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MANILA — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has officially declared the suspension of classes and local government offices in the city on January 9, 2026.
The suspension applies to all levels, both public and private schools. No online classes will be conducted on this day
Local government frontline units will remain operational to ensure the security and order of the public, as a massive influx of devotees is highly expected during the Feast of Black Nazarene in Quiapo.
“Frontline services of the City Government of Manila such as those concerning peace and order, public services, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction and management, and health will remain operational,” according to the issued statement issued by Manila the Public Information Office (MPIO).
The MPIO added that suspension in private companies and national government offices located in Manila will depend on the discretion of their respective management.
E-trike and e-bike ban on major roads now in effect
MANILA—The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has confirmed the strict enforcement of e-trike and e-bike ban on major roads starting January 2, 2026.
The implementation of this measure was originally planned to begin last December 1, 2025. However, the plan was moved to January 2, 2026, due to public concerns and the necessity for the office to conduct an information drive.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao reminded the public that e-bikes, e-trikes, and other Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) are not allowed on national roads and highways. Only high-speed motor vehicles are allowed to use these thoroughfares.
The statement of Lacanilao last November aligns with the recent statement of LTO reiteration that major roads are designated for high-speed vehicles. E-trikes or e-bikes are required to use alternative lanes or routes designated for them to ensure their safety.
“These highways are designated for higher-speed vehicular movement, and alternative transport units like e-trikes require dedicated lanes or appropriate routes to operate safely,” LTO said
The following roads where e-trikes and e-bikes are strictly prohibited include:
Violators will face penalties, including a fine or impounding of their vehicles.
MANILA—The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced the completion of asphalt overlay project on EDSA busway from Roxas Boulevard to Orense as part of the EDSA rehabilitation plan.
In December, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon announced the initial schedule for EDSA rehab, spanning from December 24, 2025 (11:00 PM) to January 5, 2026 (4:00 AM).
The inner busway lane is now back to normal operations after the mentioned rehabilitation plan.
Following the long holidays, the new schedule for rehab runs from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM.
“Repair works for other sections of EDSA will continue on limited schedule, from 10 pm to 4 am daily,” according to DOTr’s statement.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon had mentioned last December that EDSA would be open to regular traffic from 5:00 AM.
“Magta-trabaho, 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM. Pero pagdating ng 5:00 AM, bubuksan na yan to regular traffic.” Sec. Dizon said
[Working hours will be from 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM. But by 5:00 AM, it will be open to regular traffic.”]
This working timespan aims to minimize disruption for commuters.
Following the initial completion of the project, the DOTr noted that passengers experienced smoother transit and reduced travel times. This experience strengthens the agency’s belief that the full completion of the project will bring a more efficient, safer, and faster travel experience for the commuters.
“Following the completion of the asphalt overlay on the busway lane, drivers and passengers immediately took notice of the smoother rides and faster travel time. The rehabilitation of EDSA will likewise result in a more comfortable, convenient, safer, and better travel experience for commuters,” DOTr stated.
Furthermore, DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez strongly reiterates that only passenger buses are allowed to pass through the inner busway lane. Personnel from the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation are constantly on alert to monitor private vehicles entering the busway.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded 96 fire incidents nationwide from 6:00 PM on December 31, 2025, to 6:00 AM on January 2, 2026.
Of these, 30 were classified as non-structural and vehicular incidents, while 66 were linked to structural fire incidents, which is higher than the 52 incidents recorded in 2024.
Primary factors are linked to electrical wiring and accidents from the firecracker stalls.
Despite the higher record of fire incidents, BFP Spokesperson and Public Information Service Chief, FSupt. Anthony Arroyo highlighted the BFP’s quick response.
“Naging successful naman ang ating pag-dispatch kasi talagang naagapan agad ‘yong mga pwede maging sunog, nakaantabay agad. Kahit hindi ginamitan ng firetrucks nandon na, tulong-tulong nalang.” he said
[“The dispatch was successful because they were able to respond immediately to potential fires. Our teams were already on standby. Even without the use of firetrucks, they’re already there on the site, with collaborative assistance.”]
Moreover, the BFP believes in the power of collaboration with various government agencies and the community to reduce the number of fire incidents and their impacts.
With reports from Evan Alvarez
In December, tourists were amazed by the aesthetic appeal of the frost on crops, but this is in contrast to the agricultural reality faced by the farming community.
The frost on crops or the frost damage is a natural phenomenon in high-elevation areas like Atok, Benguet, which occurs when the temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the damage happens when ice forms in plant tissue and eventually injures the plant cells. It also affects the quality of the plant.
“‘Yong 1st class na cabbage, naging 2nd class na.” PJ Haight, a local farmer, said in an interview with UNTV in January 2023
[“The 1st class cabbage has now become a 2nd class”]
He noted that the drop in quality grade leads to a significant price reduction. In his example, he mentioned the ₱10.00 gap between the 1st and 2nd class. The 1st class can sell for ₱30.00, but in the 2nd class, it is only ₱20.00.
Atok Mayor Franklin Smith revealed that frost is not just a challenge but a deadly weapon.
“‘Yung frosting na iyan nakakamatay, pinapatay niya ‘yung mga tanim mo, ‘yung mga seedlings.” he said in an interview with UNTV
[“That frosting is deadly. It kills your crops and the seedlings.”]
To combat the effects of freezing temperatures in Atok, one of the strategies of the farmers is to water their plants before sunrise as it melts the ice in crops.
The Department of Agriculture - Cordillera also showed its support through the distribution of hoses and pump irrigation systems to maintain the good health of the crops during the cold season.
The Northern Benguet serves as the primary source of highland vegetables, supplying at least 80% of the market demand.
With reports from Grace Doctolero
