding and landslides; reports also flagged seven deaths from drowning and rain-triggered landslides, plus evacuations in areas like Baguio and Zambales. Geohazard Watch: DENR-MGB warned 8,911 barangays (about 1 in 5 nationwide) could face rain-induced landslides and flooding from Aug. 7–10, using Pagasa forecasts and susceptibility maps. Sea Safety Disruptions: Rough seas from the monsoon led to ferry cancellations in parts of Western Visayas and other routes, while the Coast Guard suspended small-vessel travel in areas including Southern Leyte and Zambales. South China Sea, “Nature Reserve” Row: The US rejected China’s plan to enforce a “national nature reserve” at Scarborough Reef, saying it could restrict Filipino fishermen and calling it a destabilizing move. Wildlife Update: DENR counted 17,500–17,500 threatened flying foxes in Davao Occidental, adding fresh data for conservation of key species. Pax Silica Debate: Lawmakers renewed concerns over the US-linked AI hub in New Clark City, with critics warning about energy demand and sovereignty issues.

Monsoon & typhoon impacts: Heavy habagat rains enhanced by Typhoon Dolphin kept many areas on alert, with PAGASA warnings still up for Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, while the Office of Civil Defense reported 6 deaths and 261,048 people affected by Luis, Maymay and the monsoon, plus 83 evacuation centers sheltering 7,580 people. Flood & landslide risk: DENR-MGB flagged 8,911 barangays (about 1 in 5) as vulnerable to flooding and rain-induced landslides from Aug. 7–10, as Baguio City recorded 51 families displaced amid incessant rain and multiple landslide/tree-fall incidents. Disaster response: DSWD said it has prepositioned over 5 million family food packs and standby funds for quick deployment as another tropical depression is monitored outside the PAR. Maritime disruption: Coast Guard advisories led to ferry cancellations and new sea-travel suspensions in parts of Western Visayas, Zambales, and Southern Leyte due to rough seas and gale-force winds linked to Dolphin. Conservation & wildlife: DENR reported a thriving colony of threatened flying foxes in Davao Occidental (about 17,000–17,500 bats) and said giant clams seeded in Batangas marine sanctuaries over a decade ago are still healthy. Energy & environment policy: Senate President Gatchalian urged NEA to finish rural electrification by 2028, while debates continue around large AI/data-center power needs, including the Pax Silica controversy.

Monsoon Watch: Pagasa says the enhanced southwest monsoon will keep rains coming over parts of Luzon, with continuous downpours expected to peak in the next two days; Metro Manila and many provinces will see occasional rains, while gale warnings remain up for Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Flood & Landslide Impacts: Heavy rain tied to Tropical Depressions Luis and Maymay plus habagat has already displaced families and triggered landslides and tree falls in Baguio, while La Union reports P11.1M in agricultural damage across rice, high-value crops, and fish farms. Rainfall Records: Iba, Zambales logged the highest 24-hour rainfall at 158.6mm, with other top totals including Baguio and La Trinidad—raising risks of flooding and landslides. Transport Disruptions: Ferry trips were cancelled in multiple routes as rough seas persisted, and small-vessel travel was temporarily suspended in Biliran for safety. Wildlife Protection: DENR and PNP rescued four exotic cockatiels in Iba, Zambales, after an entrapment operation against suspected wildlife traders. Nature-Based Livelihoods: DENR is strengthening Bukidnon’s rattan gene bank to secure quality planting materials and ease pressure on wild rattan sources. Disaster Response: PNP urged the public to use the Unified 911 hotline during calamities to speed up police, fire, medical, and rescue help.

Severe Weather & Disaster Risk: PAGASA reported record 24-hour rainfall in parts of Luzon from Maymay and the enhanced habagat, including Iba, Zambales (158.6 mm), Baguio (158 mm) and La Trinidad (154.4 mm), prompting warnings of landslides and flooding; classes and work were suspended in multiple areas, while DENR-MGB urged 9,085 barangays to stay alert for rain-triggered hazards. Storm Response on the Ground: The PNP boosted patrols in landslide-prone communities after Maymay-related deaths in Rizal and Benguet, and the Philippine Coast Guard suspended small-vessel routes in Biliran due to rough seas. Water, Food & Livelihoods: DENR strengthened Bukidnon’s rattan gene bank to secure sustainable planting materials as rattan demand rises, while the DA and TESDA signed a deal to create a national certification program for urban agriculture. Wildlife Protection: DENR and PNP rescued four exotic cockatiels in Iba, Zambales and placed them for proper care. Environment Policy Watch: Environmental groups flagged 184 U.S.-origin shipping containers bound for Subic Bay as suspected illegal e-waste, calling for inspections. Local Conservation Win: Bolinao marked the 30th anniversary of DENR’s denial of an ECC for a cement plant that residents feared would damage the environment.

Disaster Response: The PNP said it will intensify patrols and support preemptive evacuations after Tropical Depression Maymay triggered deadly landslides in Rizal and Benguet, including a rockfall in Rodriguez and a La Trinidad eatery burial. Weather Watch: Pagasa warned heavy rain will persist as Maymay weakens into an LPA while Typhoon Dolphin boosts the southwest monsoon, keeping Luzon and parts of the Visayas at flood risk into the weekend. Flooding & Disruptions: Several Luzon areas suspended classes and government work, while PAGASA flagged rivers and tributaries in the Metro Manila–Laguna de Bay basin as vulnerable to rising water and possible flash floods. Sea Safety: The Philippine Ports Authority cancelled or suspended multiple ferry routes due to rough seas tied to habagat and the LPA, and the Coast Guard rescued eight fishermen after a banca capsized off Culasi, Antique. Community & Rights: Fisherfolk criticized the Marcos administration for aid-focused responses that they say ignore enforcement failures in municipal waters, while separate coverage renewed calls for Senate scrutiny of the Pax Silica AI hub over impacts on farmers and indigenous communities.

Tropical Storm Maymay: Pagasa kept TCWS No. 1 in parts of Northern Luzon as the storm weakened into a tropical depression, with heavy rain and gusty winds still threatening life and property; classes and travel were disrupted, including MMDA suspending number coding and CAAP reporting flight cancellations/delays, while landslides in Benguet killed two and injured another. Climate-smart forestry push: DENR opened 1.18M hectares of forest lands for “climate-smart investments,” aiming for jobs and rural growth through tree plantations, agroforestry, grazing, ecotourism and renewable energy. Monsoon science: Ateneo researchers identified a “moisture conveyor belt” pattern behind extreme habagat rains, combining a strengthened monsoon and a cyclone setup that can help improve heavy-rain forecasts. Pax Silica controversy: BCDA and Capas, Tarlac agreed to consultations on the Pax Silica AI hub, as farmers’ groups renewed calls for Congress to investigate land, water, environmental and social impacts. Plastic waste monitoring: Bohol is rolling out a UP-developed citizen science app for residents to report geotagged plastic waste to guide local environmental planning. Local water resilience: Boracay Water boosted El Niño readiness via river monitoring, NRW reduction and watershed protection to keep supply steady for the island’s dry season. Policy and governance: DepEd’s curriculum flexibility law (RA 12332) took effect without Marcos’ signature, easing the “spiral progression” requirement.

Tropical Storm Maymay Impacts Luzon: Pagasa kept TCWS No. 2 over six Northern Luzon areas after Maymay’s Ilocos Sur landfall, with gale-force winds and gusts up to 110 kph; Coastal Safety: the Philippine Coast Guard enforced “no sail” rules and expanded sea travel suspensions in Zambales and Aurora, urging vessels to stay in port except for shelter; Flood & Landslide Risk: heavy rain warnings triggered widespread class suspensions and government work pauses across Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, while Ilocos Sur LGUs halted face-to-face classes; Evacuations Reported: Zambales saw 172 residents evacuated as monsoon rains and Maymay continued to batter the province; Climate-smart Forestry Push: DENR opened 1.18 million hectares of forest lands to “climate-smart investments,” projecting up to ₱38 trillion in production value over 25 years while aiming to create rural jobs; Coal Finance Pressure: Fair Finance Asia and I-JET urged banks to end coal financing in ASEAN and strengthen social safeguards.

Tropical Storm Maymay & Habagat Disruptions: PAGASA kept TCWS No. 2 over parts of Northern Luzon as Maymay moved north-northeast, with gale-force warnings and orange/yellow rainfall warnings raising risks of flooding and landslides; Metro Manila and nearby provinces saw work and class suspensions, while local governments in Zambales, Cavite, Ilocos Sur, and La Union also halted face-to-face learning. Coastal Safety: The Philippine Coast Guard expanded no-sail/no-sailing orders in several areas, urging vessels to stay in port except to seek shelter, as rough seas threatened small craft and fishing activity. Evacuations & Damage: In Zambales, authorities reported 172 evacuees and at least one damaged home after a tree fell, while in Aurora search teams recovered fishing boats swept away by strong waves. DENR Climate-Smart Forestry Push: DENR announced a policy opening 1.18 million hectares of forest land to climate-smart investments, targeting up to ₱38T in production value over 2027–2052 while aiming to create rural jobs. Energy & Grid Policy Debate: The IIEE urged Congress to refine EPIRA reviews with a clearer approach to system loss charges, warning against simplistic removal that could ignore unavoidable physics.

Tropical Storm Maymay: Pagasa kept Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 over parts of Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Mountain Province and Benguet as Maymay maintained winds up to 65 kph and gusts to 80 kph, with gale warnings also flagged for the western seaboard—prompting school suspensions in multiple Cavite towns and other Luzon areas as heavy rain and possible floods/landslides loom. Monsoon rains across Luzon/Visayas: Pagasa also warned that an LPA inside the PAR plus the southwest monsoon will bring scattered rains and thunderstorms over several regions, while CAAP reported over 200 passengers affected by cancelled flights and some diversions due to bad weather. Plastic pollution monitoring in Bohol: UP MSI’s PlastiZen partnership with Bohol and BISU is rolling out a citizen-science app to report plastic waste via geotagged photos, boosting local monitoring capacity. Mining and local pushback: In Romblon’s Sibuyan, an environmental coalition hailed San Fernando’s recall of its mining endorsement, while Altai Philippines Mining said it will pursue remedies after the council withdrew support. Water resilience: Maynilad reported improved first-half performance, including lower nonrevenue water, as it prepares for El Niño impacts. El Niño response: The Philippine Air Force said it will support DA cloud seeding operations to bolster water security amid the threat of severe El Niño. Biodiversity funding: Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Bezos launched a $200M project to help recover 100 critically endangered species across 30 countries.

Disaster Watch (Luis + habagat): PAGASA says a low pressure area and the southwest monsoon will keep bringing rains over parts of Luzon and Visayas, with warnings and class suspensions rolling out in areas like Metro Manila, Benguet, Pangasinan and parts of Calabarzon; CAAP also reported flight cancellations/diversions as heavy rain disrupts travel. Evacuation Update: The Office of Civil Defense reported 7,700 families affected and nearly 4,000 people displaced as Luis remnants and habagat continue to trigger flooding in multiple regions. Local Flood Risk: Iligan remains vulnerable as flood control gaps are flagged, while Ilocos and other areas see landslides/rockfalls and road disruptions. Climate Adaptation (El Niño): The Philippine Air Force will support DA cloud seeding to boost water security as Super El Niño conditions persist. Mining-Free Push (Sibuyan): Opposition to large-scale metallic mining grows after Romblon’s provincial board backs a mining-free zone call. Wildlife: A female dugong was found dead in Oriental Mindoro; authorities urged immediate reporting of stranding incidents. Tree-Cutting Scrutiny (Cebu): Cebu City deferred a request to cut 32 trees in Barangay Tisa after recent flooding raised environmental safety concerns. Species Conservation (Global): DiCaprio and Bezos-backed groups launched a $200M project to save 100 threatened species, including the Visayan warty pig.