Freeport Insider

30/05/2026

“DOMENG” SLIGHTLY INTENSIFIES WHILE MOVING NORTHWESTWARD OVER THE PHILIPPINE SEA EAST OF NORTHERN LUZON.

Location of Center (10:00 AM):
The center of Severe Tropical Storm DOMENG was estimated based on all available data at 875 km East of Northern Luzon (17.7°N, 130.0°E).

Intensity:
Maximum sustained winds of 100 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 125 km/h, and central pressure of 985 hPa

Present Movement:
Northwestward at 20 km/h

Extent of Tropical Cyclone Winds:
Strong to storm-force winds extend outwards up to 500 km from the center

TROPICAL CYCLONE WIND SIGNALS (TCWS) IN EFFECT
No Wind Signal is currently hoisted

OTHER HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND AREAS
Heavy Rainfall Outlook

Refer to Weather Advisory No. 2 issued at 11:00 AM today for the heavy rainfall outlook due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

Severe Winds

Based on the latest forecast track, the hoisting of tropical cyclone wind signal over Extreme Northern Luzon is less likely, but not ruled out.

The enhancement of the Southwest Monsoon and the periphery of DOMENG will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds):
• Today: Most of Visayas, Batanes, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
• Tomorrow (31 May): Most of Visayas, Batanes, Cagayan, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
• Monday (01 June): Most of Visayas, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Camiguin, Dinagat Islands, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.
HAZARDS AFFECTING COASTAL WATERS

24-Hour Sea Condition Outlook
Up to rough seas over the following coastal waters:
• Up to 3.5 m: The eastern seaboard of Batanes and Babuyan Islands.
• Up to 3.0 m: The remaining seaboards of Batanes; the northern seaboard of Babuyan Islands; the eastern seaboard of Cagayan, Isabela, and northern portion of Aurora.
• Mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, are advised not to venture out to sea under these conditions, especially if inexperienced of operating ill-equipped vessels.

Up to moderate seas over the following coastal waters:
• Up to 2.5 m: The remaining seaboards of Babuyan Islands, Cagayan, and Aurora; the northern and eastern seaboards of Polillo Islands, Catanduanes, and Northern Samar; the eastern seaboards of northern Quezon and Eastern Samar; the northern seaboards of Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.
• Up to 2.0 m: The seaboards of Ilocos Norte, Southern Leyte, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands; the eastern seaboard of Davao Occidental; the southern seaboard of Bohol; the northern seaboard of Camiguin; the eastern and southern seaboards of Davao Oriental.
• Mariners of motorbancas and similarly sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigation under these conditions.

Other coastal waters have forecast wave heights of less than 2.0 m.

TRACK AND INTENSITY OUTLOOK
• It must be emphasized that heavy rainfall and severe winds may still be experienced in localities outside the forecast confidence cone. Refer to “Other Hazards affecting Land Areas” for more details. Furthermore, the track may still shift within the limit of the forecast confidence cone.
• Severe Tropical Storm DOMENG is forecast to move generally northwestward until tomorrow (31 May) before recurving towards southern Japan for the remaining forecast period. This tropical cyclone is less likely to make landfall over the country. DOMENG will likely exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Monday (01 June).
• DOMENG will continue to intensify and may reach typhoon category tonight or tomorrow morning while remaining over the Philippine Sea. Afterwards, it will steadily weaken but will remain as a typhoon throughout the rest of the forecast period.

Considering these developments, the public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. Persons living in areas identified to be highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards are advised to follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials. For heavy rainfall warnings, thunderstorm/rainfall advisories, and other severe weather information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local PAGASA Regional Services Division.

The next tropical cyclone bulletin will be issued at 5:00 PM today.

DOST-PAGASA

https://tinyurl.com/TCB-DomengPH

27/05/2026

25/05/2026

SM SUPERMALLS EARNS GLOBAL RECOGNITION WITH TWO SILVER WINS AT THE PRESTIGIOUS ICSC MAXI AWARDS
Sustainability-driven initiatives Art From All and SM Green Movement gain international recognition for community impact and innovation

MANILA, Philippines, 21st May 2026 — SM Supermalls continues to bring purpose-driven initiatives to the global stage after earning two Silver Awards at the prestigious ICSC MAXI Awards, one of the world’s most respected recognitions for excellence in marketing and innovation in the retail and shopping industry.

The ICSC MAXI Awards recognized “Art From All: Turning Community Action into Public Art” and “The SM Green Movement: Sustaining Communities Through Responsible Design.”

SM Supermalls’ Art From All initiative was recognized for transforming sustainability into an immersive and participatory mall experience.

Launched in May 2025, the initiative invited shoppers to donate plastic waste and witness it transformed into large-scale cultural art installations inside the mall. Instead of simply raising awareness, Art From All made sustainability interactive and visible by integrating the experience directly into everyday mall foot traffic.

The initiative encouraged communities to actively engage in environmental action while showcasing how creativity and collaboration can breathe new life into discarded materials.

Meanwhile, SM Green Movement earned global recognition for its long-running sustainability framework focused on reducing the environmental impact of large-scale mall operations.

Designed to address growing pressures on water, energy, and waste systems in fast-growing urban communities, the initiative continues to scale sustainability programs across SM Supermalls properties while encouraging greater environmental awareness among the public.

Presented by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the MAXI Awards celebrate outstanding campaigns and programs from shopping centers and retail brands worldwide that create meaningful impact on communities, culture, and business.

More than celebrating marketing excellence, the recognition reflects SM Supermalls’ continued commitment to enriching everyday experiences, whether through championing Filipino creativity, fostering meaningful connections, or encouraging sustainable living. (30)

19/05/2026

SATISFY YOUR PURPLE CRAVINGS AS SM LAUNCHES “UBE NATION”

Time for a tasty purple food trip! SM makes your dessert dreams come true with ‘Ube Nation’, a mouthwatering celebration dedicated entirely to the Philippines’ favorite purple yam.

If you love ube or just want to try something tasty, bring your favorite people along and head out for a fun food trip at SM.

Discover Your Next Ube Obsession
SM gathered all the best purple desserts in one place. Every single one of these amazing purple treats comes straight from cafes and shops inside your favorite SM malls.

Iconic Cakes: Slice into the famously decadent Ube Custard Cake from Conti's or grab a reliable, classic Ube Roll cake, and Ube Polvoron from Goldilocks, Caramia’s Classic Ube cake, The Beanery’s Ube Royale cake and Pastillas Mini Muffins, and Max’s Restaurant’s Ube Crème Brulee Cake.

Frozen Gelato: Beat the heat with the ultra-creamy, premium Ube Gelato creations from Caramia.

Creamy Iced Coffee and refreshing Drinks: Coffee lovers can explore variety of creamy purple drinks from But First, Coffee Ube Series. Sip on a smooth Ube Latte, Ube Espresso or fun flavor fusions like Ube Matcha and Fruity Ube Strawberry. If you prefer milk tea, try Dakasi Taro Milk Tea loaded with your favorite chewy pearls and coconut jelly.

Next-Level Frappes: Sip on the refreshing Ube Halo-Halo Frappe and the sweet-and-savory Ube Cheese Frappe from The Beanery to cool down on a hot day.

No matter what your specific Ube obsession is, SM has all the Ube for you this Summer season.

Head over to your most loved SM City Olongapo Central and SM City Olongapo Downtown and join the biggest purple celebration of the year. (30)

18/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/smcityolongapocentral/posts/1289271106719144?__cft__[0]=AZbetLMPZ_aT0FgWsCPIMQSOAmHj7WWfy2G3CfuuXgF0UWZpVEJPurO-RRhIeqxDzJ60PuWay8I3A6FxY-QbDl9buxUKNouP4TD3TyI1N_lLfWW02-n0a31Kceo9SxGZXdQGHWY-4_Q_I6tn28P2sNcLOkURq8rF2EbOp41zyz7t0bfWEexKlI93BPA-Xu705c3DHghuL1SGM0UexgC0qo1WLA89N24Kj3VrZxUIzpEhwgXVNVKKenDFIFOx0joTHl8&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

Calling all future MVPs of Olongapo! 🏀☀️

Dribble, shoot, and play to the MAX this summer at the Summer Play Basketball Clinic at SM City Olongapo Central!

Come join the fun on the court in partnership with KM4 Basketball Club! 💪

📅 Date: May 19, 2026, Tuesday
📍 Venue: Ground Level of SM City Olongapo Central
📝 Register here: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/SMOCEVENTS"

18/05/2026

PORT OF SUBIC CHIEF VOWS SPEEDY ACTION ON ODOROUS REEFERS AMID HEIGHTENED PUBLIC CONCERN

By Percy Roxas

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- Newly installed Port of Subic district collector, Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay, promised to expedite efforts to resolve the contentious issue of overstaying re**ers at the Subic Bay International Terminal Complex, which are raising public concerns because they emit excessive foul odor.

In an interview with Freeport Insider this morning, the new district collector said he understands the concerns of the public, and while he still needs to get to the bottom of the matter having just assumed his position, he emphasized that the Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Port of Subic will do the best it can to find a solution to the problem.

BOC-Port of Subic is currently at the center of a controversy after complaints about excessive foul odor --likely due to spoiled goods and other substances -- emanating from the abandoned re**er containers now sitting at the Subic port terminal came into the open.

Some 118 abandoned re**ers, about 40ft-high each and believed to contain frozen items and perishable goods, have been overstaying at the terminal reportedly either abandoned by their consignees or seized because of misdeclaration of contents or non-payment of tax duties. Some of these containers have been there since 2018, prompting some observers to point the finger to regulatory oversight and enforcement failure.

"This did not happen overnight -- it accumulated through systemic complacency," says one comment on social media.

Some sources say that there were efforts to dispose of the abandoned re**ers as early as 2024. But, as the story goes, on the way to condemnation, foul smelly liquid leaked from the containers and incited complaints from communities along the way.

In fact, LGU Dinalupihan lodged a complaint and called concerned personnel for a meeting. Since then, no abandoned container has been transported or released.

In April, All Hands Beach revived its long-standing complaint against the foul odor from the Port of Subic, sending a complaint letter to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) after guests, and even workers raised heightened concerns about the stench.

SBMA issued an official statement on the matter but said that "while the SBMA acknowledges the heightened public concerns over the refrigerated containers ...the duty, however of enforcing regulations about the allowable container stay times and addressing issues on overstaying re**ers is within the mandate and authority of another agency." Freeport Insider tried to reach SBMA chair Eduardo Aliño for comment twice to no avail.

New BOC-Port of Subic district collector Lagmay said he will look into the issue closely, and asked the public for more patience in resolving it.

"In the coming weeks, siguradong may aksiyon na," Lagmay told the media while also emphasizing that in situations like this, there are procedures to be followed, and rules to abide by.

"I am asking for assistance and understanding from all concerned, from the locators to the general public, " he reiterated. "Rest assured we will do our best here."

In another interview, a Freeport Dispensary doctor dismissed the foul odor as simply a "nuisance" based on the Code of Sanitation.

'There's no hard evidence yet to suggest that foul odor causes a real health hazard," the doctor said. "What some people complain of as a result of exposure to bad odor, like cough or cold, are the body's defense mechanisms acting up. Foul odor hardly causes sickness, except maybe for those who already have existing or underlying medical conditions."

Still, his main recommendation is for the complete and immediate disposal of all the abandoned containers. "The question is, how soon can we make it happen?" he said. (30)

(30)

16/05/2026

Editorial:

STENCH FROM SUBIC PORT: WILL RESOLUTION BE IN TIME?

By Percy Roxas

Subic Port is turning into a ticking time bomb. Overstaying re**ers, emitting foul odors, are recently sparking health concerns among locators and the local public. Despite complaints, Subic Freeport authorities seem to be passing the buck.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority says it's not their job to enforce container stay-times, pointing fingers at another agency, although adding they will help in resolving the problem. The Bureau of Customs (BOC), on the other hand, has recently hired three condemnators to investigate – but no concrete action yet.

The numbers are alarming: 118 abandoned containers now, up from 52 back in 2018. Locators and the public are worried, and rightly so. Foul odors can mean mold, bacteria, or worse, hazardous chemical leaks. In fact, port workers may also be in the face of health risks here.

"We've been complaining for months, but nothing's done," says a deeply concerned locator. "Are they waiting for someone to get sick, before they act?"

BOC's silence isn't helping. With condemnators on the case, the public hope for a resolution soon. But, will it be in time? 😷

15/05/2026

MAYOR KHONGHUN DECLARES STATE OF WATER EMERGENCY IN SUBIC; WARNS POSSIBLE TAKEOVER OF WATER SUPPLY OPERATIONS

By Percy Roxas

Subic, Zambales — The Municipal Government of Subic has formally declared a State of Water Emergency in this town, and Mayor Jonathan Khonghun issued a stern warning to Prime water and Village Water of possible takeover if the two water supply distributors do not get their acts together.

Subic town has been reeling from a water crisis lately and persistent complaints over inadequate and unreliable water supply affecting several barangays and business areas in the municipality have been mounting.

On May 11, 2026, Mayor Khonghun issued an Executive Order declaring the state of water emergency citing recurring water interruptions, low water pressure, delayed service restoration and mounting public concern over the delivery of water services.

On Friday, the Subic mayor personally conducted an inspection of water facilities and pumping stations to assess ongoing emergency response measures.

During the inspection, the mayor found the pumping machines operated by PrimeWater and Village Water to be functioning again, restoring water supply to several affected residents and communities.

Despite this, Mayor Khonghun said the local government would not hesitate to take over the operations of Prime water and Village should another failure or prolonged water supply shortage affect Subic residents.

The EO directs all municipal offices and units with logistical capability including water tankers, fire trucks, utility vehicles and heavy equipment to assist in emergency water distribution operations in critically affected barangays.

It also calls on the Sangguniang Bayan to undertake immediate legal, technical and administrative measures related to the possible local government takeover of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation's facilities and operations in Subic.

"The continuing water service deficiencies have adversely affected households, schools, health centers, businesses and government operations prompting us to implement emergency intervention measures," Khonghun said.

"Access to safe, adequate and reliable water supply is essential to public health, sanitation, economic activity and the overall welfare of Subic residents, and that's my priority."

Under the EO, the local government is likewise authorized to coordinate with national agencies, including the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) in addressing the municipality's water supply crisis.

Khonghun assured residents that emergency augmentation efforts and continuous monitoring of water operations will remain in place until normal and dependable water service is fully restored across affected communities.

Efforts to reach both PrimeWater and Village Water for comments are still underway. (30)

14/05/2026

ACTION ON EXCESSIVE STENCH FROM ABANDONED CONTAINERS AT SUBIC PORT PRESSED

By the Freeport Insider Team

Subic Bay Freeport -- Concerned locators at this premier Freeport are upping the ante in the hope that the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the Bureau of Customs, and the Subic Bay International Container Terminal (SBICT) speed up their efforts to "condemn" the overstaying abandoned re**er containers at the SBICT, which causes the excessive foul odor being complained about by both locator businesses and visitors in the area.

A source from one locator near the SBICT said this problem of foul odor has been going on since 2018, and instead of the 52 abandoned containers already condemned then, the numbers have grown to 118 abandoned containers at present.

Most of these containers apparently contain time-bound frozen food and other perishable items.

"The stench is so bad, especially when the windows in our resort are open and the winds blow our way," said the source.

In fact, this locator has been writing complaint letters to SBMA, the Ecology Department, BOC, and SBICT for years. "We still have to see the problem getting rid off," the source said.

Last April 30, this locator wrote another complaint letter to the Freeport authorities to reiterate their complaints.

Data obtained by Freeport Insider suggests that the current number of abandoned containers at SBICT will only worsen the stench situation unless authorities act quickly.

Efforts are underway by this media outlet, as of this writing, to find out what the concerned authorities are planning to do about this long-standing problem. (30)

14/05/2026

US Embassy delegation for economic affairs taps SBF for partnership

Subic Bay Freeport – The United States Embassy delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee visited this premier Freeport on May 13, 2026, seeking to create more investment opportunities.

US Ambassador Heather Variava, Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, and Head of Delegation for the committee, together with several representatives of the US economic team, arrived here as part of the mission to work on US-Philippines growth through a series of coordination with government officials and business leaders.

The ambassador met with officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, to discuss economic growth efforts for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

The LEC is a multi-billion-dollar economic partnership designed to supercharge infrastructure, logistics, and supply-chain connectivity between four primary hubs in the Philippines: Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Chairman Aliño said that the trilateral initiative with the US, Japan, and the Philippines has now expanded to include Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

“This ambitious venture will strengthen infrastructure, supply chains, and green energy across Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas. It is most timely that Her Excellency Heather Variava and her delegation visit us now, as the Luzon Economic Corridor gains momentum through international partnerships and expanded economic engagement,” he added.

The SBMA top official said that with upcoming projects in railway connectivity, port modernization, clean energy, and semiconductor supply chains, “Subic Bay’s role as a premier logistics and manufacturing hub grows even stronger.”

Initially launched in April 2024 as a trilateral project between the Philippines, the United States, and Japan under the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), the initiative has rapidly scaled into a powerful 10-nation coalition.

The said visit is part of her travel to coordinate strategic infrastructure and investments alongside the Philippine government and business leaders, as the ambassador advocates for streamlining complex regulations to increase investor confidence.
- more -
Variava is currently coordinating economic growth efforts for the Corridor to counter exploitative regional infrastructure programs with sustainable alternatives. (30)


PHOTO CAPTIONS:

[1] Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño (center) welcomed United States Ambassador Heather Variava (2nd from right), Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, and Head of Delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee during her visit to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on May 13, 2026.

[2] United States Ambassador Heather Variava, Senior Advisor for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, and Head of Delegation for the Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee, shows the book “Birds of Subic Bay” that Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño handed to her as a token.

[3] US Embassy delegation for Luzon Economic Corridor Steering Committee and SBMA officials and members of the Board of Directors pose for a souvenir photo during the former’s visit to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone on May 13, 2026.