Over 100,000 Attendees Stay Overnight at INC Rally Advocating Transparency

The Manila Police District (MPD) confirmed that approximately 110,000 individuals remained overnight at Luneta following the first day of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy. The event, which began as a three-day demonstration, aims to demand clarity regarding irregularities in flood control efforts. In response to the large gathering, the City of Manila’s Department of Public Services (DPS) has collected seven truckloads of debris, amounting to roughly 19 metric tons of waste. By 11 a.m. on the rally’s second day, attendance surged to an estimated 190,000 participants primarily assembled at the Quirino Grandstand. Authorities including the MPD, Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDRRMO), the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and the Manila Health Department (MHD) continue to provide support and maintain order to ensure the safety and well-being of the demonstrators. This large-scale mobilization highlights the community’s call for greater accountability and transparency in government flood control measures, as the INC presses for investigation outcomes to be fully disclosed.

Bacolod City Council Upholds Traditional Betting Methods in Cockfighting

The Bacolod City Council has passed a resolution requiring all cockpit operators and promoters in the city to provide bettors with the choice of placing wagers either through electronic machines or the traditional hand signal or "kumarera system." The resolution, authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos, emphasizes that patrons must not be forced to use machine-based betting exclusively. Councilor Ramos, chair of the City Council committee on transportation and traffic, underscored that operators should avoid any form of discrimination by ensuring equal treatment regardless of the betting method chosen. This includes parity in location access, gate fees, and other related conditions in line with applicable laws, local ordinances, and Filipino customs. "Certain cockpit operators have begun compelling bettors to place wagers only via machines, effectively removing their free choice and potentially discriminating against those who prefer the traditional method," Ramos explained. "We must safeguard the rights of patrons and uphold fairness in all aspects of cockfighting operations." He further elaborated on the cultural significance of sabong, highlighting that cockfighting is a deeply entrenched Filipino tradition intertwined with the social fabric of many communities, including Bacolod City. The preservation of customary practices such as the use of hand signal betting is vital to maintaining this heritage. Ramos cited Presidential Decree 449, known as The Cockfighting Law of 1974, along with local ordinances, which mandate that cockfighting activities adhere to traditional customs, public morality, and community values. "The City Council has a responsibility to protect local customs and ensure that all cockfighting events are conducted fairly and in compliance with national and local laws," Ramos added.

Relief Efforts Continue in Ilocos Norte Following Super Typhoon Uwan

One week after Super Typhoon Uwan impacted Ilocos Norte, authorities are actively carrying out relief and recovery operations to assist the affected populace. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) reported that approximately 1,887 families, totaling around 6,190 individuals, were affected by the storm's intense rainfall and powerful winds. Prior to the typhoon's landfall, officials evacuated 6,850 people from 2,314 families residing in vulnerable low-lying and coastal zones as a precautionary measure. "Safeguarding lives remains our foremost concern, which is why we implement preemptive evacuations," stated PDRRMO Officer Marcell Tabije. Relief distribution commenced on November 10, with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office confirming that 2,067 food packages have been delivered to families sheltered in evacuation centers. Volunteers are continuing their assistance efforts by supplying essential goods to expedite community recovery.

Metro Dumaguete Water Launches New Pumping Station to Boost City Water Supply

Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) has officially opened its 22nd Pumping Station located in Barangay Talay, Dumaguete City, marking a significant expansion in the city’s water infrastructure. The newly operational facility is projected to deliver an additional 3 million liters of water per day, benefiting approximately 3,000 households and supporting the water needs of more than 12,000 residents. In a statement released Thursday, MDW emphasized that this development aligns with their comprehensive operational approach. Robert R. Cabiles, the company's Chief Operating Officer, explained, \"We approach our operations holistically, and the milestone projects inaugurated today encapsulate this. This means that while we produce more water from our groundwater sources, we also ensure that the water produced would reach our consumers' taps.\" To complement the increased water production, MDW has installed nearly 2,000 meters of transmission pipelines designed to efficiently carry water from the pumping station to the existing distribution network. Additional enhancements have also been made, including the expansion of pipelines in Yhalason and Mangnao areas, as well as the construction of an underground pipeline crossing the Banica River in Barangay Batinguel. Metro Dumaguete Water is a partnership between Dumaguete City Water District and Metro Pacific Water, the latter being a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation. The joint venture is responsible for delivering water distribution services across Dumaguete and neighboring communities, aiming to improve access and reliability of water supply for the region.

Leptospirosis Cases Surge at CLMMRH Amid ER Renovation in Bacolod City

The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City has reported an increase in referrals for leptospirosis, including moderate to severe cases, particularly from southern Negros Occidental. Hospital officials issued an advisory on November 22, 2025, confirming a rise in the number of leptospirosis admissions. As of that date, eight patients have been admitted, a notable increase compared to the usual 0 to 2 cases per month. Hospital management emphasized that priority will be given to patients with severe leptospirosis. To address the surge, CLMMRH is setting up specialized wards for both adult and pediatric patients to provide appropriate, safe, and timely treatment. Referring medical facilities are urged to coordinate closely with the hospital's Operations Center (Open) and adhere to proper patient transfer and coordination procedures. As the designated Apex Hospital for the Negros Island Region, CLMMRH reaffirmed its commitment to delivering compassionate and high-quality healthcare, especially during periods of increased patient load. "We request the continued understanding and cooperation of referring facilities and the public as we manage bed capacity and ensure timely care for all affected patients," said hospital management. Since September 2025, the hospital has temporarily closed its emergency room to undergo a P92-million renovation scheduled to last three months. During this period, a temporary emergency room with approximately 18 beds has been established in the outpatient department waiting area. Additionally, four to five holding areas with a combined capacity of 45 to 50 beds have been arranged within the Mother and Child Building. Dr. Joan Cerrada, CLMMRH chief, explained that patient triage follows the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), with priority given to categories I-II and trauma cases. Patients with less urgent conditions may be referred to partner hospitals based on bed availability. Walk-in patients are triaged in the temporary ER; critical cases are admitted immediately if beds are available, while stable patients may be redirected to private hospitals when capacity is exceeded. Referrals from community health centers, private hospitals, and emergency medical services are managed through the hospital's Operations Center, utilizing the Integrated Hospital Operations Monitoring System (IHOMS) and the Emergency Room Consortium Monitoring System. These systems help match patients with available beds at either CLMMRH or affiliated private hospitals. Dr. Cerrada noted that patients initially stabilized at private hospitals may be transferred for admission to CLMMRH as beds become accessible. Overall admission decisions depend on triage priority and bed availability in the ER or holding areas.

Lamitan City Introduces Free Mass Wedding Program with Environmental Planting Requirement

The City Government of Lamitan in Basilan has unveiled a new free mass wedding program that uniquely incorporates environmental stewardship by mandating couples to plant ten trees of beneficial lumber species as a condition for marriage. Mayor Roderick Furigay announced on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, that all wedding expenses will be fully covered for qualified couples under this initiative. However, compliance with the environmental requirement will be compulsory throughout the mayor's term. The administration encourages planting high-value trees such as mahogany, gemelina, narra, and molave. These species are prized not only for their ecological benefits but also for their potential economic value to the local community. The city government will assist couples by providing expert advice on proper planting methods and identifying suitable sites for the new trees. Mayor Furigay highlighted that this program aligns with the city's overarching goals: \"This initiative is designed to merge accessible public services with environmental conservation and community growth,\" he explained. \"By selecting lumber trees, couples can not only commence their married life but also contribute a lasting and positive legacy to our community.\" To verify compliance, couples must submit photographic evidence of the planted trees, which village chairpersons will certify as authentic proof. The program has garnered strong support from Lamitan's 45 village officials. Councilor Joseph Manuel, president of the Lamitan City Association of Barangay Councils, remarked, \"This initiative fortifies community bonds while promoting sustainability and economic strength. The selected tree species offer meaningful long-term benefits for families and the city as a whole.\"

Tropical Depression Verbena Causes Massive Flooding, Displaces Over 2,500 Families in Bacolod City

Tropical Depression Verbena unleashed heavy rainfall across Bacolod City, inundating 31 barangays and forcing the evacuation of 2,543 families, totaling approximately 8,375 individuals, as reported on November 25 by the Bacolod City Communications Office. Floodwaters reaching depths of up to six feet submerged homes in Purok Mars, Barangay Singcang-Airport, prompting residents to seek refuge on rooftops and call for assistance by mid-morning. Rescue teams from the Bacolod Bureau of Fire Protection alongside various volunteer groups urgently evacuated hundreds of affected individuals. Initial assessments from the City Social Services and Development Office (DSSD) confirmed these displacement figures, noting that about 20 families were evacuated preemptively. While some residents were initially reluctant to leave, rising flood levels ultimately compelled most to evacuate. The flooding caused widespread power outages across several barangays and led to the temporary closure of 11 roads. Overflowing rivers including Magsungay, Lupit, Mambuloc, Banago, and Mandalagan, combined with heavy runoff from adjacent municipalities such as Murcia, Talisay, Don Salvador Benedicto, and Silay, intensified the flooding in low-lying sectors. Mayor Greg Gasataya highlighted the extraordinary rainfall, noting that while the city usually receives an average of 10 mm daily, between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Tuesday alone, Bacolod recorded 70.50 mm of rain, excluding additional runoff from surrounding areas. Emphasizing the importance of community involvement in managing flood risks, Mayor Gasataya stated, \"We need everyone’s cooperation and understanding. The city can prepare at any time, but lasting solutions, especially in waste management, depend on all of us. Our rivers overflowed and some areas flooded quickly. We’re doing everything we can on the ground, but the barangays and communities must assist in keeping waterways clear.\" Fortunately, no casualties have been reported amid the flooding crisis. Relief operations are ongoing, with the DSSD distributing 2,191 family food packs to the most severely affected barangays: 1,200 in Barangay Singcang-Airport, 734 in Barangay 39, 50 in Barangay Mansilingan (including 15 at JJ Gonzaga and 35 at Barangay Gym), and 207 in Barangay Taculing (171 at BCNHS, 16 at the Community Center, and 20 at Puentevella).

Cebu Province Advances Development Plan Centered on Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Community Well-being

Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces has outlined Cebu Province’s strategic development framework aimed at elevating public health services, governance, and community welfare. Key priorities include upgrading healthcare facilities, strengthening governance practices, addressing food security, and promoting overall community happiness. Empaces highlighted the introduction of mobile kitchens designed to improve food accessibility for vulnerable populations as part of the province's hunger alleviation efforts. Infrastructure projects such as ongoing road widening aim to enhance connectivity and support economic expansion. "Our agenda focuses on building strong partnerships and enhancing preparedness to ensure sustainable development," Empaces stated. These integrated initiatives are expected to not only improve service delivery but also drive Cebu’s cultural and economic advancement, reflecting the province's commitment to holistic growth.

Laguna Governor Distributes Free Face Masks to Public Hospitals

Laguna Governor Sol Aragones has delivered a supply of face masks to the province’s public hospitals, emphasizing that these should be provided free of charge to all hospital visitors. The masks were generously donated to the provincial government, and Governor Aragones expressed her gratitude towards the contributors for their support. Highlighting the importance of protective measures, Aragones stated, \"It is advisable for visitors to wear masks at hospitals to safeguard themselves and others.\" She further instructed hospital security personnel to distribute masks without cost to anyone who arrives without one. To ensure continuous availability, Governor Aragones also encouraged hospital administrators to request additional masks from the provincial government whenever their supplies are depleted. This proactive step aims to reinforce public health protocols within Laguna’s healthcare facilities.

Four Faulty Weighing Scales Confiscated in Lapu-Lapu City Public Market Amid Tightened Inspections

Lapu-Lapu City public market officials confiscated four defective weighing scales from vendors in Barangay Poblacion after inspections revealed the use of tampered devices designed to overcharge consumers. This measure aims to protect buyers from fraudulent practices in the market. City Public Market Administrator Ma. Elena Caballes, in an interview on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, disclosed that inspectors seized three altered scales during the first round of inspection on November 24 and an additional one during a follow-up inspection two days later. The affected vendors included three from the fish section and one from the meat section. "We have been conducting regular inspections and calibrations in the public market. However, the recent embargo was prompted by a viral video showing a customer complaining about being shortchanged on purchased goods," Caballes explained. To strengthen consumer protection, market officials plan to increase the frequency of inspections from thrice weekly to daily random checks, especially in preparation for the expected surge of shoppers in December. All seized defective scales have been permanently removed from use. Under the City Ordinance, first-time offenders caught intentionally manipulating weighing scales face a fine of PHP 500, while those found guilty of deliberate or fraudulent tampering may also be subject to imprisonment. Caballes urged buyers to remain vigilant and cautious about such deceptive weighing practices, affirming the city’s commitment to enforce stricter monitoring in the main Public Market in Poblacion and its satellite markets.