Aurora Schools Resume Classes Despite Severe Damage from Super Typhoon Uwan

Students at Casiguran National High School in Aurora have returned to face-to-face lessons even as many classrooms remain severely damaged by the recent Super Typhoon Uwan. Strong winds continue to disrupt the learning environment, rattling loose galvanized iron sheets and making it difficult for students to focus. Student Andrei Valencia shared, \"It\'s very hard to concentrate because during strong winds, the noise from the loose roofs distracts us.\" Another student, Shane Nazareth Canenimo, noted that teachers also face difficulties due to the limited number of usable classrooms, resulting in frequent room changes for students. \"It\'s challenging for our teachers as students have to move from room to room. It\'s especially hard to see them struggling to manage the school,\" Canenimo added. Teacher Yolanda Gata explained that faculty rooms have been repurposed as temporary classrooms to accommodate students displaced by damaged rooms. \"Our students from two classes whose rooms were damaged are now holding classes in faculty rooms, which were previously offices. Teachers are cramped but trying their best for the children to attend face-to-face classes,\" Gata said. Several school facilities at Casiguran National High School suffered extensive damage, including the computer and science labs, Grade 7 classrooms, the School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (SDRRM) room, PTA office, clinic, guidance office, and the gymnasium roof. Gata expressed hope for quick repairs, saying, \"We hope these will be fixed soon so the students can return to regular classes.\" Meanwhile, Calantas Integrated School has adopted a shifting schedule due to the destruction of five out of ten classrooms, with kindergartners through Grade 4 attending morning sessions and Grades 5 to 9 in the afternoon. The remaining classrooms are barely usable as ceilings have collapsed. School head Rex Delos Santos emphasized the urgency to maintain classes for students who have already lost valuable learning time due to previous storms. \"We can\'t keep postponing classes because of repeated typhoon interruptions. We hope the government can quickly provide assistance to expedite repairs and ease the learning process for the children,\" he stated. During a recent visit to Aurora, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon directed the district engineering office to commence repairs on the damaged schools promptly. \"We have a quick response fund pledged by the President, so let\'s start the restoration works. Thankfully, the damage isn\'t as extensive as what Catanduanes experienced,\" Dizon said. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that Super Typhoon Uwan destroyed 10 school buildings and 33 classrooms across Aurora, with estimated damages amounting to ₱41.2 million.

Fuel Prices Set to Rise by PHP1.20 per Liter Amid Ongoing Supply Challenges

MANILA – Fuel prices are scheduled to increase once again, with gasoline and diesel both rising by PHP1.20 per liter effective 6 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, as announced by Seaoil amid persistent supply constraints. This marks the seventh consecutive week that the price of gasoline has gone up, and the fourth consecutive increase for diesel. However, kerosene prices will remain unchanged in compliance with ongoing regulations. Seaoil’s advisory noted, \"No movement on kerosene per State of Calamity Proclamation No. 1077.\" The state of calamity was declared by Malacañang on November 5, 2025, following the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi). This declaration aims to facilitate government efforts in delivering aid, undertaking emergency rehabilitation, and restoring economic and social normalcy in affected communities. Under the proclamation, the prices of essential goods are frozen for a period of 60 days, while kerosene prices are specifically held steady for 15 days. This price freeze is intended to cushion the impact of the disaster on affected households. The continuing supply difficulties have resulted in sustained upward pressure on fuel prices, affecting transportation and other sectors reliant on petroleum products.

Fuel Prices Set to Rise for Seventh Consecutive Week Amid Supply Challenges

Fuel prices are expected to climb for another week as supply shortages continue to impact drivers and transport operators nationwide. Seaoil has announced a price increase of ₱1.20 per liter on both gasoline and diesel, effective 6 a.m. on November 18. This marks the seventh consecutive weekly rise for gasoline and the fourth for diesel. In an official statement, the company clarified that kerosene prices will remain stable due to the State of Calamity Proclamation No. 1077 issued by the government on November 5. This proclamation followed the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) and designated affected regions under a state of calamity. The declaration enables authorities to expedite relief efforts, implement emergency rehabilitation projects, and facilitate the swift restoration of normal economic activities in disaster-hit areas. Furthermore, under Philippine law, a state of calamity imposes a price freeze on basic commodities for 60 days and on kerosene for 15 days. This measure aims to shield consumers from sudden price surges following severe weather events. As such, motorists and commuters should anticipate further increases in fuel costs amid the continuing supply constraints, while kerosene prices remain temporarily protected by government regulation.

Palawan Named One of Frommer’s Best Places to Visit in 2026

The island province of Palawan has been honored by Frommer’s global travel guide as one of the "Best Places to Go" in 2026, according to an announcement by the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday, November 17, 2025. This accolade celebrates Palawan’s extraordinary landscapes, community-driven tourism projects, and dedication to environmental sustainability. Frommer’s selects destinations that offer genuine travel experiences while emphasizing cultural preservation and ecological responsibility. Palawan, often regarded as the Philippines’ "crown jewel," boasts iconic attractions such as El Nido’s Big Lagoon and Hidden Beach, Coron’s famous World War II shipwrecks, and the pink sand beaches of Balabac, drawing visitors worldwide. The province’s growing reputation is bolstered by various community-based tourism (CBT) programs supported by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. Initiatives under the CBT Marketing Enhancement Program provide assistance to coastal and rural populations in upgrading homestays, expanding eco-friendly tour offerings, and integrating sustainable practices. In San Vicente, for instance, local fisherfolk have transformed their residences into environmentally conscious lodgings while preserving vital mangrove habitats. Similarly, guides in Brooke’s Point and Taytay have received training to conduct responsible snorkeling excursions and cultural heritage tours. TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles emphasized the importance of local communities, stating, "The true custodians of Palawan’s reefs, forests, and coastlines are its people. Recognitions like Frommer’s amplify their vital role in sustaining tourism." Palawan’s consistent international recognition includes accolades such as Travel + Leisure’s "Asia’s Best Island" and top rankings on TripAdvisor’s beach destination lists. Tourism officials believe these honors reflect both the region’s natural wonders and dedicated conservation efforts. Frommer’s endorsement positions Palawan as a prime destination for travelers prioritizing sustainable and community-oriented tourism experiences while planning their visits to the Philippines.

La Routa Adventure Race 2025 Kicks Off in Biliran as ARWS Asian Championship Leg

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippines’ premier and longest-running adventure race, La Routa Adventure Race 2025, returns to Biliran province to serve as the Asian Championship Leg of the Adventure Racing World Series (ARWS) from November 18 to 21. Organized collaboratively by the Department of Tourism (DOT) Eastern Visayas regional office, the Biliran provincial government, and Bukid Outdoor Shop, this year’s event highlights Eastern Visayas’ emergence as a leading destination for international adventure and outdoor sporting competitions. The race features 12 elite teams hailing from Malaysia, India, Japan, the Czech Republic, and the Philippines. Notable participants include Malaysia’s KBS Adventure Team, KBS Phantom Stride, Kamikaze Silva, and Skomad; India’s Shershah Adventure Racing Team; Japanese squads East Wind and B-Kemonogotchi; and the Czech Republic’s Fenix Multisport team, which includes athletes from the United States, Czechia, Switzerland, and Canada. Representing the host nation are the Philippine teams Dirt Adventure Racing Team, A-Plot, Team Apurado, and Tres Islas. DOT Eastern Visayas Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes, who also directs the race, shared that competitors will undertake a demanding 300-kilometer, nonstop four-day course featuring mountain biking, paddling, trekking, navigation, and continuous strategic decision-making. "Approximately 80 percent of the route has been redesigned to incorporate a newly opened cross-country jungle trail and segments inspired by traditional Filipino games, offering a unique cultural experience that distinguishes La Routa from other ARWS events," Tiopes explained. She further emphasized Biliran’s growing reputation as a premier global adventure destination, saying, "This marks the second occasion that both La Routa and Biliran have been selected to host the ARWS Asian Championship Leg, a testament to the race’s caliber, the dedication of its organizers, and the exceptional terrain that Biliran provides to the international adventure community." First held annually from 2000 to 2010 and revived in 2019, La Routa has established itself as a cornerstone of Philippine outdoor sports. The race gained increased international recognition after hosting the inaugural ARWS Asian Championship under the ARWS Asia Circuit in 2023, confirming its status as one of the region’s most challenging and culturally distinctive adventure races. This year’s event has attracted wide international attention, including delegations from Malaysia, India, and the Czech Republic, as well as a 13-member media team from Japan’s NHK TV, further expanding La Routa’s global footprint. After four grueling days of competition, one team will be crowned the 2025 champion and earn the prestigious opportunity to participate in the ARWS World Championship in 2026.

Leptospirosis Cases Rise Sharply in Cebu Following Floods

Leptospirosis infections have surged in Cebu Province, according to recent data linking the rise to flooding incidents in the area. Dr. Josephine Arsenal, head of the Cebu Provincial Health Office (CPHO), reported 23 confirmed leptospirosis cases from November 1 to November 14, 2025. The city of Talisay recorded the highest number with eight confirmed cases, followed by Consolacion with six, Asturias and Liloan each with two, and one case each from Argao and Balamban. All confirmed cases were validated through laboratory tests conducted by the Department of Health (DOH), with most patients currently receiving treatment at health facilities. In addition to these confirmed infections, several suspected cases remain under investigation pending confirmation from laboratory results. From November 1 to 17, 18 suspected cases were reported in Balamban, six in Bogo City, and single cases in Tuburan, Talisay, and Liloan. Dr. Arsenal emphasized the severity of leptospirosis, warning that it is a potentially fatal disease if not treated promptly. "The recent flooding made it unavoidable for residents to come into contact with contaminated floodwaters, which may carry harmful bacteria," she explained. The bacteria, transmitted through the urine of infected animals, can enter the body through cuts or even intact skin. She urged residents who have been exposed to floodwater or who experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headaches, abdominal pain, jaundice, eye redness, vomiting, or diarrhea to seek immediate medical care and consider a course of doxycycline treatment. The provincial government continues to distribute medications and raise awareness to combat the leptospirosis outbreak effectively.

Rolando Toledo Named Officer-in-Charge of DBM Following Pangandaman's Resignation

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Rolando Toledo revealed on Monday his unexpected designation as the agency's officer-in-charge, subsequent to the resignation of Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. In an impromptu interview during Senate discussions on the proposed 2026 budgets for the DBM and other government bodies, Toledo disclosed that he was only informed shortly before Pangandaman's departure. "I was told just before she left. She stepped out of the session hall to attend a meeting. Then I was informed that my name was recommended for the position. That is how it happened," Toledo told reporters. He admitted to being caught off guard by the sudden announcement, saying, "I only found out recently. Honestly, I was surprised. I’m still shaking right now." Earlier Monday afternoon, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed Pangandaman’s voluntary resignation, which followed her involvement in allegations regarding the flood control projects. Alongside Pangandaman, Atty. Lucas Bersamin also resigned from his role as Executive Secretary. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is set to replace Bersamin. When asked about his readiness to head the DBM, Toledo responded, "We will accept it for the sake of the country." Toledo’s appointment comes at a critical time as the Senate is scheduled to deliberate on the DBM’s 2026 budget proposal of ₱3.46 billion later Monday, with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian sponsoring the measure. Gatchalian also chairs the Senate finance committee. Toledo expressed his commitment to supporting Gatchalian in defending the budget proposal, stating, "As of now, with the Secretary absent, we are here with our senior staff present." The DBM is responsible for national budget preparation and fiscal oversight, distributing funds and monitoring expenditures across government agencies. Its affiliated bodies include the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), and the National Government Portal (NGP) / Central Information Systems Office (CISO). Additionally, it supervises the Procurement Service (PS-DBM), the government’s central purchasing unit.

Cambridge Dictionary Names "Parasocial" Word of the Year 2025 Amid AI and Celebrity Culture Rise

The Cambridge Dictionary has announced "parasocial" as its word of the year for 2025, reflecting an increased cultural focus on one-sided connections with public figures and artificial intelligence. The adjective describes the emotional bonds people feel toward celebrities or AI entities they have never met in person. Originating in 1956 from research by two University of Chicago sociologists, the term "parasocial" initially referred to television viewers developing close feelings toward on-air personalities, akin to friendships or familial ties. Today, as AI technology becomes further entrenched in daily life, the dictionary also updated the definition of "slop" to denote the surge of low-quality AI-generated content flooding the internet. Alongside "parasocial," new entries for this year include slang terms like "skibidi," "delulu," and "tradwife." "Skibidi" has flexible meanings ranging from "cool" to "bad," and can be used humorously or nonsensically. "Delulu" serves as a shorthand for "delusional," while "tradwife" refers to a "traditional wife," typically describing women on social media who embrace homemaking roles such as cooking and cleaning. Over the past 12 months, the Cambridge Dictionary incorporated 6,212 new words, phrases, and definitions. Lexicographer Colin McIntosh emphasized that the dictionary carefully selects additions based on their potential for long-term usage, noting, "Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary." Commenting on the choice of "parasocial," Simone Schnall, professor of experimental social psychology at the University of Cambridge, called it an "inspired" selection. "We’ve entered an age where many people form unhealthy and intense parasocial relationships with influencers," Schnall said. She added that this trend now includes interactions with AI tools like ChatGPT, which some individuals treat as friends or substitute therapists, seeking validation and emotional support. This recognition by the Cambridge Dictionary highlights evolving language shaped by modern technology, media consumption, and social dynamics.

Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia Collaborate with EU on SCOPE DIGITAL Satellite Initiative

The Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia have announced a joint partnership with the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA) to implement SCOPE DIGITAL, a satellite imagery system designed to enhance the application of Copernicus Earth observation data across Southeast Asia. This initiative aligns with the EU's Global Gateway strategy and expands upon the existing CopPhil collaboration, which has effectively increased Copernicus data utilization within the Philippines. Notably, the Philippines hosts the region's first Earth observation data center established in 2024, serving as the foundation for this new phase. Over the next three years, SCOPE DIGITAL will combine European and Southeast Asian expertise in space data management, digital technology platforms, and capacity-building efforts. The program aims to facilitate joint pilot projects, demonstration activities, and extensive training programs to bolster digital infrastructure development. These efforts will support data-driven decision-making processes and foster greater cross-border cooperation in regional governance. Officials emphasized the importance of leveraging satellite data to address environmental challenges, improve disaster management, and enhance sustainable development strategies across the region. By strengthening digital partnerships and promoting integrated use of Earth observation data, SCOPE DIGITAL seeks to advance scientific innovation and policy effectiveness in Southeast Asia.

Global Markets Retreat as Investors Await Nvidia Earnings and Weigh Federal Reserve Policy

Global financial markets experienced notable declines on Tuesday as investors grew cautious ahead of major corporate earnings and the upcoming US economic data release. Bitcoin briefly dropped below the $90,000 benchmark for the first time in seven months, reflecting anxieties about lofty technology stock valuations and diminishing expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in December. European exchanges—London, Paris, and Frankfurt—all fell by over one percent following sharp losses across Asian markets. Joshua Mahony, chief market analyst at Scope Markets, remarked, \"The tech-focused selloff seen in the US has evidently resulted in global contagion.\" After a turbulent start to the year, bitcoin surged to an all-time high exceeding $126,000 last month, but the recent pullback underscores investor apprehension about the sustainability of tech sector gains amid questions over returns from artificial intelligence investments. Market participants are eagerly awaiting Nvidia's quarterly earnings announcement scheduled for Wednesday, which is expected to provide crucial insights into the AI industry’s performance and future outlook. Additionally, earnings reports from major US retailers such as Home Depot, Target, and Walmart are anticipated to shed light on consumer spending trends. Deutsche Bank's managing director Jim Reid noted, \"The risk-off tone was reinforced by the latest signals from the Fed, as investors continued to price out the likelihood of a December rate cut.\" The focus will soon shift to the US September jobs report, postponed due to the recent government shutdown, which could offer further clarity on the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory and the broader economic health. In Asia, Tokyo’s market tumbled more than three percent amid investor concerns over Japanese bond yields, which reached their highest level since 1999, ahead of a planned economic stimulus announcement by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The stimulus is expected to increase government borrowing, while Takaichi's upcoming meeting with Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda is expected to address potential interest rate adjustments. The Japanese yen weakened to about 155.38 per dollar, its lowest level since January, reflecting diminished expectations for additional rate hikes. Contributing to the market nervousness were heightened tensions between Japan and China related to Taiwan, prompting both nations to issue travel advisories. South Korea’s stock market fell over three percent, reversing some of the year-to-date gains driven by chipmakers Samsung and SK hynix, which faced significant selling pressure alongside Taiwan's TSMC, leading Taipei’s market to decline by over two percent. Hong Kong and Shanghai markets also closed lower, dropping nearly two percent and seeing modest losses respectively.