Pagasa reports that Julian has intensified into a super typhoon

 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that Julian strengthened into a super typhoon early Tuesday morning.

As of 4 a.m., Super Typhoon Julian (international name: Krathon) was situated 205 kilometers west of Itabayat, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching up to 230 kph.

“Julian still has a chance for further strengthening within the next 24 hours,” Pagasa stated in its most recent weather update.

Super Typhoon Julian is forecasted to make landfall on Taiwan's southwestern coast by Wednesday morning or afternoon and exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday afternoon or evening.

Pagasa kept its Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 warning in effect for Batanes, Babuyan Islands, and the northern part of Ilocos Norte. These areas may experience winds of up to 88 kph within 24 hours, which could result in minor to moderate effects on life and property.

Meanwhile, TCWS No. 1 remains in place for the rest of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Kalinga, Abra, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the remaining areas of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and the northern part of Aurora, where winds between 39 kph and 61 kph may pose a minimal to minor risk to life and property.

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Batanes is now under Signal No. 4 as Typhoon Julian intensifies

 

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 4 over Batanes on Sunday evening as Typhoon Julian moved closer to the region.

As of 7 p.m., the typhoon's eye was located approximately 190 kilometers east-northeast of Calayan, Cagayan, or 150 kilometers east-southeast of Basco, Batanes.

According to the latest bulletin from the state weather bureau, Typhoon Julian is currently carrying maximum sustained winds of 140 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 170 kph, moving northwest at 15 kph.

Winds between 118 and 184 kph are anticipated to impact Batanes within the next 12 hours, posing a substantial to severe risk to life and property in the affected areas.

PAGASA stated that areas under Wind Signal No. 4 could potentially experience significant to severe effects from typhoon-force winds.

State meteorologists advised the public to evacuate low-lying areas and riverbanks and to stay away from coastal regions due to the risk of flooding and storm surge.

“There is a moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surges within the next 48 hours in low-lying and exposed coastal areas of Batanes, the Babuyan Islands, and northern mainland Cagayan,” stated the latest bulletin.

PAGASA also noted that Typhoon Julian could further intensify over the next 48 hours and may reach super typhoon status before making landfall in southern Taiwan.

The agency added that as Julian continues to intensify, it may pass close to or directly over Batanes.

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Military helicopter conducts emergency landing on school grounds in Zamboanga Sur

 PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A military helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing at Tukuran Central Elementary School in Barangay San Carlos, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

According to Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, the Black Hawk helicopter landed Friday afternoon due to severe weather conditions while it was en route to Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, and Cotabato City.

Viray noted that the helicopter faced “heavy rain and rapidly decreasing visibility.”

A video of the incident on social media shows the chopper flying low above a school building and its rotor blade hitting the branches of a nearby tree.

“As a precautionary measure, and to ensure the safety of all on board, the pilot made the decision to land at the nearest safe location, which was the Tukuran campus,” Viray explained.

The helicopter carried military officials who just attended the inauguration of the Panguil Bay Bridge led by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.

Viray acknowledged that the unexpected landing caused concern among the students and faculty on campus, but he assured that no injuries were reported.

“The decision to drop off passengers at Tukuran was made with the highest priority on safety before the helicopter continued its journey to Cotabato,” he added.

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Tropical Storm Julian has slightly strengthened, with Signal No. 1 currently in effect over nine areas in Luzon

 According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Tropical Storm Julian (international name: Krathon) gained slight strength as it moved over eastern Cagayan on Saturday afternoon.

In its 5:00 p.m. weather bulletin, Pagasa said that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TWCS) No. 1 is still up over the following areas:

• Batanes
• Cagayan including Babuyan Islands
• Isabela
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Eastern portion of Mountain Province (Natonin, Paracelis)
• Eastern portion of Ifugao (Aguinaldo, Alfonso Lista)
• Ilocos Norte
• Northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran)

Typhoon alert!  

Pagasa added that Julian will continue to intensify and will develop into a typhoon by Monday.

“JULIAN will continue to intensify throughout the forecast period and reach typhoon category on Monday. There is a high chance of rapid intensification, and the possibility of reaching super typhoon category is not ruled out,” Pagasa warned.

The state weather bureau also mentioned that TCWS No. 4 may be raised due to Julian.

The state weather bureau further stated that the "tropical cyclone will approach Batanes and/or Babuyan Islands at or near its peak intensity."\

Gale-force Winds Advisory

The wind flow towards Julian could result in strong to gale-force gusts in the following areas:

• Sunday, September 29: Aurora and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon)
• Monday, September 30: Aurora, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Romblon, and the Bicol Region.

Tracking Julian

As of the latest report, Julian was situated approximately 380 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching up to 90 kph, moving west-northwest at 15 kph.

Julian intensified into a tropical storm on Saturday morning. Pagasa indicated that it is likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

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The Low-Pressure Area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility is now classified as a tropical depression

 The low-pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has intensified into a tropical depression, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), as reported at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday morning.

In its weather advisory issued at 11:00 a.m., Pagasa noted that the tropical depression was located approximately 2,615 kilometers east of Central Luzon.

Pagasa reported that it is also tracking two additional low-pressure areas (LPAs) that could potentially develop into tropical cyclones: one situated about 800 kilometers east of extreme Northern Luzon and the other approximately 1,436 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.

In light of these developments, Pagasa has urged the public to stay informed about changes in weather systems and to keep updated on forecasts.

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DepEd Expresses Gratitude for House Approval of Proposed ₱793.1 Billion Budget for 2025

 

The Department of Education (DepEd) has thanked the House of Representatives for approving the proposed ₱793.1 billion budget for the upcoming year during Tuesday's session.

The budget passed through the plenary after approximately an hour of discussion.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that the approved funding will bolster programs and initiatives aimed at constructing classrooms, renovating school facilities, and advancing the agency’s Computerization program, among other projects.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Speaker [Martin] Romualdez, Budget Sponsor Rep. [Maria Carmen] Zamora, and the entire House of Representatives for their commitment to enhancing our education system. This budget demonstrates our collective dedication to realizing the full potential of every Filipino learner,” Angara stated on Wednesday.

Additionally, the funding will be distributed to DepEd’s affiliated agencies, which include the National Book Development Board, National Council for Children’s Television, National Museum, Philippine High School for the Arts, Early Childhood Care and Development Council, and the National Academy of Sports.

Among the five lawmakers who either questioned or supported the budget, Angara expressed appreciation for the constructive feedback provided by ACT Partylist Rep. France Castro.

He noted that Castro's input "played a significant role in revising DepEd Order No. 12, series 2024."

"The amendment to DepEd Order No. 010, s. 2024, offers enhanced flexibility in teaching hours under the MATATAG Curriculum, fostering a better work-life balance for educators while also ensuring improved educational outcomes," the agency stated.

During previous discussions regarding DepEd's budget, lawmakers commended Angara for his "exemplary conduct," highlighting that the hearing proceeded smoothly.

Angara also spent more than 10 hours addressing questions, including some issues that occurred prior to his tenure.

On Wednesday evening, Romualdez announced that the lower chamber would proceed to pass the 2025 General Appropriations Bill on its third and final reading.

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Pagasa: Low Pressure Area May Develop Inside PAR and Transform into a Storm by Weekend

 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is currently monitoring two weather disturbances, one inside and one outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

One of these disturbances is a low pressure area (LPA) located outside PAR, along with cloud clusters that have the potential to develop into an LPA within the country’s jurisdiction.

The state meteorologist indicated that the cloud clusters forming north of Luzon are expected to evolve into a low pressure area (LPA) either Thursday or Friday, with the potential to strengthen into a tropical cyclone over the weekend. If this occurs, it may be named "Julian," marking the 10th cyclone to impact the Philippines since January.

"An LPA may develop today or tomorrow, and by the weekend, it could turn into a tropical storm, remaining close to northern Luzon, specifically east of Batanes," explained Pagasa specialist Benison Estareja during an early morning weather report.

“If this weather disturbance impacts the area, it will mainly affect Northern Luzon. Should it develop into a storm, it will be named ‘Julian,’ making it the tenth storm of 2024 and the sixth for September,” Estareja added.

(If it does affect any regions, the primary impact will be on Northern Luzon. If it evolves into a tropical cyclone, it will be called “Julian,” marking it as the tenth tropical cyclone of 2024 and the sixth for September.)

Regarding the LPA situated outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), Pagasa reported that its most recent data indicated it is located approximately 2,750 kilometers east of Central Luzon. The state weather agency stated that this LPA is "less likely" to enter PAR, as it is projected to move towards the North Pacific Ocean and could develop into a light storm by Thursday or Friday.

Pagasa also indicated that the weather forecast for Thursday shows cloudy conditions and rain in Palawan as well as parts of Visayas and Mindanao, attributed to the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ).

"This ITCZ is the area where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres meet, resulting in a higher likelihood of cloudiness in that region," Estareja explained.

Easterlies, or winds originating from the Pacific Ocean, will continue to affect the country’s weather on Thursday, Estareja added.

According to Pagasa, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon can expect generally warm conditions on Thursday.

“Our weather conditions will be similar to yesterday, with partly cloudy to overcast skies. In the afternoon or evening, there may be sudden rainfall or localized thunderstorms, which will typically last only two to three hours,” Pagasa stated.

There are no gale warnings issued for any of the country's seaboards on Thursday, September 26.

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Pagasa says that a low-pressure area (LPA) could develop or move into the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by the weekend

 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced on Tuesday that a low-pressure area (LPA) is expected to develop or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by the end of this week. Pagasa weather specialist Rhea Torres mentioned that the potential LPA could form near extreme northern Luzon by Friday, September 27, or Saturday, September 28.

She added that the system may only impact Batanes and the Babuyan Islands. 

"However, since Friday and Saturday are still a few days away, the situation could still change," Torres said.

For Tuesday, however, most parts of the country are expected to have fair weather, the Pagasa expert noted.

"We are not seeing any thick cloud formations that could bring all-day rainfall to any part of the country," Torres stated.

"We can expect generally fair weather to persist, with the exception of possible brief or sudden rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms," she added.

Pagasa has not issued any gale warnings for any of the country's seaboards on September 24.

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Bayan says impeaching VP Sara Duterte is ‘essential’

 

The group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) stated on Monday that filing an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte is "essential" to hold her accountable for alleged misuse of funds. Bayan's secretary general, Mong Palatino, mentioned in a statement that Duterte's refusal to address inquiries regarding the use of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential fund during budget discussions could serve as sufficient grounds for such a complaint.

"Impeaching Sara Duterte is essential to hold a public official accountable for serious offenses that have undermined public trust," said Palatino. He cited Duterte's questionable spending of confidential funds in 2022 and 2023, irregularities in fund distribution during her tenure as education secretary, and her refusal to address these issues during budget hearings as sufficient grounds for her removal from office.

Palatino added that impeachment is critical to promoting transparency and accountability in government, serving as a warning to corrupt officials that being elected does not grant immunity from serious misconduct. He referenced the August 27 House appropriations committee hearing, where Duterte either declined to defend the OVP’s budget in a Q&A format or claimed coordination with the Commission on Audit regarding the notice of disallowance.

The panel was reviewing the OVP’s proposed budget for 2025, which Duterte argued should be the primary focus of the discussions. However, lawmakers emphasized that understanding how the OVP utilized funds from previous years is essential and relevant to shaping the budget for the upcoming year.

Duterte and her team also missed the following appropriations panel hearing and were absent from the plenary debates scheduled for Monday. Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan mentioned that although the House was prepared to discuss the OVP’s proposed budget at 10:00 a.m., the representative sent by the OVP did not have a letter of authority.

"Instead of taking responsibility and providing a proper explanation for the misuse of her office's funds, Duterte attacked her critics and employed diversionary tactics to avoid accountability," Palatino said.

He added, "Duterte treated public funds like a personal trust fund, using them for political gain. She committed these offenses while the country faces widespread hunger and poverty, all while portraying herself as a dedicated public servant. Such dishonesty and unethical behavior make her unfit to remain in office."

Earlier, protestors gathered in front of the Batasang Pambansa complex’s South Gate, calling for Duterte’s impeachment. Palatino indicated that more protests are planned for the week.

Duterte and the OVP have faced scrutiny after budget hearings in the House revealed concerns about the OVP's confidential funds in 2022 and 2023, as well as alleged irregularities in project implementation. House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe stated that Duterte could face graft charges if she fails to explain how the funds were spent, particularly those flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA).

The COA had issued a notice of disallowance for P73.2 million out of the OVP's P125-million confidential fund for 2022 — an allocation that lawmakers noted should not have existed, as the original budget under former vice president Leni Robredo did not include it. This led the House committee on good government and public accountability to investigate the OVP’s budget spending further.

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Angara: DepEd to speed up the procurement of textbooks

Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Monday directed the acceleration of textbook and learning material procurement, as well as the fast-tracking of DepEd’s infrastructure projects for 2025. 

In DepEd Memorandum 049, s. 2024, Angara mandated the implementation of Early Procurement Activities (EPA) across the department, with bidding processes slated to start by October 2024.

"We are working hard to enhance and speed up our procurement process," Angara's statement said.

DepEd stated that the EPA will enable the agency to complete all procurement stages and award contracts for goods, infrastructure projects, and consulting services before 2025.

The EPA will cover all DepEd procurement projects conducted via Competitive Bidding and Alternative Methods, except for repeat orders, emergency cases, and small-value procurements.

The DepEd Central Office will prioritize key projects, such as textbooks, e-Learning Cart packages, testing materials, and educational equipment.

Meanwhile, regional and schools division offices will concentrate on their own projects, including those managed by the central office, such as smart-TV packages, laptops, school furniture, electrification initiatives, school health facilities, and the construction of last-mile school buildings. According to DepEd's timeline, the goal is to award contracts and issue Notices to Proceed by January 2025.

 

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Longer nights expected as two equinoxes approach, according to Pagasa

 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that longer nights are anticipated with the onset of two equinoxes. Pagasa noted that the Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the Vernal Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere both started on Sunday, September 22.

"During the equinoxes, both day and night last for roughly 12 hours each," Pagasa stated in a recent advisory.

The agency explained that this slight time difference is due to atmospheric refraction, which allows us to see the sun a few minutes before it actually rises and after it sets.

Pagasa reported that on Monday, the sun is expected to set at 5:53 p.m., more than 12 hours after it rises at 5:45 a.m.

In the meantime, as longer evenings are anticipated, fair weather is expected across most of the country on Monday due to the weakening of the southwest monsoon, or habagat. Additionally, no low-pressure areas are currently being monitored within the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

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LIST: Several schools switch to online classes in response to the transport strike

 Several schools and universities in Metro Manila transitioned to online classes on Monday, September 23, in response to the two-day transport strike led by the groups Manibela and Piston.

Here is the list of schools and universities that will be holding online classes:

• Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Manila
  According to LPU’s advisory, all in-person classes will transition to online, except for laboratory sessions. Additionally, all preliminary examinations scheduled for tomorrow have been moved to October 7.

• De La Salle University
  From senior high school to graduate school, both the Manila and Laguna campuses will shift to online classes.

• Mapúa University
  All levels at both the Intramuros and Makati campuses will conduct online classes.

• Adamson University
  Online classes will be held for all levels.

• 
  

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Fair weather is expected on Monday, September 23, as the habagat weakens.

 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has announced that most areas of the country will experience fair weather on Monday, as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, has weakened, with easterlies influencing weather conditions, especially in the eastern regions. This was reported in the agency’s morning forecast.

"The southwest monsoon in our country has weakened. Easterlies are now affecting the eastern part of the country," said Pagasa weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio.

Aurelio mentioned that Luzon will continue to experience warm weather, with the possibility of isolated rain showers and localized thunderstorms.

Similarly, the Visayas and Mindanao regions will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies, along with chances of isolated rain showers and localized thunderstorms.

Pagasa has not detected any low-pressure area or typhoon within or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Additionally, no gale warnings have been issued for any of the country's coastal waters.

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Quezon fisherman missing for 46 days found alive near Batanes

 A fisherman who disappeared at sea in Quezon last month has been found alive near Batanes, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported Friday.

Robin Dejillo, 49, was swept 700 kilometers away by strong currents and large waves, surviving for nearly six weeks by drinking rainwater and eating fish and coconuts he found floating in the ocean.

Dejillo, a resident of Purok Rosas in Barangay Dinahican, Infanta, Quezon province, had been reported missing since August 4.

PCG personnel from the Batanes substation discovered him aboard his fishing boat in the waters near Basco town on Thursday, September 19.

"Mr. Dejillo explained that he was unable to return to the mother boat after his motorbanca ran out of fuel during a fishing trip," the PCG said in a statement.

"He survived over a month at sea by drinking rainwater and eating fish," the PCG stated. "He also sustained himself by consuming coconuts floating in the water."

Dejillo’s fishing boat was towed to the Port of Basco.

The PCG reported that Dejillo, who remains in Basco at the time of writing, will soon be transported to his hometown.

"The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) has coordinated with the Coast Guard Aviation Command to deploy an aircraft for Mr. Dejillo's transport from Batanes to his hometown in Infanta, Quezon, following a comprehensive medical evaluation," the CGDSTL said in a separate statement.

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A low-pressure area (LPA) has developed near Batanes and could intensify into a tropical depression by this weekend

 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that a low-pressure area (LPA) developed near Batanes within the Philippine area of responsibility early Friday morning.

Weather specialist Benison Estareja reported that the LPA was last located 745 kilometers east-southeast of Itbayat, Batanes, according to Pagasa's most recent monitoring.

A low-pressure area (LPA) has formed near Batanes within the Philippine area of responsibility, early Friday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Weather specialist Benison Estareja reported that the LPA was last located 745 kilometers east-southeast of Itbayat, Batanes. Estareja mentioned that the weather disturbance is expected to move northwest toward Taiwan and could potentially develop into a tropical depression over the weekend.

If the LPA strengthens into a tropical depression, it will be named Igme, becoming the ninth tropical cyclone to affect the country this year.

For the time being, the southwest monsoon, known locally as habagat, will continue to cause cloudy skies and rain across various parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, the Ilocos Region, as well as Samar Island and the Visayas.

Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms are also expected in the rest of the Visayas and Mindanao on Friday due to the southwest monsoon.

Pagasa reported moderate to rough seas with wave heights ranging from 2.5 to 3.4 meters in several coastal areas. Gale warnings were issued for the western seaboard of Luzon, including Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan (including the Kalayaan Islands) for Friday.

In its 5 a.m. weather update, Pagasa advised mariners of small vessels, including all types of motor bancas, to take precautions and, if possible, avoid navigating under these conditions.

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Rice prices are anticipated to decrease by October as a result of tariff reductions, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA)

The price of rice is expected to begin decreasing by October, driven by the reduction in import tariffs, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced on Wednesday.

However, Tiu Laurel mentioned that the full effect of the price drop due to tariff cuts might not be fully realized until January 2025, as rice traders have increased imports to prepare for a potential supply shortage caused by El Niño.

"Since food demand typically rises in December, we expect a more significant drop in rice prices by January," Tiu Laurel stated.

In June, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) No. 62, reducing tariffs on rice and other agricultural products from 35 percent to 15 percent.

In the EO, Marcos stated that the revised tariff schedule is intended to boost supply, control prices, and mitigate inflationary pressures on various goods, aligning with the country's national interests and the goal of protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos.

Agricultural groups have filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking to invalidate the EO, arguing that it was rushed without adequate consultation or investigation. The petitioners expressed concern that reducing tariffs could result in a surge of cheaper imported goods, negatively impacting the sales and livelihoods of local producers and farmers.

Meanwhile, the DA secretary noted that rice imports saw a substantial rise only in August, reaching 385,000 metric tons (MT). According to a report by the US Department of Agriculture, rice imports for 2024 are projected to total 4.6 MT, a reduction of 100,000 MT, due to "slowing purchases" from Vietnam, the country's primary source of imported rice.

The department also noted that "[g]lobal rice prices remain elevated due to strong demand from Malaysia and Indonesia, further aggravated by efforts from Thailand and Vietnam to drive prices up."

 

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Typhoons Ferdie, Gener, and the southwest monsoon (habagat) have caused 20 deaths, with 14 people still missing

 The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Wednesday that 20 people have lost their lives due to severe weather conditions since September 11, or within the past week.

Tropical storms Ferdie and Gener, which also intensified the southwest monsoon (habagat), caused extensive damage, including ripping off roofs, uprooting trees, and flooding streets in several areas of the country.

According to a report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Wednesday, 20 people have died due to severe weather since September 11, or over the past week.

Typhoons Ferdie and Gener, which also strengthened the southwest monsoon (habagat), caused widespread damage by ripping off roofs, uprooting trees, and flooding streets in various parts of the country.

Fourteen people are still missing, and 11 others were injured.

Nearly 63,000 people across 12 regions were impacted by the tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon (habagat).

Typhoon Ferdie exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on September 14, while Gener left on Wednesday morning.

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Marcos has ordered the suspension of government work starting at 3 p.m. on September 23

 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has announced the suspension of government work from 3 p.m. onwards on September 23 in recognition of "Family Week," observed during the last week of September, and "Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga" Day, celebrated on the fourth Monday of September.

The announcement was made through Memorandum Circular No. 64, which was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on September 12.

The memorandum stated, “In accordance with Proclamation No. 60 (s. 1992), which designated the last week of September as Family Week, and Proclamation No. 326 (s. 2012), which established the fourth Monday of September as ‘Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga’ Day, government work in the Executive branch will be suspended starting at 3:00 p.m. on September 23, 2024.”

However, agencies responsible for basic and health services, disaster response, and other essential functions are not included in this suspension.

The order also urged all government employees in the Executive branch to actively participate in and support Family Week activities organized by the National Committee on the Filipino Family.

The memorandum also encouraged the suspension of work in other branches of government, independent commissions or bodies, and the private sector, to give Filipino families the chance to fully celebrate the 32nd National Family Week.

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Tropical storm Pulasan has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility and is now named Helen

 Tropical storm Pulasan entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and was given the local name Helen, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

At the same time, tropical depression Gener is still within PAR, moving westward across the West Philippine Sea at a speed of 30 kilometers per hour (kph).

According to Pagasa's 5 p.m. bulletin, Gener was last located 235 kilometers west-northwest of Baguio City, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gusts reaching up to 70 kph.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 has been raised in the following areas:

• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• The western part of Pangasinan, including Sual, Burgos, Dasol, Mabini, Infanta, Labrador, Alaminos City, Bani, Bolinao, Anda, and Agno.

Gener is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) either Tuesday night or early Wednesday.

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Thunderstorm Advisory No. 2 #VIS_PRSD - Visayas PRSD Issued at 2:01 AM, Tuesday, September 17, 2024

 

Thunderstorm Advisory No. 2 #VIS_PRSD - Visayas PRSD

Issued at 2:01 AM, Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Moderate to heavy rainshowers (5.5-7.5 liters/m² per hour), accompanied by lightning and strong winds, are expected in #Bohol (Tagbilaran City, Corella, Baclayon, Albuquerque, Loay, Loboc, Lila, Valencia, Dimiao, Bilar, Sevilla, Sikatuna, Balilihan, Cortes, Maribojoc, Antequera, Loon, San Isidro, Catigbian, Batuan, Carmen, Sierra Bullones, Garcia Hernandez, Jagna), and nearby areas within 1 to 2 hours.

Currently, these conditions are already affecting #Bohol (Panglao, Dauis) and may persist for 1 to 2 hours, potentially impacting neighboring areas.

Everyone is advised to take precautions against possible hazards such as flash floods and landslides. Continue monitoring for further updates.

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Tropical Depression Gener accelerates, with landfall anticipated by Tuesday.

 Tropical Depression Gener has slightly picked up speed and is projected to make landfall near Isabela or Aurora by Monday evening or Tuesday morning, according to the state weather bureau.

In its 8 p.m. cyclone update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Gener is approaching the Northern Luzon mainland, moving at 15 kilometers per hour (kph).

The tropical depression was last observed 240 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gusts reaching up to 70 kph.

As Gener has maintained its strength, the following areas remain under Signal No. 1:

The areas currently under Signal No. 1 are as follows:

• Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Ifugao
• Mountain Province
• Benguet
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• La Union
• Pangasinan
• Zambales
• Tarlac
• Nueva Ecija
• Aurora
• The northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real) including Polillo Islands

According to the forecast, the tropical depression is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning (September 18).

“Gener is expected to cross the landmass of mainland Luzon as a tropical depression, though there's a chance it could either strengthen into a tropical storm or slightly weaken before landfall,” Pagasa stated.

“Gener could intensify into a tropical storm over the West Philippine Sea by tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning,” it added.

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Gener strengthens, leading to additional regions being put under Signal No. 1.

As Tropical Depression Gener mildly intensified and moved slowly over the Philippine Sea, more areas have been put under Signal No. 1, according to the state weather bureau. In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) noted that Gener was last observed 325 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora.

The tropical depression had maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching up to 70 kph. In response to this, Pagasa issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) Number 1 for an additional seven areas.

The tropical depression had maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching up to 70 kph. In response to this, Pagasa issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) Number 1 for an additional seven areas.

• Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands
• Isabela
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Abra
• Ifugao
• Mountain Province
• Nueva Ecija
• Aurora
• The northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta, Real), including the Polillo Islands

Gener has also enhanced the southwest monsoon or habagat, which is expected to bring strong winds to the following areas:

Mimaropa

Bicol Region

Visayas

Zamboanga Peninsula

Northern Mindanao

Caraga

Davao Region 

A gale warning has also been issued for the western and southern coasts of Southern Luzon, as well as the western, northern, and eastern coasts of Visayas and Mindanao. According to Pagasa’s latest cyclone update, Gener is expected to make landfall near Isabela or Aurora within the next 24 hours and could potentially move over the coastal waters of La Union or Pangasinan by the morning of September 17, Tuesday.

Pagasa stated, “Gener is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) between late Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.” They also noted, “Once outside the PAR, Gener will continue moving northwest or west-northwest and is projected to make landfall over southern mainland China on Friday, September 20.”

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