iOrbitNews Online

09/08/2026

FLOODWATERS REACH STO. NIÑO PARISH IN SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA — Floodwaters have reached the Sto. Niño Parish in the City of San Fernando, where the canonically crowned image of the Virgen de los Remedios and the Sto. Cristo del Perdon y Caridad are currently being venerated.

Water around the parish church has risen to knee-deep levels amid continuing rains in Pampanga, according to the Cruzada de Penitencia y Caridad.

The flooding comes as thunderstorms and periods of rain continue to affect the province, with more rain and thunderstorms expected in the coming days.

The group urged devotees and pilgrims planning to visit the parish to prioritize their safety and reconsider travel if conditions remain hazardous.

The faithful were also asked to pray for communities affected by the flooding as the rains persist, seeking the intercession of Mary, the Virgen de los Remedios, for protection and relief.

/via Cruzada de Penitencia y Caridad

09/08/2026

August 9, 2026 | 11:00am

Balintawak Cloverleaf Southbound- Water buildup on the rightmost lane (lane 4) subsided. All lanes are now passable.

C3 Intersection- Water buildup. Passable to Class 2 and 3 vehicles only.

NLEX Connector C3 Entry and Exit Ramps- Water buildup. Passable to all types of vehicles.

Balintawak Cloverleaf Northbound- Water buildup on the leftmost lane (lane 1) subsided. All lanes are now passable.

San Simon Interchange Northbound- Water buildup on the leftmost lane (Lane 1). The affected lane is passable to Class 2 and 3 vehicles. Class 1 vehicles are advised to keep right.

Our personnel are actively monitoring the situation to ensure timely updates and appropriate response measures. All other areas remain passable.

Drive safely.

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

BREAKING: FLOODWATER ENTERS SANTA RITA CHURCH

SANTA RITA, PAMPANGA — Floodwater has begun entering the Santa Rita de Cascia Parish Church as rising water levels prompted the municipal government to intensify sandbagging operations around the church.

Sandbags are being deployed at the church’s entry points to prevent further water intrusion and protect the historic place of worship.

Mayor Reynan S. Calo personally inspected the ongoing operations as municipal responders worked to protect the church and other areas affected by the rising floodwater.

The municipal government continues to monitor the situation and deploy assistance to areas requiring immediate intervention.

Residents are advised to remain vigilant and monitor official advisories as the situation develops. VIA IORBITNEWS

09/08/2026

Heavy Rainfall Warning No. 33
Weather System: Enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat)
Issued at: 8:00 AM, 09 August 2026(Sunday)

RED WARNING LEVEL: Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac(Bamban, Capas, Mayantoc, San Clemente, San Jose, Santa Ignacia, Camiling), Rizal(Antipolo, San Mateo, Rodriguez, Taytay, Cainta, Tanay, Teresa, Morong, Baras, Angono), Cavite(Carmona, Dasmarinas, Imus, Bacoor, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Kawit, Noveleta, Cavite City, General Trias, Tanza, Rosario, Maragondon, Ternate, Naic, Trece Martires, Magallanes, General Emilio Aguinaldo), Laguna(San Pedro, Binan), Batangas(Nasugbu, Tuy, Lian, Calatagan, Balayan) and Quezon(General Nakar).
ASSOCIATED HAZARD: Serious FLOODING in flood-prone areas.

ORANGE WARNING LEVEL: Cavite(Alfonso, Amadeo, Indang, Mendez, Silang, Tagaytay), Batangas(Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balete, Batangas City, Bauan, Calaca, Tanauan, Cuenca, Ibaan, Laurel, Lemery, Lipa, Lobo, Mabini, Malvar, Mataasnakahoy, Padre Garcia, Rosario, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, San Nicolas, San Pascual, Santa Teresita, Santo Tomas, Taal, Talisay, Taysan, Tingloy), Laguna(Alaminos, Bay, Cabuyao, Calauan, Calamba, Santa Rosa, Liliw, Los Banos, Luisiana, Magdalena, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Pagsanjan, Pila, Rizal, Santa Cruz, Victoria, Cavinti, Famy, Kalayaan, Lumban, Mabitac, Paete, Pakil, Pangil, Santa Maria, Siniloan, San Pablo), Rizal(Binangonan, Cardona, Jala-Jala, Pililla), Tarlac(Concepcion, Anao, Tarlac City, Gerona, La Paz, Paniqui, Pura, Ramos, San Manuel, Victoria, Moncada), Quezon(Infanta, Real, Panukulan, Polillo, San Antonio, Tiaong, Candelaria, Dolores) and Nueva Ecija(San Antonio, Gapan, San Leonardo, Jaen, Zaragoza, San Isidro, Cabiao, General Tinio, Penaranda).
ASSOCIATED HAZARD: FLOODING is still THREATENING.

YELLOW WARNING LEVEL: Nueva Ecija(Aliaga, Bongabon, Cabanatuan, Carranglan, Cuyapo, Gabaldon, General Mamerto Natividad, Guimba, Laur, Licab, Llanera, Lupao, Nampicuan, Palayan, Pantabangan, Quezon, Rizal, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Santo Domingo, Munoz, Talavera, Talugtug) and Quezon(Sariaya, Tayabas, Lucban, Lucena, Mauban, Pagbilao, Sampaloc, Agdangan, Alabat, Atimonan, Buenavista, Burdeos, Calauag, Catanauan, General Luna, Guinayangan, Gumaca, Jomalig, Lopez, Macalelon, Mulanay, Padre Burgos, Patnanungan, Perez, Pitogo, Plaridel, Quezon, San Andres, San Francisco, San Narciso, Tagkawayan, Unisan).
ASSOCIATED HAZARD: FLOODING in flood-prone areas.

The public and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices concerned are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and watch for the next warning to be issued at 11:00 AM today.

For more information and queries, please call telephone numbers 8927-1335 and 8927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

09/08/2026

SUBIC SHIPYARD REVIVAL BOOSTS PHILIPPINE MARITIME INDUSTRY

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines — The launch of a 115,000-deadweight-ton crude and oil products tanker marked the revival of large-scale shipbuilding operations at the former Hanjin shipyard in Subic, strengthening the Philippines’ ambitions to expand its maritime and industrial sectors.

The Orion Jade (J0001), the first vessel completed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines at its Agila Southern Yard, was launched in a ceremony attended by government officials, Korean diplomats and industry representatives.

Among those present were Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Subic District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay, Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines President Im Dae Jun and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño.

The shipyard, acquired and developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Philippines, has generated about 4,000 jobs since operations began, with further expansion expected in the coming years.

The launch is seen as a boost to the Subic Bay Freeport’s role as a center for shipbuilding, logistics and industrial investment, while providing employment and strengthening the country’s maritime capabilities.

Lagmay said the completion of the vessel reflected investor confidence in the Philippines and the Subic Bay Freeport.

“The successful completion and launch of Orion Jade reflects the confidence of global investors in the Philippines and in the Subic Bay Freeport,” Lagmay said.

She added that the Bureau of Customs–Port of Subic would continue to facilitate legitimate trade, streamline customs procedures and provide responsive services to industries supporting employment and national development.

Nepomuceno’s participation underscored the customs bureau’s efforts to promote an investment-friendly environment through more efficient customs administration.

The Port of Subic is also implementing the bureau’s Integrity, Accountability and Modernization, or IAM, movement, which focuses on transparency, professionalism and improved public service.

The revival of shipbuilding in Subic comes as the Philippines seeks to strengthen its position in global maritime trade and attract more investments in manufacturing, logistics and related industries.

The Bureau of Customs said it would continue supporting the movement of legitimate goods while maintaining border security and facilitating trade activities at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The launch of Orion Jade represents a significant step in the return of large-scale shipbuilding to Subic and could further reinforce the freeport’s role as a strategic maritime and industrial hub in the Philippines. VIA IORBITNEWS

08/08/2026

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08/08/2026

6,000 DELEGATES FROM 120 COUNTRIES TO ATTEND JCI WORLD CONGRESS IN CLARK

CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines — More than 6,000 delegates from 120 countries are expected to attend the Junior Chamber International (JCI) World Congress in Clark in November, putting the Philippines in the global spotlight as a destination for major international conferences and events.

The five-day congress, scheduled for Nov. 11 to 15, 2026, will bring together young leaders and business and civic representatives for leadership workshops, assemblies, cultural exchanges, exhibitions and networking activities.

The event is expected to further strengthen Clark’s position as a hub for international meetings and collaboration while showcasing the Philippines’ capacity to host large-scale global gatherings.

Preparations for the congress were discussed during a stakeholders’ luncheon and executive presentation on Aug. 7 at Royce Hotel and Casino, attended by Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, and JCI officials from Manila and Angeles City Culiat.

“We support not just the organization, but the people and values that drive it,” Devanadera said.

Clark recorded 8.9 million visitor arrivals in the first quarter of 2026, generating about 6.55 billion pesos in tourist spending, according to CDC data. The area also hosted 572 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) events involving 85,049 attendees during the period.

The Philippines secured the right to host the JCI World Congress in 2024 following a bid led by JCI Manila and JCI Angeles City Culiat, with support from the CDC.

The congress is expected to generate opportunities for tourism, business and investment while further promoting Clark as an international meetings and conferences destination.

The event will also provide a platform for the Philippines to demonstrate its readiness to host major international gatherings and strengthen its role as a regional hub for leadership and global cooperation. VIA IORBITNEWS

08/08/2026

UAAP BANS BALDWIN FOR LIFE, SUSPENDS ATENEO COACHING STAFF

MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP Board has permanently banned Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball coach Thomas Anthony Baldwin from all league competitions and related activities following the deaths of student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Chukwuemeka Divine Adili during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, 2026.

The UAAP said Baldwin is permanently barred from serving in any coaching, administrative, advisory, or official capacity and is prohibited from entering any UAAP competition venue. The sanction is final and not appealable.

The Board also suspended team manager Christopher John Quimpo; assistant coaches Dean Caesar Castaño, Sandro Nicholas Romero Soriano, Reynaldo Jacinto Jr., Hernan Ameer Domingo, Caesar Vincent Javellana Elumba, and Grant Dearns; and physical therapist John Eric Rueca from all UAAP competitions and related activities until further determination by the Board.

The suspensions also cover coaching, administrative, advisory, and official capacities. Unlike Baldwin’s lifetime ban, the sanctions may be appealed under UAAP rules and procedures.

The decisions followed an internal investigation by Ateneo and the UAAP Board’s administrative review of official reports from the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the National Bureau of Investigation.

Ateneo representatives recused themselves from the Board’s final deliberations and decision-making to ensure the integrity of the process, the UAAP said.

The Board noted that the government investigative agencies did not recommend holding the student-athletes present during the incident liable.

The UAAP said Ateneo’s men’s basketball players should therefore also be regarded as victims of the tragedy.

The team will remain eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89, in consideration of the players’ expressed desire to honor their fallen teammates through competition.

However, Ateneo must first undertake a comprehensive reassessment of the organizational structure and management of its men’s basketball program and its broader athletics system.

The UAAP said the review is intended to strengthen student-athlete protection, welfare, accountability, and institutional oversight.

“The UAAP’s approach in imposing these sanctions is both protective and restorative,” the league said, adding that the measures seek to ensure accountability, address the harm caused by the incident, and strengthen safeguards for student-athletes.

The league again extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of Baterbonia and Adili, saying their deaths were an “immeasurable loss” to the community. VIA IORBITNEWS

08/08/2026

AGOS DEMANDS PROOF OF PAX SILICA BENEFITS, FLAGS PUBLIC COSTS

CLARKFREEPORT,Philippines — The Advocates for Genuine and Outstanding Services (AGOS) will not support the proposed Pax Silica Project unless the government provides verifiable evidence that its projected economic gains will outweigh its costs to communities and public resources, lead convenor Alex Cauguiran said.

Cauguiran, a former president of Clark International Airport and former Angeles City councilor, said the government must first address concerns over water and energy security, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, agricultural land, food security, environmental protection, transparency and meaningful community participation.

AGOS acknowledges the project’s potential economic benefits. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has projected 130,000 to 190,000 direct and high-quality jobs, plus 500,000 to 800,000 indirect and induced jobs.

Initial investment is estimated at about $10 billion and could reach $40 billion to $70 billion when fully developed.

BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang has also cited potential export earnings of $200 billion over 30 years.

But Cauguiran said such figures are projections, not guarantees.

“AGOS is not saying no to $200 billion. AGOS is saying: prove it,” Cauguiran said.

AGOS called for disclosure of the assumptions and methodology behind the projections, firm investment commitments, actual permanent jobs, projected government revenues, tax incentives and the amount of water, electricity, land, infrastructure and other public resources the project would require.

It also wants the government to disclose the project’s environmental and social costs and determine its net benefit to Filipinos.

Cauguiran said AGOS is not opposed to semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing or economic development, but insisted that development should not come at the expense of agricultural land, natural resources, ancestral domains or community livelihoods.

“Technology should serve the people — not the people sacrifice for technology,” he said.

AGOS said development should be measured not only by investment and export figures but also by quality jobs, economic value retained in the Philippines, government revenues versus public costs, environmental protection and long-term benefits for future generations.

“NO TO PAX SILICA — UNLESS THESE CRITICAL CONCERNS ARE SUFFICIENTLY ADDRESSED,” the group said. DP/ IORBITNEWS