Abbey M.

MANILA, Philippines — Aspiring and experienced writers looking for a space to develop their ideas may join Fully Booked’s “Writing Wednesdays,” a series of free creative writing sessions at Bonifacio High Street.

The sessions will be held at Hub A on the third floor of Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street every Wednesday from September 9 to October 7, from 2PM to 8PM. 

Participants may work on short stories, journals, novels or other writing projects in a quiet and creative environment. Writing books and prompts will also be available to help participants overcome writer’s block and develop new ideas.

The sessions are scheduled for September 9, 16, 23 and 30, and October 7. Admission and use of writing materials are free for all visitors.

Interested participants may register at bit.ly/fbwritingwednesdays to receive the session guidelines and updates.

‍

MANILA, Philippines — The public is encouraged to check whether their homes and communities are susceptible to flooding or landslides as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, and a low-pressure area bring heavy rains to parts of the country.

Residents may use HazardHunterPH, a government platform that provides location-specific assessments for seismic, volcanic and hydrometeorological hazards.

To check a location, visit the HazardHunterPH website and select “Use Current Location.” Users may then scroll through the assessment results and look for “Flood (MGB)” to view the area’s possible flood level and expected duration.

The “Rain-Induced Landslide (MGB)” section may also be checked to determine whether the selected location is susceptible to landslides.

Users who want to examine other areas may open the map view and choose Hazards, followed by Hydro-meteorological and Flood (MGB). They may also search for a specific location or enter its coordinates.

HazardHunterPH uses information from several government agencies, including the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, PAGASA and PHIVOLCS.

Authorities, however, emphasize that hazard maps are scenario-based references and not real-time predictions. Residents should continue monitoring official weather bulletins and advisories from their local governments, especially during heavy rainfall.

‍

‍MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to maintain a round-the-clock response and deliver immediate assistance to communities affected by widespread flooding.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Monday that Marcos had been monitoring the situation and inspecting flood-hit areas in Bulacan and Pampanga to assess residents’ needs.

The President directed Cabinet officials to ensure that affected communities have enough food, medicines and other essential supplies. He also ordered authorities to keep evacuation centers safe and properly maintained.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos were sent to inspect the flooding in Hagonoy and Paombong, Bulacan. Dizon also briefed Marcos on damaged bridges and other infrastructure.

The President instructed concerned agencies to develop immediate and long-term measures to address recurring flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga.

Marcos was also set to convene officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Budget and Management to assess the situation in Central Luzon and Metro Manila and determine additional response measures.

Castro assured affected residents that food and non-food assistance, including hygiene kits, sleeping materials, clothing and kitchen kits, would be provided.

Residents in vulnerable areas were advised to remain vigilant and immediately follow evacuation orders issued by local authorities.

‍

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started building a temporary Bailey bridge to restore access following the collapse of Agana Bridge in Tarlac City.

The DPWH said Monday that heavy equipment and construction materials had arrived at the site, a day after the bridge collapsed amid continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat.

A Bailey bridge is a portable, prefabricated structure that can be assembled quickly and used as a temporary crossing while permanent repairs are underway.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the project must be fast-tracked because the bridge collapse disrupted access to Tarlac City, leaving Gerona as the available alternative route.

The temporary bridge is expected to reconnect Tarlac City with nearby areas while authorities assess the damage and prepare a permanent solution.

Agana Bridge was the second bridge in the area to collapse in recent days. Aquino Bridge gave way Friday due to continuous monsoon rains and the strong current of the Tarlac River.

Engineers from Manila were also deployed to determine whether immediate repairs could make Aquino Bridge passable to light vehicles.

The repair efforts follow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate the government’s response to infrastructure damaged by severe weather.

‍

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to share the responsibility of protecting the country’s territory, sovereignty and national interests as the nation commemorated National Heroes Day.

Speaking at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, Marcos said defending the Philippines is not solely the responsibility of soldiers and other uniformed personnel.

He urged Filipinos to understand the country’s history and maritime rights and to participate in protecting its national interests.

Marcos said the Philippines would continue to assert its rights peacefully, lawfully and in accordance with its principles.

The President noted that 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, which affirmed the Philippines’ maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He said the government would educate young Filipinos about the origin and importance of the country’s maritime rights. It would also use available platforms to promote factual information, counter disinformation and encourage responsible public discussion.

Marcos recognized the Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Filipino fisherfolk for protecting the country’s rights, livelihoods and interests in the West Philippine Sea.

He said fisherfolk deserve the government’s full support because their continued presence in Philippine waters strengthens the country’s connection to its maritime territory.

The President added that defending sovereignty also requires strong public institutions built on transparency, accountability and responsible service.

Marcos also paid tribute to modern-day heroes, including overseas Filipino workers, soldiers, police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, teachers, healthcare workers and parents who make sacrifices for their families and communities.

“The Philippines is worth fighting for. Every Filipino is worth serving. Our sovereignty is worth defending,” Marcos said.

‍