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Catanduanes Blog News, Virac (2025)

06/11/2025

📢 Disaster Alert!
𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘇𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 '𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗴-𝗪𝗼𝗻𝗴' 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗣𝗔𝗥

The Provincial Government today issued a critical ADVISORY, as Tropical Storm "Fung-Wong" ("Uwan" will be named once it enters on PAR) continues to develop and track closer to the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Governor Patrick Alain Azanza has called on all residents to observe a high state of alertness and preparedness for the potential threat.

Schools are specifically advised to strictly refer to DepEd Memo 22 s. 2024 in making any decisions regarding class suspensions. This memo outlines the revised guidelines for class and work suspension during disasters and emergencies, emphasizing localized assessments for the safety of students and personnel.

Local Government Units (LGUs) and Municipal/City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (MDRRMCs) have been directed to immediately activate their Emergency Operations Centers.

Mandatory Preparedness Measures Include:

1. Continuous Monitoring: Closely track all official weather updates and advisories from PAGASA.
2. Information Dissemination: Ensure timely and accurate information reaches all barangays.
3. Mitigation Actions: Clear drainage systems and trim trees to prevent flooding and damage.
4. Resource Prepositioning: Ready essential supplies, including food and non-food items, for quick distribution.
5. Personnel & Equipment Readiness: Verify the operational status of all response personnel and emergency equipment.
6. Evacuation Planning: Prepare for possible pre-emptive evacuations in areas identified as flood- and landslide-prone.

To ensure a cohesive and effective response, the Governor has ordered close coordination among all MDDRMCs and key response agencies: the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Important Maritime Advisory:
MDRRMCs are further directed to coordinate with the PCG for the potential issuance of a localized no-sailing advisory once PAGASA issues a Gale Warning.

PUBLIC SAFETY REMINDER:
The public is strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel in high-risk areas. Stay alert, cautious, and updated only through official government announcements and advisories. Your cooperation is vital to ensure the safety of our entire community.

Source: Catanduanes Provincial Information Office

04/11/2025

Super Typhoon Threat Looms: PAGASA Issues Tropical Cyclone Advisory No. 1

A developing weather system outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is forecast to intensify rapidly and may reach Super Typhoon category this weekend, posing a potential threat to the Philippines.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued its first advisory today, November 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM, concerning a Low Pressure Area (LPA) that has developed into a Tropical Depression.

Key Details from the Advisory:
Current Location: The Tropical Depression was estimated at 10:00 AM today at 1,985 km East of Northeastern Mindanao (9.9°N, 143.6°E), well OUTSIDE PAR.

Current Intensity: Maximum sustained winds are currently 55 km/h near the center, with gustiness up to 70 km/h.

Movement: Moving Westward at 20 km/h.

Entry into PAR: The system is forecast to enter the PAR region on Friday evening (November 7) or Saturday (November 8 ), at which point it will be named "UWAN."

Forecast and Potential Impact:
Intensification: PAGASA forecasts significant intensification. The Tropical Depression is expected to reach Typhoon category by Thursday (November 6) and potentially become a Super Typhoon over the weekend.

Landfall Possibility: Although the forecast is more than five days away, PAGASA's threat potential forecast indicates that the possibility of a landfall scenario over the country is becoming more likely. However, the exact time and location remain highly uncertain.

Sea Conditions: While the storm is not yet directly affecting the country, the combined influence of this Tropical Cyclone and the Northeast Monsoon surge is expected to bring rough sea conditions or worse to the northern and eastern seaboards starting this Saturday (November 8 ).

Direct Weather Impact: The TC is less likely to directly affect the country's weather conditions throughout the forecast period covered by this advisory.

Action Recommended
The public and all concerned disaster risk reduction and management offices are strongly advised to continue monitoring for further updates from PAGASA. Early preparation is crucial given the high potential for rapid intensification.

The next Tropical Cyclone Advisory is scheduled for 11:00 PM today, November 4, 2025.

02/11/2025

⚠️ PAALALA MULA LTO REGION V ⚠️

Kaugnay ng Bagyong Tino at sa kahilingan ng Office of Civil Defense Region V, ang LTO Region V ay nagpapaalala sa publiko na mag-ingat sa pagbiyahe.

Simula alas-5:00 ng hapon, Nobyembre 2, 2025, habang nakataas ang Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal, ipinapayong ipagpaliban ang mga hindi importanteng biyahe, lalo na ang patungo at galing sa Masbate, at ang mga biyahe na dumadaan sa Matnog, Pilar, at Pio Duran patungong Visayas at Mindanao. Kasama rin ang biyahe papunta at pabalik sa Catanduanes via Tabaco Port.

Panatilihing prayoridad ang kaligtasan. Makinig sa mga balita at anunsyo ng pamahalaan.

Source/Photo Courtesy: LTO Bicol

01/11/2025

🎃 Not a fan of Halloween? No problem! Turns out Halloween is celebrated all over the world, but in totally different ways! 🌍

🤔 Ever wonder where you could escape the Halloween madness? Well, according to World Population Review, there are plenty of options! Some countries celebrate it big, while others are just getting started.

🎉 From costumes and candy in the US, to memorial celebrations in other countries such as Philippines, Halloween has many faces.

🏝️ And if you're looking for a real escape, maybe Hawaii is the place for you! 😉

🗣️ What are your Halloween plans? Are you the type to dress up and go trick-or-treating, do you prefer to relax at home and watch a scary movie or commemorate our departed brothers and sisters and observe all souls and saints day?

Share with us in the comments! 👇

30/10/2025

SALN ng mga SENADOR

(C) News5

25/10/2025

The First 100 Days Report of Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza

22/10/2025

CBNews | 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗔 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗬𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗣 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵
𝑨 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑨𝒍𝒍

The Provincial Government of Catanduanes has taken a massive leap towards 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 with the approval of a critical new ordinance that promises 𝙛𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨 to its citizens.

During the 16𝙩𝙝 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙣 𝙊𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧 20, 2025, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved the "𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗣𝗖 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 2025," which aims to institutionalize and provide robust support for the local implementation of 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵'𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 (𝗘𝗣𝗖) 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝘂𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗬𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗣).

Impowered through the approved ordinance, authored by 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 (𝗣𝗕𝗠) 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗧. 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗲𝗹 and swiftly moved forward with a favorable committee report from 𝗣𝗕𝗠 𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗩. 𝗭𝗮𝗳𝗲, 𝗠.𝗗., 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵, is the province's commitment to ensuring no one is left behind in accessing quality primary care.

The EPC Package, known as 𝗬𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗽, covers essential outpatient services such as:
1. 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨
2. 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨
3. 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝘿𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙣𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙘𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨
4. 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘿𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙨

This is expected to significantly 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝘀 and strengthen Rural Health Units (RHUs) as the first line of defense against illness by helping them to be accredited on YAKAP Program.

PBM Tanael emphasized that the ordinance provides the 𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 needed by Local Government Units (LGUs) to maximize the benefits of the YAKAP Program. "𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙞𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙥𝙨, 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝘾𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙣," he stated.

Aligned with the advocate to improve the Health System in the Province, PhilHealth Regional Office V conducted a “𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗣 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵, 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀’ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗨𝗟𝗦𝗘 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀” held on October 21, 2025 at the Rakdell Inn, Virac, Catanduanes.

The official roll out of PhilHealth YAKAP or Yaman ng Kalusugan Program in the Province of Catanduanes is the expanded version of the Konsulta package and is designed to bring comprehensive healthcare services stated by PhilHealth RVP Alberto C. Mandurlao in his welcome message. In Catanduanes, Pandan, Gigmoto and Viga are the remaining municipal Rural Health Unit (RHU) hospitals which are not accredited, while Panganiban has pending application.

During the event, 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗔𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗧. 𝗔𝘇𝗮𝗻𝘇𝗮 voiced his support, stating that leveraging the YAKAP Program is part of his administration's goal to improve the provincial health system and address long-standing issues at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) while maintaining the hospital's financial stability as an Economic Enterprise.

12/10/2025

CBNews | 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗲 𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗹 𝘀𝗮 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘀, 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗨𝗴𝗻𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘆𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗩𝗢𝗟𝗖𝗦

Sunod-sunod na pagyanig ang naranasan sa iba't ibang panig ng Pilipinas sa loob lamang ng dalawang linggo, kabilang ang ilang malalakas na lindol na umabot sa magnitude 7.4. Batay sa pagsubaybay ng Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), tumaas ang bilang ng mga naitatalang lindol sa bansa mula Setyembre 30 hanggang Oktubre 11, 2025.

Gayunpaman, nilinaw ng ahensya na bagamat nagkasabay-sabay, walang direktang ugnayan ang mga pagyanig na ito sa isa't isa. Ipinaliwanag ng PHIVOLCS na iba't ibang faultlines at trenches ang pinagmulan ng bawat lindol.

Ilan sa mga pinakamalalakas na lindol na naitala ay:

1. Magnitude 6.9 noong Setyembre 30, 2025, 9:59 PM, na tumama malapit sa City of Bogo, Cebu.

2. Magnitude 7.4 noong Oktubre 10, 2025, 9:43 AM, na naganap malapit sa Manay, Davao Oriental, na sinundan pa ng ilang malalakas na aftershocks kabilang ang Magnitude 5.8 at Magnitude 6.8 sa parehong araw.

3. Magnitude 6.0 noong Oktubre 11, 2025, 10:32 PM, malapit sa Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

Bukod pa sa mga nabanggit, naganap din ang mga pagyanig sa iba't ibang lugar sa bansa:

4.9 - Oktubre 4, 2025, 7:42 AM Burgos, Surigao del Norte
4.8 - Oktubre 5, 2025, 9:45 AM Currimao, Ilocos Norte
5.1 - Oktubre 7, 2025, 8:03 AM City of Sipalay, Negros Occidental
4.4 - Oktubre 9, 2025, 10:30 AM Pugo, La Union
5.1 - Oktubre 11, 2025, 5:32 PM Botolan, Zambales
5.5 - Oktubre 11, 2025, 6:27 PM Manay, Davao Oriental
4.2 - Oktubre 11, 2025, 9:55 PM Silago, Southern Leyte

Dahil sa naitalang malalakas na pagyanig, pinag-iingat ng PHIVOLCS ang publiko at sinabing asahan pa rin ang mga aftershocks sa mga probinsya ng Cebu, Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, at Zambales.

Hinihikayat ng pamahalaan at ng ahensya ang lahat na manatiling kalmado, maging handa, at laging sundin ang mga inilalabas na abiso ng lokal na pamahalaan at ng PHIVOLVCS. Patuloy ang pagsubaybay ng ahensya sa mga aktibidad ng pagyanig upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng publiko.

27/09/2025

CBN Featured Story |
𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗻
𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦

In Catanduanes, every typhoon season tells a familiar story: houses bracing, families preparing, and neighbors comparing notes on how to weather the storm. But the ways people prepare also reveal much about their lives and struggles.

“𝑾𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒖𝒑 𝒕𝒚𝒑𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒊𝒕.”
In the poblacion, you’ll find houses with thick walls and plywood guards nailed tightly against their windows. Families here have invested in storm shutters or sheets of flywood to shield their homes from flying debris.

“𝑾𝒆 𝒅𝒐 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓,” says Mang Tony, a retired teacher. “𝑰𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒕, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓.”

Yet, for all their effort, these families rarely qualify for aid after the storm. “𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒖𝒔 𝒘𝒆’𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔,” adds his wife, Nelia. “𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓. 𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒖𝒕-𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒅𝒂𝒚.”

“𝑾𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒖𝒔.”
On the outskirts of town, preparation looks different. Families gather bamboo poles, scrap GI sheets, and old ropes to brace their walls. The work is often hurried, done under the looming gray of the sky.

“𝑾𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒍𝒚𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅,” shares Jun, a father of three. “𝑺𝒐 𝒘𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒐 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔.”

For them, a storm that tears down the house means not only fear but also a valid claim for government help. “𝑰𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝒂𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝑫𝑺𝑾𝑫 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒘𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆,” Jun says, wiping sweat from his forehead as he hammers in a nail.

“𝑾𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔.”
In the far-flung barangays, the poorest families follow a practice that might surprise outsiders—they remove their own roofs before the storm. Sheets of rusty tin are stacked on the ground, ready to be nailed back once the skies clear.

“𝑰𝒇 𝒘𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒏, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚,” explains Aling Rosa, a grandmother who has lived through countless typhoons. “𝑺𝒐 𝒘𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔. 𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒘𝒆 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌.”

But when relief workers visit, the story becomes more complicated. “𝑾𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒅,” Rosa admits softly. “𝑶𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒆, 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒅𝒐 𝒘𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆?”

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
These three voices—of the “well-off,” the struggling, and the poorest—show more than just how Catandunganons prepare for typhoons. They reveal an unspoken truth: resilience is shaped by wealth, access, and survival strategies.

For some, protection means plywood. For others, it means bamboo and rope. For the poorest, it means dismantling their homes with their own hands. And yet, in every case, the storm does not only test their houses—it tests the fairness of a system that decides who is seen as deserving of help.

As the winds rise and the rains fall, one thing becomes clear: every family is doing what they can with what they have. And in that, there is both fragility and strength.

*******
𝗧𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲: Thank you for continued assistance before the typhoon. You know the value of preparation and necessity.

You are the blessings for Catandunganons!

26/09/2025

CBN Diversa Sententia | 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗖𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴?

President Marcos appointed Mayor Benjie Magalong to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), relying on his reputation for integrity. Yet when attention turned to the President’s cousin, Martin Romualdez, questions of “conflict of interest” were suddenly raised.

The timing invites reflection. Was this concern about fairness and process, or about the delicate ties of family and politics? In our system, independence is often tested by loyalty, and the balance between truth and kinship is never simple.

Magalong’s resignation may be seen as a recognition of this reality—that the Commission, despite its name, could not be entirely free from the pressures of power.

24/09/2025

TROPICAL CYCLONE BULLETIN NR. 7
Severe Tropical Storm (BUALOI)
Issued at 5:00 AM, 25 September 2025
Valid for broadcast until the next bulletin at 8:00 AM today.

OPONG CONTINUES TO INTENSIFY WHILE MOVING WEST NORTHWESTWARD OVER THE PHILIPPINE SEA.

Location of Center (4:00 AM): The center of Severe Tropical Storm OPONG was estimated based on all available data at 440 km East of Guiuan, Eastern Samar (10.9°N, 129.8°E).

Intensity: Maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center, gustiness of up to 135 km/h, and central pressure of 980 hPa

Present Movement: West northwestward at 20 km/h

Extent of Tropical Cyclone Winds: Strong to storm-force winds extend outwards up to 450 km from the center

TROPICAL CYCLONE WIND SIGNALS (TCWS) IN EFFECT
TCWS No. 2
Wind threat: Gale-force winds
Luzon
Catanduanes, the southern portion of Albay (Santo Domingo, Legazpi City, Camalig, Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, Daraga, Jovellar, Manito), and Sorsogon
Visayas
Northern Samar, the northern and central portions of Eastern Samar (Can-Avid, Maslog, San Policarpo, Taft, Dolores, Jipapad, Oras, Arteche, Sulat, San Julian), and the northern and central portions of Samar (San Jorge, San Sebastian, Villareal, Zumarraga, Matuguinao, Pinabacdao, Almagro, Calbayog City, Talalora, Jiabong, Pagsanghan, City of Catbalogan, Gandara, Motiong, Santo Niño, Tagapul-An, San Jose de Buan, Santa Margarita, Tarangnan, Calbiga, Daram, Paranas, Hinabangan)
Warning lead time: 24 hours
Range of wind speeds: 62 to 88 km/h (Beaufort 8 to 9)
Potential impacts of winds: Minor to moderate threat to life and property

TCWS No. 1
Wind threat: Strong winds
Luzon
The rest of Albay, Masbate including Ticao Isl. and Burias Isl., Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Quezon including Polillo Islands, Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Aurora , Metro Manila, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, Bataan, the central and southern portions of Isabela (Alicia, San Mateo, Aurora, Ramon, Naguilian, Dinapigue, San Guillermo, Luna, City of Cauayan, Echague, Angadanan, Benito Soliven, City of Santiago, Reina Mercedes, San Agustin, San Manuel, Cabatuan, Gamu, San Isidro, Cordon, Jones, Burgos, San Mariano, Palanan), Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, the southwestern portion of Mountain Province (Bauko, Sabangan, Tadian), Benguet, the southern portion of Ilocos Sur (Sugpon, Alilem), La Union, and Pangasinan
Visayas
The rest of Eastern Samar and the rest of Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, the northern portion of Cebu (Daanbantayan, Medellin, City of Bogo, Tabogon, San Remigio, Borbon, Sogod, Tabuelan, Catmon, Tuburan, Carmen, Danao City, Asturias, Compostela) including Camotes Isl. and Bantayan Isl., the northern portion of Negros Occidental (City of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Manapla, City of Victorias, Enrique B. Magalona, Silay City, City of Talisay), the northern portion of Iloilo (San Dionisio, Batad, Balasan, Carles, Sara, Concepcion, Ajuy, Lemery, Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Banate, Anilao, San Enrique, City of Passi, Bingawan, Calinog, Lambunao, Dueñas, Dingle), Capiz, Aklan, the northern and central portions of Antique (Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, Tibiao, Barbaza, Bugasong, Laua-An) including Caluya Islands and Calamian Islands
Mindanao
Siargao Isl., Bucas Grande Isl., and Dinagat Isl.
Warning lead time: 36 hours
Range of wind speeds: 39 to 61 km/h (Beaufort 6 to 7)
Potential impacts of winds: Minimal to minor threat to life and property

OTHER HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND AREAS
Heavy Rainfall Outlook
Refer to Weather Advisory No. 23 issued at 5:00 AM today for the heavy rainfall outlook due to Tropical Cyclone OPONG and the Southwest Monsoon. Link: tinyurl.com/wxadvisory

Severe Winds
The wind signals warn the public of the general wind threat over an area due to the tropical cyclone. Local winds may be slightly stronger/enhanced in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds. Winds are less strong in areas sheltered from the prevailing wind direction.

• Minor to moderate impacts from gale-force winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 2.
• Minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 1.

The highest Wind Signal that may be hoisted throughout the passage of OPONG is Wind Signal No. 4.

The Southwest Monsoon, both enhanced by NANDO and OPONG, will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas (especially in coastal and upland areas exposed to winds):

• Today: Ilocos Region, Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Zambales, Bataan, Palawan, Visayas (areas not under Wind Signal), Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Caraga (areas not under Wind Signal), Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
• Tomorrow (26 September): Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Palawan, Visayas (areas not under Wind Signal), Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
• Saturday (27 September): Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, and Ilocos Region.

HAZARDS AFFECTING COASTAL WATERS
Gale Warning will likely be issued today (25 September).
24-Hour Sea Condition Outlook

Up to rough to very rough
• Up to 6.0 m: The northern and eastern seaboards of Catanduanes and Northern Samar; the eastern seaboards of Albay and Sorsogon
• Up to 4.0 m: The northeastern seaboard of Eastern Samar, the northern seaboards of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte
• Up to moderate to rough seas over the following coastal waters:
• Up to 3.5 m: The remaining seaboard of Eastern Samar
• Up to 3.0 m: The eastern seaboard of Dinagat Islands
• Up to 2.5 m: The seaboards of Batanes and Babuyan Islands; the eastern seaboards of Cagayan Isabela, Aurora, Polillo Islands and Davao Oriental; the northern seaboard of Ilocos Norte
• 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.

Coastal Inundation
There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge with peak heights reaching 1.0 to 3.0 m within 48 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Bicol Region, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, and Biliran. Refer to Storm Surge Warning No. 3 issued at 2:00 AM today for the details.

TRACK AND INTENSITY OUTLOOK
• It must be emphasized that heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone. Refer to the hoisted Wind Signals (for direct wind threat of the tropical cyclone) and “Other Hazards affecting Land Areas” for more details. Furthermore, the track may still shift more to the north or to the south but within the limit of the forecast confidence cone.
• OPONG is forecast to begin moving west northwestward while approaching Eastern Visayas – Southern Luzon area. On the forecast track, OPONG may make landfall over Bicol Region by tomorrow (26 September) afternoon or evening and cross Southern Luzon throughout Friday. Afterwards, it will continue moving generally west northwestward over the West Philippine Sea and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday (27 September) afternoon or evening.
• OPONG will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach typhoon category before making landfall over Bicol Region. It will then weaken as it crosses the archipelago, although it will likely remain as a typhoon or severe tropical storm during the passage. Re-intensification is highly likely once OPONG emerges over the West Philippine Sea.

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 8:00 AM today.

DOST-PAGASA

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