Fire razes 22 market stalls in central Negros town

At least 22 stalls have been razed by a fire early Monday morning that hit the public market of Barangay Cabacungan, a community situated at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon in La Castellana town, Negros Occidental province. Initial report of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) showed the fire started around 1:15 a.m. and ended almost 3 a.m., but the cause has yet to be determined as investigators have yet to submit their findings. Among those destroyed were grocery and variety stores, eateries, a bakeshop, and a feeds supply store. In a statement, Fifth District Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo, whose jurisdiction includes La Castellana, said his office has turned over cash assistance to the affected stall owners and committed to help them recover from their losses. 'I am deeply saddened that 22 stores owned by their respective owners were totally damaged by the fire that lasted for hours. Let us not lose hope, as help is on the way. We will stand with you, and we will rebuild together,' Yulo said. Mayor Rhummyla Nicor-Mangilimutan thanked Yulo for the immediate aid, adding that the municipal government is also providing assistance to those affected by the fire.

Source: Philippines News Agency

Trkiye to launch new observation satellite Tuesday

Trkiye's new high-resolution observation satellite IMECE will be launched this week, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Sunday. "IMECE, our first high-resolution observation satellite produced with domestic and national means, will be launched into orbit on April 11,' Erdogan said on Twitter. 'We will continue to exist in the global space race thanks to our trained human resources, the opportunities we provide and the technologies we have developed.' IMECE is a remote sensing satellite produced with local resources of up to 60 percent by the Space Technologies Research Institute of Trkiye's Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK). With the inauguration of IMECE, Trkiye will, for the first time, provide space history to an electro-optical satellite camera with sub-meter resolution, according to the Industry and Technology Ministry. "IMECE, which will meet the need for high resolution satellite imagery of our country, will operate in orbit simultaneously with (the) sun at an altitude of 680 kilometers (422.5 miles)," it said in a statement.

Source: Philippines News Agency

VisCom chief renews call to NPAs to lay down arms

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Visayas Command (Viscom) chief, has reiterated his call on the remaining New People's Army rebels to put down their arms while the government offers to provide them with opportunities to live as normal members of society. 'The door of genuine peace remains open for you. Grab the opportunity and take it while you still have the chance. Follow the lead of your former comrades, lay down your arms, return to the folds of the law, and live a peaceful life with your families,' Arevalo said in a statement issued on Monday. Arevalo said the Communist Party of the Philippines' armed wing, NPA, is crumbling as they continue to lose its foothold in the Visayas. The Viscom chief said the remaining communist fighters have only two options, either to stay on the course of their false armed struggle and fall to the long arms of justice, or return to the folds of the law and enjoy a peaceful and progressive life with their loved ones. Arevalo cited the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and local government unit (LGU)-initiated projects that have been helping former rebels to go back on their feet and live as regular members of the community. On April 3, there were 21 former rebels in Negros Oriental province who received a total of PHP755,000 cash assistance from the E-CLIP and the provincial government, following the turnover of the newly-constructed Halfway House in Tanjay City. Lt. Colonel Israel Galorio, Viscom's spokesperson, said on Monday the military in the Visayas continues to sustain the gains in the internal security operations against the CPP-NPA, especially when the Armed Forces of the Philippines placed six Army Battalions in Negros Oriental to suppress violence that included the killing of Governor Roel Degamo. 'We have a total of 18 armed encounters in the region recorded for the month of March this year, which translated into the neutralization of 25 communist terrorists, five of whom died during encounters while 20 returned to the folds of the law,' Galorio told the Philippine News Agency in an interview. Galorio said 14 supporters withdrew from backing up the communist rebels operating in the Negros Island. Government troops, he said, recovered 30 firearms and a 60mm Mortar, apart from the four anti-personnel mines (APM) which are banned under the Ottawa Treaty of 1997, and four improvised explosive devices. Following the murder of Degamo on March 4 in his residential compound in Pamplona town, Arevalo said soldiers from the six Army Battalions would stay in Negros Oriental until peace and order are restored.

Source: Philippines News Agency

DAR: Farm machinery to boost livelihood of Abra farmers

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has provided a total of PHP7.48 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to four agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Abra province to help them boost their livelihood activities and become climate resilient. In a press release on Monday, the DAR said the ARBO recipients include the Villa Banat Agriculture Cooperative, Abualan Farmers and ARB Agriculture Cooperative, Upper Luba FIA, and Raniag Pakiling Integrated Development Association Inc. 'Nais naming ipaabot ang aming taos-pusong pasasalamat sa DAR sa kanilang walang patid na suporta para sa aming pag-unlad (We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the DAR for their continuing support towards our development),' said Liberato Bernese, president of the Raniag Pakiling Integrated Development Association, Incorporated. DAR-Abra Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Mercedes Borongan said those provided include one hauling truck, two four-wheeled drive tractors, six mechanical rice threshers, 10 water pumps, two electric power sprayers, six manual sprayers, four brass cutters, 12 rolls water hose and three hand tractors. She said the machinery and equipment were provided through DAR's Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program, which aims to enhance and sustain the agricultural productivity of agrarian reform communities as an adaptation measure towards climate change resiliency. 'It is imperative for you to maximize the use of this equipment in the landholdings awarded to you to fulfill the vision of the government to improve the quality of your lives, enhance your dignity and give your children a brighter future, through greater productivity of your agricultural lands,' Borongan told farmers organizations during the turnover of equipment. She also encouraged the ARBOs to carefully craft their operational policies to maximize the use of the equipment. DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said the provision of farm machinery and equipment is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to boost the livelihood activities of ARBOs nationwide. He added that this is a concrete manifestation of the administration to bring the government closer to the people.

Source: Philippines News Agency

Farmers’ debt condonation bill up for PBBM’s signature

A bill emancipating agrarian reform beneficiaries from financial burden through condonation under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) is awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto said on Monday. The lawmaker from 6th district of Batangas said the condonation shall cover all principal loans, unpaid amortizations and interests and exempting payment of estate tax on agricultural lands awarded to farmers by virtue of CARP. 'President Marcos Jr.'s first social legislation will free 610,000 farmers from debts owed in acquiring agrarian reform lands whose combined area of more 1.17 million hectares is 277 times the size of Manila,' Recto said. 'This is emancipation of massive scale from the number of beneficiaries to the amount to be condoned,' he added. He said the proposed bill's impact will also be huge as it financially emancipates the farmers while freeing resources that can be used to achieve food security. While the PHP57.5 billion in loans up for write off may seem big, 'but if you break it down per farmer, per hectare, it is small compared to other government spending,' he said. 'On a per hectare basis, the average debt to be forgiven is PHP49,000. That is a fraction of the current selling price of less than a square meter of a condominium in Metro Manila,' Recto said. 'Iyang PHP49,000 na yan para sa isang produktibong ektarya ng lupa na magpapakain ng maraming tao ay katumbas lang ng binibigay natin sa tatlong 4Ps beneficiaries sa isang taon (That PHP49,000 for a productive hectare of farmland that can feed lots of people is only equivalent to what we are giving to three 4Ps beneficiaries in a year),' he added. On the other hand, every farmer who qualifies will get an average debt relief of PHP94,000, Recto said. Recto said if corporations and high-income individuals have gotten tax breaks from recent laws slashing income tax rates, 'then why should not farmers get the same reprieve involving far smaller amounts?' "We have bailed out banks and companies owned by billionaires. We have allowed power sector obligations to migrate as national debts. If we have pursued a debt forgiveness strategy for many troubled companies, why not one for poor farmers?" Recto said. "We have forgiven bigger debts by a few in the past. This one, with a lesser amount, is owed by many," said Recto, who is the first legislator to file the bill in the House of Representatives.

Source: Philippines News Agency

Hard work, dedication reasons for ‘VG’ rating: House leaders

The House leadership on Sunday expressed elation over the 'very good' net satisfaction rating the lower chamber received in the December 2022 survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS). House Speaker Romualdez, in a statement, attributed the high satisfaction rating to his colleagues' hard work and dedication. 'As the leader of the House of Representatives, I am proud of our members and their commitment to advancing pro-people legislative measures,' Romualdez said. He was also thankful to the members of the House for their solid support and cooperation which enabled him to push measures that address the needs of the people. The House, Senate, Supreme Court (SC), and the Cabinet of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. all scored a 'very good' net satisfaction rating in the survey. The House got a +56 rating, the Senate secured a +68, while the SC and the Cabinet scored +53 and +50, respectively. Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpidio Barzaga said the high rating the House received from SWS did not only reflect the competence of the members but also the leadership. Barzaga said members of the House take their cue from Romualdez, who is 'one of the most productive, diligent and industrious leaders the lower chamber has ever seen.' 'If our leaders are busy, we are all busy. We take after the example of our beloved Speaker. We move at his pace. This is the reason the House of Representatives has been very productive in passing bills and resolutions, owing in no small part to its leaders,' Barzaga said. The Lower House, before going into the Lenten break, passed 23 of 31 bills prioritized by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council. Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Elizaldy Co likewise credited the high public satisfaction rating to the tireless work of Romualdez, reciprocated by the members. 'This truth can't be denied: Speaker Romualdez is one of the busiest leaders not only in Congress but in the government as well. He is virtually everywhere - speaking engagements, high-level meetings, economic roadshows and the like,' Co said. The survey was conducted Dec. 10 to 14 last year, or during the period the House of Representatives passed the PHP5.268 trillion national budget for 2023. Before 2022 ended, the House passed 19 priority bills of President Marcos, including the SIM (subscriber identity module) Registration Act and the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to October this year

Source: Philippines News Agency

Filipinos urged to strive toward more humane, progressive society

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday enjoined Filipinos to join hands in creating a more 'humane, fair and progressive' society. In his message on the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), Marcos reminded Filipinos to reflect on the sacrifices made by war heroes to protect and restore Philippines' freedom. 'As we recollect the sacrifices of our forebears who fought long and hard to defend our nation's freedom, let us also bear in mind that our actions today determine the future of our country, including the succeeding generations,' he said. 'Together, let us strive towards developing a more humane, fair and progressive society that allows our citizenry to relish their liberty and achieve their individual and collective aspirations,' he added. Marcos called on Filipinos to 're-examine' the values and honor of our forebears by 'speaking up against discrimination, extending help to those in need, and working towards a better future,' adding that the legacy of our heroes and heroines came at a great and hefty cost. He likewise urged the public to learn to make 'wise and sound decisions' so that we may address our country's pressing problems with compassion and concern for others. Marcos said the Philippines has faced numerous challenges that tested faith yet showed the world the 'indomitable spirit' of every Filipino -- from the battles fought in the trenches of World War II to the struggles against insurgent forces. He, however, said the country emerged as a nation that 'stands tall and proud,' guided by the principles of 'justice, truth, and democracy.' 'We have staunchly proven time and again that we are never the same after each adversity for we always rise to meet every challenge head-on with grit, grace and determination,' he added. Day of Valor celebrated every April 9, marks the annual commemoration of the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942, and the bravery shown by the Filipino and American soldiers against invading Japanese forces during World War II. The date also commemorates the Bataan Death March, where exhausted Filipino and American prisoners of war (POW) were forced by their Japanese captors to walk some 112 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac under the scorching sun with no food and water for days. This year, Marcos declared April 10 as a non-working holiday in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan. Incidentally, the country is also observing Philippine Veterans Week (PVW) which falls from April 5 to 12 this year. The PVW's theme for this year is "Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Pundasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino." Meanwhile, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) on Sunday urged all Filipinos to observe "Araw ng Kagitingan" with a "grateful heart and a pressing yearning to honor our forefathers for all that they have sacrificed for us." "Though Bataan fell on April 9, our veterans persisted, and for 93 days of unending barrage, they displayed an unconquerable spirit. That their bodies were tired and bloody, they fought the invading enemies with their heads unbowed," PVAO administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu said in a statement. As the nation commemorates this fateful day, he urged all Filipinos to continue to carry the legacy of "our forefathers and continue the courage they have upheld in their fight for freedom and liberty." In a separate statement, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman enjoined Filipinos to continue to recognize and salute the heroic defenders of the country. "Today and always, we owe them our profound gratitude and highest respect," she said. She also enjoined Filipinos to remember that the first Day of Valor was a day when Filipinos stood ground and fought until the end. "May we continue to honor the story of heroism and extreme sacrifice laid down 81 years ago by forging unity and solidarity with one another toward nation-building," she said. House Speaker Martin Romualdez said Araw ng Kagitingan is a reminder that Filipinos will always fight on, move forward and prevail with unity. 'Today, as we commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan nationwide, we honor and recognize the gallantry of our fallen heroes, who willingly laid down their lives so that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom today,' he said. 'As we look back into the dark day that we call the 'Fall of Bataan,' we must never forget the sacrifices of Filipino resistance fighters who stood up against the might of foreign invaders in World War II, which gave the rest of our nation the inspiration and strength to fight on,' he added. Romualdez said the country's bout with the Covid-19 pandemic is proof of the Filipinos' fortitude. 'We suffered, we fought and we prevailed," he said. 'We will always prevail as long as we are united, and as long as we continue to draw our strength from the virtues of our heroes,' he said. 'This day is a testament to Filipino courage and bravery, a fighting spirit that comes to the fore as we face adversity after adversity. This day reminds us of a priceless legacy: that the same courage and bravery our heroes displayed in the crucible of war--in the Fall of Bataan-- run in our blood, through our veins.' he added. Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, meanwhile, enjoined Filipinos to continue to recognize and salute the heroic defenders of the country. "Today and always, we owe them our profound gratitude and highest respect," she said in a statement. "May we continue to honor the story of heroism and extreme sacrifice laid down 81 years ago by forging unity and solidarity with one another toward nation-building."

Source: Philippines News Agency

NCRPO denounces fake crime reports on social media

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Sunday branded as fake news the robbery incidents that recently circulated on social media involving a Japanese restaurant, a coffee shop and a Chinese eatery. In a statement, the NCRPO said it immediately looked into the alleged crimes in Quezon City that trended on social media but which eventually turned out false or misleading. "Please be informed that the NCRPO takes all reports seriously and after monitoring the said message circulating on several communication platforms, we immediately investigated and validated the said information. As a result of our investigation, we categorically state that these alleged incidents are false and or misleading," NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo said Sunday. He said the reported incident at a certain Japanese restaurant happened about four years ago. The establishment has since strengthened security and no reports have been submitted since then. The two other alleged crimes at a known coffee shop and a Chinese eatery were also found to be baseless and fake, Okubo said. He advised the public to be responsible in sharing information. "We understand the potential damage and alarm that can be caused by false news and misinformation, particularly when shared widely on social media platforms. We urge all members of the public to verify the information they receive before sharing it with others. We also request that individuals refrain from spreading any false rumors or unverified information that could cause harm or panic to the people in our community," Okubo said. The NCRPO is working with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group to go after the purveyors of the false reports.

Source: Philippines News Agency

PAF C-130 in Catarman airport ‘mud episode’ undamaged

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Saturday said its Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft is undamaged after its left landing gear got stuck in the mud at Catarman Airport in Samar. PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said the crew of the C-130 aircraft, with tail number 5011, conducted precautionary measures to get the left landing gear safely out of the mud sans any damage. The aircraft landed in Mactan, Cebu at about 6:24 p.m. No crew or passengers were hurt. "O/a (on around) 1430 (2:30 p.m.) C-130 # 5011, while maneuvering for a 180 degree turn to preposition for takeoff at the threshold of Catarman Samar Airport, inadvertently got its left landing gear (wheel) stuck in the mud at the edge of the runway. It had been raining in the area which caused the softening of a part of the grassy ground where the tight turn had to be made," Castillo said in a message sent to the media. She said they appreciate the public's concern over the mishap and assures of the PAF's 'commitment and highest regard for safety as we perform our missions in service of our country and people." The PAF has at least three C-130s in its fleet with another three units expected to be delivered within two to three years. The C-130s are the Air Force's primary cargo lifters and used extensively in troop transport, resupply, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions

Source: Philippines News Agency

Wescom chief leads aerial inspection of Malampaya platform

Western Command (Wescom) head, Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, led an aerial inspection of the Malampaya Natural Gas Platform, considered the country's "energy crown jewel,' over the weekend. In a Facebook post Saturday, Wescom said the inspection is part of its commitment to "ensure steady power supply during the Holy Week and throughout the summer months when demand is expected to peak." After his aerial inspection, Carlos landed on the Matinloc platform, some 42 kilometers off mainland El Nido, Palawan to talk to the seven-man team stationed there and assess the condition of the station and its power and water supplies. He also met with the ranking commanders of Joint Task Force (JTF) Malampaya. led by Navy Capt. Brendo Casaclang, to discuss the challenges of securing the energy projects in the 'western frontier.' "It is important for us to ensure the uninterrupted oil supply chain from Malampaya as it accounts for 40 percent of Luzon's power requirement. Any interruption to this line may mean a minimum of a 10-hour blackout,' Carlos stressed. To make the most of the Malampaya visit, Carlos observed the operation of the Philippine Navy's unmanned aerial system (UAS) flight unit stationed in El Nido. The UAS flight unit is under the Naval Air Wing and is currently attached and operationally controlled by Wescom to provide sustained maritime domain awareness picture in the JTF Malampaya's area of operations. "As the Navy's Gray Eagle, the most senior naval aviator still in active service, Vice Admiral Carlos noted the strong presence of naval air assets in (the) JTF Malampaya area. In addition to the UAS flight unit, maritime patrol aircraft NV-312 and AW-109 naval helicopter NH-431 are also flying regular air patrols in northern Palawan," the Facebook post read.

Source: Philippines News Agency

PBBM: Easter ‘opportunity for renewal, recovery’

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is hopeful that the celebration of Easter Sunday would give Filipino Christians around the world a chance for 'renewal and recovery'. 'May this day be an opportunity for us to pause and give thanks for the opportunity for renewal and recovery as we push through our quest for genuine unity and progress for all,' Marcos said in his Easter Sunday message. 'Indeed, Easter teaches us that as long as we live our life in Christ, love and hope will remain ever so boundless and will be the cornerstones for the positive transformation of our society,' he said. Marcos said the resurrection of Jesus Christ not only affirms Filipino Christians' deepest faith 'but also signifies a new birth for all the faithful to walk in the new way of life and be granted eternal salvation.' 'Indeed, His selfless and unconditional love empowered us to conquer both sin and death, allowing us to deepen our relationship with God and become worthy Christians in this earthly journey,' he added. He said the triumph of the resurrection of Jesus Christ inspires Filipino Christians to be 'stewards of faith and compassion no matter the circumstances.' Marcos likewise enjoined Filipino Christians to look forward to 'better days.' 'As we celebrate the magnificent glory of our risen Savior, let us all take into heart this Christian foundation as we work for and welcome better days for ourselves, our families, and our neighbors as well,' he said. 'I wish everyone a meaningful and solemn observance.' 'Love and serve' In an interview with reporters last month, Marcos said he will go on a retreat during the Holy Week and he will spend Easter Sunday with his family. In a separate message, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman expressed hope that the Easter celebration would not only remind Filipinos to hold on to the Lord's promise of everlasting life but also inspire everyone to follow His example to love and serve one another. 'May we always remember that no matter who we are, no matter which part of the globe we are in, despite our differences in beliefs, religion or leaning, God is always with us. In suffering and celebration, He never leaves us. He is our hope and our salvation,' Pangandaman, who belongs to the Muslim community, said. 'May we use this time of renewal as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to showing God's love and mercy by praying and extending our hands to the least of our brothers and sisters,' she added. Pangandaman is the first Muslim DBM secretary and the only Muslim in the Marcos Cabinet. 'Beacons of hope' Department of National Defense (DND) chief Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed hope that the miracle of Jesus Christ's resurrection inspires us to continue persevering over adversities. "As we celebrate Easter Sunday, I wish everyone peace, happiness and thousandfold blessings. May the miracle of the Resurrection of Christ inspire us to triumph over adversities and become beacons of hope in our communities," he said in a separate message. Galvez also said he and the "One Defense Team" are joining "brothers and sisters in the Christian faith" in the observance of Easter Sunday. "During the Lenten Season, as in life, the auspicious and joyful day of Easter Sunday emanates from overcoming uncertainties and hardships, as symbolized by the Passion of Jesus," he added. Galvez also expressed hope that this solemn period allows us to rejuvenate our faith, manifest temperance, and rekindle love in our hearts. "As we celebrate Easter Sunday, I wish everyone peace, happiness and thousandfold blessings. May the miracle of the Resurrection of Christ inspire us to triumph over adversities and become beacons of hope in our communities. A blessed and meaningful Easter Sunday to all!" he stressed. 'Better and brighter tomorrow' As this developed, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) joined members of the Christian community across the globe in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. "May this occasion serve as an inspiration to all of us that despite the trials that come our way which test our resolve, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and the promise of a better and brighter tomorrow," OPAPRU acting chief Secretary Isidro L. Purisima said in a statement. And as the nation moves towards the peace process, he also expressed hope that Christ's resurrection may give us the strength to overcome challenges to this endeavor. "As we continue to move forward the nation's peace process, ensure security and stability as well as economic development, may the risen Christ give us the strength of mind, body and spirit to overcome them, and bring us together in the spirit of peace, mutual understanding and solidarity," Purisima noted. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez likewise called for rest and reflection. It is a time of great joy and jubilation, for our Lord Jesus rose from the dead after dying to redeem us from our sins. It is also a time of hope, for in our Lord's Resurrection we find that the promise of eternal life holds true for all of Christianity,' Romualdez said. He said we should thank God for 'our health, our safety, and the blessings and bounty of nature,' and for the 'opportunity to physically celebrate with our friends, family, and colleagues, which the restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic have prevented us from doing so in the past years.' Easter Sunday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, three days after he was crucified and died on the cross on Calvary. In the Philippines, most commercial establishments either operate on shorter hours or remain closed until Easter Sunday. The observance of Holy Week this year is from April 2, Palm Sunday, until April 9, Easter Sunday

Source: Philippines News Agency

LPA to enter PAR Sunday; likely to become tropical depression

A low pressure area (LPA) is forecast to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Sunday night and likely to become tropical depression after six days. In its 4 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the LPA was spotted 1,285 kilometers east of Mindanao at 3 a.m. Sunday. Benison Estareja of PAGASA said once inside PAR, the LPA is forecast to remain at the Philippine Sea before slowly crossing eastern of Visayas and Mindanao by Thursday. 'So, the crucial part is Thursday or Friday where there is a likely chance for this LPA, or worst case scenario, this tropical depression will cross Bicol region or central and northern Luzon,' he said. Though still outside PAR, the trough of LPA will bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Eastern Visayas, Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands, the weather bureau said. Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region will experience cloudy skies with rains due to northeasterly surface windflow. Ilocos Region and Central Luzon will have cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains also due to northeasterly surface windflow. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to trough of LPA and localized thunderstorms. Luzon and eastern section of Visayas will experience moderate to rough coastal waters due to northeast moderate to strong winds. The rest of the country will have light to moderate winds blowing northeast to northwest and slight to moderate seas. The temperate ranges between 24.6 °C to 34.3 °C

Source: Philippines News Agency