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The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has partnered with Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to strengthen the implementation of climate resilience and low-carbon development programs in Metro Manila through an exploratory meeting.
“Held at the MMDA Central Office, the meeting brought together the agencies’ leaders to strengthen institutional coordination on climate resilience and low-carbon urban development,” based on the issued statement of CCC
The agency identifies Metro Manila as highly exposed to “flooding, sea level rise, and urban heat.”
In line with this, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje acknowledges the role of MMDA in disaster management and response in Metro Manila.
“We recognize MMDA’s central role in managing drainage systems, flood control facilities, transport networks, solid waste operations, and disaster response mechanisms that are increasingly affected by climate change,” he said through the issued-statement of CCC
Hence, the CCC advocates adopting a “systemic and climate risk-informed approach to planning and governance”.
To reinforce the protection of vulnerable communities and infrastructures, the CCC noted the importance of establishing the climate-smart metro framework, which includes:
It is also important to be aligned with two foundational climate policies - the Nationally Determined Contribution and National Adaptation Plan (NAP) 2023 - 2050, which is known as the “country’s long-term blueprint for climate resilience.”
The joint efforts of CCC and MMDA aim to bolster regional protection against natural disasters and make it more climate resilient.
“Through strengthened coordination, the CCC and MMDA aim to advance a whole-of-metro approach that safeguards communities, protects critical infrastructure, and positions Metro Manila toward a more resilient and climate-smart future,” the CCC said
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) advises motorists to expect heavy traffic nightly from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM, February 23 to 27, along routes affected by the transport of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) for the Metro Manila Subway.
The TBM will be transported from Manila Harbor Center to Tandang Sora Station.
Affected routes and schedule:
February 23, 26, and 27
February 24 to 25
The DOTr advises motorists to plan ahead and take alternate routes during the TBM transport schedule to avoid delays.
The Department of Agriculture is plannning to revive the coffee sector as consumption continues to rise while the production lags behind.
“Coffee consumption is booming both globally and in Philippine cities, yet local production has lagged,” the DA said in a statement.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said coffee has long been treated a minor crop but now demands full government attention due to sustained market demand.
“Coffee, long treated as a minor crop, now demands full attention,” the agency added.
The DA acknowledged the challenges faced by the local coffee industry and is proposing system to address these gaps.
As part of this effort, the department will establish the Coffee Industry Development Office (CIDO), which will consolidate coffee-related programs, funding, and policies under one unit.
“CIDO will centralize coffee programs, funding, and policies that were previously scattered across multiple units, giving the crop its first true headquarters,” the agency said.
The DA said CIDO will lead program planning and prioritization, track accomplishments across DA bureaus and regional offices, and ensure initiatives align with national agricultural priorities and Official Development Assistance (ODA)-funded projects.
The office will also coordinate with local governments, universities, private firms, and farmer groups, and recommend reforms to address policy or implementation gaps.
Under Department Order No. 06, CIDO will be placed under the Office of the Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance.
RELATED VIDEO:
The Baguio City Local Government Unit (LGU), in coordination with Megawide Construction Corporation, recently conducted a site inspection of the designated area for the construction of the Baguio City Integrated Terminal.
Megawide Construction Corporation is the company behind the construction and operation of the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Pasay City.
The company has received the Notice of Award, securing the 40-year lease agreement for the construction and management of the upcoming terminal facility in Baguio.
The terminal will rise on a five-hectare property in Brgy. Dontongan along Marcos Highway.
The construction is targeted to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
According to the LGU’s statement, the terminal project aims to improve the city’s transportation system and decongest major roads.
The facility is expected to accommodate up to 25,000 passengers and 400 buses daily. It will also serve southbound routes connecting Baguio City to La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, and Cavite.
Authorities also confirmed that 28 families residing in the area will be affected by the construction of the terminal.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer III Liza Bulayungan assured that affected residents will receive assistance and will not be displaced without support.
“Tutulungan ng company na they will be staying in temporary housing siguro and some of them will engage in the construction work here. Depende kung ano yung mga skills nila na pwedeng makatulong. Continuous ang assistance sa kanila ever since. May mga training na kinonduct.”
[“The company will assist them, possibly through temporary housing arrangements. Some may also be employed in the construction project, depending on their skills. Assistance has been continuous, and training programs have already been conducted for them.”]
With reports from Grace Doctolero
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Former President Rodrigo Duterte has declined to attend the hearing on the confirmation of charges in the International Criminal Court (ICC), scheduled from February 23 to 27, 2026.
In his letter addressed to the ICC, he waived his right to attend the hearing, acknowledging the consequences of his decision, as previously explained by his counsel.
I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, wish to waive my right to attend the hearing on the confirmation of charges currently fixed for 23-27 February 2026. I understand the consequences of my waiving this right which has been thoroughly explained to me by my Counsel and I trust him and his team to challenge the sufficiency of the Prosecution’s evidence on my behalf.
Duterte also challenged the ICC's jurisdiction over him, claiming he was forcibly brought to The Hague, Netherlands, on March 11, 2025, to face crimes against humanity charges.
I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over my person. I am a Filipino citizen forcibly pushed into a jet and renditioned to The Hague in the Netherlands in flagrant contravention of my country's Constitution and of national sovereignty
The former President dismissed allegations of his involvement in extrajudicial killings as “outrageous lies” asserting they were propagated by political opponents and unreliable witnesses.
The claim that I oversaw a policy of extra-judicial killings is an outrageous lie. These claims have been peddled by my political opponents for many years and, as my nation knows, they are based on the word of individuals whose credibility has been thoroughly discredited.
He also cited his physical condition, stating that he is unfit to attend the proceedings and asked the Court to respect his peace in detention.
I do not wish to attend legal proceedings that I will forget withinminutes. I am old, tired, and frail. I wish for this Court to respectmy peace inside the cell it has placed me.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Duterte expressed pride in his legacy and service to the country.
I am proud of my legacy and of my service to my countrymenaround the world. Let no one doubt my love for and loyalty to theFilipino nation.
With reports from Dante Amento
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