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Dev Flores

Politics

Agencies, LGU meet for the update on Navotas landfill firefighting ops

May 6, 2026 9:00 PM
PST

Government agencies and Navotas Local Government Unit (LGU) met earlier to discuss the progress of firefighting operations at Navotas Sanitary Landfill.

The fire incident on the landfill began on April 10, 2026.

Agencies included in the meeting are: Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Department of Natural Resources (DENR), Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), and other concerned agencies.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is also included in the meeting, and based on the previous reports, they are assisting the government to quickly extinguish the fire.

During the meeting, Navotas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (NRDDMO) Chief Vonne Villanueva mentioned that the actual accomplishment at the site reached 79.6%.

“May 1, nasa 47.98%; May 2, 52.74%; May 5, ito po estimate, 72 to 80%; Pero naglabas na po kanina ng official, nasa 79.6 % na po tayo sa site. Okay, so may basis na tayo, 79.6% po ng actual accomplishment ng site,” he said

[“On May 1, it was 47.98%; May 2, 52.74%; On May 5, the estimate is 72 to 80%; But the official has been released, we are around 79.6% on the site. Okay, so we now have the basis, 79.6% actual accomplishment at the site.”]

Regarding the air quality, Villanueva mentioned that it is currently good and fair.

“Ito ho ay technical report from EMB-DENR, which they can confirm, andito naman sila, ang quality of air po ay good and fair na. Meaning

from what it was, we are now almost done. Maganda na ang quality of air sa palibot at labas ng Navotas pati po sa NCR,” he added

[“This is a technical report from EMB-DENR, which they can confirm since they are here, the quality of air is now good and fair. Meaning from what it was, we are now almost done. The air quality in the surrounding areas, outside Navotas and across NCR has improved.”]

With reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.

Weather & Environment

LGUs prioritize providing necessities to areas under a state of calamity amid Mayon unrest

May 7, 2026 3:46 PM
PST

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay approves the declaration of the 8 areas under the state of calamity. 

These areas include:

  • Tabaco City
  • Legazpi City
  • Ligao City
  • Camalig
  • Malilipot
  • Santo Domingo
  • Daraga
  • Guinobatan

From the previous report of UNTV correspondent Ryan Salatandol, the state of calamity allows the utilization of government funds for quick response for affected communities amid the volcanic unrest. The price freeze on necessities such as rice, canned goods, sugar, and medicines will be implemented.

Recently, the Guinobatan Local Government Unit (LGU) distributed food, water, and medicines. It also provides a response to assist affected farmers. The Office of Civil Defense Region 5 previously distributed hygiene kits and essential goods.

With reports from Ryan Salatandol

Health & Lifestyle

DOH: Wear N95 or NN95 face masks vs health risks of ashfall

May 7, 2026 8:31 AM
PST

The Department of Health (DOH) highly recommends N95 or KN95 face masks to prevent the respiratory health risks brought by the ashfall.

In an interview, DOH Usec Albert Domingo said that an ashfall is a fine particulate matter.

“Ang ating mga ashfall kasi is mga fine particulate matter. Mga maliliit na alikabok. Para pong yan yung pinag-uusapan natin yung sa landfill. Ganon din po yun, yung particulate matter 2.5,” he said

To protect our lungs against the possible health risks, he said that the recommended type of face mask to use is the n95 or the kn95.

“Ayaw nating makapasok yan sa ating baga at ang paraan po para maiwasan dyan is gumamit tayo ng ating mga facemask. Kaya nga sinasabi namin lagi na the best yung n95 o kaya kn95,” he added

According to the health department, the N95 or KN95 is capable of filtering the small particles that may be dangerous for respiratory health.

For those who don’t have that type of mask, the DOH suggests two alternatives. Individuals may use either a wet handkerchief to cover the nose and mouth or a double layer of surgical face mask.

Photo: DOH

In a Facebook post, the agency also releases safety tips against the health risks of ashfall. 

Photo: DOH

With reports from Mia Alonzo

Weather & Environment

PAGASA: Several areas may experience 38°C to 44°C on May 6, 2026

May 6, 2026 3:01 PM
PST

Several areas in the Philippines may experience extreme caution to danger level heat index on May 6, 2026, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). 

The agency has released a list of areas that may be affected by the intense heat.

The following provinces may experience a 44°C heat index:

  • Aborlan, Palawan
  • Virac, Catanduanes
  • Mambusao, Capiz
  • Iloilo City, Iloilo

A heat temperature of 43°C will be felt in:

  • Dagupan, Pangasinan
  • Tuguegarao, Cagayn
  • Echague, Isabela
  • Dumangas, Iloilo
  • Baybay, Leyte
  • Borongan, Eastern Samar

While 42°C is expected in the following areas: 

  • Laoag, Ilocos Norte
  • Bacnotan, La Union
  • Aparri, Cagayan
  • Camiling, Tarlac
  • Cuyo, Palawan
  • Pili, Camarines Sur
  • Roxas City, Capiz
  • Zamboanga City, Zamboanga
  • Davao City, Davao del Sur
  • Cotabato Coty, Maguindanao del Norte
  • Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte

In Metro Manila, some areas may experience an extreme caution heat index:

  • 40°C NAIA Pasay City
  • 38°C Science Garden, Quezon City

According to PAGASA, the exposure under extreme caution (34°C to 41°C) or danger level (42°C to 51°C) may be prone to heat cramps or heat exhaustion. If not addressed immediately, it may lead to heat stroke.

Lifestyle

BIR orders online business owners to display the Registration Seal Badge

May 6, 2026 2:59 PM
PST

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) orders online business owners to display their BIR Registration Seal Badge on their platforms.

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 38-2026, it is mandatory to post the seal badge on their platforms, such as websites, e-commerce platforms, or social media pages. The circular covers the following:

  • Online sellers
  • Freelancers
  • Professionals
  • Vloggers
  • Influencers
  • Other individuals earning income through digital platforms

The BIR clarified that it is not required to post the full Certificate of Registration (COR), in recognition to data privacy concerns.

According to BIR, the seal badge can be generated through the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) and can be displayed online, as it doesn’t expose the sensitive information.

“Instead, only the BIR Registration Seal Badge generated via the Online Registration and Update System (ORUS) should be displayed to avoid exposing sensitive information such as the TIN and business address,” according to an online-issued statement of the bureau