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Law expanding Philippine Science HS system signed

PSHS

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed into law the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act to strengthen its governance and management.

Republic Act No. 12310, signed on Oct. 3, aims to enhance the holistic development of students, faculty, and staff by fostering international collaboration and expanding access to scholarships for gifted learners in science and mathematics.

The measure also emphasized equal scholarship opportunities for students with exceptional aptitude in science and mathematics, ensuring that talent — not economic status — determines access to quality education.

It mandates the PSHS System to streamline its scholarship mechanisms and outreach programs to identify and support promising students nationwide.

The system’s enhanced participation in research partnerships and innovation ecosystems is expected to bolster the country’s human capital and competitiveness in emerging industries. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DA to build 5 first border facilities

FREEPIK

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday plans to begin construction of five first border facilities this year, aimed at preventing smuggling and containing diseases.

“We just need to get the funds, once we get the funds, we can bid (the projects) out,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. told reporters, noting delays due to failed bidding.

The agency is looking to put up facilities in Manila, Davao, Subic, Cebu, and General Santos.

He said that funding for the facilities could be sourced from the P20-billion allocation under the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ANCEF), if budget amendments are not provided by Congress.

“(The Senate’s) suggestion is to make a way for the fund through (the bicameral conference), that is preferred. But if not, we might use part of the ANCEF so that we can start,” Mr. Tiu Laurel said.

He added that it would take 16 months for the agency to complete the construction of one first border facility

First border facilities or cold examination facilities (CEFA) aim to prevent entry of contaminated agricultural products and combat smuggling by providing testing, rendering, and incineration capabilities for imported animal meat, fish, and plants. — Adrian H. Halili

BI arrests Italian, Indian nationals for overstaying

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two foreign nationals — an Italian and an Indian — in separate operations in Iloilo City and Laguna for overstaying and undocumented stay in the Philippines, it said on Wednesday.

In Iloilo City, BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), working with the Naval Forces Central of the Philippine Navy, apprehended 40-year-old Italian national, who operates a restaurant in Mandurriao, on Sept. 30.

He was flagged after intelligence reports indicated he allegedly physically abused a Filipina and ran a business without proper permits.

BI records showed that he last entered the country in January 2023 as a temporary visitor and was later granted a probationary immigrant visa under Section 13(a) of the Philippine Immigration Act. The visa expired in August 2024, while his passport lapsed on Sept. 21, making him both an overstaying and undocumented alien.

Meanwhile, in Laguna, a 24-year-old Indian national was arrested on Oct. 1 in front of his residence in Malitlit, Santa Rosa City.

The BI Intelligence Division, in coordination with the Santa Rosa City Police Station, carried out the arrest following a mission order issued by BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado.

Mr. Kumar, who was found overstaying, failed to present his passport. He claimed it was with his cousin in India.

Both were transferred to Manila for processing and deportation proceedings.

“We will not hesitate to implement the law against foreigners who overstay and disregard our immigration policies,” Mr. Viado said in a statement. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

IPOPHL wants takedown of Filipino film piracy sites

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued two site blocking requests to internet service providers against platforms that were found illegally streaming Filipino films.

IPOPHL issued a blocking request for 13 FREECINE-related sites following a complaint from Viva Communications, Inc. and streaming service Vivamax.

Viva reported that FREECINE had been illegally offering and distributing Viva’s copyrighted titles, including Bedspace, Dilig, and Room Service, through its mobile application.

“The FREECINE application contains unauthorized copies of cinematographic works, including those owned by them, and allows users to stream or download these for free,” the complaint read.

Meanwhile, Viva also filed a complaint against ASYAMINIK (asyaminik.com) for the illegal distribution of Viva One titles such as Chasing in the Wild, Safe Skies Archer, The Rain in España, and Avenues of the Diamond.

According to the complaint, the content was illegally made available for viewing to the public via online streaming within the pages of ASYAMINIK, while full copies of the content can also be downloaded for offline viewing.

“All of [these] acts are unauthorized by the complainant and are therefore illegal and are an infringement of the complainant’s copyright and other intellectual property (IP) rights,” it added.

The site-blocking actions were carried out by the Enforcement Division under the Rules on Voluntary Administrative Site Blocking.

“IPOPHL’s ongoing anti-piracy drive signals our continued commitment to the protection of the IP rights of the Philippine creative industries, which serve as a vital driver of our economy,” said IPOPHL Acting Director General Nathaniel S. Arevalo. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

DBM: Contractors with repeated offense face lifetime blacklisting

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) warned that contractors, suppliers, and consultants found guilty of repeated procurement violations may face perpetual or lifetime blacklisting under the new government procurement law.

The New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) introduces stricter sanctions for government bidders, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a statement on Wednesday, amid the government crackdown on the billion-peso flood control mess.

“Through our new procurement law, we are implementing a more modern and robust approach to transparency in the procurement process to combat corruption,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.

The DBM said perpetual disqualification is the most severe of three sanctions outlined in the NGPA for private entities that neglect or violate government contracts.

These are for entities found to commit fraud, falsification, collusion, or other forms of conspiracy, which could bar them from participating in any government bidding for one to two years.

The “three violations” are based on the concept of a recidivist, referring to entities that repeatedly breach laws or regulations despite being given opportunities to reform. Such behavior, the DBM said, shows a clear pattern of misconduct.

The DBM said violators under the first type of sanction may be required to undergo mandatory training or retraining, while more serious infractions, the second type of punishment, could result in suspension.

Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan earlier said he is open to publicizing lists of barred government contractors as the public presses for more transparency and accountability. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Amihan begins in Cordillera

BAGUIO CITY — Residents and visitors in the Cordillera region should brace for colder days ahead as the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as Amihan, begins to make its presence felt.

As the months of November to February typically mark the cold season in the highlands, temperatures are expected to drop significantly, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Baguio said.

“The Amihan brings cold and dry air from the northeast, which affects the northern and central parts of Luzon, including the Cordillera region,” PAGASA-Baguio Chief Meteorologist Larry Esperanza said.

He added that as the season progresses, Baguio City and areas with higher elevation, like Atok in Benguet, could experience temperatures that drop to single digits, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings.

Historically, Baguio City records some of the country’s lowest temperatures during these months, with early morning chills dipping as low as 8°C or even lower in extreme cases.

Despite the colder mornings and evenings, localized thunderstorms may still occur, particularly in the afternoons, Mr. Esperanza said.

“While Amihan generally brings stable weather, we should still expect brief periods of rain brought about by localized convective activities,” he said. These sudden showers are typical during transitional weather and are not uncommon even in the cooler months.

PAGASA advises the public to stay updated with local weather bulletins and to prepare accordingly. Mr. Esperanza also emphasized the importance of dressing warmly and ensuring that homes are adequately insulated to prevent cold-related illnesses.

As the chilly breeze starts sweeping across the highlands, residents are reminded that this seasonal drop in temperature is normal.

The lowest temperature recorded in Baguio City was 6.3°C on January 18, 1961. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Palace not concerned after Sept. 1.7% inflation reading

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

MALACAÑANG said the September inflation reading of 1.7% is no cause for concern, adding that the indicator remains below the 2% lower limit of the government’s target band.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said she met with Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan and Secretary Frederick D. Go, the special assistant to the President for investment and economic affairs, who both downplayed the September indicator, which had accelerated to a six-month high.

“According to Secretary Go and Secretary Balisacan, the 1.7% figure is not a cause for concern for the government, as the projected band rate for this year is between 2% and 4%, which is still far off,” Ms. Castro said at a briefing. “They observed that the inflation rate is rising slowly.”

Price growth had accelerated from 1.5% in August, driven primarily by higher fuel and vegetable prices.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) inflation target is 2-4%, with the September indicator within its forecast of 1.5-2.3% for the month.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, eased to 2.6% from 2.7% in August, though it was still higher than the year-earlier 2.4%.

In the first nine months, inflation averaged 1.7%, against 3.4% a year earlier.

The Philippine Statistics Authority attributed the uptick in September to the lingering impact of storms and flooding in July and August, which disrupted farming supply chains.

Vegetable inflation surged to 19.4% in September, the strongest reading in nine months.

Transport costs also contributed to the increase, with diesel prices rising 5.1%, while gasoline prices declined at a slower rate.

Food inflation was 0.8%, while the food and non-alcoholic beverage index rose to 1%.

Rice prices continued to decline for a ninth month, with regular-milled rice dropping to P37.79 per kilo and well-milled rice to P43.10.

The BSP credited this trend to adequate supply, lower global rice prices, and government interventions like a 60-day import ban.

Meat, fish, and seafood price growth eased.

Price growth was strongest in the Central Visayas at 4.1%, while that of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was at -1.5%.

The BSP maintained its forecast that inflation will fall below the 2-4% target band in 2025, citing stable rice prices and subdued global oil prices.

Risks to the forecast include rising global food prices, higher rice tariffs, and a potential increase in electricity rates.

Also cited as possible factors influencing price growth were weather disruptions, holiday spending, global oil prices, and a weak peso.

Laoag airport being readied for possible services to Honolulu

LAOAG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT — WIKIPEDIA

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said the airports in Laoag City and Busuanga in northern Palawan are being readied to handle international flights, with Laoag in particular being positioned for services linking it to Honolulu.

“The DoTr and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (have been directed) to enhance connectivity throughout the country, to increase local and international arrivals. The modernization of main gateways and regional airports will provide passengers and tourists a comfortable experience,” Transportation Undersecretary for Airports and Aviation Jim C. Sydiongco said during the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Aviation Summit on Wednesday.

He said the goal for Laoag is to make it ready for twin-aisle aircraft in trans-Pacific service like the Airbus A330, which is likely to be employed on the Honolulu route.

Mr. Sydiongco said other plans for Laoag include the rehabilitation of the passenger terminal to increase seating capacity to 980 from the current 725.

“In Busuanga, we are undertaking the reorientation of the existing airport to accommodate jet aircraft such as the A320 and A321, supporting the projected increase air traffic across the island,” he said.

The A320 and A321 series by Airbus are single-aisle jets typically in regional service, suggesting plans to fly in international visitors directly. Alternatively, the Airbuses would represent a capacity increase for domestic visitors, who are typically flown to Busuanga on small turboprop planes.

The New Busuanga Airport development project, which is expected to cost P15.15 billion. The new airport complex, to be built on 282.5 hectares, will be located next to the current airport.

“Once completed, the new facilities including a 2,400-meter concrete runway. New landside development will enable jet operations by December 2028, further boosting tourism and economic activity in Northern Palawan,” he said.

In September, the DoTr said detailed engineering design and feasibility studies for these expansions are ongoing for Busuanga and Siargao airports.

The DoTr is also expecting to award the independent consultant contract for the New Dumaguete Airport project. Dumaguete airport is expected to be made compliant with international standards.

The Dumaguete airport project will be funded by a P13.15-billion loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank).

Tacloban airport is also due for upgrades, Mr. Sydiongco said, adding that the new terminal expected to be operational by September 2026 and the runway expansion and reclamation ready by the second quarter of 2028.

The DoTr is also working on site acquisition for the New Zamboanga International Airport, he said, noting that civil works for this project are expected to commence by the second quarter of 2027, while commercial operations are expected by the fourth quarter of 2033.

On the public-private partnership (PPP) front, he said the DoTr has tapped the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank’s International Finance Corp. to advise on the bundling of the Davao, Dumaguete and Siargao airport development projects.

The DoT said that ADB is also working on the planned bundling of a larger group of airports for possible offering as PPPs, includes Laoag, Bacolod, and Tacloban.

“These collaborations help ensure that project development remains transparent, and aligned with global benchmarks for sustainability,” he said.

Noche Buena price guide expected within 2 weeks

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO/KNORR RELEASED

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it hopes to release its price guide for items traditionally consumed during Christmas Eve feast within the next two weeks.

It added that it appealed to food manufacturers to postpone any price increases this year.

During Christmas Eve, the “Noche Buena” feast typically includes ham, fruit salad, and a form of Edam cheese known as queso de bola

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said the price freeze request was conveyed to “only a few” manufacturers, leading to the decision to hold off  on publishing the price guide.

“Some have already agreed not to raise prices. I will just wait for the others, para isahan na lang paglabas (to avoid having to redo the price guide),” she said on the sidelines of the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. Business Summit 2025 on Wednesday.

She said that there has been no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities for over a year.

Ms. Roque warned that price increases run the risk of initiating a clamor for higher salaries.

“We cannot afford any more salary increases. Because ’pag nag-increase ng salary (when salaries rise), then everything goes up. We really have to start with no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities and the Noche Buena items,” she added.

She said she has come to price freeze agreements with some ham manufacturers, with some signaling possible price cuts.

“That’s something that we will be sharing soon once I get the list. But we hope to have no price increases for basic necessities and prime commodities,” she added.

360 families affected by NSCR to get new housing this year

JICA

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it is expediting the relocation of residents in the path of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), with the first 360 families to be rehoused within the year.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DoTr said it eventually plans to build 82 three-story buildings for affected families, with the first 12 such structures ready to accommodate the initial families before the year ends.

Last month, the DoTr said it hopes to issue the bid documents for the NSCR operations and maintenance (O&M) contract in October.

The DoTr concluded the roadshow for the P229.32-billion O&M contract, which included stops in Singapore and Paris.It hopes to award the concession by March or April.

The 147-kilometer NSCR will connect Malolos, Bulacan with Clark International Airport, and Tutuban, Manila with Calamba, Laguna. The P873-billion project is co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank. It will have 35 stations and three depots.

According to the DoTr, the Valenzuela to Malolos segment will be partially operational by 2027, while the Malolos to Clark segment could start operations by 2028. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Masbate, Leyte, Quezon, Eastern Samar fisheries most exposed to climate change

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Giustiliano Calgaro from Pixabay

THE National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) said the provinces deemed most vulnerable to climate change were Masbate, Leyte, Quezon and Eastern Samar.

Researchers led by Riza Jane S. Banicod zeroed in on the vulnerable provinces by evaluating their reliance on stable supply and consistent weather. They concluded that climate change is likeliest to have the most social impact in those locations.

The researchers conducted Climate Vulnerability Assessments using 27 indicators.

The Central and Western Visayas were also classified as vulnerable due to high sensitivity to raw material supply, particularly during the closed fishing season.

These six regions were also classified as having low adaptive capacity.

Sea surface temperatures have already risen by 0.7 degrees Celsius and could potentially rise by up to 3.5 degrees at least by 2100 without proper climate action.

NFRDI presented its research at the 2025 National Research Symposium. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay

Zambales gets agri investments like cold storage, greenhouses

DA

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Zambales has been allocated 150 greenhouses and a P35-million cold storage facility due to be delivered next year.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. called Zambales “a key pillar of our agriculture sector,” and turned over the initial facilities, which are intended to reduce post-harvest losses and improve producer incomes.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority,Central Luzon is the top agriculture and fisheries producer, with Zambales accounting for 5.2% of the total.

The greenhouses are meant for the cultivation of bell peppers, ginger, tomatoes, and carrots.

The DA also turned over hybrid seed, multi-cultivators, hand tractors, shallow tube wells for irrigation, tractors, and a mobile soil laboratory. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay

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